I had to replace the clutch in my '75 Scirocco in '84. It came apart easily, the clutch/pressure plate went on without error and it was re-assembly time. All was going well until...
I was lying on the floor with the transaxle on my chest. I instructed my helper merely to help get the trans on the alignment dowels and hand thread a bolt in at the top.
As soon as I had the trans ALMOST in place, he reaches for a ratchet, knocking it down the nearest opening to the floor. ...right over my face.
Don't ask why I didn't move. Maybe it was visual fixation, or fear, or maybe my head was wedged up against something. That part I don't remember.
What I DO remember is WATCHING the butt end of the ratchet falling. It struck just below my nose on my upper lip. Immediately, blood was running down my face into my ears.
Remember that the transaxle is NOT yet in place and my helper is now running around hysterical, apologizing. I had to CALM HIM down enough to get the bolt started so I could let go of the transaxle.
That calming period was enough for me to not try to wring his neck.
I've had a moustache ever since.
That other site you mentioned wouldn't happen to be grassrootsmotorsports, would it?
Good luck. I've been waiting for an answer for two weeks.
I just spent some time measuring rotors at AutoZone and space in my caliper. It APPEARS the Ranger rotors will fit without being trimmed, but I won't know for sure until it's all apart.
If you're saying it dies the instant you let off the key, replace the ignition switch (the actual switch, not the keyed cylinder.) Ford ignition switches are notorious for coming apart and causing all sorts of electrical problems.
If the car runs (even for a second) after releasing the key, then you have to go through the normal fuel/spark diagnostics.
"Original Owner, awesome. Welcome. Please post pics."
Pictures of the current configuration are NOT appealing. If you saw me driving down the road, you'd be thinking, "That poor car..." I will, however, try to remember to take some pictures DURING different phases.
"I love how it seems that youve done quite a bit of homework on the things that you want to do..."
I tend to get a bit buttstuff about that. I research stuff to DEATH. ...sometimes to the point I don't get to the actual project. My Lotus 7 pseudo-replica is one of those.
I'm a long-time lurker and just posted my first question in the Drivetrain Forum, so I thought I might introduce myself.
The car in question is a 1985 Thunderbird 5.0 which my wife purchased new in November '84, about a month before we met. Ironically, I bought my 1984 Honda Sabre (motorcycle) the same week and we still have it, also.
Despite looking like a derelict, the car is a beloved member of the family. It's hauled both kids home from the hospital when they were born, has transported us on many a family vacation and has been to more school sporting events than I care to think about.
Now, with the eldest a freshman in college, a little free time and the need for another project, the old girl is getting a facelift.
Thus far: The engine was freshened up with an '86 roller lifter shortblock, new bearings/rings/etc last winter. I'm retaining the CFI due to emissions regulations here.
The exhaust is factory single with a straight pipe replacing the ler. I had done that simply to hold the exhaust together 'til I got all the pieces for duals, however I love the sound and the bottom end torque is fantastic. It might just stay that way.
In the works: It needs tires. Since I have a set of Crown Vic wheels with almost new tires, I decided to do a 5-lug swap. How's that for backwards justification?
Minor bodywork and paint prep are scheduled for this winter. I'm keeping the paint scheme a secret for now. If I actually do it, I think it will be a knockout. If I chicken out, I'll explain it for one of you guys to try.
I gave up on my quest to find a 'Bird/Cougar/VII interior in good shape to replace my worn out example, so we opted to convert to SC seats and recover the back seat with the SC material. (That one's being handled by the Mrs.) FYI: SC seats are NOT a bolt-in swap.
Future: Dual CFIs. Yeah, I know this has been tried and it failed. ...but those guys didn't have MegaSquirt available. Would SEFI be easier? Yup, but what looks better? ...an SEFI plenum or a big oval breather seemingly covering two 4s?
I have a set of headers that were to be part of the dual exhaust changeover. They'll go in eventually, also.
I've rambled on enough. ..am looking forward to "meeting" you all.
Until searching this site, I was positive the Ranger axles were my solution for the rear. Now, I'm not so sure.
Is anyone aware of a VIN or date cutoff as to when "mid 1985" changes took place? I'm assuming there aren't any visual clues.
Before I pulled the Ranger axles, I measured from the back of the mounting to the center bolt on the diff. This was approximately 29-1/4 on both the Ranger and my 'Bird. What with the various housing/axle changes, is this even a valid comparison?
...or am I stuck with "Pull it apart and hope I have the right stuff."
