Getting the big Fairlane back on the road.... Going the whole 9 inches

[RC10th]

I've heard of people using a thin coating of grease, main benefit I see is that it would prevent them from rusting together. I always use anti seize on plugs and wheel studs, might be worth a shot although I don't plan on doing it again

[RC10th]

I painted the engine bay today, just gotta let paint cure for about 6 days then I'll shoot it with a chemical resistant clear. In the meantime I'll rust convert the join at the firewall and etch it.

[Coelacanth]

That's a great improvement...great before/after shots!

[RC10th]

Thanks definately an improvement. Getting closer to dropping in the engine.

[Daryl Lane]

Just have to love a cleaned up engine bay!

Looking good!

[RC10th]

Man, why couldn't I have found this car 8 months ago ? Instead of wasting 8 months on something that will never be half as nice.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/greenwood/cars-vans-utes/1977-zh-ford-fairlane-sedan/1093932099

If I had a spare 9k I would gladly scrap mine in favor of this one. It's the color I want, the interior color I want, has the 9" rear, it's well equiped and in good shape. White with a blue interior is an extremely rare combo and this car is well priced, it would take years to find another like it.

All I would do is swap my engine and trans (keeping the numbers matching) and put a set of factory mag wheels on it.

[RC10th]

Starting to put it all back together now. The power steering lines were a real PITA. Having a tight steering box again is nice. Hopefully it drives a new 39 year old car.

The only major parts left are a brake booster and master cylinder, then the engine is going in.

[Hcp22]

Much more fun to work with a clean and painted engine bay

[RC10th]

Tell me about it The sticky greasy goo was not fun. Installing nice clean new parts is fun

[Incredible_Serious]

Having a tight steering box again is nice.

Nothing like a nice tight box....

We all know it will happen....

Alex

[RC10th]

After a bit of a side track I'm back on this. I've mounted the new booster and new master cylinder. I've also made up some lines to bleed the cylinder and now just need to bleed the brake system. I also bought a new Optima D34 yellow top battery.

Next up after the brakes are bled, finally drop in the engine and bolt the hood back on.

[RC10th]

Got the brakes bled and lines flushed today. I also polished up the wheels and lug nuts a bit since they have been sitting over a year while the wheels were off.

I also installed and adjusted my custom stainless kick down rod.

[RC10th]

Wired up the engine bay and tested the "new" harness. I also had to convert the original headlight plugs to suit H4 bulbs. So far everything light and horn related appear to be working as it should.

I just need to test the ignition/starter circuit now, hook up the amp power wire and then we're well on our way to terrorizing the streets . The wiring and everything in the engine bay looks soooo much cleaner and tidier then before.

[RC10th]

Not really a big deal but I repaired a rear stud that had two damaged threads. Of course the first die I borrowed didn't fit so I had to specially order one in.

It's one of those little jobs that should have only taken 5 minutes but took a few days to sort out



The days are also getting shorter now so I'm glad the bulk of work is behind me.

[klavy69]

Wow...you went the extra mile. I would've pounded it out and picked up another stud for it at the auto parts store for $2 and been done with it but then again thats just me

Hmmm...figured by now to hear how it drove

Todd