Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

What's going on here?
I heard the engine made good power ;-)

Hey Mark
At times I get a little discouraged after reading some of the negative posts about NHRA and drag racing in general. I haven't raced since 1982 and competitively since 1971. I know that drag racing is not like it was 'back in the day' but I still go to races so I also know it can be fun. Seems like some people get caught up in what I think of as the small things like parking, I don't know maybe it's a bigger deal than I think it is. I thought racing was supposed to be enjoyable, you get to hang out with your friends and make some new ones along the way. I have no idea if my car and I can be competitive, I hope so but I'll keep trying until I'm not having fun or I'm broke.
I hope to start racing some divisional races in the southwest for now. Looks like the folks in Tucson are doing a good job with their S/SS association, might be fun to make it down there sometime.

Now for an update. I work on the car most weekdays, seems like it never goes fast enough.

Carpet is in, trying to get the interior parts painted and installed. Some of the plastic parts for this model Fairmont are hard to find.

Glass is in as well as the moldings.

I got my ring and pinon back from Cryo & Rem (Thanks to Terry & Rex at Finished Racing). My model 8.8 rear differential doesn't have a provision for a spreader, so I built one out of angle iron and 1/2 all thread. Works pretty good, giving .004 to .005 extra width for installing the carrier.

Installed the engine/clutch/transmission. Wired it up and it even runs!

Slicks are mounted and bolted up. I have to use a small tire because of wheel well clearance issues. 28 tall M/T radials.

Next will be bolting on the body sheet metal, grille, headlights, etc.
Should tackle that in a couple of weeks.

Kelly