Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer

[Mark Yacavone]

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

[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

[Mark Yacavone]

Looking great,Kelly
I know there are a few guys here that are really looking forward to seeing your car go down the track.
You've got to make it to Wild Horse for the Association race in September.
Let me know if you are coming down this way sooner.
Oh, and don't worry about the stacking and parking thing. That's just a bunch of grumpy old guys carrying on. ;-)
We never have a problem. Just ease in there whenever. The smaller the rig, the less the problem.
See you soon.

[Sean Marconette]

Your making progress! A couple of things to consider. A momentary button to turn on the fuel pump for the fuel sample. And a ballast bar, depending on how light you were able to get the car. A ballast box will not get you to your natural weight, if the car is really light. Let me know if you want more info.


Sean

[Jim Caughlin]

Not sure how happy the radials are going to be on a stick car. I tried it a few years ago, about every 4th- 5th run it would blow them off with no possibility of recovery. I had to run them down to around 12 lbs, wouldn't work at all at the typical 20 lbs that the auto guys run. I don't know of any stick cars that are having any luck with this.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Not sure how happy the radials are going to be on a stick car. I tried it a few years ago, about every 4th- 5th run it would blow them off with no possibility of recovery. I had to run them down to around 12 lbs, wouldn't work at all at the typical 20 lbs that the auto guys run. I don't know of any stick cars that are having any luck with this.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Since my car is a fairly light, low HP car, I'm hoping they will work. They came recommended by a couple of guys. Guess I'll find out.
Thanks

[Paul Wong]

Originally Posted by Shadylane

Since my car is a fairly light, low HP car, I'm hoping they will work. They came recommended by a couple of guys. Guess I'll find out.
Thanks

The radials are a great idea, but it would really make your life a lot easier to start with a bias tire and get the clutch close. Then progress to the radial.

I have noticed the same thing with the radial that 1 out of 5 times it spins bad.

[Shadylane]

Originally Posted by Sean Marconette

A momentary button to turn on the fuel pump for the fuel sample. And a ballast bar, depending on how light you were able to get the car. A ballast box will not get you to your natural weight, if the car is really light.


Sean

Sean, I already put the momentary button on the car. I'll work on the ballast bar idea.