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Topics - Bird of Prey

1
Misc Tech / Dropping CFI fuel tank
When the tank is full (or close to it) I get an odor of fuel in the garage after I take my Thunderbird out for a drive.  The car starts and runs great and I haven't seen any leaks or wet spots.  I'm wondering if I should check the condition of the gaskets and grommet on the fuel tank but all the instructions and tips I've seen are for later models with multiport fuel injection.  My car still has the factory CFI set-up so I'm hoping someone might be able to provide proper guidance on how to remove the fule tank from one of the earlier models.  My car is an '84 model with the original 5.0L CFI set-up.  Appreciate any help or tips!

Dan
2
Misc Tech / Hub rubbing against AC pulley
Recently the hub started rubbing against my AC pulley.  Although everything is hooked up the AC has never worked since I've had the car so I'm not sure what would have caused this change.  Before I inspect the hub, pulley and clutch, does anyone know what kind of compressor is in my car?  The hub appears to have a small Ford logo followed by the part number L3U1 190780 A stamped into it.  The compressor also has the Ford logo cast into the back of it.  I've attached a photo of the front of the compressor.
3
Suspension/Steering / Strut removal question
I'm trying to remove the old front struts in my stock '84 Thunderbird.  I've removed the nut on top of the strut as well as both spindle bolts but the first strut I'm trying remove seems to be held up by the bushing assembly on top of the strut tower.  Do I need to remove this bushing assembly to be able to remove the strut?  I thought the bushing would loosen up after removing the nut on top of the strut but that's definitely not the case.  Any advice on how to proceed?
4
Engine Tech / Timing Cover Locating Dowels
I've cleaned up my timing chain cover and installed a new crank seal in it and I'm getting ready to put it back on the engine.  My engine (1984 CFI 302) has the two locating dowels.  The driver side dowel is still attached to the block.  The passenger side dowel came out with the timing chain cover.  I was able to recover the passenger side dowel but my question is should I replace it with a new one?  Should I remove and replace the driver side dowel too?  If so, is there a proper way to install new locating dowels?  I've read they aren't necessary but are beneficial in properly locating the timing chain cover when you reinstall it.  Since this is my first time performing this repair I'll take advantage of anything that will make it go more smoothly and prevent any leaks.  Thanks in advance.
5
LEADS on T-Bird/Cougar Stuff For Sale / 1984 Cougar 5.0 Liter 37K Miles
A gentleman down the road from me is selling a super clean 84 Cougar.  This car has the 5.0 liter engine with only 37,600 miles.  It has a two-tone black upper and gray lower finish with a gray cloth interior.  The finish looks practically new with no dents, dings or scratches.  The interior looks just as good; no fading, rips or tears.  This car was undercoated when purchased new and it shows; no rust anywhere.  I took some pics of the car but not sure how to post them here.  Owner's name is Larry and he's asking $6,300 for it.  Car is located near Milford, Ohio.  Call 513-426-1332 for details.

84 Cougar Pic 1.jpg
84 Cougar Pic 4.jpg
84 Cougar Pic 2.jpg
6
Drivetrain Tech / Floor shift parts needed
Like most folks with a column shifted AOD I'd like to convert my car to floor shift.  When getting the parts from a donor car with a floor shift AOD would it be easier to get the entire transmission with all the linkage attached or can I get the parts I need without the transmission?  I've read the TV cable is secured differently in a column shift vs. floor shift vehicle.  Any advice on this conversion would be greatly appreciated.
7
Engine Tech / Leaking coolant but from where?
Pulled the Thunderbird out of the garage this morning and checked the pressure of the tires while letting the engine run for a bit.  When I finished adding some air to the tires I noticed I was loosing a lot of coolant and there was a large puddle on the ground!  I turned the car off and tried to see where it was leaking.  All the hoses are in good shape and appear to be dry around all the clamps.  The water pump was replaced about 2-1/2 years ago with a Motorcraft replacement just before I bought the car (I have a receipt for reference).  There's no play in the water pump pulley shaft and no strange noises from the water pump.  I did notice some pooling of coolant on top of the water pump between some ribs in the housing.  I kind of thought a leak of this degree would be fairly obvious to locate but that's not the case.  Has anyone else experienced this kind of issue?
8
Engine Tech / Fuel pump relay issue?
My Tbird started right up this morning and I drove it about 30 miles to work with no issues.  This evening I went to start it and didn't hear the familiar fuel pump hum before I cranked the starter.  I tried a couple more times but still couldn't get fuel to the engine.  I pressed the reset button on the inertia switch but still nothing.  Since I suspect I would have experienced some issues from the fuel pumps before they quit I'm looking at the fuel pump relay as the culprit.  What do you guys think?  Mine is an '84 5.0L CFI car.
9
Body/Appearance/Interior / Removing headliner board
I'm removing my headliner board in order to clean off the old foam and replace the headliner material.  I've removed the sun visors, sun visor retaining clips, the dome light and all the hardware but have a few questions before I proceed with either removing or loosening the interior moldings:

1. How are the moldings above the windshield and the rear glass held in place?  I've removed the two screws from each piece but it seems they are both held in place at the center by some sort of clip.

2. Do I need to remove the seat belts from the the B pillar to give the sail panels enough room to flex?

3. Any tips from anyone that's already done this so I don't damage any of the moldings?  I have a trim removal kit handy.  I did check the Assembly/Disassembly How-To section but didn't see anything about this.

Appreciate any advice or help you guys can offer!

Thanks again!
10
Body/Appearance/Interior / Removing sun visor retaining brackets
My original headliner finally gave up last weekend so I need to replace it with some new material.  I've removed the sun visors but not sure how to remove the plastic retaining brackets close the rear view mirror.  I don't want to break them so I figured I would ask the group how to safely get them out so I can remove the headliner board.

Thanks in advance!
Dan
11
Drivetrain Tech / Differential fluid change for 7.5 axle
My passenger side brake backing plate has been repaired so it's time to put it back on the axle tube, reinstall the axle and replace the differential fluid.  I'll certainly clean the inside of the cover but how far should I go in cleaning the inside of the housing?  Do you guys recommend using RTV or an actual gasket to seal the cover to the housing?  Also, what weight of fluid should be used?  I have a 7.5" 3.08 non-locking rear in an '84 Thunderbird.

Thanks in advance!
13
Suspension/Steering / Small washer from rear drums... where does it go?
While removing the rear brake shoes a small washer came out and fell on the floor.  Where does this washer go when I put everything back together?  Basic info about my car:  1984 Thunderbird with 7.5" rear axle and 9" rear drum brakes.

Thanks in advance!
14
Engine Tech / 99 Mercury Mountaineer
Some friends of ours have a 1999 Mercury Mountaineer with transmission issues they are looking to sell.  It has the 5.0 liter engine and I was wondering if this would be a good opportunity to upgrade my stock 84 CFI to SEFI.  According to what I've read on this site I would need the heads, upper and lower intake, fuel rails, distributor, wiring harness, TV cable and computer from the donor vehicle.  Is this correct?  Also, are there any other bits from these vehicles I should keep (driveshaft, rear axle, etc.)?  I believe the Mountaineer is a 4WD model too.  Any advice is appreciated!