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Messages - tbirdsps

92
User Rides / Let the work begin
The interior is all but stripped now.  Only the steering column and dash are still in.  It's so nice finding the clean factory finish on the floors.  Not a speck of rust and the wiring looks like it's one day old.

I did finally figure out the passenger door lock problem.  The solenoid is disconnected from whatever it connects to thus the chatter noise when operating.  I was surprised that the C pillar thunderbirds were actually bolted on.  Luckily I did not try to pry them off.  The carpet cleaned up nice but it's really too faded on front hump.  I only found 39 cents.  Dang it, I was hoping for at least a $20 bill.:D

The other day I found a MK VII donor for the window track seals.  I'm hoping for good belt weatherstripping and maybe the seats too.  It's on the top of another car so I couldn't get a good look.  The window tracks are nice and soft so I'm hopefull.  I'd like to have the dash too but I'm afraid that the electrical would kick my butt.

I'm almost ready for the sandpaper.....
94
Lounge / Funny story
My daughter call me yesterday.  "My battery light is on".  So I say "bring it over".  She can be smart most of the time and left it running.  I put a meter on the battery and with it running it shows 4.65 volts.  I was actually quite surprised it was still running.

So, I ask "how long has the light been on?"  She says "since Monday after work".

So, basically if you have an Escort ZX2 you can expect it to run on a battery down to 4.65 volts.
95
Lounge / Is This Real?
I always fall for this kind of stuff.....:punchballs:
96
Engine Tech / Where the !@#$%& does this hose go?!?
There's a T fitting right behind the air cleaner.  That's where it goes.  Once you fix that it will idle smooth if that's the only bad line.  There's a big one under the air cleaner too on the back of the CFI that goes to the PCV that is usually cracked bad.
98
General Fox T-Bird/Cougar Discussion / How to figure out where your T-bird or Cougar came from
Mine was originally sold in Trona, Ca. at Van Dyck Ford-Isuzu (now defunct) so I'm sure I have a 71 code.  I'll try and remember to check.  I literally bought it from a little old lady that bought it new.

FYI, Trona is where the Trona Pinnicles are.  The site of some filming of Star Trek 5 and the new Planet of the Apes and a new TV show that I can't remember what it is among others.
99
User Rides / Some Pics Of My Bird!!!!!
How nice.  Very neat garage.  I wish mine was.  I'm currently taking an 86 apart for repaint and heater core replacement.
100
Engine Tech / Wierd problem all of a sudden - UPDATE 9/24
I think you are on the right track thinking fuel system.  I had similar symptoms with my 86 Tbird a couple of years ago.  The pump was going bad and it finally required a tow home.  Of course once there it started right up.  Apparently it was getting hot.
101
User Rides / Let the work begin
Getting the visors and interior coutesy light in the mail,  a good friend in Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada noticed I needed them and grabbed them from his favorite JY.

Color matched too.  What a great friend.  I sent him some things over a year ago for free and now the deed is being paid back.  The internet is a great thing for car enthusiasts.:bowdown:

I love trading stuff.
102
Body/Appearance/Interior / Information Only
Here's what Green Sales don't have.  But they did provide the part numbers.  No wonder the outer belt seals are so expensive at Steele.  I was unaware that they came with the trim included.  Steele has the outer belt moldings for $211 for the pair.  They don't have the inners.  These part numbers are for the 85/86's.  I'm not sure if they apply to 83/84 or 87/88.

Part numbers:
E4SZ6321596C: PASSENGER SIDE RUN CHANNEL
E4SZ6321597C: DRIVER SIDE RUN CHANNEL
E3SZ6321456A: PASSENGER SIDE INNER BELT MOULDING
E3SZ6321457A: DRIVER SIDE INNER BELT MOULDING
E5SZ6320934A: PASSENGER SIDE OUTER BELT MOULDING---CHROME
E5SZ6320935A: DRIVER SIDE OUTER BELT MOULDING----CHROME
E5SZ6320934DP: PASSENGER SIDE OUTER BELT MOULDING---CHARCOAL
E5SZ6320935DP: DRIVER SIDE OUTER BELT MOULDING---CHARCOAL
103
User Rides / Clean enough?
Wait, I noticed some dust on the driver's side seat back release....:D
104
User Rides / Let the work begin
Motor mounts are fine.  It was just a thought.  The engine is now running smooth.  This weekend I pulled the CFI and removed the huge build up of carbon in the EGR plate and the balls of carbon below the base plate and made new gaskets.  I reinstalled everything and it ran smooth.  I apparently had a bit of a vacuum leak.  Since the engine still did not return to idle when warm fast enough I also installed my spare idle control motor and not it runs great. 

I also removed most of the window trim.  Boy was the rear glass trim full of dirt.  It has been parked for close to a year and we do have out blowing dust and dirt occasionally but it really surprised me how much was there.

Here's evidence of all that dirt. Luckily there's no rust through:
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I'm still undecided on color but that's a ways off yet.  I still have plenty to do including replacing the heater core and general servicing to be done.  There is an oil leak that drips about a 4" puddle over night.  I could simply be the valve cover gaskets.  I cleaned up under the hood too which wasn't too bad.  I had to evict several spiders and get the bushel of pine needles out of everywhere including under the lower windshield trim and rear quarter window trim.  The good news is zero rust anywhere except for that rear window and around the battery but nothing damaging.  The big thing to me is the window belt moldings are toast and are $211 at Steele and the window tracks are still very functional but cannot be removed as they are now plastic vice rubber.  I have no idea where to get those.

I'm thinking this paint job would look good: It was on ebay last week.

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105
User Rides / Let the work begin
My 86 tbird was a no sale.  It was never considered for s so the work will begin this weekend.  Most will be little nagging little things like:

1. the slow to return to idle issue.  Rough idle (could be motor mounts) on the 3.8. 
2. Heater core
3. A/C hp hose
4. General servicing
5. Rear shocks
6. Headliner and visor replacement
7. Right PDL fix
8. Radio replacement
8. Carpet shampoo
9. Rear seat tear repair
10.  Tires
11. Detail and paint under the hood.  Very ugly under there.

Some of the above will take place concurrent with body prep for paint.  I haven't made up my mind yet but it may get a white over black TC style paint.

So, it may be a while before pictures are added to this thread but they indeed will be added.

The countdown is 5 months to the next Fabulous Fords Forever show in April.  Will need emissions test, registration and insurance too.

How she looks now:  Don't be fooled the paint is really bad.  Clear coat is peeling pretty bad on the roof and left rear quarter panel.
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