Spring projects?

Topic: Spring projects? (Read 10322 times) previous topic - next topic

Spring projects?

February 12, 2015, 09:43:45 PM

Anyone have any projects they are going to start or complete on their fox this spring? April is only 6 weeks away! I used to do projects over the winter but the older I get the less I like going outside in the cold to to work on the car. The spring has become when I do my projects now. This is what I plan on no doing to my Thunderbird when it comes out in the spring:

Install new front springs. I'm hoping to drop the nose down 1-1.5 inches, the amount it went up when I swapped to aluminum heads.

Install an Autometer shift light. I have an epoxy mod valve body in the AOD in my Thunderbird so I can manually shift the transmission 1-2-3. I want to experiment with different shift points at the track and see at what rpm the car runs its fastest time.

I've got another trick up my sleeve to make the car quicker. First I want to run it as is and then I'm going to change a major component and see if it goes a bit quicker :).

Spring projects?

Reply #1 – February 12, 2015, 10:58:11 PM

Plan do get my new 5.0 together, installed and swap to MAF

Spring projects?

Reply #2 – February 13, 2015, 05:39:50 AM

I have a long list as I have been gathering parts for at least a year. Big project will be H.O. conversion. Next will be SN95 springs and TC sway bars front/back....Had my seats redone and new carpet installed a couple months back. Ray

Spring projects?

Reply #3 – February 13, 2015, 10:50:17 AM

Quote from: ShaneNP123;444265

Plan do get my new 5.0 together, installed and swap to MAF

If you're building a stock HO it will run great with speed density. If you plan on doing upgrades in the future than MAF is the way to go. The MAF conversion isn't hard. I believe it took my all of 3 hours to do. Most of that time was running and soldering the sires.

Quote from: ISTLCRUZ;444266

I have a long list as I have been gathering parts for at least a year. Big project will be H.O. conversion. Next will be SN95 springs and TC sway bars front/back....Had my seats redone and new carpet installed a couple months back. Ray

That should make the car more fun to drive.

Spring projects?

Reply #4 – February 13, 2015, 10:54:09 AM

After I run the Thunderbird at the track one more time changing the shift points this is my next project:

Swap the GT40 Intake for a Performer RPM intake. I think the car should pull better at higher RPM with minimal if any loss in low end torque.

Spring projects?

Reply #5 – February 13, 2015, 11:10:03 AM

I've got a set up upper rear control arm bushings to install as my old ones are worn out and it makes a clunking noise every time I let out on the clutch. Other than that I just plan to service it and adjust the clutch before I head out on Power Tour in June.

Spring projects?

Reply #6 – February 13, 2015, 12:49:42 PM

I might do the 3g alternator conversion on my 85 XR-7. My electric cooling fan died, and when I replaced it, it seems like the new fan draws more current. It melted the controller (common problem), but even after I bypassed the controller with relays, when the AC kicks on and the fan runs, the lights dim. A 3g would probably keep up with the demand much better.

I have some spring projects on my other vehicles too. I have an 85 Plymouth Voyager with a 2.5 Turbo swapped in. I want to repaint the grille (stone chips) and do some halo headlights (it's a 4-eye!).

Spring projects?

Reply #7 – February 13, 2015, 05:15:53 PM

Installing these....:

Spring projects?

Reply #8 – February 13, 2015, 05:26:53 PM

Buy a 2015 Mustang GT.
Perform a major service on the Pimp Sled (timing belt, spark plugs, water pump, trans service
Replace all the fuel lines on the Avalanche (just yesterday had to put a temporary patch in one)
That's about it, car-wise.

House-wise, lots:
Build a gazebo
Build a new solar water heater for the pool (this will be the roof on the gazebo). This new heater will be a big improvement over last year's (which will also be used).
Cut down several large trees that are shading the pool
Repair the flower beds in front of the house (frost has pushed them apart)
Finish up installing drywall in the garage
Maybe, just maybe, install the addition on the garage I've been wanting

...and oh yeah, take down the Christmas lights

It got really cold right after Christmas, and then the snow started in mid January and hasn't left up since (at least 6" every three or four days), so I never got 'em down

Spring projects?

Reply #9 – February 13, 2015, 06:17:08 PM

Jeez, where do I begin...

Car wise...

1. Finish the brakes and exhaust on this and get it inspected.

2. Time the engine for this and install it

3. Headliner and dashcap for this one

4. Slowly d parts for the 84 bird

Housewise....

1. Rototill for the new garden
2. Clean up the flower beds
3. Redo the deck and expand it around the pond
4. A new roof for the house (outsourcing this one)

Spring projects?

Reply #10 – February 13, 2015, 06:42:04 PM

Maybe I should just post what does NOT need done.

I've got basp00get walls pushing in on the north and south sides, rear deck needs replaced, my barn needs some repair and a coat of paint...probably have to hire the paint out...I'm not doing it. Scared of heights. It's 55' up at the peak...oh hell no am I going up there... :hick:

What else...oh yeah, get the '87 it's 5.0, figure out what engine I want for the '84 and make in-roads to that goal, and maybe try to find a new SUV with 3rd row seating and whatnot. A 2000-ish Explorer or Mounty would do nice, so would an Expy, but man, gas is bad enough now..

I also need to get the trans in my '88 K truck fixed or rebuilt...it's my work truck in the absence of something Ford flavored, but it'll do as long as I don't take it to the mudhole....anymore.

There's so much to do...but I've noticed lately, I'm getting tired easier, and don't feel so good at times. Might go see the doc one of these days and see if I've got something wrong. Of course, I have been sick off/on since September.

Spring projects?

Reply #11 – February 13, 2015, 06:54:22 PM

Yeah bud, you may wanna go see a doctor.

Spring projects?

Reply #12 – February 13, 2015, 09:04:37 PM

.030 over, GT40 heads with ports cleaned up and will upgrade the springs, GT40 intake, Will probably go with an F303 cam, buddy of mine has an unused one for cheap. BBK unequal length headers, 2.5" off-road H pipe. Delete smog components, upgrade fuel pump.

I was going to stay speed density, I even bought a DA1 ECC, but then came across a deal, A9M ECC, MAF sensor, 65mm TB, stock HO injectors and BBK cold air intake with a new filter for $350. So why not go MAF and have it there for future mods.

Spring projects?

Reply #13 – February 13, 2015, 11:42:16 PM

I plan to get some more of the TC completed. Need to figure out why the auto lamps are on all the time, I currently use the switch manually. Find out why the auto dimmer doesn't auto dim. Then replace the rear package shelf that is all eaten up by sun. Sure would like a blue one, I only have a black one but I guess it will look ok. I only have one working electric fan, got a replacement already for that and the crack in my taillight that I just bought a replacement for. I would also like to tint the windows. That is my bucket list for the spring. Oh, almost forgot the most important part, to ENJOY the car once again on the roads!!! This salt is killing me!

Spring projects?

Reply #14 – February 14, 2015, 12:24:36 AM

Shane, I'd find yourself some 24's and a mass meter to go with for that combo. The 19's will be close to 100%, I'd bet.

Glad you did end up going mass air...wish you'd bought my A9T though LOL.