So when I found the last critter condo in the cowl and when I fixed the mode doors, I decided to give the ozone generator one last go.
Good news: There is literally NO type of smell whatsoever. No musty smell, no air freshener smell.... just nothing.
Bad news: I just ruined a brand new tire
I cannot believe it happened. I have never seen it do this damage to rubber before! I have used this countless times in other vehicle and never had any issue. Well I am going to rack this one up as a slightly pricy lesson learned. Funny how the almost 40 year old interior that has been left to the elements for 20 years was completely unaffected.
Moving on from that, I was able to start getting the tank reassembled. I started by cleaning, priming and painting the straps I got from ebay. Realized that the level unit and evap parts have smaller screw diameters... ordered more. Also had to reorder the sender gasket, was still sitting in my cart lol. For some reason the filler neck looks upside down to me... Is this right? Please excuse yet ANOTHER momentary lapse of reason
Tonight I disassembled the level unit... just for the hell of it. Glad I did, ribbon was completely shot. It would have never worked. I managed to find one new from McGregor Toyota, $128.00. Not bad I guess, and I will likely never have to deal with that part again.
I did give it a go regarding the center caps. I painted the "inside" with the same silver paint I used on the wheels, and did the outer portion with chrome paint. I was thinking of wet sanding to get a mirrored finish... but I doubt I will get it to that OE look. Wife hand painted up the TOYOTA letters and I really think they came out acceptable.
At this point I am waiting on the rest of the gas tank stuff to get here, then its just a matter of reinstallation. I think after that (or while I wait) I may get the carpet in. Its a massive heavy box, and I want to start getting rid of the parts I have been piling up before taking on additional endeavors.
Once the carpet is in, the seats can be restored and put back in.