Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer

[FED 387]

Yep either alum or ti fasteners any bolt or screw like fenders bumper ettc etc

[black88coupe]

Originally Posted by FED 387

Yep either alum or ti fasteners any bolt or screw like fenders bumper ettc etc

Thanks

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Sean Marconette

It looks like you are making progress. Good score on the headlights. Don't stop there with your weight savings, any non critical fastener replaced with aluminum all adds up. Any updates on when you plan on being on the track? How is the engine coming along?

Sean

I'm hoping to have it out by early spring, I'm kind of slow but steady.

Engine should be on the dyno by the end of the month. Anxious to see how it does, no killer heads or intake yet. I need to get my feet under me with the car. I hate to admit I haven't made a pass in 35 years. Kind of rusty.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Shadylane

no killer heads or intake yet.

That's the last thing that you should be worried about. The small carb is your restriction at this point.
It's really impressive to me the time and effort that you're putting into the car! Great job! I don't have that kind of patience.

[Sean Marconette]

There's a lot to be learned from the dyno in my opinion. With my new engine combo the dyno showed me where to get the clutch setup and shift points so keep that in mind. It will get you honed in a lot faster. I would not say your slow on progress at all, it's a huge undertaking and you can say with pride I built my car. You will know every wire, nut and bolt and not everyone can say that.

As for 35 years since racing, it will be a fresh start and you will be just fine. Plan on test and tune at your local track and get all the bugs worked out before spending money on divisionals. There will be things you want to change or redo, that's the name of the game.

All I can say with the stick car is drive and shift it like you stole it!! Keep up the great progress and the updates.

Sean

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

That's the last thing that you should be worried about. The small carb is your restriction at this point.

Yep, always heard you build to the restriction. Luckily I have someone smarter than me doing the engine.

It's really impressive to me the time and effort that you're putting into the car! Great job! I don't have that kind of patience.

Thanks for the positive comments from all of you!

[Bob Emery]

This is a very nice read, keep up the good work!

[qwiked]

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

[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