Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer

[Shadylane]

I’ve been working on the car for 3 months now. Lots of small things accomplished and I have acquired a bunch of parts.

Thanks to Sean Marconette who sold me his old, slightly used, Advanced Clutch flywheel. Called Rob Youngblood and he set up a clutch assembly to go with it. Plus Sean has provided a lot of advice on suspension and other stuff.

My friend who has a Nova stocker sold me his old, slightly used, spare Jerico DR4 transmission. Sent it off to Jerico for an inspection and input shaft replacement. Turns out it had a severely pitted 1st gear and had to be replaced. Bit the bullet and bought a Long ratchet shifter, ouch! Already had a Quicktime bellhousing.

Bought a TCI starter from Kevin Zaskowski on Class Racer.

Another friend sold me a new Painless switch panel that he didn’t need.
I have more parts and pieces than I have room for in my shop.

Ordered a rebuilt manual rack from Rock Auto to replace the power rack (same as a Fox Mustang). I received it in December and left it in the box until I needed it. Opened the box in March and of course it’s the wrong one. Turns out they are not available from them any longer.They allowed me to return it. Ordered and new one from Summit that fits and it was only $15 more than a rebuilt.

Decided to stay with the 4 lug hubs and brakes up front. Disassembled the front brakes and ordered new pads, calipers and brake hoses from Rock Auto. The parts didn’t fit, turns out the spindles had been replaced with Turbo Coupe spindles. I had to return and order new parts 3 times before getting the correct ones.

I’m pretty sure Rock Auto has my name in a file that says I don’t know what I’m doing…they may be right.

Last year I determined that if I was going to build a race car I better learn how to weld PROPERLY. A friend and I decided to take a MIG/TIG welding class at our local community college. We don’t take the class for credit so it only costs $135 per semester. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only is the instruction first class but the machines are newer Millers and they have over 50 of them. My Mig skills have improved 10 fold. Tig welding still leaves a lot to be desired but I’m getting better. We are allowed to bring in projects so I’ve built my seat to floor brackets and an aluminum weight box. This is my second semester going for a third in the fall.

[Charlie A]

Cool:

[Sean Marconette]

Thanks Kelly! Without the help and direction from Mark Walton, and others I would not have the car I have. So if I can help in any way just ask.

As for the OEM manual trans unless I am mistaken an SROD was a 3 speed with OD, so technically a 4 speed is legal in this car. My 83 came with a 4 speed with OD so I legally run a 5 speed. OD is considered another forward gear. Where the issue for another person I have tried to help, is his car only came with a 3 speed manual and he has petitioned NHRA to allow a 4 speed just like the auto 2 speed cars are now allowed a 3 speed. Fair is fair!

Per the 2016 rule book on manual transmissions

TRANSMISSION, Manual
OEM or NHRA-accepted aftermarket transmissions having same
number of forward speeds (O.D. gear not required) as original, and
reverse, may be used.

As for the clutch, you are going to be happy.

Sean

[Shadylane]

Trying to get the Trick Flow 185 CNC heads approved for stock with a 2 HP increase.

In reality they probably would loose HP with no cam, carb or manifold to support them. Just using them for mock up.

[Bill Diehl]

Originally Posted by Shadylane

I’ve been working on the car for 3 months now. Lots of small things accomplished and I have acquired a bunch of parts.

Thanks to Sean Marconette who sold me his old, slightly used, Advanced Clutch flywheel. Called Rob Youngblood and he set up a clutch assembly to go with it. Plus Sean has provided a lot of advice on suspension and other stuff.

My friend who has a Nova stocker sold me his old, slightly used, spare Jerico DR4 transmission. Sent it off to Jerico for an inspection and input shaft replacement. Turns out it had a severely pitted 1st gear and had to be replaced. Bit the bullet and bought a Long ratchet shifter, ouch! Already had a Quicktime bellhousing.

Bought a TCI starter from Kevin Zaskowski on Class Racer.

Another friend sold me a new Painless switch panel that he didn’t need.
I have more parts and pieces than I have room for in my shop.

Ordered a rebuilt manual rack from Rock Auto to replace the power rack (same as a Fox Mustang). I received it in December and left it in the box until I needed it. Opened the box in March and of course it’s the wrong one. Turns out they are not available from them any longer.They allowed me to return it. Ordered and new one from Summit that fits and it was only $15 more than a rebuilt.

Decided to stay with the 4 lug hubs and brakes up front. Disassembled the front brakes and ordered new pads, calipers and brake hoses from Rock Auto. The parts didn’t fit, turns out the spindles had been replaced with Turbo Coupe spindles. I had to return and order new parts 3 times before getting the correct ones.

I’m pretty sure Rock Auto has my name in a file that says I don’t know what I’m doing…they may be right.

Last year I determined that if I was going to build a race car I better learn how to weld PROPERLY. A friend and I decided to take a MIG/TIG welding class at our local community college. We don’t take the class for credit so it only costs $135 per semester. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Not only is the instruction first class but the machines are newer Millers and they have over 50 of them. My Mig skills have improved 10 fold. Tig welding still leaves a lot to be desired but I’m getting better. We are allowed to bring in projects so I’ve built my seat to floor brackets and an aluminum weight box. This is my second semester going for a third in the fall.

Glad to see you opted for the welding class....guys that work on and/or build there own stuff no matter what it is earn my respect

Nice project

[JHeath]

Looks great, like that combo, should be lots of fun !!!!