So another month and some more progress has been made. I purchased a new water pump, the one I had was knocking and getting ready to crap out. And luckily i also found that my timing chain cover had a whole about the size of quarter in it. Can you believe that sludge and grime was caked so thick on there that it plugged the whole itself...coolant would have literally been spraying out of my engine. anyway i replaced that with minimal expected frustration. But it so far has been worth it. Also I grinded down all the surface rust in the engine bay and sealed it with a rubberized sealant to prevent corrosion. After all was installed I painted all parts black. I decided that since the engine was modified it shouldn't be the original ford blue. Black, minimal colors and no chrome is a theme that I am carrying throughout the car. I am aiming to make this car a road racer as oppose to the drag car that was first envisioned. something that I could maybe enter in a auto cross style race. currently I am facing some electrical problems that have got me a little down. If you recall I was able to drive it a while ago, but now cannot until I jump over this electrical hurdle. So the bitterness of understanding that another hill will have to be crossed to get to the top is somewhat discouraging.
I have been wanting to mention that a lot of this work has been possible and easier because of a good friend of mine that has an invaluable quality of patience, knowledge and most of all selflessness. Jason has been a long time friend of mine and we share the same interest for cars along with many things but this project of mine he has particularly helped me through. Many times he has taken the lead where I am unsure or given his opinion when needed and am forever thankful. He just like me has sweated and burned many hours of our day on this vehicle, never asking for a fee or anything in return which any other person sure would. I am deeply in his debt and owe him more than what I can afford. I was not born with a brother but have no doubt that I do have on today. I don't know how far along I would be if it wasn't for him or the people that do encourage me. Maybe I might have given up, or be headed in the wrong direction. But I know the road would be much harder if I did not have the right people to help me achieve my dreams.
peace be with you.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
One Small Step, One Giant Leap.
Episode three of project resurrection has by far been the most arduous. The brake system has given more problems than anticipated. Other than wheel cylinders, i resurfaced the drums and replaced the brake lines in the front and the main one at the rear. The later giving me the majority of the problem. At one point i wanted to cut that shit off!...I didn't however. Also after discovering a internal leak with the Holley carburetor I purchased. I exchanged it with the summit name brand carburetor with adjustable set points. lastly i finished with the gas tank and fuel delivery portion. New tank, fuel filter and lines help it get plenty of that expensive premium unleaded fuel...ouch on the wallet tho...but worth it when my foot mashes the throttle.
I want to go back and talk about that brake line that gave me problems. First off it was rusted so tight and placed at such an awkward angle that the thought of giving up almost crossed my mind. Often times i get very frustrated with things of this nature that should be routine or simple, but become chaotic or intricate. This was both combined. I sat beside that rear tire for about a week and a half each day trying to get fluid back there and each day failing. I have not felt frustration like that in so long. Each trial of those long hot days i tried and failed. The alternatives running out...the options I fear most coming into sight. It seemed that i had been defeated. But, and it always seems to come at it most needed time, I have a flash back of a certain memory...My father looking at me as I'm working under the hood of the very same vehicle. I repeat the words inside my head as I write this now...but I was angry because I could not figure out some mechanical problem (the problem is not as important as the lesson). He looked at me, calm and confident and told me "never give up, never...ever, give up". soon enough i learned what the problem was, more importantly i learned the vale of patience and to not loose determination over small issues....needless to say after the quick trip down memory lane i shortly repaired the brakes and moved on. And Im glad to say the fruit of my labor was rewarded to me today.
After installing a new carburetor, gas tank and brakes I put it into drive and set sail. I have not driven it for many years and the wind on my hand has never felt so good. The rush of simply pulling out of the drive way was dreamlike. I have had both nightmares of it being towed away like a golden opportunity stripped from my hands because of my inability to understand its potential, I have also fantasized of driving it away from its dusty grave like a sentenced man freeing himself from prison to avenge his betrayers. The short round trip drive gave me more direction and empowerment than anything I have experienced in far to long. I know I am not finished, but hitting this milestone has only made me further believe that will can turn any dream into a reality. Peace be with you.
p.s. I cut the pipes twice as short and it is twice as loud, sound like a beast...I will try to update this more with some pictures and video.
I want to go back and talk about that brake line that gave me problems. First off it was rusted so tight and placed at such an awkward angle that the thought of giving up almost crossed my mind. Often times i get very frustrated with things of this nature that should be routine or simple, but become chaotic or intricate. This was both combined. I sat beside that rear tire for about a week and a half each day trying to get fluid back there and each day failing. I have not felt frustration like that in so long. Each trial of those long hot days i tried and failed. The alternatives running out...the options I fear most coming into sight. It seemed that i had been defeated. But, and it always seems to come at it most needed time, I have a flash back of a certain memory...My father looking at me as I'm working under the hood of the very same vehicle. I repeat the words inside my head as I write this now...but I was angry because I could not figure out some mechanical problem (the problem is not as important as the lesson). He looked at me, calm and confident and told me "never give up, never...ever, give up". soon enough i learned what the problem was, more importantly i learned the vale of patience and to not loose determination over small issues....needless to say after the quick trip down memory lane i shortly repaired the brakes and moved on. And Im glad to say the fruit of my labor was rewarded to me today.
After installing a new carburetor, gas tank and brakes I put it into drive and set sail. I have not driven it for many years and the wind on my hand has never felt so good. The rush of simply pulling out of the drive way was dreamlike. I have had both nightmares of it being towed away like a golden opportunity stripped from my hands because of my inability to understand its potential, I have also fantasized of driving it away from its dusty grave like a sentenced man freeing himself from prison to avenge his betrayers. The short round trip drive gave me more direction and empowerment than anything I have experienced in far to long. I know I am not finished, but hitting this milestone has only made me further believe that will can turn any dream into a reality. Peace be with you.
p.s. I cut the pipes twice as short and it is twice as loud, sound like a beast...I will try to update this more with some pictures and video.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Great Expectations
Meant to update this sooner. In case your not familiar i am restoring classic mustang that i have owned for many years. It might help if you read the previous blog. So I have a lot to add but after a brief initial analysis and test starts. I found that I needed a new carburetor. The one I had on their was beyond repair, it would have needed more than just a overhaul kit. Anyway I went with the same cfm (600) and kept it Holley. But this time I got a non-adjustable one so that no adjustments would be needed beyond the idle rpm. I also noticed that it was having a hard time turning after a few cranks, so i upgraded the starter solenoid and that resolved that issue. The next issue I found was that since the car had been sitting for so long the gas in the gas tank had gone bad and the tank had developed a layer of sludge on the bottom. I bought a new tank along with a sending unit to replace it and am just waiting for a clear day to install it. Next I am tackling the brakes. I initially wanted to upgrade the brakes with a booster, but that combination only comes with disk brakes. So for now i will be just replacing the brake system to its original style. Ordered a new brake master cylinder and am going to spring for new wheel cylinders for both front and back as well.
On a side note I wanted to write something about this whole ordeal. I have tried and failed at many things. Most in fact. I have even comes to terms and believe that I am forever learning the hard way. Sometimes I think that the very few people who encourage me do it only because it is what family members or friends are supposed to do. Support you in any effort you choose, no matter how futile. I often imagine that they expect me to fail and that I will soon grow out of some idealistic phase. As if they are enabling me deeper into a delusional cause. Am I just being paranoid? I'm not sure if its their doubt or mine that has me worried that another failure is around the corner. Sometimes I am even convinced that I am delusional, and that i should cut my losses. It's a rational notion. Why pour money and time (both of which I little of) into something that will not help me, physically, mentally or in any logical sense.
But my Im not rational about this, at least not in the customary meaning. I refuse to be. My logic does not work in sense that measures bank account sizes or time I could have spent watching TV. Those things do not define what a person is. The load is heavy and arduous, but my resolve is strong and I have stood by enduring for to long. The reward is worth the headaches, the blood sweat and tears,the cut fingers and empty wallets. The invaluable understanding that comes with knowing what I am worth is what must be achieved. Given the knowledge of how steep the climb is will I quit? Turn around? Succeed?. Can I attain those goals set forth for me no matter hard the journey? Truth to these questions, I must seek. I must test myself if I wish to become more than what is expected of me. How does one know how sweet the fruit of labor taste without knowing the bitterness of personal defeat. And I have swallowed enough defeat. This project is not just a project to restore a vehicle, the vehicle is myself. A metaphorical projection of myself that I am slowly trying to restore or better yet "resurrect" after years of self indulgence, slothfulness and indifference to everything. Like this car I have led a life on the side lines and in the safety of driveways only being tested and driven to its fullest measure in rare circumstances. To long have we both rested idle, and long over due are we for an awakening. The potential of this vehicle I feel parallels that of mine, and soon I will restore it and myself beyond expectations.
peace be with you.
On a side note I wanted to write something about this whole ordeal. I have tried and failed at many things. Most in fact. I have even comes to terms and believe that I am forever learning the hard way. Sometimes I think that the very few people who encourage me do it only because it is what family members or friends are supposed to do. Support you in any effort you choose, no matter how futile. I often imagine that they expect me to fail and that I will soon grow out of some idealistic phase. As if they are enabling me deeper into a delusional cause. Am I just being paranoid? I'm not sure if its their doubt or mine that has me worried that another failure is around the corner. Sometimes I am even convinced that I am delusional, and that i should cut my losses. It's a rational notion. Why pour money and time (both of which I little of) into something that will not help me, physically, mentally or in any logical sense.
But my Im not rational about this, at least not in the customary meaning. I refuse to be. My logic does not work in sense that measures bank account sizes or time I could have spent watching TV. Those things do not define what a person is. The load is heavy and arduous, but my resolve is strong and I have stood by enduring for to long. The reward is worth the headaches, the blood sweat and tears,the cut fingers and empty wallets. The invaluable understanding that comes with knowing what I am worth is what must be achieved. Given the knowledge of how steep the climb is will I quit? Turn around? Succeed?. Can I attain those goals set forth for me no matter hard the journey? Truth to these questions, I must seek. I must test myself if I wish to become more than what is expected of me. How does one know how sweet the fruit of labor taste without knowing the bitterness of personal defeat. And I have swallowed enough defeat. This project is not just a project to restore a vehicle, the vehicle is myself. A metaphorical projection of myself that I am slowly trying to restore or better yet "resurrect" after years of self indulgence, slothfulness and indifference to everything. Like this car I have led a life on the side lines and in the safety of driveways only being tested and driven to its fullest measure in rare circumstances. To long have we both rested idle, and long over due are we for an awakening. The potential of this vehicle I feel parallels that of mine, and soon I will restore it and myself beyond expectations.
peace be with you.
Monday, May 16, 2011
In The Begining
Today I received something in the mail that leads to the culmination of one of my dreams. Its an envelope containing my tax return, and in it is a specified amount that allows me to put into view a goal i have been working towards over a decade now.
A little bit of history now. When i was young My father in combination with some of my uncles put into my mind that there was nothing more impressive than to have a fast car. And not just any top of the line foreign car like a Porsche or Ferrari...these where not the cars that where within reach for them. Instead they put the fantasies of unattainable unicorns away and replaced them with steads and wild mustangs that they could build up and master. They would tell me stories of cars that had enough muscle to beat any car that pulled up to the line next to them. It wasn't the size of your wallet or the hand woven leather seats in your car that impressed them. It was your knowledge and ability to build a machine that was used to transport groceries into a speed demon that sounded louder, handled better and could drive faster than anyone could expect. They would tell me wild stories of late night drag races, meet up spots filled where people would arrive with a car but loose a race and leave on foot. They weren't astronauts pushing the outer limits of space yet these simple men defying the boundaries of physics with simple machines, were (and still are) more important to me. So the first time I got a paycheck i started saving my money for a car to build up. Luckily within a short time i was able to afford a car. The Mustang was sitting in the lot and didn't look like any other car there. First off it was older, had fatter tires and a very aggressive stance to it. We bought the car the next day and since then i have been working to finish it. I got it to a good point, it is fast and loud, but after highschool my progress slowed because of another priority that required my time and finances... college. ya i know what a waste. (slightly kidding)
Back to reality, a couple of years now and the car has been siting, with me only giving it some maintenance. And, somehow it worked out that the government owed me a large chunk of change. Which means that I will be "resurrecting" the beast from the dead to give it a full restoration. It wont be cheap or easy and Im hoping to still do most of the work myself, but will also, mainly cause can afford it, will have the help of professional mechanics. I'm not only gonna get it running and up to par, maybe a few mod's but also get it painted!...very excited about that. anyway i will be posting pictures and any kind of video of my progress to keep you updated. Peace
A little bit of history now. When i was young My father in combination with some of my uncles put into my mind that there was nothing more impressive than to have a fast car. And not just any top of the line foreign car like a Porsche or Ferrari...these where not the cars that where within reach for them. Instead they put the fantasies of unattainable unicorns away and replaced them with steads and wild mustangs that they could build up and master. They would tell me stories of cars that had enough muscle to beat any car that pulled up to the line next to them. It wasn't the size of your wallet or the hand woven leather seats in your car that impressed them. It was your knowledge and ability to build a machine that was used to transport groceries into a speed demon that sounded louder, handled better and could drive faster than anyone could expect. They would tell me wild stories of late night drag races, meet up spots filled where people would arrive with a car but loose a race and leave on foot. They weren't astronauts pushing the outer limits of space yet these simple men defying the boundaries of physics with simple machines, were (and still are) more important to me. So the first time I got a paycheck i started saving my money for a car to build up. Luckily within a short time i was able to afford a car. The Mustang was sitting in the lot and didn't look like any other car there. First off it was older, had fatter tires and a very aggressive stance to it. We bought the car the next day and since then i have been working to finish it. I got it to a good point, it is fast and loud, but after highschool my progress slowed because of another priority that required my time and finances... college. ya i know what a waste. (slightly kidding)
Back to reality, a couple of years now and the car has been siting, with me only giving it some maintenance. And, somehow it worked out that the government owed me a large chunk of change. Which means that I will be "resurrecting" the beast from the dead to give it a full restoration. It wont be cheap or easy and Im hoping to still do most of the work myself, but will also, mainly cause can afford it, will have the help of professional mechanics. I'm not only gonna get it running and up to par, maybe a few mod's but also get it painted!...very excited about that. anyway i will be posting pictures and any kind of video of my progress to keep you updated. Peace
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