Skip to main content
Topic: BlueBird (Read 39705 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: BlueBird

Reply #120
Pool balls tend to crack when drilled......

Don't ask how I know :-0
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

Re: BlueBird

Reply #121
While the seat is out for the pedal swap, I needed to address the infamous lean
IMG_1972.JPG

A bunch of popped spot welds and one crack in the pan.
IMG_1982.JPG
IMG_1981.JPG
IMG_1983.JPG
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!

Re: BlueBird

Reply #122
Job 1, Gumby.

Job 1.

 :toothless:
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo

Re: BlueBird

Reply #123
I have been mildly sidetracked messing with some new to me shop equipment. I brought home a 48x48 welding table, and a 60gal air compressor. I did the welding of the seat back frame on the new table. I reassembled and installed the seat only to discover that the pedals I had put in were too close together. My foot would catch the brake pedal when actuating the clutch. PO of these pedals swapped an auto brake pedal in. I didn't catch that! I cut off the left edge of the auto pedal and installed the clutch pad on the brake pedal. I will grab another clutch pedal pad soon, but for now I trimmed the brake pedal pad to fit the clutch pedal and my feet fit as intended.

I got to put the new air compressor to work today when I found out that register hole in my stock block plate was too small for the F150 PMGR starter! This frustrated me a bit because it was the only thing I didn't test fit on the bench, and I am not sure why I overlooked it. But all is well that ends well I suppose, some work with a drum sander on an angle grinder was enough to open the hole up allowing the starter to sit flush on the block plate. I turned attention to the wiring changes required for the PMGR starter, got that done and began looking for reasons not to start the car. Mental checklist of possible negative consequences eliminated, I hooked up the battery. No smoke.... Hopped in the driver's seat, pushed in the clutch, turned the key to see the dash light up and listen to the fuel pump, then hit the start circuit.....nothing  :nonchalance:  D'oh, this car doesn't know the clutch is depressed! Hop back out, disconnect the battery again, grab the pigtail off the AOD and wire up a NSS loop.

IMG_1991.JPG

Perma-neutral engaged, I climbed in for a second attempt. I was rewarded with LOUD noises. No unexpected noises at least, but open manifolds, sheesh. Trans goes into gear with the engine running, clutch works, and the car will move both forward and rearward under its own power. :roxor:

May 18th is not as far away as I would like to think it is, so it is time for a punch list to make that deadline.

In no particular order:
  • Fill trans
  • Check rear gear oil
  • Engine oil change
  • Seal shifter
  • Reassemble center stack and console trim
  • Rebleed brakes
  • Tighten all suspension components
  • Alignment
  • Paint trim on TC bumper cover
  • Convert red stripes to chrome for all nose trim
  • Reassemble nose
  • Mach1 air dam
  • Check wheels for leaks and reseal as needed
  • Wire up cooling fan
  • Install TC sway bars
  • Finish exhaust
  • Fog lights?
  • Reverse lights
  • Speedo gear

There is plenty more to come, but that should get stg1 completed before the May 18th get together in Owensboro. I reserve the right to rearrange or add to my punch list as necessary.
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!

Re: BlueBird

Reply #124
Sa-Weet!

 :headbang:
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo

Re: BlueBird

Reply #125
Got to love it when they move under there own power, but forward and rearward, now that's just showing off.

Re: BlueBird

Reply #126
Awesome! You're almost there.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Re: BlueBird

Reply #127
In no particular order:
  • Fill trans
  • Check rear gear oil
  • Engine oil change
  • Seal shifter
  • Reassemble center stack and console trim
  • Rebleed brakes
  • Tighten all suspension components
  • Alignment
  • Paint trim on TC bumper cover
  • Convert red stripes to chrome for all nose trim
  • Reassemble nose
  • Mach1 air dam
  • Check wheels for leaks and reseal as needed
  • Wire up cooling fan
  • Install TC sway bars
  • Finish exhaust
  • Fog lights?
  • Reverse lights ✔️
  • Speedo gear ✔️

IMG_2002.JPG
IMG_2003.JPG
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!

Re: BlueBird

Reply #128
Awesome!
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Re: BlueBird

Reply #129
Steps 1&2:
IMG_2007.JPG

Step 67:
IMG_2008.JPG

Step 369:
IMG_2009.JPG

Step 12478:
IMG_2010.JPG

Then welded all that I could reach with the y-pipe attached to the car. Next up: finish weld, add a couple hangers, and connect to the old ler.
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!

Re: BlueBird

Reply #130
Nice work!
Long live the 4-eyes!  - '83 Tbird Turbo

Re: BlueBird

Reply #131
Steps 1&2:
IMG_2007.JPG

Step 67:
IMG_2008.JPG

Step 369:
IMG_2009.JPG

Step 12478:
IMG_2010.JPG

Then welded all that I could reach with the y-pipe attached to the car. Next up: finish weld, add a couple hangers, and connect to the old ler.

It looks great.

I can't imagine why you wouldn't want to drive around with an open header/manifold 3.8  :toothless: .
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

 

Re: BlueBird

Reply #132
Sure would like to see the photos for steps 370 thru 12477.   I built my exhaust from bends and know exactly where you are coming from. Looking good.

Re: BlueBird

Reply #133
Sure would like to see the photos for steps 370 thru 12477.   I built my exhaust from bends and know exactly where you are coming from. Looking good.
I should have done a time lapse! That would show how many times I walked between the car, chop saw, welding table, and grinder  :rollin:
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!

Re: BlueBird

Reply #134
In no particular order:
  • Fill trans
  • Check rear gear oil
  • Engine oil change
  • Seal shifter
  • Reassemble center stack and console trim
  • Rebleed brakes
  • Tighten all suspension components
  • Alignment
  • Paint trim on TC bumper cover
  • Convert red stripes to chrome for all nose trim
  • Reassemble nose
  • Mach1 air dam
  • Check wheels for leaks and reseal as needed
  • Wire up cooling fan
  • Install TC sway bars
  • Finish exhaust✔️
  • Fog lights?
  • Reverse lights ✔️
  • Speedo gear ✔️

Silence is golden

IMG_2014.JPG
IMG_2015.JPG
gumby - beauty may fade, but stupid is forever!