Since I finally have the red TC sold, I can pick up my Barn Find TC. Plans as of right now are pretty big for it, atleast in making it look good right off the bat. The body being relatively clean and just need a little work and paint and a clean up of the entire car inside and out. Other than the underside that will be taken car of first before the drivetrain goes back in, my intial focus will be on getting it mechanically and electrically sound.
I know for sure at a minimum brake wise I will atleast need to either turn the rotors or replace, new pads all the way around, and atleast more than likely rear calipers(we all know why). Engine will be treated to minimum of a full tune up and any thing else it may need. Im gonna need to get a T5 as thats the only thing missing I have found out, looks like Im headed to the u-pull-it soon!!! Im gonna have to de-mouse-nest the entire car and probably clean the entire interior, but they didnt chew the interior so thats a plus! If anyone has the link for the company that sells the moonroof seals also Im gonna need it and cant remember it!!!
This thread is gonna end up being pic heavy as I get started on it. Plan is to have it cleaned, together and running as of spring. Along with hoping I get paint and some powder coating done by then also. I have hook ups for both so it may work out!!
These pics are taken at its resting place in the barn for the entire time the PO has had it.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130921_185614_969_zpsaaadbf1f.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130921_185614_969_zpsaaadbf1f.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130921_185536_544_zpsffe8e55c.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130921_185536_544_zpsffe8e55c.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130921_185635_974_zps3025aa72.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130921_185635_974_zps3025aa72.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130921_185759_393_zps76497eca.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130921_185759_393_zps76497eca.jpg.html)
Does anyone know what the paint code would be? Im trying to get from my painting buddy a rough estimate of what it would cost to repaint the car. And until I have the car infront of me its kinda hard to get it!!! I was gonna change the color, but now that Ive stared at the pics more its growing on me!!
nevermind!!! A bit of searching around the net and I found the answer. 7f is the paint code which also led me to the Ford long code M6290, Twilight Blue. Im thinking factory color with some metallic tossed in to give the paint a little more depth. In a base/clear of coarse, with plenty of clear to give me plenty of room for wet sanding and buffing to perfection.
I also have a powder coating buddy!! So theres gonna be some things powder coated to!! Also in the spring he is going to be getting a setup that would allow him to re-chrome the inside of the headlights to factory or better. Im gonna volunteer to be the test pieces!! Ill get the name of the process and let you guys know. If it works like it is supposed to, Im gonna send him here to help out resurrecting our headlights!!
I have a DVD of a spray-on chrome process. It's way cool!
Cant wait to see the progress, love a good build thread.
That sounds about what he showed me. In the vid he showed me, they did it on a motorcycle fabric seat. And then proceed to show how hard it was to get it to seperate. Looks like it will be the perfect cure for de-chomed headlights.
Ok boys I need a little advice. Obviously after 25 years the clear has started to come off the rims, my plan is to have them powder coated in some way. Im trying to decide what would look good but cant make up my mind. Especially with color. So Im looking for suggestions from you guys. The skys the limit for what they can get, so nothings to crazy!!
I just Love when rims partaly match the car or are (don't shoot me) Gloss blacked out
The Tbird is officially mine!!! Along with a bunch of parts, some of which I have to go back for since I ran out of room in the truck!!! I also in the process found out why its in such good shape, when they handed my the title. Its originally a Tennessee car, they never registered it or even signed the title. The more I look at stuff on/in the car the more impressed I am and happy I took the deal!! But without further wait, heres some fresh from the barn pics. Ill get some cleaned up pics tomorrow after a stop at the carwash.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/DSCF1045_zps89e0b457.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/DSCF1045_zps89e0b457.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/DSCF1046_zps65ca68ac.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/DSCF1046_zps65ca68ac.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/DSCF1047_zpsd66f3d24.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/DSCF1047_zpsd66f3d24.jpg.html)
Haha wonder what lies underneath all that on the car! ;)
Other than some peeling clear coat a clean straight body!!!!
Got some stuff done today. On the way to its winter home I stopped at the car wash and got it as clean as I could, had to stop at the $10 mark!! LOL Once out at my FIL's, I started to clean it out and the windows, also vacuumed the trunk and interior. Its starting to look good agian!! Got pics of everything that was in the trunk and off the top of my head its got to be close to $500 or more of stuff. All new! The only thing I forgot to take a pic of is the 3G alternator that is brand new and was in a box.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_165922_488_zps39857202.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_165922_488_zps39857202.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_170050_891_zps6f82771e.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_170050_891_zps6f82771e.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_170009_420_zpsf3165d91.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_170009_420_zpsf3165d91.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_170121_361_zps422082e1.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_170121_361_zps422082e1.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_170027_294_zps2cb66425.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_170027_294_zps2cb66425.jpg.html)
The engine and other motor and drivetrain parts
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_170041_358_zpse8270c1f.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_170041_358_zpse8270c1f.jpg.html)
Some progress on the cleaning up
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_131419_868_zpsfef5c191.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_131419_868_zpsfef5c191.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_131403_177_zps2a0fcf2e.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_131403_177_zps2a0fcf2e.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130928_152148_658_zps83317960.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130928_152148_658_zps83317960.jpg.html)
Nice car Tony. She cleaned up rather nicely.
Nice score!
It's going to stay a 2.3T correct?
Thanks John!! Got a long ways to go though, sitting as long as it did Im gonna be pulling the entire interior out to make sure I get all mice nests out and check all wiring. So far what visible is good so I have my fingers crossed. Then its on to cleaning up the motor and putting some of the modded stuff I have on. Hoping by early spring to have her moving under her own power agian and smelling good agian atleast.
Thanks, most definitely staying 2.3 turbo. The TC's are dwindling in numbers to quickly to ruin one.
Well said!
But you will give it some go fast parts wont you? ;)
Will you give her a new paint and so on? She definetly needs one haha
Well Ive got some go fast goodys already hhere!!! And a fresh coat of paint is in the works. Looking to see what the best prices I can get right now!
Nice Score, Fanatic..... True "Diamond in the rough''......So far as your mice problem, I had a guy tell me he used moth balls to run mice out of a car he had that they were in?? Its worth a shot...Good luck with the project and keep the pics comeing..
Thanks!! So far no live mice found just reminiscent of them being there. As Im finding abandoned nests Im cleaning the areas really well and hoping the smell slowly starts going away. Not many places left I hope that they may have made one.
Now for work accomplished today. I started to pull the interior out, vacuuming and cleaning as I went. The torx bolts are in my way as I didnt have any with me today, but I will next weekend. Pulled the blower motor out and sure enough like usual there was another nest in there, so I pulled it apart and its getting scrubbed up. Brought some of the hard interior parts home for cleaning along with the headlights and taillights. Now for some decisions I need to make. One is to leave the taillights alone and just get them completely cleaned up and the other is to do like I did on the last Tbird and tint them. Im leaning towards tinting as the darkness of the blue they would blend in.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130929_180601_823_zps65375ce1.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130929_180601_823_zps65375ce1.jpg.html")
Headlights are going to be restored, chrome on the inside looks good, along with the outer markers. Seems like the inners never haze over at all. They are fresh out of getting cleaned up so they are still moist!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130929_183843_990_zps0d2e5c86.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130929_183843_990_zps0d2e5c86.jpg.html")
No heres where I really need some advise, the adhesive that holds the armrest material on has given out. The material is still in great shape, so Im trying to figure out the best/most permanent way to reattach it.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20130929_183738_172_zps7e03e627.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20130929_183738_172_zps7e03e627.jpg.html")
After the interior is clean and semi put back together, Im moving on to the underside. Im planning on cleaning what little it needs, taking care of any surface rust I may find and re-undercoating it. After that comes the engine bay. Time and ambition will determine how deep into it I get, Ive been playing with the idea of taking car of any unused hole while the motors out, but havent decided yet.
I had some of the arm rest material start to peel up on my Thunderbird on the bottom of the passenger side arm rest. I used some 3M trim adhesive double sided tape and it has held up fine over the years. If that doesn't work then I would try some gorilla glue or liquid nails. Use it sparingly though so it doesn't leak out.
I just so happened to be in the automotive section at walmart and was checking my emails!!! pick up some 3m trim tape, Ill give it a try and hope it holds.
Good to see you ended up with this car. Looking forward to seeing it take shape.
Ya took almost a year since it was offered to me, but I finally got the right puzzle pieces to fall in place, mainly thanks to John(My10-80) and his son buying my red one for a project. This ones almost exactly the options I was looking for when I first decided to get a Tbird agian. The only thing I wish it had was the turning lights, but maybe ill stumble across the pieces to add that to this one also!!
Fanatic, so far as the ""smell" in your car you can try bakeing soda....get several boxes and place them around in the car opened...the powder absorbes the odors....I used this trick on a F150 a few years back..It had a mildew smell, not a mice problem tough...
Thats one of the next things on the list to do after I get the bulk of the interior out and cleaned. Every time I remove a panel with a cavity behind it I find remenents of mice. One by one Im getting this clean. As soon as I remember to bring my torx sockets from my work box Im gonna be removing the sail panels, carpet, and back seat.Then will come the headliner, I already know Im gonna find something up there. The headliner needs to be recovered and I think Im gonna take a slightly custom approach to it!!! I wanna do a Thunderbird emblem in the headliner, a subtle yet cool touch.
Got the headlights and outer markers looking almost new last night, set them in place to snap a pic and forgot to!! Hooked a battery up so I could test some things and found out that the moonroof and windows work, along with the radio. Scrubbed down anything plastic in the interior, hopefully helps with the smell to!!
Got the gauge pod mounted tonight, one of the only things I can do since the car is 20-30min away from me. Need to do a little heat moulding to get the fit more contoured, but its pretty close as it. Sucks to cause I have the energy to do the work, just not the drive!!! LOL Need to find a trim paint thats atleast close to the blue so the pod will blend in better. Its going to be getting the pyrometer gauge and boost gauge that are in the earlier pics. Eventually Ill be getting coolant temp and oil pressure gauges, then I just need to decide where to mount them. Got a couple ideas, but we'll see where I go when I get them.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131001_231510_084_zps43fc3300.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131001_231510_084_zps43fc3300.jpg.html)
Decided to make the drive agian tonight after work to do more. Only interior left in the car is the dash and the rear deck cover. Found atleast 5 more abandoned mouse nests, 2 in the headliner, 1 behind the rear seat back and one on each side where the front seat retractors mount. No places really left to find any so I hope thats the last of them and the car will finally start smelling better. Washed all the metal down and dryed it. Got my fingers crossed. In the process of eliminating anything that would be a pain to attempt to clean the smell Ive lost a few pounds of sound deadener and insulation. Its gonna be a fun summer car, so I can do without them. Next trip out I need to decide if the carpets worth all the work to clean and deodorize, or just replace it. Also need to decide what to do about the headliner, the mice had chewed thru it in a few places but didnt hurt the actual integrity. The fabric is ruined though, so I have my wife on the search for fabric similar and in the same color.
Body work will start shortly here for what little it needs, still waiting on my quote from my buddy but something tells me Ill be mostly paying for materials. Im also gonna be getting ahold of a local glass replacement place to pull all the rear glass and replace the windshield (has damage thats separating the layers), so I can have a good paint job. I just dont have luck pulling it or I would do it myself. Now for some pics from the night.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131002_191150_546_zpsd0e8e405.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131002_191150_546_zpsd0e8e405.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131002_194701_984_zps63f4fb8d.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131002_194701_984_zps63f4fb8d.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131002_194620_256_zps88f535d1.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131002_194620_256_zps88f535d1.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131002_194724_821_zpsb42a8b6d.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131002_194724_821_zpsb42a8b6d.jpg.html)
Stopped back out at the car to drop some parts I brought home to clean and pick up some others. Decided to finally snap a couple extra pics that I had been wanting to .
Cleaned and polished headlights and markers, just set in place for now
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131004_193128_276_zpse33a0736.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131004_193128_276_zpse33a0736.jpg.html)
A pic of the inside as it sits with the flash actually cooperating
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131004_193204_611_zpsf90d54bb.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131004_193204_611_zpsf90d54bb.jpg.html)
Cleaning up nice
Yep she is slowly but surely. Tomorrow Im going to attempt to clean and deodorize the carpet and pressure washing the motor and engine bay. Im taking my sandblaster out to to prep the motor and hardparts like the axle for some fresh coatings!! Ill do more if time allows tomorrow.
Feel like I got alot done today!! 5 speed pedals and master/slave are installed, just trying to figure out where the other looped piece of harness for the clutch safety switch is. Discovered why there was a toggle switch installed in the car to, that eventually melted. Hence the reason for all the extra pieces of dash in the trunk. The multifunction switch apparently got to hot and melted the plug and part of the switch it self. Luckily pulled the switch off the other column and am looking for a pigtail to fix the plug. Also gonna have to rewire the headlights as they spliced into it to feed the power to the headlights, gonna be doing relays to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. So far thats the only wiring damage found in the entire car.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_173034_346_zpsc995ad80.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_173034_346_zpsc995ad80.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_173053_917_zps65929017.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_173053_917_zps65929017.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_173114_325_zpse3eabdfe.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_173114_325_zpse3eabdfe.jpg.html)
Pics of the 5 speed swap parts installed
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_173018_038_zps876b42f6.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_173018_038_zps876b42f6.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_175438_017_zps16191146.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_175438_017_zps16191146.jpg.html)
Fully cleaned engine bay
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_173734_916_zps2df32a89.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_173734_916_zps2df32a89.jpg.html)
Rear deck cover is ruined though, apparently the mice decided that this was the best place for the bathroom. Its basicly falling apart. Hopefully Vinnie can come thru with one for me
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_172930_968_zpse83082da.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_172930_968_zpse83082da.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_172946_981_zps5a7c445a.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_172946_981_zps5a7c445a.jpg.html)
I was able to save all the carpets! They came clean and smell good even!! They are both drying right now over some things so no pics of them. Now a quick question for all one want to give me some advise. The plastic cover in the pic below, has anyone removed them or should I just take the insulation off. I believe I do have some smell still coming from them as there was mice nests between them and the interior sail panels.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131005_175409_049_zpsf21b99c3.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131005_175409_049_zpsf21b99c3.jpg.html)
Believe me....I understand melted wiring !!!
(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc205/Vinnietbird/DSCF8629.jpg) (http://s216.photobucket.com/user/Vinnietbird/media/DSCF8629.jpg.html)
.....and that doesn't include the harness above the headliner, harness under the carpet, and trunk wiring that fried. what a of an ordeal that was.
Ouch, glad mine aint that bad. Luckily Ive had a battery hooked up and no smoke!!! Hopefully no one has ruined the deck cover out of that bird you found, I really need it!!!
More work going on!!! Finally found the other pigtail for the clutch switch, it was hiding up behind the headlight switch. Lots more cleaning done today, seems like its never ending!! Removed the cluster to do some cleaning and checking to make sure there was no nests hiding behind it. Got a VAM cleaned and put a coat of paint on it to make it look nice.
Then the fun began, decided to get the new 3G alternator mounted on the motor. Downside its a bigger body/mounting, upside Ive got a gutted and 90* rotated upper so I was going to have to do something anyways. So I decided to set the motor in the car, so I can mock it up properly. That was interestingly in it self, by my self!! Before I start making brackets to secure the alternator I need to bring the rotated upper out so Im not setting it out to far. As it looks now Im going to need to find a new mounting location for my power steering resevior.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131006_160518_037_zps0cb42037.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131006_160518_037_zps0cb42037.jpg.html)
Dropped in the car and using a tire iron to mock a possible bracket. And yes I know Ill need to get a longer belt.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131006_165656_039_zpse087322b.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131006_165656_039_zpse087322b.jpg.html)
Heres a pic of how the cars sitting with the motor dropped in, sitting a little lower in the front!! Still got the weight of the trans and bellhousing to add.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131006_165744_169_zps0c9baaa1.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131006_165744_169_zps0c9baaa1.jpg.html)
Im sick with Bronchitis so progress is gonna be slowed a bit til I toss it completely. Did decide it wasnt gonna hurt to do some work today. Took my rotated upper out and started to fab up one bracket for the Alternator. When to do a practice close of the hood and Ive got hood interference with the intake. I kept the highest edge of the alt. below the intake just for this reason. Either I dont have the motor sitting quite right or something was messed up with the upper by the person that rotated it.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131008_195554_339_zps9eae4917.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131008_195554_339_zps9eae4917.jpg.html")
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131008_195623_064_zps46a99264.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131008_195623_064_zps46a99264.jpg.html")
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131008_195637_818_zps93037e9c.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131008_195637_818_zps93037e9c.jpg.html")
Is the intake hitting the hood scoops?
Its actually hitting either the ducting or the hood itself. 2 options are a cowl hood or have the upper intake remodded correctly. Found out most take a pie piece section out of them to shorten them and give the throttle body a downward slope.
Hmm that might work. I swear that the intake on my Thunderbird sticks up above the fender a bit. The hood still closes fine.
I think it may actually be hitting the ducting for the scoops. Cant remove that or the hole motor will be directly exposed, besides that once I got the front mount hooked up the air coming in the scoops will actually be directed over the turbo/exhaust manifold. Hopefully keeping the temps down some.
A 3rd option surfaced to, all of these thanks to the turboford boys, is to make an angled adapter as it is the TB thatshiznitting and not the actual upper intake. Hopefully this weekend will be fruitfull and I can get this figured out. I need to yank the motor back out as some of the parts on it are going to be powder coated!!!
Well boredom hit tonight as I was just sitting here. Noticed some fuzzy spots on the instrument cluster that wouldnt come off as I brought it home to clean it fully. So I decided what the hell, Ill use my headlight kit on it. cleaned right up and shines like new!!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131011_245352_011_zpse1083712.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131011_245352_011_zpse1083712.jpg.html)
Got off work early today so I decided to take another stab at getting the mouse smell out of the car body. Buddy suggested pressure washing it! Low and behold the color of the water coming out at first scared me!!! Brownish Yellowish!!!! Pressure washed it not once but twice, second time around the water coming off stuff was alot cleaner. Toweled everything down to get standing water out and let it dry while I ran some errands. Came back and sure enough it smelled 100X's better. In the process of washing the inside down I also decided to finish other pieces of the interior!!! Carpets have been done for a week I was just letting them dry all the way! All seats were targeted today and I must say they look a hell of a lot better now!!!
Decided to lay the carpets down as they were slightly getting out of shape from the washing. May start putting some of the interior back together, especially if it doesnt get in the way for something that needs to be done later.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131011_185129_092_zps8829ad69.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131011_185129_092_zps8829ad69.jpg.html)
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(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131011_185305_910_zpscca2db72.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131011_185305_910_zpscca2db72.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131011_185243_628_zps4e30e4cc.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131011_185243_628_zps4e30e4cc.jpg.html)
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The alternators new home has been officially decided since things have been figured out with the hood interference problem. Im going to be making a slightly turned down tube that will keep the TB lower than the hood and still face forward for the front mount. You can also see my redneck brace bracket, Im probably not 100% done with it but it places it so I can get the rest lined up. Then the motor can come back out for some new seals and some cleaned and PC'd parts.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131011_183225_363_zps8bd71f4c.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131011_183225_363_zps8bd71f4c.jpg.html)
First thought for today was to get putting some of the interior back together, which did end up happening but after a buddy and I noticed something while looking at the rear bumper. The entire center was pushed in, hard to tell how much exactly but as of the time I left for the night it was just about better than it was from the factory. It almost looks like it had been involved in a light fender bender and the damage was covered up. Considering the taillights have yard paint pen on the bottoms of them. But a couple hours later, some muscle and some well place hits and tack welds and I do believe its just about good.
Best surprise of the day though is, the center of the rear bumper had been pushed down making it look bent. Even though it was just sitting on the reinforcement. Pulled the cover off with the straightening and notice the metal brace was bent to shiznit. Flipped the cover and straightened it to, but the pushed down in the center was still there. Looked at my buddy and siad we need heat!! Borrowed my Sister-in-laws hair dryer figuring it wouldnt work, low and behold it actually got the urethane just hot enough to let it relax so that the bumper could go back to its original shape. The boards in the pics are actually pushing up on the parts of the bumper that were pushed down. We had just heated the whole back when I took the pics with them under the car yet.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/DSCF1049_zps0f005817.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/DSCF1049_zps0f005817.jpg.html)
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Did attempt to start on the interior!!
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Ended the night on an interior note!!
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Nice car so far. You're going to cry, but I tossed a set of nice door panels, two sets of arm rests, and a minty rear package shelf not too long ago that I had ded for my old blue bird.
Thanks John and I may just cry too!!! LOL Thats actually all parts that would have come in handy! My biggy right now though is a headliner or atleast a good strong backer to re-cover. Thought I could save the original, but as I tryed to peel the fabric off it showed its true colors. It was starting to come apart.
You got the bug lol
Coming along fast
Ive always had the bird bug!!! It did go dormant for a few years when I was in my late 20's, but always seems to flare back up!! LOL Part of the reason its coming along so fast is the wifes being supportive of this one!! Not to mention I just quit smoking after like 15 years and this has been my keep my busy/mind off of it!!
And more accomplished today!!! Got most of the lower passenger side trim back on and the seat installed, along with finishing the center stack/console. Got the blower motor box and glove box reinstalled also.
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Then I figured I might as well start mocking up my FMIC and figuring out how and where I was gonna tunnel air directly to it. Luckily since Im cheap, we had an old daybed spring set laying around. Free angle iron!!! Got the intercooler down in the bumper and now its getting things mounted/positioned/clearanced so theres no rubbing interference. And yes I know it would be easier with the header panel off, but I wanna get the basics mocked up and have the intercooler centered.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131013_155931_476_zps7d97b25e.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131013_155931_476_zps7d97b25e.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131013_174756_304_zpsc53cc1d9.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131013_174756_304_zpsc53cc1d9.jpg.html)
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Also brought the taillights back home and Ive decided they will be getting tinted!! With the color of the car and how the style is gonna lean, it will just fit!!
vinnie were you trying to polish your copper wiring with it still connected.lol
Only thing accomplished Yesterday was I started to fab the stuff for my throttle body relocate/turndown. Mind you the s are rough and the pipe hasnt been cut yet! The entire adapter will be clean and match the contours of the intake and throttle body when done. Just need a rough shape for now so I can get it fabbed/mocked up. And only a short straight section of the pipe will be used, so far this is all free stuff!!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131014_215629_097_zps9136b1d5.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131014_215629_097_zps9136b1d5.jpg.html)
Got the throttle body relocation fabbed up! Had to install the rad and fans to make sure I wasnt going to far forward, but final location puts no kinks or added stress on the throttle/cruise cables. Still need to finish welding, but Ill be doing that at work with the good MIG welder!! I need to add some bracing and a mounting location for the throttle linkage bracket. In the process though I discovered for this to work Im going to need to move the Alternator a little more, which means the bracket I fabbed up will need a remake. Along with this so I can make sure to have room for all the bits and pieces Im gonna be relocating the battery to the trunk to free the area up for moving of the coil and starter solenoid. So I need to find a hook up for bulk battery cable!!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131019_171754_760_zpsf51da3f5.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131019_171754_760_zpsf51da3f5.jpg.html")
Also upon closer inspection my rotated upper has had some working over!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131019_172526_992_zps3921e767.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131019_172526_992_zps3921e767.jpg.html")
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Got the headlight harness all cleaned up and "restored" the other night. Tonight Im going to be doing the relay mod to them so they are ready to go!!
Headlight harness relay mod, mostly done. Just need to get some weatherproof fuse holders for the power feed to the headlights. Then re-install the harness and hook everything up.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131020_143841_346_zps76e27b3e.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131020_143841_346_zps76e27b3e.jpg.html)
Started moving stuff to whats gonna be its new home with the battery being moved to the trunk. Definately cleans up the strut tower are moving stuff. Still have to decide for sure where the PS ressy is gonna end up, but it may where I have my son holding it in the pic.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131020_151921_454_zps93d6f05c.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131020_151921_454_zps93d6f05c.jpg.html)
Not much done, but was playing with some ideas!! I did get the tails tinted and I must say it really looks good on this car!! I kept thinking about it and decided to see roughly how it would look with the FMS spoiler mounted up. So I pulled the mounting studs out and set it on the trunk lid, pics with spoiler and tinted tails!!
Tell me what you guys think of the spoiler?!!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131021_193210_479_zpse5051dc9.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131021_193210_479_zpse5051dc9.jpg.html")
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131021_193135_668_zpsac93ab53.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131021_193135_668_zpsac93ab53.jpg.html")
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131021_193110_548_zps8950a91f.jpg) (http://"http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131021_193110_548_zps8950a91f.jpg.html")
Im just not a fan of spoilers on these aero cars. I think the factory nailed it out of the box. Just me.
Its just an idea right now. Ill just need to decide for sure before I paint it.
On another note though, Im trying to make a deal on a biult motor Ive stumbled across!!
It could look good if you fill the air gaps. Make it more Nascar style-ish.
I think that would work better, as it is now for me it's a no. But filled airgaps, then there's a big possibility!
I always had this idea of getting a junk trunk lid and flipping it upside down to create a nascar ish spoiler.
I would like to find one of those for my car. I like them.
Whats funny is Ive had this spoiler for sale and Ive had no takers, so I decided to see how it may look on this one. Its still for sale to.
Worked a bit more. Kinda slowing down as I need parts to finish some things, so Ive been concentrating on engine/engine bay stuff. Put the last final touches on the headlight harness and started to put the harness back in the car. Got the relays mounted and grounds connected. Still waiting on the turn signal pigtail to show up, before I can test to make sure I got everything 100% right. I refuse to put the original connector in the good switch for how toasty it got.
Also got more work done on the adapter. Took it to work and used the good mig welder, now with my little welder Im adding mounting brackets and bracing. Still need to remember to grab my burrs and finish the holes in the adapter. Pretty happy with it though!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131025_193700_476_zps5958ae37.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131025_193700_476_zps5958ae37.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131025_193647_666_zps4f0e0067.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131025_193647_666_zps4f0e0067.jpg.html)
Finally got the rest of the pieces in place for the headlight relays and tested them out, working as designed and I can hear the relays!!! Also finally got me replacement pigtail for the multifunction switch, which is the one that melted, so I can get that in and finish putting the column back together. It was mainly little things today as I also went and finished picking up the rest of the stuff that came with the car today. Finally remembered to take the good camera and snap some quick pics that arent all fuzzy!!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/DSCF1065_zps368c9423.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/DSCF1065_zps368c9423.jpg.html)
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Looking good!!
Thanks, I wish I could get it looking good a little faster though!!! LOL
With the headlights/taillights working fully now, I decided to see If the fuel pump was kicking on. Well it isnt so to the Downloaded EVTM I head to see if theres something needed to run it thats not hooked up. If that fails it may need a pump asap, in which case I will waste no time putting a Walbro 255 in. Im just pecking away at little things right now. Need to get window/moonroof tracks lubed up some as they move but are fighting the tracks and I dont want nothing to break.
Finally finished putting the dash back together!! Im starting to think Ive got like ADD or something, went to work on it how many times and that never got done!! LOL
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Since all my mocking up with the motor is finally done out it came agian so I could finish cleaning the engine bay and lay a little fresh paint. Still havent decided for sure if I keep it blue or paint it black in there though.
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Now that mocking up is finished I decided to look over the motor closer and see what gaskets it could use. For sure a valve cover gasket, possibly a cam seal, planning on pulling the oil pan cleaning it up and putting a fresh gasket in. Also decided Im just gonna eliminate the A/C, so that bracket is now removed.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131103_135114_834_zpsd78b6014.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131103_135114_834_zpsd78b6014.jpg.html)
Still lots to do! Had to pull the headlight harness back out to, left fog light isnt getting power so I need to track down where that issue is. Also want to see if theres a way to eliminate the system sentry, could really use the space for some other gauges. Need to find out if theres a plug for the EGR on the manifold as thats where Im going to be putting the EGT probe.
A little of all over the place on the car today, but my son was helping me!! A/C is officially gone, but I saved as much as I could of it incase someone ends up needing pieces. Found a plug for the EGR port in the manifold that had 1/8"npt already in it, so now theres a place for my EGT probe!! Under hood wires, hoses ran for the boost gauge and EGT gauge. Also slid the gauges into the mod and verified the length I left to hook to them up, still need to run lighting wires(both) and power wires(egt gauge).
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131110_143317_117_zps5cb01ec5.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131110_143317_117_zps5cb01ec5.jpg.html)
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And my sons part of the work today, was actually getting the drivers seat in(I had to lift it in place) and both tightened down. I must say he did a good job doing so, just needed a little help moving the seats around. Not to shabby for 9!! Need to re-vacuum though now!!!
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Im gonna post this a little backward from how I was working on it, but its kind of an update from an earlier post. Finally dug into figuring out why the fuel pump isnt kicking on. Well the first part was to make sure I had power to the harness going to it and I did. Then come the dreaded tank drop, one bolt came out no problems and one snapped clean off. Of course dropping the tank dead square on my forehead. Laugh as I know you are!!! LOL Hardest part was getting the tank off the fill tube and as the pic will show I now know why, which is probably the reason the pump isnt kick on. So Im probably gonna be looking for a fill tube atleast, Ill know more tomorrow when I actually open the tank up. I was beat and had no energy left by the time I finally got it sitting flat on the ground.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131116_183435_657_zpsdb6fb4e1.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131116_183435_657_zpsdb6fb4e1.jpg.html)
Now for the first part of today I was trying to finish up mounts for my front mount. With my not running the A/C I decided the condenser bottom mounts made a perfect place to hold the bottom. Ill just make something simple to make sure it stays put there. Top brackets are made from some s metal that we had laying around, that was even the perfect length!! The pic was taken right after I had the fabbing done, they are getting painted the as we speak!
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131116_130051_374_zps87192515.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131116_130051_374_zps87192515.jpg.html)
Now with all this custom stuff to help me get cooler air into the motor I figured I couldnt just let the air filter sit in the hot engine bay. Along with this also going to be a fair weather car!! The filters new location will be infront of the core support, just above the bottom of the bumper cover. The tubing isnt cut to length yet, I was just making sure I could fit it without cutting anything to clear it.
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Im going back tomorrow, hopefully Ill get a bunch more done.
My fears last night were true after getting the tank onto the ground. The tank and everything in it is junk, rusted beyond saving. Luckily I contacted MY10-80 about the one from the parts car, so I believe I may have one tracked down. And yes I know you can buy a new one, but getting all the pieces otherwise would be a pain.
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While Im waiting to get the other parts I decide its time to start the body work. First things on the list are Any damage whether it be flaking clear to paint chips. Right now Im just doing small stuff as I need to pick up a DA and Im gonna put together a hand long board, for making sure body work is straight. Needless to say my arms are tired after all the sanding.
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131117_162641_633_zps498f46ea.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131117_162641_633_zps498f46ea.jpg.html)
(http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu112/highraven1999/IMG_20131117_162701_392_zpsfc0de1e4.jpg) (http://s639.photobucket.com/user/highraven1999/media/IMG_20131117_162701_392_zpsfc0de1e4.jpg.html)
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Also need to figure out how this trim comes off so I can work on it an get both sides clean and repainted
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Wow that tank is toast
Lots of progress though
Ya and the entire inside looks like that. I would have gotten a pic, but I was afraid I would drop my phone into it!!! LOL The "fuel" that was in there was brown!! Im trying to progress as fast as I can, without getting in my own way!!! LOL
How long did the car sit ?
They figured 5-10 years and Im leaning more to the 10+. Ive found some receipts for some of the new stuff and I think the oldest one is 02 or so. I do know it was sitting right after he bought it, because he had pulled stuff to start the 5 speed swap. So Im figuring close to 2000 is the last time it was driven.
And Im still surprised by the shape the body is in, considering it was on dirt floor the whole time.
Body work has officially started!!! Looks like the autobody coarses I took back in 99 have finally come in handy, since I never ended up getting a body shop job!! First thing to hit hard core was the areas where the clear was flaking off. I DA'ed all the clear completely off or feathered it smooth depending on the condition of it. Found some paint chips along the way and worked them over to! Theres still gonna be some hand sanding done, but the DA is making it so I can get to the smoothing process alot quicker.
On another couple notes, does anyone here know how hard it would be for me to take the metal windshiel trim off? Also the trim on the doors, other than the stuff that will come off easy once the glass is out. Any suggestions on making/restoring the trim around the quarter window? And last but not least Im looking into hydrographics to see how feasible it would be for some parts!!
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I think I read in one of Vinnies threads he used multi grades of sand paper and brought his quarter window trim back to life?. If not him im sure I read that somewhere....By the way car is coming along nicely.
flylear45 gave me a hint on the quarter window trim that I think Im gonna roll with!! Ya its starting to, I just wanna get thru the bulk of it and have the parts ready to go in by spring. I really miss driving a Tbird!! But glad everything came together for me to get this one. I have a feeling if I hadnt saved it it may have spent the rest of its life there til it was recycled into a modern car!
Started using some lacquer thinner to restore the pieces of interior I have here at home. They look 10X better with non of the faded look to them anymore. Thanks to who ever figured that trick out!!! Also finally got as much of the original finish of the valve cover as i could with aircraft stripper. Just a few spots that refused to strip off. So Ill just sand it to finish and then I have to decide what Im gonna do with it. Decisions, decisions!!!
Sanding, smoothing, emblem removal, and guide coating went on today. I really need to get removing some of the parts that are in the way for the body work!! But Im getting all the big areas right now. So far most of the body has been perfectly straight, so its been just verifying after the clear was knocked down. Hoods completely in primer, decided to let it dry overnight as it got chilly in the shed as I was winding down tonight. Had a few placed I had to bondo, since I found some imperfections. No biggy though, keeping it as thin as possible as I hate a lot of bondo in cars. My son even got in on the sanding, I had him go to the passenger side and start knocking the clear coat down. Didnt do to bad for his first time sanding!!
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Coming along ..... Nice
Thanks!! Just realized I may have to tribute Monster Rehab Lemonade somehow. I swears theres probably a can in almost every pic!!! LOL
Lookin Good :-D
I cant wait till its looking better agian!!! Having it go from not looking to bad at all to this kinda makes it look like Im going backwards!! But I know this is all for the better, and when all is siad and done it will look 100% better.
Lol on the local mustang forum has a monster smiley ...... Gotta have a energy drink lol
Except that I buy it by the 4 or 10 pack!!! LOL
Almost forgot to Ive now got a trans lined up for atleast a for now from a buddy!! So I better get going on getting a flywheel and clutch.
I was looking back on your build and I just want to caution you on the intake adapter plate. It looks like there is a chance for it to have warped from the welding. Check it carefully for flatness because I know that my neighbor made a similar deal and it leaked from being warped. He had to take it back off to rectify it.
Just trying to save you some time!
Wow those fuel tanks can get really nasty after sitting for a while, can't they? Yikes.
Keep after it! You are making progress.
Im still working on it abit, but the only warpage it had actually may help it seal better. But I may have one of my local buddies do the proper mod to clear everything and do some work on the lower so I can properly port it. Thanks for the input on that!! And ya I couldnt believe how bad the inside of the tank was, Ive never seen one this bad.
More sanding and more primer guide coat agian. Now Ill consider 1/2 the car in primer. Soon Ill be pulling the front and rear bumper cover and the header to get them ready for paint. The door, hood, and bit of the quarter I had done yesterday are officially smooth. I did hit them all with a little more as the primer is also a filler primer, so when Im done she'll be ready for the final stuff when its painted. Down below the belt trim Im not as concerned about how smooth as Ive got a different idea for down there so it done have to be perfect. But it will get work done as soon as I figure out how to get the center section off without damaging them. What ever tape is holding them is some strong stuff.
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Also finally remembered to take a pic of the valve cover stripped. I really need to decide what exactly Im doing with it!!
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The best way to get the side moldings off is to use piano wire and saw through the tape. It's slow but it works great.
Also before you put the moldings back on remove the aluminum strip that the adhesive tape is stuck on from the factory. If you don’t the molding won’t lay straight.
That's a great tip
Thanks for the tips, now I just need to remember where I just saw some cheap!! I could probably use guitar string Id assume to?
Guitar string would probably work as well. You just need something that's rough enough to cut through the adhesive tape.
My son has one of those cheap walmart ones and all the small diameter strings broke. Might be able to steal one, hoping one of the broke ones is rough enough.
if it won't saw through easily, use a heat gun and just heat up the trim a bit, obviously being careful to not melt anything.
Funny you say that haystack, my crazy wife was out on black friday and picked me up a heat gun that was on sale at Menards. Figured for $10 what the hell right!!
Nothings been done for the last 2 weeks, its just been way to cold without a way to warm the shed. Temps have been hoovering around 0* for roughly the last 2 weeks. Think it maybe time to trouble shoot whats wrong with my turbo heater!!
Finally had a break in the freezing temps enough to get out and do somethings. Block sanded everything that was already primed and what wasnt primed yet has been sanded and primed. Need to decide if Im going to keep the belt trim in the middle or eliminate it. Also contemplating Painting the belt trim body color especially if I eliminate the middle pieces. Its a good thing I got an extra hood with the car to as both had opposite scoops damaged on the mounts, so Ive pulled the 2 good ones and will be prepping them for the repaint next. Now for pics!!!
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Nice progress.
Thanks, Im still shooting for the repaint and it moving under its own power by the time the snow and salt are gone. Should be ordering the clutch, FMIC piping, and some other odds and ends soon to. And Ill be registering it with Hobbyist plates here in Wisconsin, lets you register for modifications and no miles per year limitation. On top of that its a one time $200 registration and they never expire!!
Nice progress !!! Did you ever find the package shelf carpet stuff? If not, I'm going back to the yard in two weeks to get the blue dash (for me), manual window regulators, and I can grab it for you. It's mint.
I got a line on one not in color, but if that interior is as clean as you say Id be game on paying what it took to get that one to me!!! You seem to have better luck finding clean stuff, so if you find a set of Power window, power lock regular door panels in blue let me know. I like my TC ones and all but its hard to find pieces when they break. I had a Sport right after high school and I liked them for ease of not breaking as easy!
I'll grab the package shelf while I'm there, send you some pics and you can decide. The only thing I found on the carpet was two quarters and a penny. The ashtray looks like it has never been used.
Sounds good Vinnie!!
Didnt get a whole lot done tonight, but I did get the rest of the primed areas blocked and have 2 small dents on the passenger door I have to work. Other wise from the belt trim up is ready to go. I have officially decided the trim between the wheel wells is not going back on, also playing with the idea of the rest of the belt trim going body color. The dark blue I think would look really good with the belt trim matched!! Also got the belt trim off from between the wheel wells off, some heat, patience and it pretty much came right off. Just have to get whats left of the adhesive off and get the lower areas prepped
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Also the wife was going thru some boxes that we have had stored out at her dads and came across my "Thunderbird bibles". I actually didnt think I still had them I hadnt seen them in so long. My Haynes and Chiltons repair manuals are what kept all the previous Birds going. No I just wanna get an original copy of the 1988 thunderbird EVTM.
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Oh adhesive fun did I have today, took most of the time I was out there just to get the old tape off. That was even with a heat gun!! Got the center section sanded and primed on both sides. So other than blocking and smoothing some things, and the rest of the fornt and back Im just about done prepping for some fresh paint!! Ive got some trim to get removed and some other odds and ends. Soon my concentration can shift to the drivetrain, one step at a time!
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Looking good !
One step at a time is correct. I'm living that as we speak with the Sport right now.Any progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
More like looking gray!!! LOL Little more work and I can start getting is set to go to my painter. Depending on his time schedule, depends on if it gets the motor and trans before paint or not!! He's a good friend with an enclosed trailer, so maybe I can get him to transport it with that!! LOL
No doubt, with the no progress a couple weeks ago for a couple weeks because of the extreme cold we had. Ill take anything that is moving forward.
No work progress this weekend, but doesnt mean theres no updates!! Vinny and I have a deal struck for the mint condition blue package tray, so as soon as I get him the $$ the interior will only be missing the headliner. Which I think Im going to attempt to use fiberglass resin to reinforce and build the mice damaged parts back up. It seems the only good headliners for sale are to far away to ship with out costing to much. Im also in talks with a local guy for a center mount header and custom intake setup. Which if I can get those 2 pieces acquired, they will go into my hop up pile and be put on after the car is running agian. Before I go changing to much of the stock setup up I wanna make sure all the ducks are in a row!!!
It would cost a fortune to ship, but I also have the mint, ZERO fading and ZERO damage blue headliner. I grabbed that good stuff. My plan was to pull the blue and recover it for the Sport. The panel is still stiff and looks brand new top and bottom.
Ya the shipping to keep the package tray cover safe is high enough so I cant imagine what it would cost to ship that big thing.
I don't want to know. LOL. You will love the package tray though. Minty fresh.
Enjoyed going through your thread. Amazing progress in the last 4 months! Keep it up and don't get frustrated. All your time and hard work will be worth it when you're finished. Nice to see you have your son helping you out....memories he will never forget. Had an 88TC 5spd back in the day and it was a great ride. Good to see you saving one!
Thanks birdman, every since I had found out this TC existed where it did(almost 2 years ago now) I wanted to save it. The body is so clean if that was the only thing savable Id still would have been happy!!!
No new updates though as of tonight, its either been to dang cold or to dangerious to venture to the FIL to even attempt to get anything done. We've had one of the worst winters in years. But I am in the process of dealing to get some of the go-fast parts that I want!!! :evilgrin: Along with some of the stuff need to get her mobile agian!
Did get some small stuff done before the cold got the better of me today!! Got the rear bumper back off in preparation for paint, also removed the rear belt trim pieces. I brought the trim home so I can prep it to be painted body color. I was gonna tuff it out a little longer and get the header and front bumper cover off, but my ratchet was a little to big. Ill have to bring my stubby next time. Also got the drivers quarter window out with the help of a heat gun!!
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No work updates as of now, Ive been to busy with a lot of other things. But I do have some parts on thier way!!!! I got the package tray cover and the plain jane visors from Vinny!! So I just have one major interior piece to figure out and thats the headliner, but I may have something in the works for that. I found out theres a local place thats good with "damaged" headliners thru a co-worker thats used them in the past. He also siad the pricing is more than fair, so I maybe professionally resurrecting the headliner. Hopefully Ill get sometime this weekend for some more work, Im so lose to being ready for fresh paint I can taste it!! Sometimes in the literal sense (those who have done body work will know what I mean).
More parts in route updates!! Thanks to 50RACER, I now have my destroyed inside the fuel tank pieces on the way and I just need to get a new tank ordered to put that area back together. I also am getting the 5 speed harness that goes from a plug under the carpet to the trans from him. Im happy I finally found that harness, I hate hacking up the auto harness to make it work. Little by little Im getting the pieces I want/need to get this finished up!!
Sweet!!
Main body is ready for fresh paint. I brought the bumper covers and the belt trim pieces that will remain to prep them. Still need to figure out what the plan is for some of the trim, but something should hopefully be happening soon. The pics will speak for themselves.
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Nice work. When do you think paint will be going on? I've been working on the Sport for almost 6 years ow. Still not finished. LOL.
Not 100% sure Vinny, Ive got to work it out with my paint guy. Which ironically we'll be swapping labor for labor!! So he'll finish up what little he thinks it needs and paint and Ill do some wrenching for him!! Its a Win-Win. Im sure just like my quad, the Tbird will be a long process til Im happy with it!!
Will you be going back with the original paint color or changing it up a little? I will be changing the color on my LX Bird when I EVER get to that point. Nice work.
It's going to be as close to stock as can be mixed!! Lol The color has really grown on me and tinted windows and lenses will look really good together. Yes I just have away some of the other plans!! Still trying to decide what to do with the rims, I'm gonna be rocking the snowflakes for a while.
Good choice on going original on the color choice. That color looks great on these cars! Looking good...keep it up!
If you're going to run the snowflakes I have a thought: why not polish the face and then paint the pockets body color? I think the pockets would look good in matching blue.
x2
Ive actually thought of that, just need to find something to put under it while thats going on. Wanna keep it mobile!! I got rid of a lot of my fox rims, back when I was out of the Tbird scene for a while. Hell I used to have a set of turbines!!
Did Ryan get a hold of you? He is taking the headliner in from your old car to have it redone. Figured with a new sunroof in place he could safely restore the headliner. He was told by the guy that the cardboard is shot in it and will basically need to be all new using the old one as a template. He was going to ask about the possibility of getting a second one made for you since he has to basically start from scratch anyway. We haven't asked yet, but we wanted to see if you were interested. I'm not sure on a price but it will probably be around $120 give or take a little bit. That was the original quote. Wouldn't worry about shipping as we can meet somewhere. But we thought of you and your destroyed headliner when he told us he had to start from scratch. Let one of us know either way because I imagine the headliner will get taken care of shortly. He's anxious to drive the car again.
Is that just for a new backing or is that with fabric on it to? I need to call up a local guy that my co-workers turned me onto and see what he says. Ill let him know either way!!
Will verify and get back to you on that.
Took advantage of the warm weather today and did some work on the bumper covers. Rear cover is almost ready for paint, just mainly need to work where the red trim was. Front is a work in progress , lots of little thing to do to get it ready. Did my slight mod on it, let's see how observant you all are!!! Lol
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You opened up the slots on the end.
Dang you Vinny!!! Lol should have figured you for sure would have noticed! Considering I'm gonna have my filter about that low figured it could help the motor breath.
Im at a toss up with this guys run the 2.3T as originally planned or ,with the loss of a good friend and co-worker that had a dream of turboing his built mustang, turbo a 5.0 in memory of him. His car was supercharged, but could never leave it alone and wanted something different again. Im at a loss and cant decide now.
Either one will serve you well in my opinion. the car started out 2.3, why change it?
A 302 would bey choice any day of the week. huge aftermarket, easy parts interchange ect. but a turbo or blower will pretty much put you in block splitting territory, or you just won't get the power out of it to keep it together.
i say build up the 2.3. A blown or turbo'd 302 is a ton of work and will get expensive really quick.
Finally got some things coming together again. Picked up the fuel pump hanger from evintho, so now I just need to buy a new tank. A Mustang buddy of mine called today and asked if I still needed a T5, well of coarse!! Picking up a whole 2.3 5 speed stang to rob what can/will work on the Tbird and sell what wont and junk whats left. Just enough left to be a donor car!!
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Found a bit of a surprise in the parts stang. Ironically I was in need of these 6x8's, Infinity Reference 6812cf
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Officially have trans pulled from the mustang, and 2 screw's holding me back from the roller cam and followers. My son got to help a bit today, mainly pulling the stang in. He was on sister babysitting duty for most of the part removal, but he had fun pulling it in!!
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Finished pulling some things like the cam and some parts Ive sold off of the parts stang today. In the process I looking in the door speaker grille and realized there was non-factory speakers in there to, low and behold it was a set of Sony Explode 3 way 6" speakers!! So now the Tbirds gonna be fully outfitted with aftermarket speakers. Ive already hooked them all to a test radio I have at home here and they all sound great!! Im knocking on being closer to making it move under its own power again!! Ironically theres just something very fitting to tearing apart a Mustang to revive a Tbird!!
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And as you can see, the mustang is slowly loosing the battle!!! LOL
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Glad to see the progress. I know its a ways off but what color are you going to paint the Barn Bird ?
Eventually the plan is to repaint factory color. If I can't swing it soon, I may do a temp matte blue or something like that just to have it look decent. Right now the main focus is gonna be getting the last few pieces needed to get it back to running and moving under its own power.