Projects HotRod Rebuild

Post#88 shows a new, different clutch.
Post #106 shows you redid the slave cylinder new with the same parts.
Post#134 shows you redid the brake pedal.
First, if possible, have someone work the clutch pedal while you are under the car and watch it work and hopefully measure the clearance at full depression.
If nothing looks goofy, I'd guess the clutch is stiffer, that would be my first call (to centerforce).
I'd double check the slave cylinder bore. Then I'd look into maybe changing the pedal ratio if nothing else is going to work. You have done such a nice job restoring this time capsule, and that change would be invisible to the onlooker. You have made some minor changes for safety, and this is in line with that.

 

I made some adjustments in the clutch rod and where the pedal is connected to the master cylinder. and it seems better. I will find out when i get it running. Started installing the new wire harness.
My plan is to get the engine and dash wired so i can fire it up, before i install the fenders.

 

I had good success with wiring the engine and dash. Here is the first start up since 1975 and

 

I am used to driving my other car with a 454 . The small block likes to be rev higher.

 

I was not able to set the timing to 34 degrees BTDC because the oil cap on the side of the distributor hits the intake. Looks like i need to remove the oil cap. I will post this on the technical section

 

Can’t you just move the distributor one tooth on the cam?

 

I will move the distributor one tooth , that should give me the room i need. Thanks

 

The last picture on post #26 shows the original distributor location rotated about 90 degrees further clockwise from where you presently have it now. It shows the distributor cap hold down clip closer to the intake manifold, where you presently have the oil cap and the stamped Ford script logo on the distributor is facing oppose the water sending unit. Can't you rotate the distributor so that the oil cap is on the drivers side of the engine?

 

WOW great catch. I must have changed the location of the distributor when i put it back together .
I will fix that. Hoping to have this on the road for the spring. Thanks

 

Great project and story behind it. Stay with it even if it means picking up a part time job, or asking the wife to pick up more hours on hers.

 

Chrome exhaust manifolds look great.

 

Yes i love the chrome exhaust , frank has them chromed . I just cleaned them up.

 

Exceptionally nice work ARon. Great choices along the way and yeah, three years or more is no surprise. With a job, life, kids, 4 car maintenance and other projects, an engine rebuild took me a year. Just progress is the key. It is awesome to see the survivor interior, the Ford in a Ford and your ability to fix the important stuff without being heavy handed and losing the spirit of this gem. Well done, keep at it. They're really never done if you don't sell 'em.

 

The mismatched size Kugel Clamp below the MC sticks out

 

I have to hide this post from my wife

 

I don't like this mismatch size . But i will keep looking for a better one

 

Thanks for the great feed back. I just keep at it . Fixing and changing items as i go. There have been many redos and changes along the way. I feel this is a keeper so i guess it will never be done.
My goal is to be able to hit some car shows this spring.

 

I pulled up the distributor and reset it. Easier than i though. Now the oil cup is on the other side so i have room to set the timing as i need.

 

The water temp gauge is not working. I benched tested the gauge to make it work but no luck.
So i installed a new one. I like that the new one has a better temperature range up to 240.
Also installing a new temp sender to be sure the ohms match and i get the correct temp reading.
The chrome is nicer on the old stuff

 

Have you considered swapping the old bezel onto the new gauge? The old chrome does look better

 

The newer bezels are stainless, not chrome. They can be buffed more to increase the shine, but the color might be different from the chrome.

 

I looked, I thought I had one I could send you but I am out of the double smalls. They do make them tho! Love your rebuild

 

That is a hell of a nice ride the fenders look great especially the rear view! Sorry about the Ford engine though.

 

Like this?
https://www.allensfasteners.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=5007

I do love the build, and the fact that you are keeping close to the original build. Keep the updates coming!

Neal

 

Thanks Neal. That is the part i need.

 

The cigarette lighter did not work. I guess that was a must back in the day.
I will put in a new element and socket and keep the old knob.
I need some place to charge my phone.

 

Great story for you, and for the original builder. Well done, keep it going!

 

I used the Quick Glo to clean the steering wheel and it worked great. There is still some pitting
on the chrome but i am happy with the outcome. I sanded the walnut and applied three coats of tung oil finish.