Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by qwiked

Really enjoying your build..hope by the time you hit the strip your combo isn't factored out of existence..

If it does I have 3 more options. 1979 Fairmont, same engine, 4 more hp.
Turn it into a Mercury Zephyr, I have already gathered all the parts to convert to different years and to a Zephyr.

So far it is the only one I know of being built but that could change at anytime.

I need to hurry!!!

[Shadylane]

I finally made some progress on the Fairmont. Seems like I take two steps forward and one back on this car.

Picked up the engine from Gary McGlasson in late November, Gary did a great job I was pleased with the dyno results. Had to wait on some machine work for the bellhousing plus ordering the correct throwout bearing so I could make the clutch work.

I was trying to come up with a idea to be able to check all my bellhousing clearances and make adjustments before the transmission was installed. I removed the bearing retainer from the transmission made a strap out of 3/8 steel and bolted it across the transmission side of the bell, checked all my clearances and adjusted the fork ball which can't be changed with the trans on. Worked pretty good. The throwout bearing is a McLeod with the spacers so you can change the length, nice piece.

Nothing like zeroing out the alignment on a bellhousing to humble oneself! At one point I thought, it sure would be nice to bolt on a flexplate and convert to a C-4.
Once the bellhousing was installed I built a tool to allow adjusting the pressure plate, this worked out well also.

Lastly I installed the engine and trans but had problems with the passenger header and starter...normal fitment crap.
I'm feeling good now that the engine and trans are more or less permanently install. Now onto the rear gear installation, driveline and body assembly.

Oh yea Santa brought me some new Aerospace front brakes, he's a nice guy.

And by the way, this project has not been anywhere near a Dime Rocket but that's mostly my fault as this will probably be my last car and I wanted to try and build it to a decent standard.

Kelly

[Sean Marconette]

Looking good Kelly. On your base adjustment Allen/extension, paint 2 lines 180 deg apart different colors. That way you can count half turns of base. With the engine and trans in the car, you may need to have a second person depress the clutch peddle so you can check clutch air gap. Or modify a paint roller extention pole to fit between the peddle and steering wheel. Then it's a 1 person procedure! The peddle should be super light to depress. Also add a spring to retract the clutch fork and to take the slack out of the cable. The spring on my car is attached with a small D ring to the trans crossmember and to the fork next to the cable. It has just enough tension to take the slack out of the cable. This also prevents the TOB from riding against the clutch levers when the peddle is not depressed. Otherwise the weight of the peddle will pull the TOB into the levers.

Money well spent on having that window in the bellhousing too!! Keep up the great progress. Everything is always fix one thing and screw yourself on something else! That's part of the fun.

Sean

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Sean Marconette

Everything is always fix one thing and screw yourself on something else! That's part of the fun.

Thats the the story of my life!

Thanks for the tips.