65SSG Rebuildhttp://65ssg.net/2017-04-17T19:55:00-05:00Lower Cowl Removal2017-04-17T19:55:00-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-04-17:posts/2017/04/lower-cowl-removal/<p>A couple days after taking the upper cowl off, I decided to go ahead and remove the lower cowl as well. There’s rust on the horizontal top flange of the firewall (where the upper and lower cowl weld to it) and it seemed easier to just go ahead and remove the lower piece rather than trying to work around it. It was quicker to get out than the upper was. The upper, lower, and firewall/cowl side/dash flanges are all spot welded at once with the 3 pieces together it seems. So it’s the same spot welds holding the lower cowl to the firewall/etc. and the upper cowl to the lower cowl. Some of the spot welds I had drilled deep enough when I removed the upper cowl, while others I had to drill a little more. </p>
<p>The driver’s side air vent needs to be removed (well, maybe you could squeeze it out still attached, but I didn’t try), and a bolt on the heater box assembly that goes into the lower cowl also needs to removed. I unbolted the wiper linkages and the wiper motor bracket from the cowl, but I think I could have left them in place and just pulled it all out together. When I put the lower cowl back in, I’ll probably reassemble the wiper parts to it before putting it on the car, since it seems like that would make things a good bit easier as some of the bolts are hard to get to with the cowl in place.</p>
<p>It’s really weird to see the car without the lower cowl in place. It really highlights how simple these cars are. Since everything is so accessible now, I’m going to do a little cleanup on the back of the dash and other things in the area. The heater box and firewall insulation are already out. Otherwise, I’m trying to figure out the best order to work on things now. Having the firewall so easy to get to is making me reassess my plans since I need to patch a couple areas on it.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5954_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5954_150.jpg" alt="Lower cowl off the car">
<figcaption>Lower cowl removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5977_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5977_150.jpg" alt="Lower cowl off the car, underside">
<figcaption>Lower cowl underside</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170416_161406_hdr_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170416_161406_hdr_150.jpg" alt="Car without the lower cowl in place">
<figcaption>Without the lower cowl</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5968_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5968_150.jpg" alt="Car without the lower cowl in place, different angle">
<figcaption>Without the lower cowl, different angle</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5998_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5998_150.jpg" alt="Firewall inside without the cowl">
<figcaption>Firewall from inside the car</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5987_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5987_150.jpg" alt="Part number sticker on pedal support">
<figcaption>Part number on pedal support</figcaption></a>
</figure>Upper Cowl Removal2017-04-08T20:40:00-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-04-08:posts/2017/04/upper-cowl-removal/<p>As I mentioned in the last post, I started to remove the upper cowl so that I could do some rust repair on the lower cowl and upper firewall area. I was struggling with whether I should do this now or not since it seemed like it’d be a pretty involved, time-consuming thing. But I figured I’d probably regret it later if I didn’t since now is about the best time to do it with the front end so far apart for everything else. </p>
<p>So I got the upper cowl completely off earlier today. So overall that took me a couple (partial) Saturdays plus a little bit of time during the week to get it off—kind of slow, but it made it eventually. It was somewhere around 100-110 spot welds that I had to drill out, plus the ones for the fender apron extensions, and I also had to double drill some of them where I didn’t get the full weld the first time. Of course I also had to pull the export brace since it bolts through the cowl and firewall. For the spot welds, I decided to upgrade to the nicer-style Blair cutter as I see it recommended frequently. It did generally work a little nicer than the cheap Harbor Freight one that I normally use, but I found using a mix of the two styles to work the best, as I felt the <span class="caps">HF</span> one actually worked a little better on occasion and was a little quicker. I also found a “Seam Buster Chisel” on Amazon that has an edge along the side as well as on the end. That turned out to be extremely helpful since I could just keep sliding it along the seam, redrill a weld if needed, and keep moving. </p>
<p>The lower cowl actually looks pretty good. It’s certainly better than I expected to find, and I don’t think I’ve ever been able to say that about something on this car. So it’ll probably come back to bite me somehow. There’s just a couple little holes at the bottom of the hats which must be where it’s been leaking from and the flange where it joins the firewall is shot in a few places. That’s the main things I’m seeing so far. Not too terrible. The upper cowl will need some patches too. </p>
<p>Oh and I did put some really basic bracing in place before I removed the cowl (I just copied what I saw on somebody else’s car), but I’m not sure if it’s actually needed or not. The car is sitting on jack stands at the rear torque boxes, at the rear axle (just holding the axle, not the car—I didn’t want to leave it just hanging from the springs), and under the front part of the rockers. Then I put scissor jacks under the front frame to support the weight of the front end metal. </p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5892_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5892_150.jpg" alt="Driver's side fender apron extension removed">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> fender apron extension off</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5893_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5893_150.jpg" alt="Passenger's side fender apron extension removed">
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> fender apron extension off</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5906_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5906_150.jpg" alt="Spot weld removal tools">
<figcaption>What I mainly used for the spot welds</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5912_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5912_150.jpg" alt="Upper cowl">
<figcaption>Upper cowl off</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5925_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5925_150.jpg" alt="Upper cowl underside">
<figcaption>Underside of upper cowl</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5917_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5917_150.jpg" alt="Upper cowl removed">
<figcaption>Upper cowl removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5922_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5922_150.jpg" alt="Upper cowl removed, from the other side">
<figcaption>Upper cowl removed, from other side</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5924_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5924_150.jpg" alt="Upper cowl removed, overall">
<figcaption>Upper cowl removed, overall</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5937_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5937_150.jpg" alt="Passenger's side lower cowl rust">
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> lower cowl hat and flange rust</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5939_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5939_150.jpg" alt="Driver's side lower cowl rust">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> lower cowl hat and flange rust</figcaption></a>
</figure>March 2017 Status2017-04-01T20:35:00-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-04-01:posts/2017/04/march-2017-status/<p>Okay, so trying not to fall a year behind on this again… here’s a current status update. I stopped driving it I think around mid-January so that I could do an engine swap and repair a small section of one of the front frame rails that was badly rusted. So far, I have accomplished what seems like nothing besides spending money and getting a little overwhelmed. I pulled the I6 engine out in early February. Then while trying to figure out a plan for repairing the frame rail section, I decided the majority of the frame rail on that side (the driver’s side) should be replaced. It’s not absolutely terrible and could be probably be okay for awhile or just patched, but I figured it just made more sense to go ahead and replace the whole thing since they’re available. But that would still leave me with the rust at the bottom of the shock tower, which seems somewhat hard to patch. And I definitely need new fender aprons on that side too. Considering all that, I caved and decided to replace the whole driver’s side shock tower/fender apron/frame rail assembly. It seems simpler than piecing things together individually. We’ll see; I haven’t gotten to actually doing it yet. Depending on how that goes, I may do the passenger’s side as well, or I may just patch some things over there—the passenger’s side is in better shape overall.</p>
<p>While I was stripping things in the process of figuring that out, I realized the top outer areas on the firewall are badly messed up. The driver’s side has been patched before but it’s not done right and there’s still a lot of rust. The top cowl is also messed up in some areas. So further down the rabbit hole I go. I’m now in the process of removing the upper cowl so I can patch the lower portion and hopefully stop any leaks that are still coming from there since I put the plastic hats in place a few years ago. And of course removing the cowl requires removing the windshield, so I did that too. That’ll also give me the chance to replace a couple of the clips for the trim that are missing/broken so all of the trim can find its way back on, and I <em>may</em> replace the windshield too. Maybe. Seems like the time to do it with it being out already and all. :p</p>
<p>Hopefully I’ll start making what feels like more actual progress soon and I can remember to post some more updates. </p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170204_154704_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170204_154704_150.jpg" alt="Last day with the I6 installed">
<figcaption>Last day with the I6 in</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170205_162524_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170205_162524_150.jpg" alt="I6 removed">
<figcaption>I6 removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5793_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5793_150.jpg" alt="Empty engine bay">
<figcaption>Empty engine bay</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5804_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5804_150.jpg" alt="Driver's side fender aprons/shock tower/frame rail to be replaced">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> fender aprons/shock tower/frame rail</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5807_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5807_150.jpg" alt="Missing back edge of driver's side rear fender apron where it joins to firewall">
<figcaption>Missing back edge of <span class="caps">DS</span> rear apron</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5832_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5832_150.jpg" alt="Steering column and box removed--interior looks odd without it!">
<figcaption>The interior looks weird with no steering column…</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170302_130036_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_20170302_130036_150.jpg" alt="New Dynacorn driver's side frame rail/shock tower/fender apron assembly">
<figcaption>New Dynacorn <span class="caps">DS</span> assembly</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5872_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/04/IMG_5872_150.jpg" alt="Without the windshield">
<figcaption>Windshield removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>V8 Steering Linkage2017-03-04T13:20:00-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-03-04:posts/2017/03/v8-steering-linkage/<p>(Work done around Dec 2015-April 2016)</p>
<p>As mentioned up in the suspension/brake section, I also swapped out the steering linkage (kind of important since the tie rod is what broke!). The I6 and V8 cars used different steering linkages from the factory. V8 cars got thicker, heavier parts and used a very slightly different linkage configuration. I figured it made sense to go ahead and swap out to the stronger V8 setup, since while I was still unsure about my future engine plans at the time, it did make the disc brake selection easier (there’s a couple different kits available for the 4-lug I6 spindles, but the setup I went with is a near-duplicate of the factory available disc brake configuration which makes finding parts simple) as well as just giving me peace of mind having the stronger parts installed.</p>
<p>I also went ahead and put in the roller idler arm from Opentracker. It’s supposed to make it smoother and I think have a little better feel. I didn’t notice a ton of difference, but it was down for a few months before I could drive it again, so it may be more obvious with a more front-to-back comparison. </p>
<p>After I got everything together again, I went ahead and did the alignment myself. I used a really basic camber gauge from Racer Parts Wholesale that just sits against the wheel lip and has a bubble level and a knob to work out the angle. I used that for the camber and caster. For the toe, I mainly used the string method that you can a bunch of guides for online. I used cheap vinyl floor tiles with wax paper in between them as turn plates. The specifications I aimed for were the ones that Opentracker lists on their website. I ended up with:
<table>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Driver’s Side</td>
<td>Passenger’s Side</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Camber</td>
<td>-1/4°</td>
<td>-1/8°</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caster</td>
<td>+1.7°</td>
<td>+1.7°</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toe-in</td>
<td>1/16”</td>
<td>1/16”</td>
</tr>
</table>
I would’ve liked some more caster, but I was bothered by how much difference in the shim stacks it was taking to get it where I wanted it. I’ll probably get adjustable strut rods so I can get some more someday. And finally at the bottom of this post you can see how things ultimately turned out with all the new suspension and wheels on the car.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5667_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5667_150.jpg" alt="I6 and V8 steering linkage comparison">
<figcaption>Comparison of I6 and V8 steering linkages</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5669_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5669_150.jpg" alt="I6 and V8 steering linkage comparison">
<figcaption>Another comparison of I6 and V8 steering linkages</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160719_182303_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160719_182303_150.jpg" alt="With the new suspension and wheels">
<figcaption>With the new suspension and wheels</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160719_182316_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160719_182316_150.jpg" alt="With the new suspension and wheels">
<figcaption>With the new suspension and wheels</figcaption></a>
</figure>V8 Suspension and Front Disc Brakes2017-03-04T13:15:00-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-03-04:posts/2017/03/v8-suspension-disc-brakes/<p>(Work done around Dec 2015-April 2016)</p>
<p>The new front suspension itself was pretty straight forward, even throwing in some clean up of the shock towers and things like that. Everything is just plain parts swap outs and nothing too exciting to go into detail about. I mentioned it in the last post, but just for good measure, here’s what I put on:</p>
<ul>
<li>V8 steering linkage with a roller idler arm from Opentracker</li>
<li>Opentracker Street upper and lower control arms (not the fancy roller ones)</li>
<li>Opentracker roller spring perches</li>
<li>Scott Drake <span class="caps">GT</span> coil springs (I ended up cutting them a little bit but I can’t find my info on how much—I think it was 1/4 or 1/2 a coil, so just a little bit)</li>
<li><span class="caps">CSRP</span> Kelsey-Hayes style disc brakes and new 65 V8-style spindles (but that use the larger wheel bearings from I think 70+)</li>
<li>Bilstein Sport shocks</li>
<li>New strut rod bushings</li>
<li>NiCopp brake hard lines throughout the whole car</li>
</ul>
<p>The only thing I’ll specifically point out here is that I ran into issues with the <span class="caps">CSRP</span> spindles or rotors or something. I never figured out exactly what created the issue. The rotor is held onto the car with a large washer alongside the outer wheel bearing, then a large nut, then a nut retainer (that may be the wrong name) that has castellations. A cotter pin is supposed to fit between the castellations on the nut retainer and go through the spindle to hold everything in place and keep the nut from backing off. The problem I had was that the cotter pin went through the spindle too far out towards the edge—it only caught the very tips of the retainer castellations. So it seemed like the nut could potentially loosen up some as the cotter pin wasn’t effectively holding it in place. I tried all the different spindle nuts I could find in different thicknesses to try to push the retainer out towards the cotter pin but none of them got it to a level I felt comfortable with. <span class="caps">CSRP</span> sent me different rotors to try, but that didn’t help anything. Ultimately, I ended up putting an <span class="caps">ASME</span> grade 8 washer between the spindle washer and the nut to push it out further. I was a little uncomfortable with the idea, but it seems to be working out okay. Otherwise, the kit is very complete and seems to have decent parts and instructions. </p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_150.jpg" alt="Old passenger side front suspension">
<figcaption>Old <span class="caps">PS</span> front suspension</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_1600.jpg">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151205_163243_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151205_163243_150.jpg" alt="Old front suspension removed">
<figcaption>Old front suspension removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_1600.jpg">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5491_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5491_150.jpg" alt="PS shock tower cleaned up, new Opentracker UCA, Opentracker roller spring perch">
<figcaption>New <span class="caps">PS</span> suspension parts</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_1600.jpg">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5550_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5550_150.jpg" alt="Driver's side shock tower cleaned up and repainted">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> shock tower repainted</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_1600.jpg">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5656_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5656_150.jpg" alt="Driver's side suspension and disc brake installed">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> suspension and disc brake installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_1600.jpg">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5660_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5660_150.jpg" alt="New master cylinder and proportioning valve installed">
<figcaption>New master cylinder and proportioning valve</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151121_145132_1600.jpg">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160329_211943_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160329_211943_150.jpg" alt="Bilstein Sport shocks compared to the old really worn shocks">
<figcaption>Bilstein Sport shocks vs really worn old shocks</figcaption></a>
</figure>8” Rear End2017-03-04T13:10:00-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-03-04:posts/2017/03/8in-rear-end/<p>(Work done around Dec 2015-April 2016)</p>
<p>I used an 8 inch rear end out of a ‘77 Ford Maverick. This is basically a bolt-in for ‘65 Mustangs as the spring mounting widths are the same between the two. There is a small track width difference. If I remember right, the Maverick rear works out to be something like 1/2” narrower per side than a factory ‘65 Mustang 8 inch rear (though it’s been awhile since I looked it up, so double check that if you actually need the info for something :) ). It also uses a bigger u-joint than the 6-cyl/manual rear end does, so I found a driveshaft out of a ‘66 Mustang V8/auto to swap in. Since I already have the 3.03 3-speed transmission, the same as a V8 would have, the driveshaft makes for a direct swap. My existing parking brake cables were able to be reused. There’s a difference in the axle tube diameter between the Maverick and the 65 Mustangs, so you need different shock mounting plates (mine are just for a ‘67-70 Mustang) and different u-bolts. The other thing I did differently was I went ahead and changed to the dual exhaust rear brake line setup. Ford used different hose setups and placements for the single and dual exhaust cars. If you put dual exhaust on a car that was originally single exhaust and you leave the original brake line routing, the exhaust will run very close to the rubber hose between the front-to-rear metal line and the rear end housing distribution block. The dual exhaust setup moves where the hose bracket mounts on the body (the one where the rubber hose joins the main metal line) and places a bracket on the rear axle vent hose mount so the junction is moved to the side of the axle tube instead of on top.</p>
<p>I did have to clean the housing up a lot as it was pretty rusty. I ended up finding a non-factory weld joining one of the axle tubes to the main housing. I wasn’t sure if this was something to worry about or not, so I stripped it completely down and took it a shop for them to check over. They said the axle tubes weren’t straight anymore, but they were able to get it straightened back out and they went ahead and replaced the wheel bearings and axle seals for me as well. Then I just repainted everything and put it back together, and went ahead and rebuilt the drum brakes on it as well. The Maverick axles use a larger wheel hub/mounting flange than the ‘65 Mustangs did, and I kept getting lost on whether various bigger drum or disc options would work on it. It uses the same size of drum brakes as factory V8 Mustangs, so I decided to just keep it simple and rebuild the Maverick setup instead of trying to upgrade already. I ran into an issue with one of the new drums I bought apparently being machined wrong, so I had to get the new drums turned—thankfully that’s cheap. I think it might still be a little wonky, but it’s not horribly noticeable. I should replace it someday though. Maybe. Oh, and I ended up having to make a couple of the axle gaskets. There are metal ones that go between the housing and the brake backing plate. I could find new ones of those. Then there’s supposed to be a paper gasket in between the backing plate and the axle retainer. I couldn’t find new ones of those that seemed quite right (I don’t remember what issues I was having with them, though). So I just cut some new ones out of some gasket material.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151024_162254_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151024_162254_150.jpg" alt="Nasty weld on Maverick rear end">
<figcaption>Nasty weld on Maverick rear end housing</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151031_124806_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151031_124806_150.jpg" alt="Maverick rear mid-cleanup">
<figcaption>Maverick rear mid-cleanup</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151108_181010_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20151108_181010_150.jpg" alt="Maverick center section">
<figcaption>Maverick center section</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5551_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5551_150.jpg" alt="Maverick housing repainted">
<figcaption>Maverick housing repainted</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5563_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5563_150.jpg" alt="6cyl rear end removed">
<figcaption>6 cyl rear end removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5565_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5565_150.jpg" alt="Car without either rear end in place">
<figcaption>Car without either rear end in place</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5617_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5617_150.jpg" alt="Maverick rear end in place">
<figcaption>Maverick rear end in place</figcaption></a>
</figure>Driver’s Side Rear Torque Box2017-03-04T13:03:00-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-03-04:posts/2017/03/ds-rear-torque-box/<p>(Work done around Dec 2015-April 2016)</p>
<p>One of the main things that added some extra unplanned time to all the work was the replacement of the driver’s side rear torque box. The frame rail on the original one was in really bad shape from rust. I started poking around on it and it started crumbling away. I already had a new one in the garage, so that was nice at least. I had planned on replacing it a few years ago, while I was doing the floor pans and everything like that. I just ran out of time that summer and haven’t had much of a chance (or the desire) to mess with it since then since it’s rather invasive. </p>
<p>Replacing that was annoying, just like it was when I did the passenger’s side one awhile back. I stripped the interior and pulled the gas tank since a lot of the welding would be on the frame pretty nearby. Then I made several measurements so that I could position the new one as correctly as I could, with most of the measurements focusing on the position of the leaf spring mounting holes. Additionally, I just marked a spot on the garage floor directly below the mounting hole on one side of the frame rail as another reference point. Then it’s just a matter of partially cutting out the floor above the frame rail section, drilling out the spot welds between the floor and the torque box as well as the torque box and inner rocker, then cutting the frame rail itself to get the old box out. </p>
<p>Then the new one is positioned and welded in. To help make it a little stronger, I also added some reinforcement plates where the new frame rail section meets up with the original section (on the inside of the rails, so they’re not visible when it’s all together). I also ended up making a patch for the section of the floor above the torque box, as the old piece had been repaired before and seemed sorely lacking in strength. It didn’t come out as the nicest-looking repair overall, but I trust it. One day I really need to switch over to actual <span class="caps">MIG</span> welding instead of the gasless flux-core setup—it’s so hard to get good welds on thin metal without burning through. :/</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5572_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5572_150.jpg" alt="Old driver's side rear torque box still in place">
<figcaption>Original <span class="caps">DS</span> rear torque box still in place</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160115_201955_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160115_201955_150.jpg" alt="Old torque box leaf spring mount--totally shot">
<figcaption>Old torque box leaf spring mount—<span class="caps">BAD</span>!</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160117_141041_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160117_141041_150.jpg" alt="Old torque box removed--notice the rusted frame side and overlapped replaced metal on top left">
<figcaption>Old torque box</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160117_174544_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160117_174544_150.jpg" alt="Old torque box removed">
<figcaption>Old torque box removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5588_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5588_150.jpg" alt="New torque box tacked in place">
<figcaption>New torque box tacked in place</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5608_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_5608_150.jpg" alt="Frame rail of new torque box welded to existing rail">
<figcaption>Frame rail of new torque box welded to existing rail</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160228_132325_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2017/03/IMG_20160228_132325_150.jpg" alt="New rear torque box and floor patch in place">
<figcaption>New rear torque box and floor patch in place</figcaption></a>
</figure>V8 Suspension Swap2017-03-02T16:40:00-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2017-03-02:posts/2017/03/v8-suspension-swap/<p>Well, I got behind on this again. I did finish the V8 suspension swap/5-lug upgrade that I had mentioned in the last post. I got that finished up around April of 2016. It turned into a little bigger project than I was really planning, but what’s new there, right? When I was working on the rear end swap, I discovered I really needed to replace the driver’s side rear torque box, where the front of the leaf spring bolts in. More on that separately. I tried to throw everything in one post, but the formatting keeps getting messed up. So I’ll split them up into 4 posts:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/posts/2017/03/ds-rear-torque-box/">Driver’s Side Rear Torque Box</a></li>
<li><a href="/posts/2017/03/8in-rear-end/">8” Rear End</a></li>
<li><a href="/posts/2017/03/v8-suspension-disc-brakes/">V8 Suspension/Disc Brakes</a></li>
<li><a href="/posts/2017/03/v8-steering-linkage/">V8 Steering Linkage</a></li>
</ul>Miscellaneous Updates…2016-01-06T21:46:00-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2016-01-06:posts/2016/01/miscellaneous-updates-jan-2016/<p>Hey everyone! I’m still alive, and so is the car (well, generally). I knew it’s been awhile since I updated this, but didn’t realize it’s been over a year now. So here’s a quick summary of what’s been going on.</p>
<ul>
<li>12/2014 I had to replace the valve stem seals. Somehow one fell apart into a bunch of pieces while I was on the highway and it temporarily caused a loss of oil pressure. I guess a piece got into an oil passage but then freed itself. I just replaced them with standard umbrella seals like it had since that’s all I could get without waiting.</li>
<li>02/2015 I finally bought a second car so I’m not depending solely on the Mustang. I found an ‘88 Jeep Commanche long bed with a 4.0 I6 and a 5 speed (but only 2wd somewhat unfortunately). </li>
<li>05/2015 Replaced the radiator. The stock replacement one I put in a couple years back had started leaking after a year or so (just out of the warranty period, of course), and I had just left it alone since it wasn’t awful. It slowly got a little worse though and started annoying me. I decided to put in a Champion meant for a 5.0 swap, so the inlet and outlet are on the correct sides for the 6 cylinder, just bigger in diameter than what the 6 uses. I found a couple flex hoses that worked out with the correct ends and lengths.</li>
<li>05/2015 Some of the body rust had started getting worse. I was getting a little frustrated with it, especially with everybody always pointing it out at shows, so I decided to try fixing some. I’d never done body work before, so I started with an area that isn’t especially obvious—the lower part of the driver side quarter panel. It was mostly just surface rust but the paint was pretty much gone in the area. I sanded it down, cleaned it up a little bit, used a little putty to smooth it out, and repainted it with a high build primer spray paint and custom-mixed paint sprayed through an airbrush. It’s not perfect, but it seems pretty decent for my first time doing it. I also started working a couple areas on the passenger side after that, but got sidetracked with other things and still haven’t finished them…</li>
<li>05/2015 Replaced the old gas cap that wasn’t looking so great. </li>
<li>05/2015 Lowered the rear with 1” lowering blocks. That made it look a lot better. The rear has been way too high in my opinion, especially with the small wheels.</li>
<li>05/2015 Did a little cleanup in the engine bay, repainted the air cleaner and valve cover, that kind of stuff.</li>
<li>06/2015 Put in <span class="caps">LED</span> tail light bulbs, the “plasma” version from West Coast Classic Cougar. They’re probably not as bright as the board-style, but they’re supposed to be better than the standard <span class="caps">LED</span> bulbs, and they’re certainly better than just regular incandescent bulbs.</li>
<li>06/2015 Drove it from Cincinnati to Kansas City and back for an <span class="caps">AACA</span> show, where it received a Driver’s Participation class certification.</li>
<li>06/2015 Had the exhaust partially replaced as I drug it a few times on the trip and ripped a hole in the muffler. Had a custom intermediate pipe made and a new muffler put on. It’s a little louder than I’d like, but everybody says it sounds like a V8, so I guess that’s good…</li>
<li>07/2015 Replaced the oil pan as I managed to ruin the threads on the drain plug. Go me.</li>
<li>10/2015 Broke the driver’s side outer tie rod end while I was on a trip. </li>
<li>Somewhere in there I added relays to the headlights. I need to clean that wiring up still. </li>
</ul>
<p>It’s been sitting ever since getting it towed back to my garage after breaking the tie rod end. It’s now going through some changes. Upgrade list is:</p>
<ul>
<li>8” rear end from a ‘77 Maverick</li>
<li>Rebuilt Maverick rear drum brakes</li>
<li>Scott Drake 4.5 leaf leaf springs</li>
<li>V8 steering linkage with a roller idler arm from Opentracker</li>
<li>Opentracker Street upper and lower control arms (not the fancy roller ones)</li>
<li>Opentracker roller spring perches</li>
<li><span class="caps">GT</span> coil springs</li>
<li><span class="caps">CSRP</span> Kelsey-Hayes style disc brakes and new spindles</li>
<li>15x7” Cragar Eliminator 500 wheels, with gray spokes</li>
<li>215/60R15 Cooper <span class="caps">CS5</span> Ultra Touring tires</li>
<li>Still need to decide for sure on some new shocks and a new driveshaft</li>
</ul>
<p>Since I’d been debating going 5-lug for years now, and I found the rear end a week before breaking the tie rod, I figured I may as well just go ahead and do the swap. I’ve been having lots of fitment issues and other problems, so hopefully one day I can get it all back together… I miss driving it…</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150509_15_23_21_Smart_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150509_15_23_21_Smart_150.jpg" alt="New and old radiators">
<figcaption>New and old radiatiors</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150516_14_39_53_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150516_14_39_53_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Driver side quarter panel rust">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> quarter panel rust</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150516_18_15_24_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150516_18_15_24_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Driver side quarter panel mostly stripped">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> quarter panel stripped</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150518_08_34_18_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150518_08_34_18_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Driver side quarter panel repainted">
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> quarter panel repainted</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150522_17_12_24_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150522_17_12_24_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Before rear lowering blocks installed">
<figcaption>Before rear lowering blocks</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150522_18_56_26_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150522_18_56_26_Pro_150.jpg" alt="After rear lowering blocks installed">
<figcaption>After rear lowering blocks</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150608_14_06_45_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/WP_20150608_14_06_45_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Random Cincy-KC trip picture">
<figcaption>Random Cincy-<span class="caps">KC</span> trip picture</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/IMG_20151011_185843_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2016/01/IMG_20151011_185843_150.jpg" alt="Broken driver side tie rod end">
<figcaption>Broken <span class="caps">DS</span> tie rod end</figcaption></a>
</figure>Instrument Bezel2014-11-23T22:25:35-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2014-11-23:posts/2014/11/instrument-bezel/<p>Doing better, I’m only a month behind on this one! I had a good discount at Summit Racing from buying some of my exhaust parts, but I didn’t have anything I particularly <em>needed</em>. Since the chrome on my instrument bezel is completely worn, I picked up a new one. </p>
<p>The swap was pretty simple. Undo some screws, disconnect the speedometer cable, undo all the gauge wiring (take notes and/or pictures first!), swap the new bezel onto the cluster itself along with the associated parts, reassemble and make sure everything works. Pretty easy. Just be gentle if you try to clean the gauges… that white paint smears! I also didn’t bother swapping the lens itself, though I probably should’ve. The centers of the fuel and temperature gauges are part of the lens, so I still have some of the old, faded chrome, but it’s not too noticeable. </p>
<p>It definitely made my interior look a lot nicer. Worthwhile change for sure.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_14_01_41_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_14_01_41_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Old instrument bezel still installed">
<figcaption>Old bezel</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_14_01_53_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_14_01_53_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Old instrument bezel still installed">
<figcaption>Old bezel</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_15_30_47_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_15_30_47_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Old and new bezels swapped comparison">
<figcaption>Old and new bezels<br />swapped comparison</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_15_54_19_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_15_54_19_Pro_150.jpg" alt="New bezel installed">
<figcaption>New bezel installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_15_54_26_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/10/WP_20141018_15_54_26_Pro_150.jpg" alt="New bezel installed">
<figcaption>New bezel installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>New Exhaust2014-11-23T19:15:35-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2014-11-23:posts/2014/11/new-exhaust/<p>Another delayed update. I replaced the entire exhaust system back in June. I had a couple leaks around the muffler, all the pipes were really rusty, and the exhaust manifold was starting to crack, so I figured it’d be best if I went ahead and replaced it all.</p>
<p>I decided to pretty much put a ‘68 I6 setup on it. I used:
<em> The “improved repro” ‘65 manifold, with a thicker casting than stock and a 2” outlet
</em> ‘68 200ci headpipe, intermediate pipe, and tailpipe (2” pipes)
<em> Flowtech Raptor muffler
</em> Fel-Pro exhaust gasket
* Various universal hangers, clamps, etc</p>
<p>I was able to get the front part of the system (to the muffler) on by myself in the garage. However, the bends were off in some places <em>just</em> enough that I couldn’t get the tailpipe to go on as well without hitting the gas tank or something else. The way it ended up without the tailpipe, I also had the headpipe hanging at slightly the wrong angle and it hit the steering linkage, preventing me from turning the wheels all the way to the right. </p>
<p>I went ahead and drove it around for a couple days like that while trying to figure out what to do with it. ‘Twas rather loud, but sounded kinda cool. I ended up taking it to a Meineke, who ended up adjusting the bend in the headpipe to clear the steering linkage, and tweaking the intermediate pipe so that the muffler outlet was in the right spot for the tailpipe to work. It came out mostly okay, it took me awhile to get all the leaks from the clamps and gaskets to go away and I’m not a fan of how low it hangs down. It’s normally okay, but I do scrape it on curbs sometimes. After having to take it to Meineke and buying all the parts, the whole thing ended up more expensive than a custom setup would’ve been, so that’s rather annoying. Live and learn, I suppose. </p>
<h2>Battery tray</h2>
<p>I also went ahead and changed out my battery tray. The 1965 battery tray uses a hold-down that clamps to a bottom lip on the battery. My battery doesn’t have this lip, and apparently a bunch of other brands don’t have it either. So while it’s been fine just sitting there for all this time, I found there’s a hybrid style battery tray. This is designed so it’ll bolt into a ‘65 in the stock location, but it uses the ‘67+ style hold-down that goes across the top of the battery (like Ford used for quite some time). It was an easy change, not worth talking about much. I did have to bend the new tray so it’d be at the correct angle—it’s pretty obvious when you compare the new and old trays. I apparently didn’t take any pictures of the installation, but you can see the new tray and hold-down in the pictures below.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/06/WP_20140613_17_11_13_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/06/WP_20140613_17_11_13_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Pipes and muffler for new exhaust">
<figcaption>Pipes and muffler<br />for new exhaust</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/06/WP_20140614_09_29_10_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/06/WP_20140614_09_29_10_Pro_150.jpg" alt="All the new parts">
<figcaption>All the new parts</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/06/WP_20140614_09_31_23_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/06/WP_20140614_09_31_23_Pro_150.jpg" alt="All the new parts again">
<figcaption>All the new parts again</figcaption></a>
</figure>Turn signal switch2014-11-23T18:45:55-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2014-11-23:posts/2014/11/turn-signal-switch/<p>Okay, a very much delayed update—nothing new there, I suppose… Anyway, a few months ago I started having issues with my turn signals. The front ones worked fine if I remember right, but the rear ones were having issues. Something along the lines of the right one worked fine, but the left one only worked when I was also pressing the brakes or some such. Changing the bulbs didn’t help, so after some searching I figured it might be the turn signal switch. I ordered a new one, picked up a steering wheel puller, and set to work. </p>
<p>There’s various sets of instructions online, so I won’t repeat the process here (especially since I don’t remember the details), but it isn’t too difficult. The biggest problem I remember having was trying to get the wires for the new switch pulled back through to the bottom of the column. I had attached a piece of wire to the old wire bundle before removing the old switch, so I was able to use that to pull them through, but it was still a pain. </p>
<p>Ultimately though, it got my turn signals and brake lights fully functional again. :) </p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_18_21_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_18_21_Pro_150.jpg" alt="The old turn signal switch">
<figcaption>The old turn <br />signal switch</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_29_26_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_29_26_Pro_150.jpg" alt="The old turn signal switch partially out">
<figcaption>The old turn <br />signal switch<br />partially out</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_30_59_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_30_59_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Tag on old turn signal switch">
<figcaption>Yep, that was<br />the original</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_47_58_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_47_58_Pro_150.jpg" alt="The old turn signal switch removed">
<figcaption>The old turn <br />signal switch removed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_49_48_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_19_49_48_Pro_150.jpg" alt="The new turn signal switch">
<figcaption>The new turn <br />signal switch</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_21_01_04_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_21_01_04_Pro_150.jpg" alt="The new turn signal switch installed">
<figcaption>The new turn <br />signal switch installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_21_23_37_Pro_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/05/WP_20140513_21_23_37_Pro_150.jpg" alt="Brake lights">
<figcaption>Everything works again!</figcaption></a>
</figure>Shifter handle rebuild2014-03-23T13:30:55-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2014-03-23:posts/2014/03/shifter-handle-rebuild/<p>And one more thing that I did back in January. The shifter’s been pretty sloppy feeling ever since I bought the car, but I never did anything about it since I didn’t know how it was “supposed” to feel. Over the past several months, I noticed it seemed to be getting even worse, so I decided to try rebuilding the handle and see what results that would give me. </p>
<p>There’s both a 3-speed kit and a 4-speed kit available to buy. Even though I have a 3-speed, I went with the 4-speed kit. It uses metal trunnions and springs in the side of the handle, where I guess the 3-speed kit uses rubber. Accordingly, the 4-speed kit is supposed to give more of a performance feel to the shifter, while the 3-speed setup is softer. Easy choice. :)</p>
<p>It’s a very simple project. All you have to do is remove the shift boot, remove the shift handle, remove any remnants of the old bushings and what not (mine was missing most of the pieces), install the new pieces (packing the cavity where the metal trunnions and springs go with some sort of grease to keep them in place), and then reinstall the handle and boot. I also replaced the two bolts that attach the shift handle as mine weren’t correct. I also bought some new wavy washers for the shift rods, but I haven’t crawled under the car to change those out yet.</p>
<p>The result was a fantastic improvement. The shifter is pretty precise now (not like a new car, but much, much better than it was) and shifts are easier. Very well worth the small investment and time expenditure to do it. </p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5268_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5268_150.jpg" alt="One side of the shift handle before rebuilding, missing trunnion/bushing">
<figcaption>One side of the<br />shift handle before<br />rebuilding, missing trunnion</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5270_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5270_150.jpg" alt="Missing both of the lower bushings">
<figcaption>Missing both of<br />the lower bushings</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5272_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5272_150.jpg" alt="New lower bushings installed">
<figcaption>New lower<br />bushings installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5274_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5274_150.jpg" alt="One of the springs and trunnions installed">
<figcaption>One of the springs<br />and trunnions installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5276_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5276_150.jpg" alt="New attaching bolts">
<figcaption>New attaching bolts</figcaption></a>
</figure>Speedometer cable replacement and door luck grommets2014-03-23T13:15:25-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2014-03-23:posts/2014/03/speedometer-cable-lock-grommets/<p>These are hardly worth mentioning, but eh why not. I mentioned before that my speedometer cable broke one morning when it was really cold. I replaced it a week or so later, back in January. I bought a Scott Drake assembly, with the new cable sheath and everything. It’s a pretty straightforward task, so I won’t really talk about the process. I did have the new cable break on me just a few days after I replaced it, though. I think I didn’t have the routing quite right—I went one direction around a bar behind the dash and I should’ve done it the other way. I picked up a universal cut-to-fit cable and replaced just the cable itself this time, and changed the routing around that bar as well. It’s been fine ever since, so hopefully it stays that way. Make sure to pay attention to how the cable goes or you get to replace it again :/</p>
<p>I also made a tiny change in the interior back in January as well. I changed from the standard clear plastic door lock grommets to a stainless steel and felt version that I believe they used in slightly later years with the Deluxe interior. So it’s definitely not a big change by any means, but I like them more—especially since the clear ones kept popping off the door.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/01/IMG_5259_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5259_150.jpg" alt="Old clear lock grommet">
<figcaption>Old clear<br />lock grommet</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5261_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5261_150.jpg" alt="Stainless/felt lock grommet">
<figcaption>Stainless/felt<br />lock grommet</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5265_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5265_150.jpg" alt="Old and new speedometer cables">
<figcaption>Old and new <br />speedometer cables</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5267_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2014/01/IMG_5267_150.jpg" alt="Broken speedometer cable piece">
<figcaption>Broken speedometer<br />cable piece</figcaption></a>
</figure>Front drum brake rebuild2014-03-23T12:30:25-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2014-03-23:posts/2014/03/front-drum-brake-rebuild/<p>As I mentioned in my last post, I rebuilt the front drum brakes in November. I had no idea when they were last changed out, and the previous owner didn’t seem to know anything about them either from what I remember. So I went ahead and did a full rebuild on them until I have enough time and money to swap over to disc brakes. </p>
<p>It wasn’t too bad of a process for the most part. Actually, it was very straight-forward. I think I had used a combination of a Chilton’s repair manual and a magazine article to guide me. Doing one side at a time to allow the use of the other side as a reference when putting things back together definitely helped out too. </p>
<p>The only real problem I ran into was something with the brake hose on the passenger side. I unfortunately can’t remember now exactly what happened, but I think I wound up stripping the nut on the metal brake line where it attaches to the rubber hose. I ended up cutting it or something, and then I replaced the rubber hose and also ran a new metal line to that wheel. Since I had to get it back together for work, I couldn’t order a pre-bent metal line and had to get just a pre-flared straight line with the fittings on it already and then bent it to where it’d work. It was Poly-Armor line so I was able to bend it by hand, and it wasn’t all that difficult thankfully.</p>
<p>I also had to reuse my old self-adjusters, as the grooves in the new ones weren’t large enough to fit over the shoes.</p>
<p>That was that adventure summed up eh 4 months late. It’s a little more comforting having brakes I know the condition of in the front, though I do still really want my discs. On the pictures, I neglected to take pictures of most of the passenger side reassembly, so I’ll just post some of the ones from the driver’s side.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5099_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5099_150.jpg" alt="Old drum setup, driver side">
<figcaption>Old drum setup,<br />driver side</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5104_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5104_150.jpg" alt="Backing plate painted">
<figcaption>Backing plate painted</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5106_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5106_150.jpg" alt="Old and new wheel cylinders">
<figcaption>Old and new wheel cylinders</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5108_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5108_150.jpg" alt="One each of the old and new shoes">
<figcaption>One each of the<br />old and new shoes</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5109_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5109_150.jpg" alt="Driver side reassembled">
<figcaption>Driver side reassembled</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5112_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/11/IMG_5112_150.jpg" alt="And a new drum">
<figcaption>And a new drum</figcaption></a>
</figure>It’s been awhile—I moved2014-01-05T21:04:30-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2014-01-05:posts/2014/01/been-awhile-moved/<p>Hey everyone, so as I’m sure you noticed, the site’s been offline for awhile and I haven’t posted any updates in awhile otherwise. I got a new job and moved to Cincinnati at the end of November. I’m just now getting my server and everything setup again. </p>
<p>With that being said, not much exciting has happened with my Mustang. I redid the front drum brakes back in October or November. New wheel cylinders, shoes, drums, hardware, etc. I’ve got pictures of the process but I’m not sure when I’ll get a post up for it. I think that’s about the only “big” thing I’ve done to it lately heh. </p>
<p>I did drive the Mustang when I moved from Kansas City to Cincinnati (about 600 miles), and I’m still driving it daily out here. It did pretty well on the trip for the most part. In St. Louis, the positive coil wire broke right where it goes into the connector for the coil post. I was able to get it patched on the side of the highway and then did a better fix in a parking lot, and that hasn’t given me anymore issues. The only other problem I ran into on the trip was the clutch return spring (between the clutch fork and the shock tower) broke when I was just a little past Indianapolis. It broke conveniently as I was pulling off the highway to get gas, so I was able to leave it in their parking lot for a bit. Thankfully my dad was in his car behind me and we were able to run to Carquest and find a universal spring that worked well enough. It’s definitely lighter than the old one though, and every once in awhile the pedal won’t fully return to the top. Otherwise, the trip was pretty uneventful. </p>
<p>Also, my speedometer cable broke a few days ago when it was like 5 degrees one morning. I think the cable probably just bound up in the outer housing and then snapped from being twisted. I’ve got a new one on order along with some other little things. </p>10,000 miles, Weber carb, and others2013-10-04T21:44:17-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-10-04:posts/2013/10/10000-miles-weber-others/<p>I haven’t done all that much to the Mustang lately. I just haven’t all that much desire to work on it by the time I get home from work and everything :/ (plus a lack of money). I did hit the 10,000 mile marker this morning, so that’s cool I guess. </p>
<p>I have done just a few things here and there on it though. For one, I installed a Sunpro triple-gauge kit (oil pressure, coolant temp, voltage) right under the dash. I had the oil pressure gauge already, but figured an accurate temperature gauge would be good to have. Turns out it does stay right around 160F except for on the highway when it’s above 80F or so outside. It gets up to 180F or so then. I’ll probably try to remember to install a 180F or so thermostat when it cools off more.</p>
<p>Secondly, I also bought and put on a Weber 32/36 <span class="caps">DGV</span> manual choke carburetor awhile ago—but I ended up taking it back off. I used the Weber -> Holley/Autolite adapter from Classic Inlines combined with the Autolite/Holley -> 1 barrel adapter I already had. To keep the fuel pressure at about 3.5psi, I installed a Professional Products fuel pressure regulator. I also went with the standard Weber short rectangular air filter for it. For the throttle linkage, I basically made an extension to the factory throttle linkage rod to bring it just a little farther to the front of the car. The linkage seemed to mostly work alright, but could probably use a little more tweaking to get better angles. </p>
<p>As mentioned though, I did pull the Weber back off. It wasn’t running all that well. It was pretty weak off idle, requiring me to rev it quite a bit when getting moving to avoid stalling it. The Weber also seemed to cause some surging on the highway. I’m sure it just wasn’t jetted right. Since I haven’t gotten my wideband working yet and the jet kits are pretty expensive for it, I put the 1100 back on until I can get the Weber back on and tuned correctly. </p>
<p>Otherwise, all I’ve done is replace the harmonic balancer. The old one was still the original one, and the rubber was pretty cracked and falling apart. I replaced it with one from Classic Inlines made by Powerbond. It seems like a pretty nice piece. Easy enough to replace, just drain the coolant, pull the radiator, use a balancer puller to remove the old one, slide the new one on, tighten it down to the right torque spec, reinstall the radiator, and refill the coolant.</p>
<p>I have pictures for most of the stuff I’ve done, but haven’t gotten them off my camera and sorted yet. Hopefully I can do that and add them to this post soon.</p>
<p>Post edited 3/23/14:
Well it took me approximately forever, but here’s the pictures! Finally…
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5004_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5004_150.jpg" alt="Weber 32/36 DGV installed along with Professional Products FPR">
<figcaption>Weber 32/36 <span class="caps">DGV</span> installed<br />along with Professional<br />Products <span class="caps">FPR</span></figcaption></a>
</figure></p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5006_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5006_150.jpg" alt="Weber 32/36 DGV installed">
<figcaption>Weber 32/36 <span class="caps">DGV</span> installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5007_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5007_150.jpg" alt="Weber 32/36 DGV installed">
<figcaption>Weber 32/36 <span class="caps">DGV</span> installed</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5008_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5008_150.jpg" alt="Weber 32/36 DGV installed along with Classic Inlines carb adapters">
<figcaption>Weber 32/36 <span class="caps">DGV</span> installed<br />along with Classic Inlines<br />carb adapters</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5009_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5009_150.jpg" alt="The original throttle linkage wasn't quite long enough...">
<figcaption>The original throttle<br />linkage wasn’t quite<br />long enough…</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/09032013462_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/09032013462_150.jpg" alt="So while it's hard to see, I made a bolt-on throttle linkage extension for it">
<figcaption>So while it’s hard to see,<br /> I made a bolt-on throttle<br />linkage extension for it</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5012_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5012_150.jpg" alt="Weber 32/36 DGV installed with the chrome valve cover">
<figcaption>Weber 32/36 <span class="caps">DGV</span> installed <br /> with the chrome valve cover</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5015_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/09/IMG_5015_150.jpg" alt="Weber 32/36 DGV installed with the chrome valve cover">
<figcaption>Weber 32/36 <span class="caps">DGV</span> installed <br /> with the chrome valve cover</figcaption></a>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/08/IMG_4999_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/08/IMG_4999_150.jpg" alt="Old and new harmonic balancers">
<figcaption>Old and new harmonic <br /> balancers</figcaption>
</figure>Export brace installed2013-08-26T21:38:00-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-08-26:posts/2013/08/export-brace-installed/<p>I actually did this about a month ago, but never posted about it. I picked up the Scott Drake export brace and got it installed, but it was a bit of a pain. It wouldn’t quite drop in, even if I jacked the car up along the engine crossmember like some people suggest. I ended up having to slot the mounting holes (where it bolts to the cowl) a little bit and then I got it in. The brace did seem to help stiffen the front end up a bit, though it didn’t make quite as much of a difference as some people seem to claim. Ah well. My hood started squeaking a couple days after I installed it though… not totally sure if that’s related or not, but the squeaking is definitely annoying.</p>5000 miles and track laps2013-05-19T16:36:17-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-05-19:posts/2013/05/5000-miles-and-track-laps/<p>On Saturday (the 18th), I passed the 5,000 mile mark since “completing” the Mustang last year. </p>
<p>The day before that, Friday, I had the opportunity to take my car to the Kansas Speedway and actually drive it around the track. My dad has season tickets, and it’s something new they offered to season ticket holders this year. I was able to do about 8 laps. It was pretty fun—driving on the banking is really interesting, since it’s 17-20 degrees in the turns. It takes awhile to start getting used to it. The last time I went out, I remembered about the windshield mount I have for my phone, so I was able to make a video of my last 3 laps. The mount got in the way and it’s far from great quality, but it worked. </p>
<p>The video:<br />
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/mFP5zUT0_GY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>Back to the 3.03 transmission2013-05-19T16:02:13-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-05-19:posts/2013/05/back-to-the-303-transmission/<p>I changed back to the 3.03 transmission, 9” flywheel, and associated parts last Monday and Tuesday. I was getting tired of the slipping clutch, it grinding into gear, and the shifter jamming. The 3.03 didn’t want to line up at all this time, but I eventually worked it in. My vibration is definitely worse than it was with the 2.77 transmission and 8.5” flywheel setup. I’m not sure which part is making it so much worse though. I’m kind of tempted to just drive it like it is for awhile and then eventually just make a bunch of changes, eg a new flywheel, maybe a T5 transmission, 8” rear end, and so on… I’ll have to get that figured out somewhat soon heh.</p>
<p>When I pulled the 8.5” clutch out, I was pretty surprised to find that I had managed to actually break it though. One of the springs was completely out of the disc, and I found it in two pieces stuck in the pressure plate. I’m taking it that’s what caused the slight change in the clutch pedal feel a few weeks ago. One of the other springs had some scoring on it, too. I don’t have any idea what caused them to get messed up. I was definitely having to slip that clutch a lot and it had a lot of chatter, so maybe it just had too much wear on it.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4856_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4856_150.jpg" alt="Old 8.5" clutch">
<figcaption>Old 8.5” clutch</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4855_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4855_150.jpg" alt="Main part of broken 8.5" clutch spring">
<figcaption>Main part of broken<br />8.5” clutch spring</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4859_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4859_150.jpg" alt="The main piece of the broken spring, closer">
<figcaption>The main piece of the<br />broken spring, closer</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4861_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4861_150.jpg" alt="The rest of the broken spring">
<figcaption>The rest of the broken<br />spring</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4857_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/static/images/2013/05/IMG_4857_150.jpg" alt="Scoring on another clutch spring">
<figcaption>Scoring on another<br />clutch spring</figcaption>
</figure>Stuck in 3rd…2013-05-09T21:48:08-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-05-09:posts/2013/05/stuck-in-3rd/<p>I ended up having another problem with the Mustang on my way to work today. :/ One of my shift rods apparently lost the cotter pin on the part that connects to the shifter. The back part of it then fell out of the shifter while I was on the highway, and I got stuck in 3rd gear. Thankfully the front part stayed in and I didn’t completely lose the rod. I made it to my exit, pulled onto the shoulder, jacked it up, and put it back together. Luckily, I had some spare cotter pins in my trunk. All in all, not a horrible thing, but a little annoying haha. Make sure to check your cotter pins regularly…</p>Cylinder Head Swapped2013-05-01T16:03:41-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-05-01:posts/2013/05/cylinder-head-swapped/<p>I was able to get the cylinder head swapped on Monday. I changed over to the spare ‘66 head I have that was supposedly rebuilt 2000 miles ago. In the process, I also made sure to change over the valve springs between the two heads so that my performance springs are on the head in the car.</p>
<p>It was pretty straight forward to do everything; it just took me awhile. I think I started around 11am and started it up about 9pm. The valve spring compressor I bought worked just fine too. While I had everything apart, I went ahead and repainted the new head since it was blue instead of black, and I also painted the exhaust manifold since I didn’t bother with that the first time I put it together. The head got Dupli-Color Gloss Black Engine Enamel, and I used <span class="caps">VHT</span> Flameproof Flat Aluminum on the exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold definitely looks a lot better now.</p>
<p>Sadly, I don’t have much good news to report from the swap. It still has the vibration on the highway and higher rpms (though the highway vibration may be something else—looks like it’s doing it more even with it in neutral). I’m going to try to get a better idea of when it has the vibration here soon since I’m apparently a bit off-track. The engine doesn’t shake quite so badly at idle now, but still does some. I just performed a compression test though, and all of my cylinders are back where they should be—between 165 and 175 psi. So that’s good at least.</p>
<p>Finally, a note regarding the blog itself. I’ve been using WordPress running on my own server, and I’m most likely going to be switching it over to a different setup soon. I’ll be switching to something simpler. As a result, <em>I’ll no longer have the option to send notifications when I make new posts</em>, unless I come up with my own setup for it. I also very likely won’t have a comments system in place. Lastly, the site’s appearance will change drastically. Just wanted to give a heads-up on the changes.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4817_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4817_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Cylinder 2 on '63 head after ~4300 miles"></a>
<figcaption>Cylinder 2 on ‘63 head<br />after ~4300 miles</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4825_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4825_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="'66 (left) and '63 heads before swapping valve springs"></a>
<figcaption>‘66 (left) and ‘63 heads<br />before swapping valve springs</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4828_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4828_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Bare '66 head"></a>
<figcaption>Bare ‘66 head</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4832_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4832_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="66 head with Comp Cams springs"></a>
<figcaption>‘66 head with<br />Comp Cams springs</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4845_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4845_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="'66 head on and painted"></a>
<figcaption>‘66 head on and painted</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4847_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4847_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="'66 head with rockers on"></a>
<figcaption>‘66 head with rockers on</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4850_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4850_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="'66 head, painted exhaust manifold"></a>
<figcaption>‘66 head, painted<br />exhaust manifold</figcaption>
</figure></p>
<!--
[![Cylinder 2 on '63 head after ~4300 miles](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4817_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4817_1600.jpg)
[!['66 (left) and '63 heads before swapping valve springs](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4825_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4825_1600.jpg)
[![Bare '66 head](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4828_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4828_1600.jpg)
[!['66 head with Comp Cams springs](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4832_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4832_1600.jpg)
[!['66 head on and painted](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4845_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4845_1600.jpg)
[!['66 head with rockers on](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4847_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4847_1600.jpg)
[!['66 head, painted exhaust manifold](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4850_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_4850_1600.jpg)
-->Leaking exhaust valve2013-04-22T20:59:53-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-04-22:posts/2013/04/leaking-exhaust-valve/<p>So after some more testing, I found I have a leaking exhaust valve in cylinder 2. A couple of club members told me I definitely have a miss, so I did another compression check. I guess I must not have done another one after I replaced the head gasket. All cylinders were in the 170-180 psi range, except for cylinder 2. It was down around 105-110. After adding a little oil to the cylinder, the compression did go up to 115 or so, but that was about it.</p>
<p>I don’t have a proper leak-down tester, but I connected an air compressor set at 90 psi straight to cylinder 2 using the hose from the compression tester. You do need to make sure to remove the hose’s valve core or else it doesn’t do much good. :p The piston was at <span class="caps">TDC</span> on the compression stroke so that the valves were closed, and I did retry it later with the rockers off just to double-check it. The air just flowed out the exhaust in a very noticeable amount.</p>
<p>Since I have a spare head that was supposedly rebuilt 2k miles ago, I’m just going to try swapping that on. I’ll need to swap the valve springs over too. I just ordered some new head bolts so that I know those are good, and I’ll try to remember to pick up some washers as well. I also ordered a full engine gasket set—it wasn’t much more expensive than a head gasket set, and I’m sure I’ll need some of the extras at some point. Hopefully this fixes it…</p>Swapped transmission…2013-04-01T15:02:42-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2013-04-01:posts/2013/04/swapped-transmission/<p>So I finally decided to try and track down the vibration a little more since I’m driving the Mustang more with my new job. It’s getting irritating on the highway. Since I was thinking the vibration was probably related to my “new” flywheel, pressure plate, or trans, I swapped back to all of my old drivetrain components last week. I’m running the 8.5” flywheel, old clutch and pressure plate, the 2.77 transmission, my old driveshaft, and the old starter now. I made sure to remember to put thread sealer on the flywheel this time too. Between that and tightening up the oil pan a little more (and maybe the different trans…), I don’t seem to be leaking oil anywhere near as much now.</p>
<p>The swap gave me mixed results. The vibration doesn’t shake the whole car anymore, so it’s a lot nicer at highway speeds. However, there’s still a lot of vibration in the shifter. It’s a little different feel than it was before, but that could just be a result of the different components damping it a little differently. The old clutch chatters a lot. The car drives pretty differently now—definitely different noises compared with the 3.03, a little smoother in a lot of ways, and it seems like when you let off the gas it doesn’t decelerate as quickly.</p>
<p>So yeah… mixed results. I’m wondering if I had multiple issues—something with the 3.03 transmission and the engine itself, leaving just the engine now. But I’m not sure at this point.</p>Some tuning2012-11-28T15:31:22-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-11-28:posts/2012/11/some-tuning/<p>I’ve adjusted the 1100 carb quite a bit before, but nothing ever seemed to make all that much difference. Today I decided to do it again—this time using both the oxygen sensor and a vacuum gauge. I was able to lean it out quite a bit. I think I ended up doing 1/2 to a full turn on the idle mix. Dropping the idle speed to about 900 then netted me close to 14-15” in Hg of vacuum (the reading was still a little shaky, but lots better than it used to be) and O2 voltages between about 600 and 800 mV. Going even just a little leaner resulted in the voltage dropping below 475 mV on occasion, and I’m trying to keep it a little on the rich side for now. Unfortunately, after I shut it off, disconnected the vacuum gauge, plugged the vacuum port, and started it back up, the idle had dropped to around 750 rpm and it wouldn’t stay running. So I bumped the idle back up to around 1000, and then it seemed fine.</p>
<p>Result: It’s completely different now—so much smoother. There’s only an occasional shake at idle and the exhaust sounds smoother and better (plus smells better according to my mom lol). The jerkiness that it had if I shifted into 3rd before 30 mph and got off the gas is gone. I actually checked to make sure it was still running at a stop sign too :p. The vibration that I’ve been trying to track down is still there, but otherwise so far it’s a lot nicer.</p>
<p>In addition to the carb adjustment, I messed with my hood hinges. I sprayed all the rivets where it pivots with <span class="caps">WD</span>-40. The back of the hood tends to sit up above the fender and cowl unless I push down at the hinge. I loosened the hinge-inner fender bolts, pushed the hood up, and tightened them. Now it sits pretty close. The driver’s side is missing a bolt, so once I get that replaced I expect it to be better. With the <span class="caps">WD</span>-40, it opens and closes really easily; with the adjustment, it latches easier. Awesome.</p>Still no luck (2bbl + vibration)2012-11-14T11:56:46-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-11-14:posts/2012/11/still-no-luck-2bbl-vibration/<p>Well, it wasn’t really worth it’s own post, but I did put the transmission back in a couple days after I pulled it out. Vibration seems about the same, and I didn’t find any obviously loose bolts or anything with it apart. I should’ve checked the bellhousing run-out and a few other things, but I didn’t have the right tools and I don’t think anywhere around here sells good ones for it. But I really should’ve done things differently when I pulled the trans out… should’ve waited until the week after cruise night so I didn’t get in a rush to get it back together, should’ve run it with the transmission out, should’ve tried swapping to my old flywheel/clutch/trans/driveshaft, and so on…</p>
<p>It looks like the vibration is engine or flywheel related. Clutch in, rev it to 3000+ rpm, and it makes about the same vibration. So it shouldn’t be the transmission or driveshaft (though they could just make it worse :p ). Guess I’ll have to start pulling things and replacing them until I figure it out basically. Thankfully, I still have all of my old parts.</p>
<p>I’ve also tried the 2100 2 barrel carb a couple times since I got my oxygen sensor in. Turns it out it is running very lean unless I keep it pretty much fully choked, and then it jumps to being rich. Seems like kind of an odd transition—45-50 mV O2 output to about 800 mV with just a little more choke.</p>
<p>And I crossed the 1000 mile mark with it last week. I was at 1015 miles as of 11/08/12, somewhere more than that now. :)</p>Looking for the vibration…2012-10-25T19:06:54-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-10-25:posts/2012/10/looking-for-the-vibration/<p>Not a whole lot of interesting Mustang-related things have been going on lately. I added an oxygen sensor awhile ago for tuning, but it’s just a narrow band and I haven’t been able to get even slightly consistent results from it. Otherwise, I’ve just been driving it a fair bit more and actually treating it like my only car. I’ve had it on the highway a few more times, and it’s definitely getting better mileage since I swapped back from my ~0.067” carb jet to an 0.064”. I think I’m getting somewhere between 15 and 20 mpg on the highway now, but I haven’t had a tank where I predominantly drove highway only.</p>
<p>The problem is that the slight vibration noticeable in the shifter and a little throughout the car overall around town gets quite a bit worse on the highway. Now that I’ve been paying a little more attention to it, I think it’s more proportional to engine rpm rather than speed. If I take it up to 3000-3500 rpm in 2nd, it seems about as bad as it is at 3000 rpm in 3rd. So it’s probably something in the clutch/transmission/driveshaft, but I’m not sure what specifically.</p>
<p>So today I decided to pull the transmission and check things out. I don’t see anything obviously wrong. I’d sort of like to swap my old transmission back in to see if it goes away, but that’d require relocating dowel pins and swapping pilot bushings. Not things I really want to do unless I need to… so I guess I’ll probably take a better look at it tomorrow and then put it back together for now.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4576_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4576_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Clutch/Pressure plate"></a>
<figcaption>Clutch/Pressure plate</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4578_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4578_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Clutch and pressure plate, another angle"></a>
<figcaption>Clutch and pressure plate, <br />another angle</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4581_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4581_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Clutch, closer"></a>
<figcaption>Clutch, closer</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4582_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4582_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Clutch"></a>
<figcaption>Clutch</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4564_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4564_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Bonus picture with stock 13" wheels and whitewalls"></a>
<figcaption>Bonus picture with stock 13” <br /> wheels and whitewalls</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4537_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4537_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="And the oxygen sensor I put in"></a>
<figcaption>And the oxygen sensor I put in</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Clutch/Pressure plate](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4576_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4576_1600.jpg)
[![Clutch and pressure plate, another angle](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4578_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4578_1600.jpg)
[![Clutch, closer](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4581_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4581_1600.jpg)
[![Clutch](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4582_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4582_1600.jpg)
[![Bonus picture with stock 13" wheels and whitewalls](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4564_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4564_1600.jpg)
[![And the oxygen sensor I put in](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4537_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_4537_1600.jpg)
-->Defroster and lighter2012-09-23T23:47:26-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-09-23:posts/2012/09/defroster-and-lighter/<p>When I ordered a few random parts last week, I was a little bit short on the amount for a minimum order. Since it’s starting to cool off and I remembered my old defroster hoses were falling apart, along with the ducts being gone, I figured I’d replace them. I got the regular Scott Drake hose and duct set, not the ones with the cam-locks.</p>
<p>Installation was simple. The grille plate on top of the dash comes out with 2 screws. My old hoses were just zip-tied to the dash, so the ties were cut and the hoses came out under the dash. Then the old clips were removed. Once those were out the way, I cleaned up the exposed areas a little bit as everything was pretty dusty. Then I installed the new parts. They go in from the top and just clip back into place. The clips were a bit of a pain and I’m not entirely sure I got all 4 completely in place, but hopefully they’re at least not going to pop loose. Then reinstall the grille plate, attach the hoses at the bottom, and it’s done.</p>
<p>While messing around under the dash, I also replaced the cigarette lighter. It’s never worked since I bought the car. I have a lighter-powered air compressor for my tires, so I wanted to get it working again. Disconnect the wire at the back (and ideally the battery first, of course), put your thumb in the socket, and either hold the back section and twist the socket loose with your thumb (what I did), or hold the socket with your thumb and twist the back piece (probably easier). Pretty sure I pulled that method from someone on a Mustang forum awhile ago, but don’t remember where anymore… so thanks to whoever posted it! Reinstall is just the reverse. It works with no problem now.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4514_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4514_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Old defroster hoses in place"></a>
<figcaption>Old defroster hoses in place</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4517_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4517_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Old setup again"></a>
<figcaption>Old setup again</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="(http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4519_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4519_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Old and new hoses/ducts"></a>
<figcaption>Old and new hoses/ducts</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br />
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4528_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4528_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="New DS duct"></a>
<figcaption>New <span class="caps">DS</span> duct</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4529_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4529_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="New PS duct"></a>
<figcaption>New <span class="caps">PS</span> duct</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4524_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4524_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Old and new lighter bodies"></a>
<figcaption>Old and new lighter bodies</figcaption>
</figure></p>
<!--
[![Old defroster hoses in place](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4514_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4514_1600.jpg)
[![Old setup again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4517_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4517_1600.jpg)
[![Old and new hoses/ducts](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4519_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4519_1600.jpg)
[![New DS duct](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4528_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4528_1600.jpg)
[![New PS duct](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4529_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4529_1600.jpg)
[![Old and new lighter bodies](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4524_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4524_1600.jpg)
-->DS cowl work2012-09-23T23:19:14-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-09-23:posts/2012/09/ds-cowl-work/<p>The driver’s side still has (well, hopefully had…) some leaks. I never figured out for sure where it was leaking, but I’m sure the cowl opening was part of it like on the passenger’s side. I put one of the plastic cowl hats in place on the passenger’s side when I pulled the heater box, but never did the driver’s side. Since I had the interior out for the floor paint, I went ahead and took care of the cowl vent then.</p>
<p>I pulled the fresh air vent out (disconnect the control cable, remove 3 nuts—much easier than I was expecting) and there was a bunch of loose rust and other things up by the cowl. As on the passenger’s side, there was some surface rust, but the cowl seems to be in moderately decent shape overall. I cleaned up the rust the best I could with just sanding and a wire wheel on a mini rotary tool, then primed and painted the area.</p>
<p>Before putting the plastic hat, I also did some quick clean-up work on the fresh air vent itself and gave it a respray to make it look a little nicer. Once that dried, I put the silicone sealer around the bottom lip of the cowl opening. Then I “glued” the plastic hat in place with the sealer and held it in place by reinstalling the fresh air vent. Pretty simple overall.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4484_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4484_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Lots of rust and stuff"></a>
<figcaption>Lots of rust and stuff</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4485_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4485_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Cowl opening before cleanup"></a>
<figcaption>Cowl opening before cleanup</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4491_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4491_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Inside the cowl"></a>
<figcaption>Inside the cowl</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4503_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4503_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Cowl opening after paint"></a>
<figcaption>Cowl opening after paint</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4508_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4508_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Air vent reinstalled"></a>
<figcaption>Air vent reinstalled</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Lots of rust and stuff](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4484_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4484_1600.jpg)
[![Cowl opening before cleanup](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4485_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4485_1600.jpg)
[![Inside the cowl](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4491_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4491_1600.jpg)
[![Cowl opening after paint](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4503_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4503_1600.jpg)
[![Air vent reinstalled](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4508_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4508_1600.jpg)
-->More floor pan paint2012-09-23T18:18:59-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-09-23:posts/2012/09/more-floor-pan-paint/<p>A few updates to make, that I’ll spread over a few posts here I think.</p>
<p>For one, I put another coat of paint on my floor pans. It’s just another layer of Rust-Oleum’s brush on Satin Black, nothing fancy. I also spray-painted a few areas that weren’t working so well with the brush. I did both the top and bottom of the floors. Looks a little bit better than it did with just the primer and one coat.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4475_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4475_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Another layer of paint on the floors"></a>
<figcaption>Another layer of paint <br />on the floors</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4480_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4480_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Floor pan paint again"></a>
<figcaption>Floor pan paint again</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Another layer of paint on the floors](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4475_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4475_1600.jpg)
[![Floor pan paint again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4480_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/IMG_4480_1600.jpg)
-->Sticking with the one-barrel still…2012-08-27T19:20:44-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-08-27:posts/2012/08/sticking-with-the-one-barrel-still/<p>Well, at least for right now I’m still sticking with the 1100 one-barrel carburetor. I cleaned all the passages I could get to in the 2100 with pieces of wire. It still refused to idle, no matter how I adjusted it. Hold the throttle open a bit and it would run, but of course that put it at 1500-2000 rpm or so, and as soon as I let off, it’d die. Pretty aggravating.</p>
<p>Since the 0.064” jet in the 1100 still felt a little lean, I took a random diamond burr Dremel bit I had and enlarged the opening in a spare 64 jet a little. It ended up around 0.067” or so I think. With that in, it definitely feels like it has more power, and it doesn’t seem to be pinging at all either.</p>
<p>With the 1100 carb, I don’t have a ported vacuum source for the <span class="caps">DS2</span> distributor. I tried running manifold vacuum but it resulted in even more shaking and a bunch of black smoke at idle. So right now, I’m not running any vacuum advance.</p>
<p>Overall, it’s running decently now, except for that shake at idle. I also took it out for its third cruise night this summer, though it started to rain a little over an hour after I got there and most people left. Lots of nice cars there before that, as usual.</p>Carb and ignition update2012-08-16T19:37:24-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-08-16:posts/2012/08/carb-and-ignition-update/<p>I haven’t been messing with the Mustang quite as much lately. It also developed a hot start issue last night. I drove it to church, and it wouldn’t start afterward. I ended up getting a ride, then came back later and it started okay. It did the same thing later—got home, let it sit for an hour, wouldn’t start, no problem starting today. It only does it after sitting for awhile though—it was fine if I shut it off for just a few minutes. Not really sure what’s causing it, if it’s vapor lock or something in the ignition getting too hot.</p>
<h2>Website Info:</h2>
<p>I purchased a domain name a couple weeks ago for this blog. Right now it just redirects to its old address, but at some point I’ll likely change it so that the new address is the primary one. I’ll try to keep a redirect from the current address for awhile, though. The new site is <a href="http://www.65ssg.net">http://www.65ssg.net</a></p>
<h2>Battery Cables:</h2>
<p>I replaced the battery and starter cables with <span class="caps">NAPA</span> Mileage Plus ones since the old ones had some corrosion and were the wrong lengths. Not very exciting.</p>
<h2>Ignition:</h2>
<p>After the Mopar ignition module died, I ended up deciding to try an <span class="caps">HEI</span> module. I got a Mallory 607 module from Summit, and redid my wiring to have the right connections. Since it needs a heatsink, I decided to remove the potting and electronics from the Mopar box and place the <span class="caps">HEI</span> module inside of that. That would let the box be the heatsink, and since it has the copper plate I figured it should be fine.</p>
<p>At first the <span class="caps">HEI</span> seemed to smooth things out a little bit, but then it went back to the way it was, or at least close. Since I didn’t drive it much with the Mopar box, and it’s been awhile since I had the points dist in, it’s hard to say for sure. I’m also still running the stock resistor wire, so that may not be helping. The instructions for the coil say to retain the stock resistor when being used on a 6 cylinder, but since <span class="caps">HEI</span> modules generally have variable dwell, I may not need it.</p>
<h2>Carbs:</h2>
<p>As far as carburetors go, they don’t seem to like me very much. All of my driving has been on the 1100 still. I picked up a new jet for it (0.064 from Mike’s Carburetor Parts) to hopefully richen it up a little bit. The opening in the new one is around the same size as the old one, which was a 53F, so I’m not sure how much it’s actually helping. It feels a little bit better maybe, but I don’t think it’s rich enough yet.</p>
<p>The 2100 still won’t cooperate at all. I got a power valve block off for it, thinking maybe the rebuild kit’s pv was opening at idle. It didn’t make a difference. I also got Holley 51 jets for it, but could only install one of them. The other jet is very stuck, and nothing I tried was getting it out. I’m kind of out of ideas on it. I tried it again today and it’s still hard to start, and won’t idle at all right now. If I hold the throttle to around 1500-2000 rpm it’ll run, but that’s it, and it’s response lags.</p>
<h2>Wheel well paint:</h2>
<p>I also repainted the rear wheel wells. Just some brush-on Rustoleum Clean Metal Primer and Satin Black top coat, the same combo I used on the floor pans. I think it looks pretty good.</p>
<p>That’s about it for now.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4207_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4207_1600-150x150.jpeg" alt="Rear wheel well paint"></a>
<figcaption>Rear wheel well paint</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4211_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4211_1600-150x150.jpeg" alt="Stripped Mopar ignition box"></a>
<figcaption>Stripped Mopar ignition box</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4214_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4214_1600-150x150.jpeg" alt="HEI module in Mopar box"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">HEI</span> module in Mopar box</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4203_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4203_1600-150x150.jpeg" alt="With the 2100 installed"></a>
<figcaption>With the 2100 installed</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Rear wheel well paint](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4207_1600-150x150.jpeg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4207_1600.jpeg)
[![Stripped Mopar ignition box](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4211_1600-150x150.jpeg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4211_1600.jpeg)
[![HEI module in Mopar box](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4214_1600-150x150.jpeg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4214_1600.jpeg)
[![With the 2100 installed](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4203_1600-150x150.jpeg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_4203_1600.jpeg)
-->Autolite 2100 update2012-07-26T02:00:04-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-26:posts/2012/07/autolite-2100-update/<h2>Carburetor</h2>
<p>I’ve been working on getting the Autolite 2100 2 barrel installed and setup. I rebuilt it with a <span class="caps">NAPA</span> kit and installed a universal manual choke kit, though there’s no good place to mount one of the brackets so I’ll need to figure something else out for it—either going back to the hot air choke or making my own bracket.</p>
<p>With the 2100 on, it’s tending to be difficult to start. I have to increase the idle speed at the screw, start it, and then lower the idle speed again. It also won’t idle below around 1200 rpm. I’m pretty sure there’s a vacuum leak somewhere, and the power valve from the rebuild kit may be causing issues as well. With the cam I only have around 13-14” of idle vacuum, so it might be opening at idle. Not totally sure.</p>
<h2>Ignition</h2>
<p>As mentioned in the last post, I ran into issues with the reman Duraspark <span class="caps">II</span> distributor I bought. I ended up grabbing one from the junkyard; it’s from an ‘83 Fairmont. I was able to get it in and wired to the Mopar box and it ran fine. Well, fine for it, anyway, and only temporarily.</p>
<p>The ignition box died a day or two ago. It died while it was running, and I figured it was just from the carb since it had done it before. But no matter what I adjusted, it would never restart. I eventually decided to check the spark and had nothing. I dropped my old distributor with the points back in and it started up. Then I connected the points distributor to the ignition box like I had it last week, and it wouldn’t start again. I’m debating whether to grab another Mopar box (though a different brand) or go with something else.</p>
<h2>Throttle Cable</h2>
<p>I also should figure out a new setup for the throttle cable, as the brackets I made aren’t quite thick enough. They’re both bending a little bit as the cable is pulled, and I’m not very fond of how close one puts the cable to the exhaust and some other components right now.</p>
<p>That’s about it for now.</p>Points triggered electronic ignition2012-07-17T00:24:27-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-17:posts/2012/07/points-triggered-electronic-ignition/<p>I’ve got the electronic ignition I described a couple posts back partially installed and running now. Right now it’s running triggered off of the points, as I didn’t have any luck getting the distributor to fit—I really think it’s slightly bent or something. Everything is the same size as my old one, but it gets stuck before it fully drops down, even with the oil pump driveshaft completely out. I’ll have to find another one.</p>
<p>The wiring is done with 14 gauge wire (though one of the distributor pickup wires is 16 gauge), with bullet connectors going to the Mopar box and the standard quick disconnect terminals to the relay and other components. The relay provides 12V power to the ignition box when the ignition switch is in the on and start positions. It has a 20A glass fuse with 12V pulled from the always hot side of the starter solenoid, with the trigger from the solenoid’s “I” terminal.</p>
<p>Right now, the points distributor’s ground wire to the solenoid is connected to one of the box’s pickup wires, and the other is left disconnected. I narrowed the points gap to about 0.020”. I had tried something smaller, but couldn’t get it to run. It turns out that I had a grounding issue with my starter solenoid, so the smaller gap could still work and save a little wear. I had to rotate the distributor a bit to get it to start, since the ignition box fires when the points close rather than when they open. Once running, I adjusted the timing to around 10 degrees <span class="caps">BTDC</span>. The setup for the points triggering is from <a href="http://gofastforless.com">Go Fast for Less</a>.</p>
<p>In all honesty, I haven’t noticed a major difference with this setup, but I’ve hardly driven it like this. It’s basically just been around the block. I need to get some better fitting terminals in a couple places before I drive it too far, and I also started on the 2 barrel swap, so this exact setup won’t be driven more than it has. Plug gaps are at 0.040”, which is only a little bigger than I had them before. My points were also brand new from Motorcraft. It probably isn’t trying to pull more current than what the points could handle at this point.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4159_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4159_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Mopar ignition box mounted"></a>
<figcaption>Mopar ignition box mounted</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4161_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4161_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Bullet connectors on pickup wires"></a>
<figcaption>Bullet connectors<br/>on pickup wires</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4166_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4166_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Wiring"></a>
<figcaption>Wiring</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4194_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4194_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Relay wiring"></a>
<figcaption>Relay wiring</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4173_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4173_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Wiring along the braces"></a>
<figcaption>Wiring along the braces</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4172_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4172_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Ignition box wired"></a>
<figcaption>Ignition box wired</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4174_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4174_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Wiring near coil and to distributor"></a>
<figcaption>Wiring near coil and<br/>to distributor</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Mopar ignition box mounted](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4159_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4159_1600.jpeg)
[![Bullet connectors on pickup wires](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4161_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4161_1600.jpeg)
[![Wiring](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4166_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4166_1600.jpeg)
[![Relay wiring](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4194_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4194_1600.jpeg)
[![Wiring along the braces](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4173_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4173_1600.jpeg)
[![Ignition box wired](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4172_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4172_1600.jpeg)
[![Wiring near coil and to distributor](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4174_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4174_1600.jpeg)
-->Shelby/Arning drop completed2012-07-12T23:28:27-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-12:posts/2012/07/shelbyarning-drop-completed/<p>I can finally call the Shelby/Arning drop complete… got it aligned this afternoon.</p>
<p>Before that, though, I had to do just a little bit of filing to get the upper control arms to go in. I also had to hammer out the back of the driver’s side shock tower a bit, as the grease fitting was up against the tower. I pulled some of the shims from all of the bolts, but I ended up with obvious positive camber when I put it back together. So it needed aligned really badly (apart from the wander and everything it already had).</p>
<p>I gave the shop that aligned it the DazeCar’s specs (<a href="http://dazed.home.bresnan.net/drop">DazeCar’s Shelby/Arning Drop article</a>). The guy I talked to couldn’t give me the specs that they ended up at since they did it “old-school,” but it feels pretty good. It’s definitely nicer than it was. It also dropped the car a bit (maybe 1/2”?), and I rather like it. Those 13” wheels are still weird looking on it though…</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4131_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4131_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Driver's side drop done"></a>
<figcaption>Driver’s side drop done</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4134_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4134_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side drop done"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side drop done</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4135_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4135_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side back together"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side back together</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4148_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4148_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Drop after alignment"></a>
<figcaption>Drop after alignment</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4151_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4151_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side after drop"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side after drop</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4153_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4153_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Another pic after the drop"></a>
<figcaption>Another pic after the drop</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Driver's side drop done](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4131_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4131_1600.jpeg)
[![Passenger side drop done](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4134_1600-150x150.jpg)]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4134_1600.jpeg)
[![Passenger side back together](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4135_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4135_1600.jpeg)
[![Drop after alignment](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4148_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4148_1600.jpeg)
[![Passenger side after drop](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4151_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4151_1600.jpeg)
[![Another pic after the drop](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4153_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4153_1600.jpeg)
-->PS shock tower rust and Shelby drop2012-07-12T23:05:49-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-12:posts/2012/07/ps-shock-tower-rust-shelby-drop/<p>After finishing the drilling for the driver’s side Shelby drop, I moved onto fixing the passenger side. The rust through the shock tower and the frame rail were just as bad. I ended up doing the same thing as on the driver’s side—clean it up the best I could without taking <em>too</em> long, add some patches, and add the braces. I had a little more trouble with the welding on this side, but it got done. I’ll definitely need to do a lot of proper metal replacement whenever I have a good garage and can have the Mustang not drivable for awhile though…</p>
<p>After patching the rust, I did the Shelby drop. I did it the same way as on the driver’s side, except I ended up going all the way to 1/2” on the unibit and then used the 1/2” bit just to clean it up and get it to 1/2” all the way through.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4120_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4120_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side shock tower and frame rail rust"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side shock tower<br />and frame rail rust</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4123_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4123_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Yeah..."></a>
<figcaption>Yeah…</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4128_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4128_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS shock tower and frame patches and braces"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> shock tower and frame<br />patches and braces</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4130_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4130_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Holes drilled and area primered"></a>
<figcaption>Holes drilled and area<br />primered</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Passenger side shock tower and frame rail rust](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4120_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4120_1600.jpeg)
[![Yeah...](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4123_1600-150x150.jpg)]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4123_1600.jpeg)
[![PS shock tower and frame patches and braces](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4128_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4128_1600.jpeg)
[![Holes drilled and area primered](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4130_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4130_1600.jpeg)
-->More DS shock tower2012-07-07T23:01:11-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-07:posts/2012/07/more-ds-shock-tower/<p>I pretty much have the driver’s side shock tower work finished up. I ended up needing to babysit my niece for a good portion of today (and tomorrow), so I couldn’t get quite as much done as I wanted to.</p>
<p>I added a few little braces to the bottom of the shock tower-frame area, since that area still has some missing strength from rust issues that I can’t easily get to right now. Once again, not all that nice looking, but hopefully will do what they need to do.</p>
<p>The holes for the Shelby drop are also drilled on the driver’s side. I used the template from Opentracker, and started with a 1/8” pilot hole. Then I moved to a unibit and went up to about 15/32”, then switched to a 1/2” drill bit. It was pretty simple, and the only issue was that I should’ve gone a little smaller on the holes with the unitbit. It was difficult to get the 1/2” bit centered well. It looks like I’ll need to file it just a little bit to get the uca back in.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4113_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4113_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Drop template and braces"></a>
<figcaption>Drop template and braces</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4115_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4115_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Drop template"></a>
<figcaption>Drop template</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4117_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4117_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="New holes drilled"></a>
<figcaption>New holes drilled</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Drop template and braces](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4113_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4113_1600.jpeg)
[![Drop templated](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4115_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4115_1600.jpeg)
[![New holes drilled](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4117_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4117_1600.jpeg)
-->DS shock tower and frame patch2012-07-05T21:13:30-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-05:posts/2012/07/ds-shock-tower-and-frame-patch/<p>I got most of the patching done on the driver’s side shock tower/frame area. I knew there was a little rust through the area, but as I scraped some mud away, chunks of frame started coming out as well. The entire top of the frame rail under the shock tower is gone. Admittedly, my patches in this area are far from perfect and not all that nice looking. I figure at some point in the future (when I have a second car and preferably a garage) I’ll tear the entire front end apart and replace sections. For now, I just wanted something that would be structurally sound and not have to worry about the car falling apart or anything.</p>
<p>The old metal was cleaned up and wire-wheeled, but I couldn’t get it all due to the space limitations. I primered the area inside the frame rail and bottom of the patch I made, then welded it in. The vertical piece on the shock tower is done the same way. Just lap welds, not butt welds. It doesn’t look too terrible though, and I’ll probably clean it up a little more tomorrow, and maybe add a little bracing.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4102_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4102_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Frame rail and shock tower before patching, looking down"></a>
<figcaption>Frame rail and shock tower<br />before patching, looking down</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4107_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4107_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Pile of old metal and dirt..."></a>
<figcaption>Pile of old metal and dirt…</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4110_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4110_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Frame and shock tower patches"></a>
<figcaption>Frame and shock<br />tower patches</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4112_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4112_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Frame and shock tower patches"></a>
<figcaption>Frame and shock<br />tower patches</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Frame rail and shock tower before patching, looking down](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4102_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4102_1600.jpeg)
[![Pile of old metal and dirt...](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4107_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4107_1600.jpeg)
[![Frame and shock tower patches](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4110_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4110_1600.jpeg)
[![Frame and shock tower patches](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4112_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4112_1600.jpeg)
-->Planned ignition upgrade and Shelby drop start2012-07-04T02:24:42-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-04:posts/2012/07/planned-ignition-upgrade-and-shelby-drop-start/<p>Since the current distributor in my Mustang is the Load-O-Matic that only has vacuum advance and depends on a special Spark Control Valve in the carburetor (which the 2100 doesn’t have), the ignition needs to get changed with the new carb. I haven’t received the parts yet, but they’re on their way.</p>
<p>The distributor is going to be one of the mid-to-late ‘70s Duraspark 2 electronic distributors. I figure I may as well swap over to an electronic ignition since I’m swapping distributors. The distributor was ordered for a ‘76 Maverick with a 250. That’ll trigger a standard Mopar black ignition box (‘74 Plymouth Duster), connected to my existing Pertronix Flame-Thrower coil. I was going to use a regular blue strain relief <span class="caps">DS2</span> box, as I had two sitting in the shed. They turned out to both be completely dead though. The Mopar box was cheaper, and I’ve seen a lot of people posting about dead aftermarket <span class="caps">DS2</span> boxes… so we’ll see how well the Mopar box works. I’ve always liked Dusters and Barracudas anyway. :p</p>
<p>Since the Mustang needs an alignment anyway (wandering a bit at 50+), I decided to do the Shelby/Arning drop on it. The drop involves drilling new mounting holes for the upper control arms, 1” down and 1/8” back from stock. This gives a better camber curve and also lowers the car a little bit. I got the template from Opentracker Racing Products. So far I’ve just gotten both springs out (using an Autozone internal spring compressor). The shocks were being difficult, and the bolts that hold the shock tower end caps on were just spinning with no place to hold them as I took the nuts off. At least one nut on each side of the car came off eventually, and then I was able to lift the cap up, slide the loose bolts out, and then slide the cap out with the other bolts still in place. Once I get the control arms off, I’ll need to go ahead and patch a few more areas of the frame and shock towers that I couldn’t get to before.</p>Start of 2 barrel carb upgrade2012-07-04T01:39:45-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-07-04:posts/2012/07/start-of-2-barrel-carb-upgrade/<p>There hasn’t been a lot to update on lately. I’ve just been driving it around a bit, tweaking a few random things here and there, took it to a cruise night, and so on. I haven’t really figured anything out on its idle issues or anything, sadly.</p>
<p>However, since the carb is running lean and a 2 barrel makes a nice upgrade for these engines, I’ve decided to swap over. I found an Autolite 2100 with 1.02” venturis, which flows 245 cfm. My 1.10” venturi Autolite 1100 flows about 150 cfm, so that should make a nice change. The 2100’s part number is 5752305, which is apparently from a ‘58-‘59 Ford Fairlane with a 332. Hopefully it’ll work pretty well on my 200. It does need to be cleaned up a bit.</p>
<p>I purchased an Autolite carburetor adapter from Classic Inlines. It’s a really nice looking piece, but I’m thinking I received the wrong one, as the adapter’s bore is a bit larger than the carb opening in the head. I’m working on getting that figured out.
Edit: It’s the correct adapter. The larger adapter uses a different bolt pattern. I’m getting forgetful. :p The discrepancy in size is due to the carb bore in the head varying a little over the years, so the adapters are made for the larger bores so as to not restrict flow on them.</p>
<p>I did a mock-up install of the carb to determine how much clearance I have for the air cleaner. I measured from the top of the intake manifold to the top of the factory air cleaner with the 1100 still in place, which was about 7.25”. Then I swapped over to the adapter and 2100, and measured from the top of the intake manifold to the carb’s air cleaner mounting flange. This was about 5.25”. So I have at least 2” to work with, as I’m not 100% certain how much space there is between the top of the factory setup and the hood. I’m also concerned that if I go with a 14” diameter air cleaner, it’ll hit the ribs on the hood. Because of that, I’ll probably end up going with a 9” or 10” diameter one.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4088_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4088_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Autolite 2100"></a>
<figcaption>Autolite 2100</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4098_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4098_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Autolite 2100 mock-up"></a>
<figcaption>Autolite 2100 mock-up</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4099_1600.jpeg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4099_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Autolite 2100 mock-up 2"></a>
<figcaption>Autolite 2100 mock-up 2</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Autolite 2100](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4088_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4088_1600.jpeg)
[![Autolite 2100 mock-up](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4098_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4098_1600.jpeg)
[![Autolite 2100 mock-up 2](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4099_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMG_4099_1600.jpeg)
-->Still running rough2012-06-12T16:49:57-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-06-12:posts/2012/06/still-running-rough/<p>I haven’t had any luck getting the idle smoothed out yet. I’ve tried basically everything I can think of, along with all the suggestions from over at Fordsix.com. It’s still shaking, and still surging and jerking while at cruise (though I have a feeling the fix for that is a larger carb jet).</p>
<p>I used propane to check for vacuum leaks—nothing. Propane directly down into the carb—nothing. The spark plug wires’ resistance is between 2800 and 3700 Ohms/foot, which seems to be fairly typical for factory style wires.</p>
<p>To check for possible valvetrain issues, I ran the engine with no valve cover. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary just looking at it. I also checked with a timing light on the valvetrain, and everything still seemed fine. Unfortunately, when I put the valve cover back on after that, I broke a bolt off in the head. I need to figure out a good way to remove that. In the meantime, that’s caused a small oil leak at the back of the engine.</p>
<p>I’m at a loss on it for now. The vacuum gauge bounces around a bit at idle, so it sort of seems like it’d be a valve problem or a vacuum leak—yet everything seems fine. The only thing I can think of is maybe the guides, but I’m not sure if that’d cause an issue with the idle or not.</p>Doing a bit better2012-06-06T00:58:11-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-06-06:posts/2012/06/doing-a-bit-better/<p>I’ve been driving the Mustang around a fair bit the past few days. It’s giving me issues here and there, but overall it’s going pretty well.</p>
<p>The idle is still rough with the engine shaking around, and nothing I’ve tried points to anything wrong. Idle a/f mix seems okay, all mounts are new and tight, pulling any plug wire results in a change, timing is at 10 degrees…</p>
<p>It also sometimes has a bit of jerkiness when just cruising off the throttle, especially around 35-40mph in 3rd it seems.</p>
<p>A couple days ago it was stumbling really badly unless I got on it more than usual. It seems that adjusting the carb float fixed that problem, at least so far.</p>
<p>I also replaced the stock-style ignition coil with a Pertronix Flame-Thrower. I’m still running the points while I figure out what exactly I want to do. I have a couple <span class="caps">DS2</span> modules, although I’m not certain if either’s good. I’ve also found some transistor assisted ignition modules that might be good interim options, as they’re fairly cheap. Going to a <span class="caps">DS2</span> requires me to switch the carb as well as the distributor due to the factory distributor being the Load-O-Matic that uses a spark control valve in the carb. The transistor assisted modules retain the points as a trigger method, so I don’t need to change the carb or distributor.</p>
<p>My instrument cluster lights went out last night as I was driving. It was just the fuse, so I replaced that today and they’re fine again.</p>
<p>When I was driving last night, it ran really well for around 1/2 an hour. After that, it started to get a little jerky again. I’m guessing something must be getting a little too warm. I removed the heater hoses from the carb spacer, so maybe that’ll help. It seemed okay tonight, but I didn’t drive for all that long.</p>
<p>I’ve also hit about 100 miles on it since finishing everything. :)</p>Legal again2012-06-01T19:49:09-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-06-01:posts/2012/06/legal-again/<p>I went ahead and got it reinspected today. The last inspection certificate had expired before I was home, so I wasn’t able to get my tags updated. It passed again, and so I drove it over to the <span class="caps">DMV</span> to renew my plates and drove back home.</p>
<p>So it’s finally legal again, and now I can work on remaining things with proper test drives, rather than just messing around with it in the driveway.</p>
<p>I also put my glovebox back in. The interior now looks pretty much like a normal car. :)</p>Back to work, little things2012-05-31T15:25:23-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-05-31:posts/2012/05/back-to-work-little-things/<p>I graduated last Sunday, May 20th. Got home a couple of days after that, and I’ve been working on the Mustang since then. I’ll be home until I’m able to find a job. I’ve made some progress, but nothing too obvious I guess. It still isn’t inspected again and so I still haven’t gotten my new tags. Since most of the stuff I’ve been doing is smaller things, I’ll just outline it here (in no order):</p>
<ul>
<li>Got it running again the first day I got back with no problems<</li>
<li>Washed it, clay barred it, and waxed it. It turned out rather nice.</li>
<li>Installed new plugs, rotor, distributor cap, and points</li>
<li>Retimed it, and discovered that I think my balancer did indeed slip</li>
<li>Replaced exhaust manifold studs</li>
<li>Replaced exhaust manifold gasket</li>
<li>Did a better wiring job on my tachometer so the wires aren’t in the way</li>
<li>Wired up the light on my oil pressure gauge</li>
<li>Replaced the oil pressure gauge line (it was leaking a little bit)</li>
<li>Installed a couple of the screw in floor pan drains</li>
<li>Pulled the heater box, adjusted the fan on the motor as it was vibrating a lot and sounded really bad</li>
<li>Replaced one of the heater hoses to the heater core that I had cut just a little too short</li>
<li>Reinstalled the heater box</li>
<li>Replaced the parking brake handle</li>
<li>Installed a throttle return spring</li>
<li>Replaced the starter solenoid because it shorted out and the engine wouldn’t shut off</li>
</ul>
<p>I think that’s most of the stuff. I also did a compression test at one point as it still runs rough and I can’t figure out why. The first time I did the test, I got some worrying numbers: 140 psi, 140, 180, 170, 160, 150.</p>
<p>Then I retorqued the head bolts (and of course the rocker arm assembly ones in the process) and redid it. That time I ended up with 155, 160, 160, 160, 155, 155. The engine wasn’t quite as warm that time, so those may not be all that accurate.</p>
<p>I also just finished up some cooling system stuff. I started to install the thermostat yesterday, but I broke the water outlet housing. The thermostat slipped down a little when I put it on and I didn’t realize it. It leaked after filling it back up, so I tried to torque it down just a bit more and it snapped. I got a new one this morning, so I got that replaced and the coolant refilled just a bit ago. I haven’t driven it yet, but it seems good from running it while checking for leaks.</p>
<p>Since my last compression test wasn’t done with it at operating temperature, I decided to do it one more time now that I have a thermostat. I got 162 psi, 165, 170, 162, 165, 160. All are within 10psi, so it doesn’t look like I have any compression issues anymore.</p>
<p>I also ordered some little parts from <span class="caps">NPD</span>, along with a Pertronix Flame-Thrower coil. Those will be here around Monday.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4021_1024.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4021_1024-150x150.jpg" alt="After a good wash and wax"></a>
<figcaption>After a good wash and wax</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4022_1024.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4022_1024-150x150.jpg" alt="Another angle"></a>
<figcaption>Another angle</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4057_1024.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4057_1024-150x150.jpg" alt="Another angle"></a>
<figcaption>Another angle</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![After a good wash and wax](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4021_1024-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4021_1024.jpg)
[![Another angle](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4022_1024-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4022_1024.jpg)
[![Another angle](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4057_1024-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/IMG_4057_1024.jpg)
-->Spring Break Work2012-03-23T00:28:52-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-03-23:posts/2012/03/spring-break-work/<p>Well since I wasn’t able to get it licensed and what not back in January, I figured I could go home for spring break, finish it up, get it inspected and renew my plates, and drive it back to school. Unfortunately, things didn’t work too well and I couldn’t drive it back.</p>
<h2>Head Gasket:</h2>
<p>I was still having overheating issues and I was pretty stuck, so I took it to a shop. They said it was probably the head gasket, so I ordered a new one. That one ended up being pretty bent up, so then I had to wait until the next afternoon to get another one. So I got that swapped out, and things seemed a little better. It ran a little bit smoother and sounded a bit better, but after like 5 minutes it’d still overheat.</p>
<h2>Carburetor:</h2>
<p>I also noticed that every once in awhile, the carburetor would leak a lot of fuel. I thought it’d take too long to rebuild it since I’ve never done that before, so I ended up ordering a rebuilt one. That took until the next morning to come in, and it ended up being wrong. It was for an automatic and had a hot-air choke, both of which weren’t complete deal breakers. However, it ended up not being threaded for the spark control valve, which is part of the ignition advance on the ‘63-‘67 Load-O-Matic distributors. So that had to go back.</p>
<p>Then I ordered a carb rebuild kit and rebuilt it as soon as I got it. It ended up being a pretty simple thing to do. It was still leaking a lot after the rebuild, so I decided to lower the float so as to be out of spec. That helped a little bit, but every once in awhile it would still just flood and leak everywhere.</p>
<p>I did identify part of a leak on it, as I was using a screw-in filter apparently for a ‘69 Cougar. It turns out that the nut on it hits against the carb body when it’s tight, and doesn’t allow for a good seal. With a little help, I ended up removing that filter and splicing a universal clear plastic filter in the line. That took care of that leak.</p>
<h2>Thermostat:</h2>
<p>The overheating issue was partially figured out Saturday morning. Since basically everything in the cooling system is new, I didn’t know where to start. After noticing that the flow through the radiator without the cap seemed slow, I decided to try pulling the thermostat. Running without it, it kept around 1/4-1/2 on the gauge and never boiled over. Success there, at least to a degree (since I do need to put a t-stat back in still). :)</p>
<h2>Almost there…</h2>
<p>Right after that, I took it for a drive around the block and all seemed pretty good. It turned out that some <span class="caps">DMV</span>’s around me were going to be open until around 2pm, so I decided to try to get it finished still.</p>
<h2>…And Nope.</h2>
<p>I drove it to get an inspection and it passed with no problem. Then I stopped for gas, and it wouldn’t restart. Nothing I tried seemed to help, and then the carb flooded and leaked again. After waiting a bit, I tried one more time and the starter solenoid started smoking a bit and it quit turning over. I had to get it towed back home, and I was never able to get it to restart. Back in the garage it went, and I took a flight back to school the next day.</p>
<p>Disappointing. :/</p>Comparisons2012-01-21T22:45:42-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-01-21:posts/2012/01/comparisons/<p>Decided to make a couple of quick comparison pictures between old and new instead of going back and forth or just remembering. Kinda cool.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/engine_old_new.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/engine_old_new-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine and engine bay old vs. new"></a>
<figcaption>Engine and engine bay<br />old vs. new</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/floors_old_new.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/floors_old_new-150x150.jpg" alt="Floors old vs. new"></a>
<figcaption>Floors old vs. new</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Engine and engine bay old vs. new](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/engine_old_new-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/engine_old_new.jpg)
[![Floors old vs. new](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/floors_old_new-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/floors_old_new.jpg)
-->Running and drivable!2012-01-21T21:13:50-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-01-21:posts/2012/01/running-and-drivable/<p>I was finally able to get it running back around January 11 or so. I replaced the fuel pump after doing a little more testing with it. It still wouldn’t start though. Eventually I decided to go back and look at a picture from when I first bought the car and roughly set the timing based on that, just rotating the distributor to about the same position. That got it running.</p>
<p>During the initial run I discovered I had several major coolant leaks, which turned out to be hose clamps that I just didn’t tighten down well enough. I got the cam broken in after a bit.</p>
<p>I double checked things and figured I’d take it to get an inspection, when I realized I couldn’t get it into gear—it’d just grind. I adjusted the clutch pedal rod practically all the way to the end so it’d have the least amount of free play, and that got the clutch working. It still needs adjustment somewhere though, as the clutch doesn’t disengage until it’s rather near the floor, so there’s a good 4” or so of free play probably.</p>
<p>After getting that taken care of, I was able to take it around the block. It died a few times as it really doesn’t like to idle, and it’s a major pain to get it restarted. The brakes also still didn’t feel quite right (turns out I still have a couple little leaks at the hard line fittings). Sadly by then it was a bit after 4pm, I still needed to get gas, an inspection, and make it to the <span class="caps">DMV</span> to renew my plates before 5. Since things weren’t quite right with it and I still needed to break it in, I decided to just wait instead of trying to rush through everything. It was nice to finally be able to drive it again, though.</p>
<p>Now it’s back in the garage, and <em>hopefully</em> I’ll finally be able to actually finish it over spring break and drive it back. This is going to be a really busy semester though, so we’ll see.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_3815_1024.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_3815_1024-150x150.jpg" alt="In front of the house after the first test drive"></a>
<figcaption>In front of the house<br />after the first test drive</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![In front of the house after the first test drive](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_3815_1024-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_3815_1024.jpg)
-->Almost there2012-01-10T18:14:00-06:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2012-01-10:posts/2012/01/almost-there/<p>Just about have the Mustang drivable. I came home for winter break a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been working on it basically everyday since. So far, I’ve (in no real order):</p>
<ul>
<li>Finished welding a few spots on the floor that I missed over the summer</li>
<li>Painted the engine block gloss black, valve cover Ford Red</li>
<li>Replaced the starter</li>
<li>Replaced the battery</li>
<li>Rewired everything I disconnected</li>
<li>Installed an oil pressure gauge</li>
<li>Installed a tachometer</li>
<li>Installed the gas tank</li>
<li>Replaced the fuel hard line</li>
<li>Replaced all of the brake hard lines</li>
<li>Swapped over to a dual brake master cylinder from a ‘67 with the kit from <span class="caps">CJPP</span></li>
<li>Started putting some seam sealer on the floors</li>
<li>Installed the carburetor (properly)</li>
<li>Installed the oil pump and pickup</li>
<li>Installed the oil pan (properly)</li>
<li>Put in a new clutch</li>
<li>Installed the ‘67 transmission</li>
<li>Replaced both u-joints in the driveshaft and replaced the slip yoke</li>
<li>Rebuilt and installed the heater box (partially, and I’ll need to redo it)</li>
<li>Fixed a parking brake bracket and got that working again</li>
<li>Replaced the driver’s side mirror</li>
<li>Installed a plastic cowl vent hat in the passenger’s side of the cowl</li>
<li>Installed the pushrods and the rockers</li>
</ul>
<p>I think that’s about it. I’ve been trying to get the engine running, but I’m having fuel issues. It’s looking like the pump died while it was sitting or something. Have fuel in the line up to the pump, but then nothing after that.</p>Temporarily installed interior2011-09-03T19:07:06-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/temporarily-installed-interior/<p>And here’s where the giant update comes to an end. On 8/24, I installed the interior. Nothing’s bolted in or screwed down; it’s just sitting in there since there’s no room to store it anywhere else. I figured I may as well take some pictures though.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3184_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3184_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Interior from passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Interior from passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3186_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3186_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Rear seat from passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Rear seat from passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3189_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3189_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Front interior from driver's side"></a>
<figcaption>Front interior from<br />driver’s side</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3193_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3193_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Instrument panel"></a>
<figcaption>Instrument panel</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3198_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3198_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="From passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>From passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Interior from passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3184_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3184_1600.jpg)
[![Rear seat from passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3186_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3186_1600.jpg)
[![Front interior from driver's side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3189_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3189_1600.jpg)
[![Instrument panel](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3193_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3193_1600.jpg)
[![From passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3198_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3198_1600.jpg)
-->Even more engine pictures2011-09-03T18:58:45-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/even-more-engine-pictures/<p>Everyone loves engine pictures, right? Good. Here’s some more.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3171_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3171_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine"></a>
<figcaption>Engine</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3174_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3174_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine"></a>
<figcaption>Engine</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3175_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3175_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine"></a>
<figcaption>Engine</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3179_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3179_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine, at an angle?"></a>
<figcaption>Engine, at an angle?</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3183_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3183_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine"></a>
<figcaption>Engine</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3210_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3210_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine, passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Engine, passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3213_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3213_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine, passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Engine, passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Engine](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3171_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3171_1600.jpg)
[![Engine](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3174_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3174_1600.jpg)
[![Engine](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3175_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3175_1600.jpg)
[![Engine, at an angle?](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3179_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3179_1600.jpg)
[![Engine](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3183_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3183_1600.jpg)
[![Engine, passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3210_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3210_1600.jpg)
[![Engine, passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3213_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3213_1600.jpg)
-->Engine oil slinger clearance2011-09-03T18:49:13-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/engine-oil-slinger-clearance/<p>Okay I guess this should’ve come before the finished engine pictures. That’s what happens when you try to do a mass 2 or 3 week blog update haha.
When I first put it on the oil slinger was hitting the timing chain. The slinger had a lot of marks on it, so it was hitting on the previous engine build as well. I decided to bend it a little to give it some clearance. Using an idea from someone on the Fordsix Forums, I set it on a quart sized paint can and just hammered on it. I believe I used a wood block to spread some of the force out as I was doing it, at least some of the time. After a few tries of making it worse before getting it better, I got what I think is enough clearance. It’s at least not hitting while just sitting there like it was before.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3152_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3152_1600-e1315093718833-150x150.jpg" alt="Oil slinger - timing chain clearance"></a>
<figcaption>Oil slinger - timing chain<br />clearance</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Oil slinger - timing chain clearance](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3152_1600-e1315093718833-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3152_1600.jpg)
-->Floor pan paint2011-09-03T18:43:42-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/floor-pan-paint/<p>I painted the floor pans on 8/23. Yet another near-midnight endeavor. I didn’t go all the way to the back with the paint, and just left the original grey there. It won’t be seen, so I wasn’t toooo worried about it since I was in a hurry. I used Rust-Oleum Satin Black for the floors and once again rolled and brushed it on. It came out with a few runs and stuff, but hey it’s a driver. And I’ll probably put a second coat on sometime to take care of any thin spots.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3165_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3165_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Floor pan paint, before final brushing"></a>
<figcaption>Floor pan paint, before<br />final brushing</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3169_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3169_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Floor pans mid-paint"></a>
<figcaption>Floor pans mid-paint</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3170_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3170_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Floor pans painted"></a>
<figcaption>Floor pans painted</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3204_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3204_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Floors painted, underneath from the rear"></a>
<figcaption>Floors painted, underneath<br />from the rear</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3206_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3206_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Floors painted, underneath from the passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Floors painted, underneath<br />from the passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Floor pan paint, before final brushing](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3165_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3165_1600.jpg)
[![Floor pans mid-paint](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3169_1600-150x150.jpg)]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3169_1600.jpg)
[![Floor pans painted](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3170_1600-150x150.jpg)]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3170_1600.jpg)
[![Floors painted, underneath from the rear](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3204_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3204_1600.jpg)
[![Floors painted, underneath from the passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3206_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3206_1600.jpg)
-->More engine pics2011-09-03T18:34:44-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/more-engine-pics/<p>I put the engine together a little more on 8/23. I got the head torqued down, carb on, exhaust manifold on, water pump on, radiator in, timing cover and harmonic damper on, alternator partially in, and the valve cover is just sitting there. I repainted the air cleaner awhile ago with Rust-Oleum Ford Red engine paint.
Looks good.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3159_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3159_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine and accessories mostly together"></a>
<figcaption>Engine and accessories<br />mostly together</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3160_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3160_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine and accessories, passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Engine and accessories,<br />passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3163_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3163_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine and accessories, driver side"></a>
<figcaption>Engine and accessories,<br />driver side</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Engine and accessories mostly together](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3159_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3159_1600.jpg)
[![Engine and accessories, passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3160_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3160_1600.jpg)
[![Engine and accessories, driver side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3163_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3163_1600.jpg)
-->Pilot bushing fun…2011-09-03T18:29:14-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/pilot-bushing-fun/<p>Finding the right pilot bushing has been lots of fun. Actually, I still haven’t gotten one. Since I’m running a ‘67 3.03 transmission, I need the pilot bushing to match that. The ‘65 2.77 trans had an input shaft 15/16” in diameter, while the 3.03’s is a more typical 1 1/16”.
I tried to get the pilot bushing, throwout bearing, and a u-joint at <span class="caps">NAPA</span> on Saturday. It turns out they don’t get parts deliveries on Sunday. Nor did the other stores I tried. So I ended up just ordering on Sunday so they’d be there Monday. Then they somehow missed ordering the pilot, so it didn’t get there. I couldn’t find one in stock anywhere else, other than an extended one at an O’Reilly’s a little ways away. I figured it’d be best to stick with the normal length one though, since I don’t need the extended for my setup. I got the <span class="caps">NAPA</span> pilot on Monday, and it turned out to be way wrong. I’m guessing it’s for a V8 or something. The <span class="caps">OD</span> is about 1/2” too big. I’ll keep trying to find the right one. At least they’re cheap.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3155_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3155_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Pilot bushings--'65 2.77 on left, '67 3.03 in middle, NAPA on right (V8?)"></a>
<figcaption>Pilot bushings—‘65 2.77<br />on left, ‘67 3.03 in middle,<br /><span class="caps">NAPA</span> on right (V8?)</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3157_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3157_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Old '67 3.03 pilot"></a>
<figcaption>Old ‘67 3.03 pilot</figcaption>
</figure>
<!—
[![Pilot bushings—‘65 2.77 on left, ‘67 3.03 in middle, NAPA on right (V8?)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3155_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3155_1600.jpg)
[![Old ‘67 3.03 pilot](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3157_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3157_1600.jpg)
—>Floor pan primer2011-09-03T18:20:01-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/floor-pan-primer/<p>I put some primer on the floor pans, both top and bottom, on 8/22. I did that around midnight too, so yes I’m holding a shop light in the picture of me working on them. All of the surface rust that had formed while sitting was sanded off with a sanding pad on the angle grinder and by hand sanding. I then rolled and brushed on a coat of Rust-Oleum Clean Metal Primer. Looked interesting with white floors haha.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3148_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3148_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Me priming the floors"></a>
<figcaption>Me priming the floors</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3150_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3150_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Floor pans primed"></a>
<figcaption>Floor pans primed</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Me priming the floors](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3148_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3148_1600.jpg)
[![Floor pans primed](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3150_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3150_1600.jpg)
-->Engine dropped in2011-09-03T18:15:14-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/engine-dropped-in/<p>I got the engine dropped in on August 19/20. I did it around midnight—it was great fun. And pretty exciting. Not too much to say on this one, other than it looks pretty good sitting in there.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3140_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3140_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine in the car!"></a>
<figcaption>Engine in the car!</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href=http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3141_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3141_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine in, passenger side view"></a>
<figcaption>Engine in, passenger<br />side view</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3142_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3142_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine in, driver side view"></a>
<figcaption>Engine in, driver<br />side view</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3143_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3143_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Engine in without the head"></a>
<figcaption>Engine in without<br />the head</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Engine in the car!](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3140_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3140_1600.jpg)
[![Engine in, passenger side view](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3141_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3141_1600.jpg)
[![Engine in, driver side view](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3142_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3142_1600.jpg)
[![Engine in without the head](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3143_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3143_1600.jpg)
-->DS seat pan2011-09-03T18:09:57-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/ds-seat-pan/<p>Next up was the driver’s side seat pan. I had already drilled all the holes for plug welding, so that saved a little time when it came to actually installing it. I also painted the underside of it beforehand. I lined the inside edge (the one along the tunnel) up by measuring from the front edge of the tunnel on the original floor pan to the front edge of the seat pan. Then I did my best to measure from the front edge of the floor to the front mounting holes to make sure it was sitting square. I tack welded it in place and placed the seat in to verify that it felt square. Then I pulled the seat back out and finished all of the plug welding and did a little lap/seam welding in a few areas around the edges.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3137_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3137_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS seat pan installed"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> seat pan installed</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3138_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3138_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS seat pan installed, 2"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> seat pan installed, 2</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![DS seat pan installed](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3137_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3137_1600.jpg)
[![DS seat pan installed, 2](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3138_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3138_1600.jpg)
-->New valve springs2011-09-03T18:01:31-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/new-valve-springs/<p>Alrighty, so I decided that the <span class="caps">302HP</span> valve springs I had weren’t going to work, at least not for my comfort level. I talked to the shop that built my engine and they recommended the Comp Cams 903-12 springs. They’re designed for a Ford 240/300 inline six. Closed pressure is 80 lbs @ 1.70” installed height, open is 212 lbs @ 1.25”, rate is 293 lbs/in, coil bind at 1.125”, <span class="caps">OD</span> 1.40”, <span class="caps">ID</span> 1.015”.
When I had the shop swap them, they said my installed height is 1.63”. I guess I measured it wrong earlier somehow. That’d be why the <span class="caps">302HP</span> springs didn’t work, as they were supposed to be installed at 1.68”.
I checked these with a solid lifter and I think I had 0.080” total clearance or something. I don’t remember the exact number now and the info is at home. Anyway, these should work fine.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3134_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3134_1600-e1315090738258-150x150.jpg" alt="Comp Cams 903-12 valve springs"></a>
<figcaption>Comp Cams 903-12<br />valve springs</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3135_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3135_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="903-12 valve spring specs"></a>
<figcaption>903-12 valve spring specs</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3136_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3136_1600-e1315090865284-150x150.jpg" alt="903-12 springs"></a>
<figcaption>903-12 springs</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Comp Cams 903-12 valve springs](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3134_1600-e1315090738258-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3134_1600.jpg)
[![903-12 valve spring specs](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3135_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3135_1600.jpg)
[![903-12 springs](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3136_1600-e1315090865284-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3136_1600.jpg)
-->DS floor pan2011-09-03T17:51:41-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/ds-floor-pan/<p>Whoo the fun part that makes the car feel much more complete and near being finished. I chose to just lap weld the driver’s side floor in as compared to the butt welding I did on the passenger’s side. This was mainly due to the time it would save, but also because butt welding 19-20 gauge sheet metal with flux core is difficult for me.
I drilled a series of holes along the edge that goes against the inner rocker for all of the plug welds. I also cut the front part of the floor off, where it bends to go up over the toe board. I trimmed it a little overall as I didn’t want to cut quite that much of the old floor out.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3113_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3113_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS floor pan trimmed and holes drilled"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> floor pan trimmed<br />and holes drilled</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3114_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3114_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS ready for floor pan. You can see the frame rail extension in place here as well."></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> ready for floor pan.<br />You can see the frame rail<br />extension in place here as well.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3126_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3126_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS floor pan in"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> floor pan in</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3129_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3129_1600-e1315090147650-150x150.jpg" alt="DS floor pan rear detail"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> floor pan rear detail</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3130_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3130_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS floor pan front and mid detail"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> floor pan front<br />and mid detail</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3133_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3133_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS floor pan overall"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> floor pan overall</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![DS floor pan trimmed and holes drilled](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3113_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3113_1600.jpg)
[![DS ready for floor pan. You can see the frame rail extension in place here as well.](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3114_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3114_1600.jpg)
[![DS floor pan in](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3126_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3126_1600.jpg)
[![DS floor pan rear detail](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3129_1600-e1315090147650-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3129_1600.jpg)
[![DS floor pan front and mid detail](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3130_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3130_1600.jpg)
[![DS floor pan overall](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3133_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3133_1600.jpg)
-->DS front frame rail extension2011-09-03T17:42:00-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/ds-front-frame-rail-extension/<p>Nothing fancy here. Just drilled all the holes to plug weld the new extension in place through to the front frame rail and the floor support. Placed it where it needed to be front to back compared to a measurement made earlier from the rear edge of the front frame rail. I ensured it was about level compared to the rocker and welded it in place. Apparently I didn’t take a picture specifically after welding it in.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3112_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3112_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS frame rail extension in place. Not welded in here."></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> frame rail extension in<br />place. Not welded in here.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3111_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3111_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS frame rail extension in place again"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> frame rail extension in<br />place again</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![DS frame rail extension in place. Not welded in here.](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3112_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3112_1600.jpg)
[![DS frame rail extension in place again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3111_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3111_1600.jpg)
-->DS toe board2011-09-03T17:35:54-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/ds-toe-board/<p>Next I installed the new driver’s side toe board. I didn’t cut quite as much of the old area out as I did on the passenger’s side. I didn’t want to have to remove the steering column, nor deal with making the correct holes in the new toe board for the parking brake cable and what not. I figured it would be a little easier if I replaced a little smaller area as well.</p>
<p>So just like on the passenger’s side, I roughly marked where I wanted to cut and cut the area out with the cut off wheel on the angle grinder. I then marked and cut the new toe board to approximately match. After a bunch of trial and error fitting and grinding to get it as close as I could, I butt welded it in place.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3105_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3105_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS toe board area cut out"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> toe board area cut out</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3107_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3107_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS toe board area cut out, and you can see the patch on the frame rail as well."></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> toe board area cut out,<br />and you can see the patch<br />on the frame rail as well.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3110_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3110_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS toe board partially welded in place"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> toe board partially<br />welded in place</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![DS toe board area cut out](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3105_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3105_1600.jpg)
[![DS toe board area cut out, and you can see the patch on the frame rail as well.](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3107_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3107_1600.jpg)
[![DS toe board partially welded in place](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3110_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3110_1600.jpg)
-->DS frame rail patch2011-09-03T17:29:20-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/ds-frame-rail-patch/<p>After removing the old driver’s side frame rail extension, it was clear a patch was needed for the back of the actual frame rail where it meets the extension. I cut out the old, and made a patch out of 14 ga., forming it on a concrete block with a hammer and a couple of clamps. It fit pretty well after a little trimming.</p>
<p>Sadly my picture-taking skills seem to have gotten lost around this point. I think it’s because I was trying to just finish the car that I backed off taking pictures. Many of the ones that I did take came out rather poorly, so my apologies for the lack of pictures on a bunch of things.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3100_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3100_1600-e1315088782128-150x150.jpg" alt="DS frame rail end patch"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> frame rail end patch</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3103_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3103_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS frame rail end patch in place"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> frame rail end patch in place</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![DS frame rail end patch](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3100_1600-e1315088782128-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3100_1600.jpg)
[![DS frame rail end patch in place]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3103_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3103_1600.jpg)
-->DS inner rocker patches2011-09-03T17:21:36-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/ds-inner-rocker-patches/<p>Just like on the passenger’s side, I had to make a few patches to the inner rocker on the driver’s side. Nothing too drastic, just cut out the areas with a cut off wheel, cut new pieces out of 14 ga. to fit, and welded them in. I wasn’t quite as thorough with some of the rust and patches as I was on the passenger’s side as I was trying to get it done. I just did the worst areas and cleaned up the rest. The inside of the rocker didn’t look too bad for the most part, a lot like the passenger’s side.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3084_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3084_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="A couple of the pieces cut out on the DS inner rocker"></a>
<figcaption>A couple of the pieces cut<br />out on the <span class="caps">DS</span> inner rocker</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3104_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3104_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Lots of patches on DS inner rocker"></a>
<figcaption>Lots of patches on <span class="caps">DS</span><br />inner rocker</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![A couple of the pieces cut out on the DS inner rocker](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3084_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3084_1600.jpg)
[![Inside the DS rocker](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3086_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3086_1600.jpg)
[![Lots of patches on DS inner rocker](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3104_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3104_1600.jpg)
-->Driver’s side destruction2011-09-03T17:12:44-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-09-03:posts/2011/09/drivers-side-destruction/<p>Okay I haven’t been keeping up to date with this. The next several posts will be on stuff that I did a few weeks ago. I’m back at school now, so the car will hopefully be getting finished when I go home for winter break.</p>
<p>I ripped out the majority of the driver’s side metal to begin with. I replaced everything that I did on the passenger’s side, minus the rear torque box—there’s no way I could’ve hoped to finish the car if I replaced that on the driver’s side as well. That’ll have to wait for sometime in the future, if ever.</p>
<p>Nothing too exciting to post here. I just used the angle grinder with a cut off wheel to cut out the majority of the old metal, like usual. Found a decent bit of Bondo and some old patches, especially around the toe board area. Pictures:</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3051_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3051_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Rust on the old DS frame rail extension"></a>
<figcaption>Rust on the old <span class="caps">DS</span> frame<br />rail extension</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3061_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3061_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Old DS front floor and frame rail extension"></a>
<figcaption>Old <span class="caps">DS</span> front floor and<br />frame rail extension</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3063_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3063_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS main front floor metal removed"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> main front floor<br />metal removed</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3067_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3067_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Old DS seat pan"></a>
<figcaption>Old <span class="caps">DS</span> seat pan</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3066_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3066_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS floor pan area under the seat pan"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> floor pan area under<br />the seat pan</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3073_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3073_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="DS old rear floor and the seat pan again"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">DS</span> old rear floor and<br />the seat pan again</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3077_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3077_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Hole left after removing DS metal"></a>
<figcaption>Hole left after<br />removing <span class="caps">DS</span> metal</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3078_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3078_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Pile of rust, Bondo, and sealant"></a>
<figcaption>Pile of rust, Bondo,<br />and sealant</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Rust on the old DS frame rail extension](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3051_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3051_1600.jpg)
[![Old DS front floor and frame rail extension](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3061_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3061_1600.jpg)
[![DS main front floor metal removed](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3063_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3063_1600.jpg)
[![Old DS seat pan](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3067_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3067_1600.jpg)
[![DS floor pan area under the seat pan](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3066_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3066_1600.jpg)
[![DS old rear floor and the seat pan again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3073_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3073_1600.jpg)
[![Hole left after removing DS metal](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3077_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3077_1600.jpg)
[![Pile of rust, Bondo, and sealant](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3078_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IMG_3078_1600.jpg)
-->Valve springs again2011-08-05T21:51:25-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-08-05:posts/2011/08/valve-springs-again/<p>I’m still trying to figure out this valve spring bit. I looked at the other engine I have that has the stock springs and it looks the coils touch just about as much as mine do in some places. I have no idea if I’m okay with these springs or not.</p>
<p>I went ahead and turned the engine over a bit until I had a couple of valves in really close to their fully open position, that way I could judge it a little bit better. Nothing appears to touch anymore than it had, but I’m thinking things might be a little too close. Maybe. Basically, between some sets of adjacent coils, I have about 0.055” clearance. Others I have 0.025” or so. Recommendations from spring manufacturers and other online sources seem to say you want 0.060” clearance at a minimum to prevent coil bind. However, some say the 0.060” clearance should be the total clearance, meaning adjacent coils only need like 0.015” clearance. Others say the 0.060” clearance is for between each adjacent coil.</p>
<p>It seems like it’d be good to play it on the safe side and figure on the 0.060” between adjacent coils—and then that means I need new springs. I’ve been looking through catalogs, Summit, and Jegs pretty much all day trying to find some other single spring that’ll work without machining. I haven’t had a whole lot of luck too far. Most of the ones I’m finding have too low of a spring pressure, others coil bind too early, et cetera. The single springs with dampers are listed as needing Viton seals, which I’m pretty sure I don’t have. The dual springs also say they need Viton seals, though it looks like Teflon might be okay on those as well. I’ll keep looking and see what I find out.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3033_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3033_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Valve spring with little clearance"></a>
<figcaption>Valve spring with<br />little clearance</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3035_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3035_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Different spring, pretty sure a little below max lift"></a>
<figcaption>Different spring, pretty<br />sure a little below max lift</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3037_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3037_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Another pic"></a>
<figcaption>Another pic</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3038_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3038_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Spring again"></a>
<figcaption>Spring again</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3042_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3042_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Again..."></a>
<figcaption>Again…</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3044_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3044_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="One last time"></a>
<figcaption>One last time</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![Valve spring with little clearance](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3033_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3033_1600.jpg)
[![Different spring, pretty sure a little below max lift](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3035_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3035_1600.jpg)
[![Another pic](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3037_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3037_1600.jpg)
[![Spring again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3038_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3038_1600.jpg)
[![Again...](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3042_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3042_1600.jpg)
[![One last time](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3044_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3044_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>And on a slightly better side of things: I got a box of stuff from <span class="caps">NPD</span> today. Heater core, mirror, motor mounts, door lock grommets, body plugs, cowl vent repair kit, heater seal kit, heater core end caps, parking brake handle, floor pan drain covers, and engine mount to shock tower bolts. Between that and everything else I’ve been keeping upstairs, there’s a decent pile of stuff in the living room.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3030_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3030_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Pile of parts"></a>
<figcaption>Pile of parts</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Pile of parts](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3030_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3030_1600.jpg)
-->Valve spring coil bind…2011-08-04T23:20:24-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-08-04:posts/2011/08/valve-spring-coil-bind/<p>I’ve been waiting to do any engine work until I got it in the car, but I decided to go ahead and check to see if things were approximately going to work or not. I took a couple of the lifters that came with the rebuild kit and soaked them in oil so that they wouldn’t compress too much when checking things. Then I dropped them into the engine in a cylinder where the valves were close to open (though not fully), put my old head gasket on, and set the head on. I just bolted the corners down most of the way to keep it from shifting. Then I put in a couple of old pushrods and bolted on the rocker assembly.</p>
<p>After tightening the rockers, I checked the valve springs. The ones where the valves were mostly open were definitely coil binding. The top two coils are touching and so are the lower two. It’s not the whole spring or anything, but it’d definitely mess things up if I ran it like this. :/</p>
<p>So now I need to figure out the best way to fix it. I’m guessing I’ll need new valve springs, but I think the only other ones that’ll work with my cam are either single springs with dampers or a dual spring. From what I understand, both will need some head machining to fit Viton seals and what not.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3022_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3022_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Top coils touching"></a>
<figcaption>Top coils touching</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3025_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3025_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Top coils again"></a>
<figcaption>Top coils again</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3027_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3027_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Lower coils"></a>
<figcaption>Lower coils</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3028_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3028_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Lower coil close up"></a>
<figcaption>Lower coil close up</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3029_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3029_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Lower coils on the other springs"></a>
<figcaption>Lower coils on the<br />other springs</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Top coils touching](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3022_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3022_1600.jpg)
[![Top coils again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3025_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3025_1600.jpg)
[![Lower coils](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3027_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3027_1600.jpg)
[![Lower coil close up](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3028_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3028_1600.jpg)
[![Lower coils on the other springs](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3029_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3029_1600.jpg)
-->PS rear under seat patch2011-08-04T23:06:39-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-08-04:posts/2011/08/ps-rear-under-seat-patch/<p>Since I cut out the floor above the rear torque box when I removed it, I needed to patch the floor. There’s a reproduction piece for it, but it has a tunnel for the parking brake cable, whereas my car has a flat floor with the cable mounted with brackets underneath. As I’m not doing the driver side torque box and thus that side of the rear under seat area will be left alone, I wanted a flat section on the passenger side so they’d match. I made up a patch for it, but it isn’t done yet and certainly isn’t very pretty. Hopefully it will look okay by the time it’s finished.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3004_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3004_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS rear under seat patch"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> rear under seat patch</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![PS rear under seat patch](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3004_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3004_1600.jpg)
-->PS seat pan2011-08-04T23:00:56-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-08-04:posts/2011/08/ps-seat-pan/<p>As I mentioned in my last post, I got the passenger side seat pan basically in place. It seems to be a little too narrow, but it’ll work.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_2999_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_2999_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side seat pan in place"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side seat<br />pan in place</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3002_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3002_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS seat pan again"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> seat pan again</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Passenger side seat pan in place](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_2999_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_2999_1600.jpg)
[![PS seat pan again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3002_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IMG_3002_1600.jpg)
-->Cylinder head volume2011-08-03T22:00:53-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-08-03:posts/2011/08/cylinder-head-volume/<p>I checked the combustion chamber volumes on my new head last night. I picked up a syringe from Petsmart and used a piece of clear plastic from the front of a cd case. The first thing I did was mark the outline of the chamber on the plastic. Then I drilled a couple of holes in the plastic—one was just a 3/32” hole for a vent, the other about a 1/4” hole for filling the chamber. I used white lithium grease to seal the plastic to the head. Rubbing alcohol was used as the working fluid—it ended up rubbing a bunch of the numbers off the syringe though.</p>
<p>Cylinder 1 was 46cc, cylinder 3 was 44cc (though I spilled a little there, so it’s probably actually 45 or 46), cylinder 5 is 46cc. The first time I did cylinder 6 I got 51cc, then I repeated it and got 47cc. So overall it looks like they’re about 46cc.</p>
<p>The head gasket I have is a Victor, which has a compressed thickness of 0.044”. I don’t have a dial indicator so I can’t measure the deck clearance too accurately. Using estimated numbers from the Falcon Six Performance Handbook and the calculator on the handbook’s
<a href="http://www.falcon6handbook.com/">website</a> of 0.012-0.025”, my compression ratio will be around 9.5 to 9.8:1. Little bit on the high side, but hopefully it’ll be okay.</p>
<p>And on a side note, I got the passenger side seat pan and the rear under seat patch mostly in today. That’ll be a later post.</p>With 16 in. wheels2011-07-30T23:45:59-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-07-30:posts/2011/07/with-16-in-wheels/<p>And for the last part of the giant update of tonight, a few days ago I decided to see about what it would look like with 16” wheels. They’re 2000 Mustang wheels and it’s a 255/50/R16 drag radial. They look a lot better than the stock 13s, that’s for sure. I’ll probably go for either a 15” or 16” whenever I get to that point.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2981_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2981_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="In the back..."></a>
<figcaption>In the back…</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2981_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2981_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Back again"></a>
<figcaption>Back again</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2986_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2986_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="In the front..."></a>
<figcaption>In the front…</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2987_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2987_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Front again"></a>
<figcaption>Front again</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![In the back...](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2980_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2980_1600.jpg)
[![Back again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2981_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2981_1600.jpg)
[![In the front...](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2986_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2986_1600.jpg)
[![Front again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2987_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2987_1600.jpg)
-->PS floor pan2011-07-30T22:43:09-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-07-30:posts/2011/07/ps-floor-pan/<p>The passenger side full length floor pan is basically in place. I still need to weld it to the rear torque box and finish welding the gaps left from cutting it. It’s also butt welded in place so that it looks a little cleaner from underneath. I tacked the new floor to the old leaving a bit of an overlap, then cut them both using a 3/64” cut off wheel so that the gap would be fairly close. It ended up making the gap between the old floor and the new floor a little too big though, so it’s difficult to weld all the gaps shut without blowing more holes in it, especially using flux core.</p>
<p>In the picture of the two pieces of the rear floor, you can see that the original metal is generally in better shape than the replaced metal. When the car was restored in the past, the floors were “replaced” by basically welding the new metal over the original, so everything is doubled up. I’m pretty sure they didn’t paint the new metal, or if they did, they didn’t do it very well.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2909_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2909_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The old floor cut out"></a>
<figcaption>The old floor cut out</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2910_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2910_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Some of the old floor pieces"></a>
<figcaption>Some of the old floor pieces</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2913_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2913_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Pieces from the old rear floors."></a>
<figcaption>Pieces from the old rear floors.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![The old floor cut out](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2909_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2909_1600.jpg)
[![Some of the old floor pieces](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2910_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2910_1600.jpg)
[![Pieces from the old rear floors.](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2913_1600-150x150.jpg)]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2913_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>Here’s the new floor mostly in place:</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2935_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2935_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="New floor tacked into place"></a>
<figcaption>New floor tacked into place</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![New floor tacked into place](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2935_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2935_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>And here’s a patch on the passenger side inner rocker:</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2921_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2921_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Inner rocker cut for the patch"></a>
<figcaption>Inner rocker cut<br />for the patch</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2928_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2928_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Inner rocker patch after welding and grinding"></a>
<figcaption>Inner rocker cut<br />for the patch</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Inner rocker cut for the patch](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2921_1600-150x150.jpg)]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2921_1600.jpg)
[![Inner rocker patch after welding and grinding](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2928_1600-150x150.jpg)]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2928_1600.jpg)
-->Engine bay and firewall paint2011-07-30T22:36:22-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-07-30:posts/2011/07/engine-bay-and-firewall-paint/<p>I went ahead and finished up the main patches for the engine bay (another one on the shock tower and one on the very front of the frame rail) and repainted it. I didn’t make it perfect because I’ll need to redo it whenever I take care of the rest of the front end rust. I basically just sanded the old paint down a bit and masked things off with aluminum foil. Then I sprayed about 2.5 coats (I ran out of paint and didn’t worry about buying more) of semi-flat black Krylon Rust Tough Enamel. It looks okay considering; it’s at least better than it was.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2976_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2976_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Firewall before repaint"></a>
<figcaption>Firewall before repaint</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2993_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2993_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Right after being painted"></a>
<figcaption>Right after being painted</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![Firewall before repaint](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2976_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2976_1600.jpg)
[![Right after being painted](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2993_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2993_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>I also cleaned up and repainted part of the underside of the cowl and the firewall on the passenger side. I didn’t take any good before pictures, just a couple after paint.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2973_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2973_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Firewall painted on the passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Firewall painted on<br />the passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2974_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2974_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Underside of the cowl painted"></a>
<figcaption>Underside of the<br />cowl painted</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Firewall painted on the passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2973_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2973_1600.jpg)
[![Underside of the cowl painted](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2974_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2974_1600.jpg)
-->PS toe board2011-07-30T22:13:53-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-07-30:posts/2011/07/ps-toe-board/<p>I also got the passenger side toe board installed awhile ago. It didn’t fit well at all, at least on my car. The bend on the top right edge was completely off, and apparently my side cowl panel or something is off on my car. The panel wouldn’t sit nicely along the edge, so I cut the top part of the toe board and made it a little wider. I could’ve just made a little spacer for the flange where it meets the side cowl, but I thought this might look a little nicer. Anyway, that’s butt welded in and done other than paint and if I feel like fixing any remaining pinholes.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2890_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2890_1600-e1312081520522-150x150.jpg" alt="The gap between the side cowl panel and the toe board"></a>
<figcaption>The gap between the side<br />cowl panel and the toe board</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2893_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2893_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS toe board welded in place"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> toe board welded in place</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![The gap between the side cowl panel and the toe board](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2890_1600-e1312081520522-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2890_1600.jpg)
[![PS toe board welded in place](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2893_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2893_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>The heater box was removed so that I could have access to put the toe board in. It’s in pretty good shape with just a couple of cracks. I’ll probably replace the heater core before I put it back in.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2894_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2894_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Heater box assembly"></a>
<figcaption>Heater box assembly</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![Heater box assembly](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2894_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2894_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>Random picture of the Mustang:</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2897_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2897_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="In progress..."></a>
<figcaption>In progress…</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![In progress...](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2897_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2897_1600.jpg)
-->PS floor support and random2011-07-30T21:54:50-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-07-30:posts/2011/07/ps-floor-support-and-random/<p>Alright since WordPress doesn’t seem keen on lining up too many pictures in a single regular post, I’ll be splitting them up. Most of these are pretty random as I’ve been jumping around a fair bit lately.</p>
<p>Here’s a shot of the inside of the cowl on the passenger side. It doesn’t look all that bad at least from this angle.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2838_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2838_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Inside shot of the cowl"></a>
<figcaption>Inside shot of the cowl</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![Inside shot of the cowl](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2838_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2838_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>Inside of the passenger side rocker from when I was making a patch for the inner rocker. Not bad looking except for a few spots of rust on the spot welds. I’ve since painted what parts of it I could.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2862_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2862_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Inside of the PS outer rocker"></a>
<figcaption>Inside of the <span class="caps">PS</span> outer rocker</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![Inside of the PS outer rocker](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2862_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2862_1600.jpg")
-->
<p>I got the floor support or frame rail extension in place a week or two ago. It was pretty simple to do, just had to drill a few holes for the plug welds, line it up, and weld it in.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2878_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2878_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS floor support / frame rail extension"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> floor support / frame<br />rail extension</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2881_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2881_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS floor support again"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> floor support again</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![PS floor support / frame rail extension](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2878_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2878_1600.jpg)
[![PS floor support again](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2881_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2881_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>A patch I made for the front of the passenger side inner rocker:</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2867_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2867_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS inner rocker patch"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> inner rocker patch</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><br /></p>
<!--
[![PS inner rocker patch](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2867_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2867_1600.jpg)
-->
<p>The stainless fuel line I got from <span class="caps">CJ</span> Pony Parts:</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2903_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2903_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Stainless fuel line from CJ Pony Parts"></a>
<figcaption>Stainless fuel line<br />from <span class="caps">CJ</span> Pony Parts</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Stainless fuel line from CJ Pony Parts]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2903_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2903_1600.jpg)
-->PS rear torque box, again2011-07-26T01:17:08-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-07-26:posts/2011/07/ps-rear-torque-box-again/<p>I finally got the passenger side rear torque box in place a few days ago. I’m not entirely happy with the fit, but it will have to do. The leaf spring front eye mount is in the same location as before, so it should be ok. In the process of putting the torque box in, I discovered that when the rearmost section of the frame rails were replaced in the past, they probably weren’t lined up all that well. The two sides have a spring center to center measurement difference of a bit over 1/4”. It’s not drastic, but probably not quite correct either. Hopefully the shackles will pretty well account for it. I couldn’t get the bottom edge of the box to line up with the rocker while having the torque box frame rail line up with the old. The front edge of the torque box also didn’t line up all that well with the floor pan. It seems to be okay though.</p>
<p>I also got the front eye bushing in the passenger side leaf spring. Got it in with a ball joint press, and with a socket extension through it to help keep it lined up. Something isn’t quite right with either the torque box or the bushing though, as it seems that the bushing is too wide to fit between the frame rail and the bracket on the torque box. I’ll need to either narrow the bushing a bit or bend the torque box bracket a bit.</p>
<p>There’s more stuff I’ve finished as well, but WordPress is being a pain with the pictures, so I’ll have to put those in separate posts sometime.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2906_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2906_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS rear torque box in place"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> rear torque box in place</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2907_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2907_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="PS rear torque box in place, 2"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">PS</span> rear torque box in place, 2</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![PS rear torque box in place](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2906_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2906_1600.jpg)
[![PS rear torque box in place, 2]("http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2907_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/IMG_2907_1600.jpg)
-->Engine, PS rear torque box2011-06-25T00:15:33-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-06-25:posts/2011/06/engine-ps-rear-torque-box/<p>I haven’t been doing a whole lot all that picture worthy lately, just a few things. Due to some sort of city codes, I can only have the car on jack stands when I’m outside with it (no leaving it overnight on them) or on the weekends. That’s slowed progress a little bit.</p>
<p>I got the engine short block and the head back from the shop last week. Engine specs: ‘66 block, bored 0.040 over, hardened valve seats, ‘63 head milled (not sure how much, I’ll probably cc it sometime), Clay Smith 264/264-<span class="caps">110LC</span> cam from Classic Inlines, and <span class="caps">302HP</span> valve springs. The shop is pretty sure I’ll have coil bind issues with the valve springs, so I’ll need to check that out before I drop it in. It’ll be a bit before I get around to it though.</p>
<p>I’ve also been making a few random patches on the Mustang to take care of some rust. Still working on finishing one up on the rear frame rail (no pictures… it’s ugly) and one on the rear of the passenger side shock tower. There’s a few other spots in the engine bay and other places that still need to be patched too. I did finish one on the passenger side front frame rail just behind the front crossmember, where a large section had rusted and previously been cut out. That one looks pretty decent in my opinion.</p>
<p>On more major projects, I got the passenger side rear torque box out today (finally!). The leaf spring eye bolt was a major pain… it seems to have rusted to the hardened steel sleeve inside of the bushing. Hit it with a cut off wheel, a tungsten carbide blade on a reciprocating saw, and a hacksaw (yeah, that one was oh so helpful… haha). I eventually decided to just cut the torque box out with the spring still attached and finish cutting it then. So after a lot of cutting and grinding over the past couple days, I got the box out. Then I was able to get the spring bolt out. Hopefully the new torque box goes in without too much difficulty.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2768_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2768_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Rebuilt short block. Bad picture."></a>
<figcaption>Rebuilt short block.<br />Bad picture.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2774_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2774_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side front frame rail prior to being patched"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side front frame<br />rail prior to being patched</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2777_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2777_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side front frame rail after patch"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side front<br />frame rail after patch</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2785_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2785_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Rebuilt '63 head"></a>
<figcaption>Rebuilt ‘63 head</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2787_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2787_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Another pic of the head"></a>
<figcaption>Another pic of the head</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2789_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2789_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="302HP valve springs"></a>
<figcaption><span class="caps">302HP</span> valve springs</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2793_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2793_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side rear torque box, hanging by the spring"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side rear torque<br />box, hanging by the spring</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2794_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2794_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The old passenger side rear torque box"></a>
<figcaption>The old passenger side<br />rear torque box</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2795_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2795_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Part of the spring eye bolt and bushing, passenger side"></a>
<figcaption>Part of the spring eye<br />bolt and bushing, passenger side</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2798_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2798_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The hole where the torque box was"></a>
<figcaption>The hole where the<br />torque box was</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Rebuild short block. Bad picture.](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2768_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2768_1600.jpg)
[![Passenger side front frame rail prior to being patched](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2774_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2774_1600.jpg)
[![Passenger side front frame rail after patch](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2777_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2777_1600.jpg)
[![Rebuilt '63 head](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2785_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2785_1600.jpg)
[![Another pic of the head](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2787_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2787_1600.jpg)
[![302HP valve springs](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2789_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2789_1600.jpg)
[![Passenger side rear torque box, hanging by the spring](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2793_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2793_1600.jpg)
[![The old passenger side rear torque box](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2794_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2794_1600.jpg)
[![Part of the spring eye bolt and bushing, passenger side](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2795_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2795_1600.jpg)
[![The hole where the torque box was](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2798_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2798_1600.jpg)
-->Bracing and fuel tank removal2011-06-09T00:08:06-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-06-09:posts/2011/06/bracing-and-fuel-tank-removal/<h2>Bracing:</h2>
<p>Since I’m doing the full-length floor pans on both sides, I figured it’d be good to put some bracing in the car to help keep everything in place and lined up while it’s cut up. I made door braces using just flat stock; I think it was 12 gauge 1.25in x 4ft. I wanted to allow the doors to close, so I welded it on the inside of the car instead of in the door jambs. It doesn’t show in the picture too well, but the front part goes to the inner rocker cover in front of the door. </p>
<p>I made a side to side brace in the rear seat area using 1” tube. Then I added a couple of diagonals out of the same type of tube down to the tunnel. None of it is particularly nice to look at, but it seems sturdy.
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2724_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2724_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The bracing"></a>
<figcaption>The bracing</figcaption>
</figure></p>
<!--
[![The bracing](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2724_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2724_1600.jpg)
-->
<h2>Patch:</h2>
<p>I also made a quick patch to cover a hole cut in the shock towers. It didn’t come out too awful, but it definitely could be better. I’ll work on cleaning it up more at some point. Good thing I have two more I should do, and those are on the other side of the shock tower, between the shock tower and the firewall… fun.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2730_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2730_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The shock tower hole"></a>
<figcaption>The shock tower hole</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2740_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2740_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Shock tower hole, patched"></a>
<figcaption>Shock tower hole, patched</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![The shock tower hole](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2730_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2730_1600.jpg)
[![Shock tower hole, patched](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2740_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2740_1600.jpg)
-->
<h2>Fuel Tank:</h2>
<p>With the rear torque boxes and also wanting to place a few extra welds on the rear part of the frame rail, I went ahead and pulled the gas tank out. Not very eventful or interesting, just leaves a big hole in the trunk.</p>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2732_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2732_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="With the gas tank..."></a>
<figcaption>With the gas tank…</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure>
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2737_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2737_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="...and without the gas tank"></a>
<figcaption>…and without the gas tank</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![With the gas tank...](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2732_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2732_1600.jpg)
[![...and without the gas tank](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2737_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2737_1600.jpg)
-->A stronger transmission2011-06-08T23:32:00-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-06-08:posts/2011/06/a-stronger-transmission/<p>The original transmission in the Mustang was the 2.77 3-speed with an unsynchronized first gear. It’s held up so far, but the general consensus seems to be that it’s a weak transmission. Since I’m hopefully going to have a little more power than stock, I figured I’d be on the safe side and go ahead and upgrade it.</p>
<p>The engine that the shop is working on has a ‘66 block, so I can use the later 67+ bellhousing, and the 3.03 Toploader 3-speed will bolt directly to that.</p>
<p>I found a guy selling a 67 engine and trans combo on Craigslist pretty cheap, so I got that. Turns out the block is another 66, not that it really matters. The engine has a knock, so I’ll probably keep it around as a spare and build it later on or something. The head was rebuilt 3000 miles ago, so that’ll be a little more useful. And hey… it has a chrome valve cover! I may have to put that on my good engine and see how it looks in the car…</p>
<p>I also got the old 2.77 trans pulled out. Not too difficult with no engine in the car.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2708_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2708_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The old 2.77 trans, bellhousing, and shifter"></a>
<figcaption>The old 2.77 trans,<br />bellhousing, and shifter</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2712_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2712_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The spare engine... sorry about the blur."></a>
<figcaption>The spare engine… sorry<br />about the blur.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2714_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2714_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The 3.03 transmission. Still needs to be cleaned up a little more."></a>
<figcaption>The 3.03 transmission.<br />Still needs to be cleaned<br />up a little more.</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2720_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2720_1600-e1307593849183-150x150.jpg" alt="Lots of empty space in the car now"></a>
<figcaption>Lots of empty space<br />in the car now</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![The old 2.77 trans, bellhousing, and shifter](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2708_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2708_1600.jpg)
[![The spare engine... sorry about the blur.](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2712_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2712_1600.jpg)
[![The 3.03 transmission. Still needs to be cleaned up a little more.](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2714_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2714_1600.jpg)
[![Lots of empty space in the car now](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2720_1600-e1307593849183-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/IMG_2720_1600.jpg)
-->The old metal2011-05-30T12:12:54-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-05-30:posts/2011/05/the-old-metal/<p>Here’s a few pictures of the old floors, torque boxes, and rear frame rails. The first picture is of the new metal that will be going back in—I haven’t bought the rear torque boxes yet, so that’s just the full-length floor pans, toe boards, seat pans, and front frame rail extensions.</p>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2377_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2377_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Bunch of the new metal"></a>
<figcaption>Bunch of the new metal</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2384_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2384_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="The old floors still in the car"></a>
<figcaption>The old floors still in the car</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2636_1024.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2636_1024-150x150.jpg" alt="Part of the passenger side rear frame rail"></a>
<figcaption>Part of the passenger side<br />rear frame rail</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2638_1024.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2638_1024-150x150.jpg" alt="Passenger side rear torque box and rear frame rail"></a>
<figcaption>Passenger side rear torque<br />box and rear frame rail</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2642_1024.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2642_1024-150x150.jpg" alt="Driver side rear frame rail near the torque box"></a>
<figcaption>Driver side rear frame rail<br />near the torque box</figcaption>
</figure>
<figure style="float: left;">
<a href="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2370_1600.jpg">
<img src="http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2370_1600-150x150.jpg" alt="Another shot of the old floors"></a>
<figcaption>Another shot of the old floors</figcaption>
</figure>
<!--
[![Bunch of the new metal](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2377_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2377_1600.jpg)
[![The old floors still in the car](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2384_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2384_1600.jpg)
[![Part of the passenger side rear frame rail](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2636_1024-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2636_1024.jpg)
[![Passenger side rear torque box and rear frame rail](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2638_1024-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2638_1024.jpg)
[![Driver side rear frame rail near the torque box](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2642_1024-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2642_1024.jpg)
[![Another shot of the old floors](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2370_1600-150x150.jpg)](http://65ssg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_2370_1600.jpg)
-->Intro2011-05-30T01:17:13-05:00Williamtag:65ssg.net,2011-05-30:posts/2011/05/intro/<p>Guess I have a blog now for the progress on my Mustang. :) I’ll try to use this to keep track of progress, though that means I need to remember to take pictures…</p>
<p>Anyway, right now the engine is still at the shop; it’s supposed to be done sometime this week. We’ll see. The car is on ramps and jack stands, though I still need to adjust them. I’ve added a little bit of bracing to keep the car from flexing when I cut old metal out, but still need to add more. Can never be too sure on something like that. I’m planning on replacing the full-length floor pans, toe boards, front frame rail extensions, and possibly (likely) the rear torque boxes and part of the rear frame rail. All on both the driver and passenger sides.</p>
<p>Keep a watch for more updates when I get around to them and actually make some progress.</p>