Ford Fairmont & Mercury Zephyr Owners and Enthusiast
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Ford Fairmont & Mercury Zephyr Owners and Enthusiast

Scince : Jan 1st/2001 Orig.Fairmont 302 Forum Scince: Nov 8th/2008
 
HomePortalGalleryLatest imagesSearchRegisterLog in
Search
 
 

Display results as :
 
Rechercher Advanced Search
Like/Tweet
Latest topics
» '78 and '79 Fairmont and Zephyr ES
not much going on Icon_minitimeWed Jan 12, 2022 11:19 pm by GrantBB

» Stymees'mont / Eric'c Fairmonts
not much going on Icon_minitimeTue Jan 11, 2022 11:44 pm by GrantBB

» Window Weather Stripping
not much going on Icon_minitimeTue Jan 11, 2022 2:06 am by GrantBB

» Fairmont at Nelson Ledges Road Course
not much going on Icon_minitimeThu Feb 18, 2021 6:32 pm by GrantBB

» Latest track day video: Summit Point Shenandoah
not much going on Icon_minitimeTue Feb 16, 2021 11:14 pm by GrantBB

» Back in the Fairmont saddle again.
not much going on Icon_minitimeMon Feb 15, 2021 12:38 am by GrantBB

» New to the Group Texasfairmont from south Texas
not much going on Icon_minitimeWed Feb 10, 2021 1:49 am by GrantBB

» 20 years of Fairmont 302
not much going on Icon_minitimeFri Feb 05, 2021 7:45 pm by Stymees'mont

» Keep it or Scrap It ?
not much going on Icon_minitimeSun Apr 12, 2020 3:50 pm by Red 78'

March 2024
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
CalendarCalendar
Affiliates
free forum


 

 not much going on

Go down 
4 posters
Go to page : 1, 2  Next
AuthorMessage
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeTue Jan 28, 2014 11:08 pm

Not much going on, had to replace the A/C compressor on the Taurus this past weekend, enjoying the warm weather, got all the rose bushes trimmed, hope to do more yard work this weekend.
glad I don't live up north where some of you boys live, I bitch about having to wear a sweater in the mornings....
looking forward to the first oil change on this engine.
Back to top Go down
fox81




Posts : 160
Join date : 2008-12-28

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeWed Jan 29, 2014 2:36 pm

Same here, isn't the weather great? Just figuring out all the wiring still. Where did you have the fuel pump harness/wiring plugging into? Am I just blind or am I missing something? Cause I have almost everything else figured out, just kinda stuck on this one.
Back to top Go down
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeWed Jan 29, 2014 9:56 pm

it's been pretty nice for a while. I was talking to a guy from Minnesota, he said he had just left 20 below zero weather, I thought he looked funny in shorts and a tee shirt at 7.30 am. I don't know what those guys do over there for a living during the winter, I think I'd sell parts or something and just fed-ex everything....
the fuel pump harness goes to a big green connector near the right side kick panel, the connector also contains the a/c wiring, check eng light wire . you will see a big dark green wire with a yellow stripe on it. I think its 10 gauge wire.
the relays under the hood are for the EEC computer and the fuel pump.
if you need assistance , I can go thru some pix as a reference, or just call.
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeThu Jan 30, 2014 2:38 am

Yeah, I'm usually not one to complain about the weather, but this cold snap is getting pretty old. I'd be working on my car if I could though. I just need to get our taxes done and figure out how much of a refund we're getting so I can buy some parts. Getting sick of waiting for that too, haha.
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeThu Jan 30, 2014 9:02 am

you guys got it bad this year!

mike make sure you run the pcm wires thru the firewall before you fit the a/c plenum.
Back to top Go down
fox81




Posts : 160
Join date : 2008-12-28

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeThu Jan 30, 2014 12:53 pm

Ohhh okay, cause I kept looking at the pictures you gave me trying to figure it out. Cause it looks like the green plug coming from the dash harness plugged into that one. So it's just the green/yellow wire for the fuel pump power? But if you want to take a look at the pictures and let me know, cause I could be looking at it all wrong.

Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeFri Jan 31, 2014 11:48 am

Bungy (I think he's posted here) is tempting me with a very reasonably priced Explorer intake, not far from where I live. I want it!! I've been really itching to work on the car. Won't have the tax refund for another couple of weeks at least to buy the new suspension parts. Need to talk the intake over with "the committee" a bit more. Didn't get a definitive answer last night.  Laughing 
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSat Feb 01, 2014 8:08 am

Ok mike; i can’t find the usb drive for that mod project, that annoys me as there is a load of music on it also.
I’ll have to fly by wire/memory, so I’ll try to simplify the procedure.

Go ahead with installing the brake pedal brace, or just notch yours out in the same place as the one i gave you.

First you’ll need to cut a hole in the firewall for the pcm wiring, remember i made the loom, so the only grommet i had that would work at the time was a round one, you’ll need to measure the grommet for the hole, i believe it is either 2 ¼ or 2 ½ in hole, here are two pix which will give you an idea where to drill the hole.
















Once the wiring loom hole has been cut, use a half moon file to ensure there are no sharp edges left by the hole saw that could cut the wiring connector.

Take the PCM connector and bend the wiring so it is parallel to the connector and shove the connector thru the hole in the firewall. This will require some patience, but it will fit.

Please ensure the loom wiring runs down along the firewall to the floor pan and along the inner frame well just below the scuff plate and then toward the passenger seat.

You will see a green connector as part of the PCM wiring loom, this will connect directly to the dash wiring. This needs to be about even with the opening of the door. Leave this connector dangling.

At this time I would suggest that you wrap the PCM connector in a plastic bag or paper towel, then wrap it up with a Tee shirt and put it on the floor so it doesn’t get damaged.

Take the wiring from the engine by side and run it along the pass side apron for the relays, TAB, TAD & etc. this is the time you’ll want to install the TAB & TAD vacuum valves to the pass side apron or you can wait...i would suggest to fit them now while the engine is out.

Run the rest of the outside PCM wiring under and along the firewall seam to the driver side and up towards where the starter relay and battery will be. It’s best to secure this loom loosely with zip ties at this time.

Now is the time to replace the heater core if you are interested, i would suggest replacing it now instead of later.

Now that this wiring portion has been run, offer the plenum to the firewall, making sure the black plastic vacuum hose goes into the engine bay FIRST!!!!

fit the heater & A/C plenum and make sure that the wiring for the PCM is not trapped/pinched behind the plenum, it should have some movement.

Bolt/secure the plenum down inside the car just tight enough to hold it in place.

Tighten the nuts on the plenum inside the engine bay; however you need to verify the plenum water drain pipe fits thru the hole in the body and the holes for the heater core and A/C lines don’t rub on the pipes.
Tighten the plenum inside the car using the metal brackets, or make some new ones.

It would be wise to fit the accelerator cable to the pedal now if you have not done so.

With the help of an assistant, or you can do it yourself, set the dash in the car having the left side closer to the firewall that the passenger side.

Shove the left side main wiring thru the firewall into the engine bay, do not pull it thru all the way at this time.

Fit/align the dash to the body, make sure the plenum lines up to the a/c gasket.

Once the dash is fitting good, tighten both sides of the dash, you may have to make adjustments to the mounts, maybe not, but don’t forget to tighten the brake pedal assy to the dash frame, this is below the area of the speedometer.

Once it’s looking good, tighten it all down.

Pull the main dash wire from outside the car until the grommet fits in the main wiring hole.

If you haven’t cut the hole for the shifter……….do it now!

Align the console assy so it is straight with the dash and looks and fits good.

Set the shifter into the console hole for the alignment procedure, it’s best to cut a little at a time. I think i cut a hole for the shifter lever to go down thru the tunnel first. However, i used a template that i had made from an old shifter. If you want disassemble the shifter you can. If that one is screwed, i have another one .

Now the most important part of this procedure is to align the shifter to the black trim piece in the console.

Once this is done, do the parking brake and you are done with the dash and console, except the trim..


Back to top Go down
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSat Feb 01, 2014 8:25 am

sorry no pix to this site mike, send me your e-mail in P/Message.
if you have another thumb drive, try to categorize and group all the pix by groups. it will make things easier.
I still have not found my stick, so I only have a few pix on the home computer.

ZephyrEFI; how far have you got along with the planning on your 5.8 ground-pounder? best planning is always done when your broke.



Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSat Feb 01, 2014 11:55 am

I'm a little reluctant to go the 5.8 route at this point. If I get new springs this year and finally fix my ride, I'll probably end up having to do it again with an engine swap. I DO NOT want to have to change my front springs again after this.  Very Happy  We'll see if the Explorer intake scratches my itch for more power, I guess.

When/if I do go for a 5.8, I'll probably look for a complete Lightning engine. Maybe troll some Lightning forums and see if one pops up reasonably priced in the meantime.

I AM really excited though to see what real summer tires can do for my handling/ride. Should be a fun summer.
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSun Feb 02, 2014 12:20 pm

Well; speaking from experience, planning is best when you are broke, as you are least likely to make irrational costly decision/s. always look at the big picture.
I’m not so certain that you need a spring change with a different engine/tranny combo, if anything; I’d try a caster camber adjustment if needed and see what happens.
A few of us at work are putting a 4.6 or 5.4 (I can’t remember) into a 77 Bronco. However I wanted a lower height intake manifold so we don’t have to use a hood scoop, so I have donated the intake from one of the 4.6 mustangs ( and probably a bunch of other stuff I don't even know about yet). I won’t be using a GEM module, so I’ll try to use the 4X4 module from an Explorer to control the transfer case. I planned on using a CCRM out of a v-6 mustang to control the PCM, but my dumb ass forgot to snag it before we sent it to the crusher, so now part of the scrap money has to go toward another CCRM & connector……still figuring out how to run the PATS system from the HEC.
You gotta have fun man!!!
You should see some of the stuff that comes out of our late night clandestine auto works division (super charged Jeep rock crawler, an injected 350 trans Am with electric overdrive transmission a 2dr tire roasting caprice) none of us are rich, but somehow it always comes together, swap, buy/trade/build.
We each have tasks to perform, but when you look at it, I’d rather do 4 sets of frt springs rather than set that engine and tranny combo in between that skinny frame, but the guy who does that stuff would rather install 3 engines rather than wire one up, we just have to keep Chris away, because he likes to put turbo’s or superchargers on everything, you should have seen the turbo he put on his injected 73 corvette....with single exhaust!
don't give-up, just plan forward. question is.....what are you going to do when you get bored with the 5.8?????
I have tangled with some of those so-called rice burners before, some of them can do 10-11 second 1/4 miles and still drive normally on the street.
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSun Feb 02, 2014 4:46 pm

Yeah, that's because you cheat at doing the front springs.  Laughing 

I really can't imagine being bored with this car. It's kept my on my toes fixing things that NEED fixing for 9 years now. With a few changes that didn't really need doing along the way...  Very Happy 

Sounds like you guys have some fun over there. That Bronco sounds sweet.

One of the reasons I hear people build "rice burners" is because they want something different. Well, we Fairmont guys have certainly shown that there's a LOT more "different" left to do in the V8 arena.
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSun Feb 02, 2014 7:07 pm

well; truth be told, I have purchased and returned loads of "special" FITS FORD type of spring compressors, don't think I've ever had ONE that went thru the hole in the lower control arm or would grasp the spring properly. I tried to make one this summer when I found some suitable components, loser.....
the good thing about the Bronco is there is no time limit at the moment, and since the body is off, that makes thing easier.
Back to top Go down
fox81




Posts : 160
Join date : 2008-12-28

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeMon Feb 03, 2014 11:23 am

Thanks John! I was probably gunna run the wiring either today or tomorrow. Just wanted to make sure I plug things into the right spots and not end up frying something. Also what about the 3 gray plugs on both sides of the dash?
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeMon Feb 03, 2014 12:28 pm

Yeah, spring compressors are a real pain to deal with. I'll bet I've spent hours repositioning, repositioning, repositioning in an effort to get them to come through the bottom hole. And then once the spring is in, now you have to get the spring compressor out of there somehow, which is another really time-consuming task. try to find a way to get a wrench on the bolt head at the top and turn it flat by flat until something becomes loose enough to remove. THEN you have to find a way to get it out! It doesn't just come right out the bottom hole, oh no. SO horrible. Every time I consider just cutting them to save time. And it had better be a good one too, or it slips right off the coil and tries to kill you. This is why I hate doing front springs. I'd pull engines in and out all day long before doing that again. I'm just hoping this next time since they will probably be lowering springs, they will go in easier.

The Explorer intake passed "the committee", so I'll be getting that pretty soon. Pretty excited about that. And I'm waiting to hear back from my 1 1/8" sway bar guy for when i'll be able to pick that up too!
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeThu Feb 06, 2014 7:39 am

mike, hook the wiring up on both sides of the dash board if there are connectors that fit. not all connectors on the mustang dash will be used as some connectors go to the doors for power locks, power mirrors and windows on both sides.
the main connectors on the left side will go to the rear wiring loom for lighting, fuel pump etc. I don't think all connectors are used.

maximum motorsports sell a lowering spring installation kit, however I don't think they will work with stock springs. these are supposed to be the best on the market, there is also a YouTube video on them. it bolts into the lower control arm and has a hook for the spring, and you just use a jack to install them...
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeThu Feb 06, 2014 12:43 pm

Yeah, I've seen the MM tool. Pretty neat deal. I can see how it wouldn't work with stock springs though, it would get in the way of the spring compressor.

Yeah, I have a bunch of connectors that aren't used under my '90 dash. I've always wondered what they are.  Laughing But everything works!
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeFri Feb 07, 2014 8:03 am

it's only used for lowering springs, it bolts into the lower control arm, the hooked end faces up.

you then put the new spring into the groove in the L/C/A the hook is supposed to keep it in place, then raise the L/C/A with a jack, no compressor required, done deal.
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeFri Feb 07, 2014 12:41 pm

Yeah, that will probably elevate the H&R springs above the Ford Racing B springs. Ease of installation, haha.
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSat Feb 08, 2014 9:33 am

To paint or not to paint; It’s been an ongoing debate for some time, yesterday my bud showed up, and we were discussing more mods on the cars, I told him I had arranged to have to school paint mine, and I thought he was going to thump me.
Normally he’s got his stuff torqued to spec; so I listened to his logic, he made a weird suggestion about a procedure one of his friends has done and does allowing the natural beauty of the patina to shine through.
I use the word logic loosely, however it does come into play so far as motivation, inspiration etc involved. We all have our goals, desires, expectations of our individual vehicles, so…….I’ll talk to this guy and see what he has to offer.
I’d love to have a nice red paint job, but there’s no way I’m going to wear a shirt with a collar, have a shave, get a haircut and face the possibility of wearing a tie on a daily basis, this could snuff out my creative thought processes. It may force me to have the windows tinted….or get a loud exhaust.
my carpet goes out for cleaning today, (finally) then I can finish the console assembly.
red is nice...but rust never sleeps.
Thanks “Brew” you may have saved my image!!!

bye the way...what does elevate H&R springs above the Ford Racing B springs mean, are you going for the "gasser" look? straight axles suck.....
be gentle I'm old and not very knowledgeable about some aftermarket products.
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSat Feb 08, 2014 11:04 am

Oh, no, haha. I just meant elevate them as my choice above the B springs. I think gassers are stupid, haha.

I understand the image thing well, but my vote would be to get the car painted. But it's your car, so do what you want with it!  Smile 

Spent some time with my Explorer intake yesterday cleaning the old finish off it. It's very corroded and the paint is bubbled and coming off in chunks. It must've sat outside for some time. I think it will clean up nice though. I'm a little concerned about the throttle body though. It's rusty and the lever is very sticky. I don't know if I'm going to be able to save it. Would be much easier to just buy a Mustang throttle body, but those cost quite a bit more than I'd want to spend.
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSat Feb 08, 2014 3:03 pm

try some throttle body cleaner or the old style ford foam carb cleaner to see if you can loosen it up,
I don't think that type is able to be disassembled.
hot water & oven cleaner for the manifold works just fine.
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSat Feb 08, 2014 8:48 pm

Will oven cleaner take the corrosion off too? I was thinking of buying a chemical for that, or even getting it sandblasted.

On the throttle body, the Explorer lever is actually backwards for the Mustang cable, so I have to at least take that off. Maybe I'll try and take the flapper off at that time and pull the shaft out and see if I can clean it up in there. I sprayed some throttle body cleaner in it and it cleaned the gunk out of it quite nicely though!
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
fangar150-ex




Posts : 853
Join date : 2008-11-10
Location : AZ

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSun Feb 09, 2014 6:30 pm

it's always "something" on these cars that don't fit...fancy that Ford not keeping everything the same like GM.
I'm not all that enthusiastic about sandblasting aluminum, they claim to have media blasters that can clean anything, however I'd probably be the only one who would get it down into the cylinders.
I've seen some pretty nice polished ones, but I don't know how they did it, some kind of cloth buffing wheel maybe???.
when I did my 10 hole wheels years ago, the dude who refinishes the wheels, told me to use paint stripper and a nylon brush to remove the finish from the wheels, do what I want to the wheels and just coat it with Krylon clear paint, they turned out great.
it's hard to believe that I'm driving around using A/C in February!!! now I've GOT to sort the A/C condenser out in the red one! knocking on 80F today, I'm sure we'll get a snap before long.
haven't got the carpet back yet, dude was a no show on Saturday, that kinda barks. hope he's not sick....
Back to top Go down
ZephyrEFI

ZephyrEFI


Posts : 860
Join date : 2008-11-10
Age : 48
Location : Shakopee, MN

not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitimeSun Feb 09, 2014 9:37 pm

Oh, I don't want the intake polished. It certainly wouldn't look stock then. Originally they were painted some sort of grey, but I think they look good, and pretty stock in silver. I used high temp paint on my HO intake. I wonder if there's a high temp clear coat? And sandblasting would cost me about $50, which I don't really want to spend.

Actually, I think the cable is backwards so they could use the same throttle cable as the V6 in the Explorer. It winds around the front of the intake and ends up facing the throttle body, what would be backwards on any other car.

What are you having done to the carpet? What sort of cleaning does your guy do?

Just for fun I was browsing the '69 Mustang ads on Classic Auto Trader. There's a Mach 1 where they finished replacing all the bad metal, but now it needs paint and assembly. They want $14,000 for it. That's very low for a '69 fastback. Something like that is probably the only way a guy like me will ever be able to own one. I'd try my hand at painting in order to own a '69 fastback. It's my favorite car ever. I was talking to my dad about another one and he was saying it was likely beat on, but I said, for those of us who can't count ourselves among the 1%ers, something like that is about as good as we can expect. All the nice fastbacks were 50g's and up. It makes me sick.
Back to top Go down
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2286370
Sponsored content





not much going on Empty
PostSubject: Re: not much going on   not much going on Icon_minitime

Back to top Go down
 
not much going on
Back to top 
Page 1 of 2Go to page : 1, 2  Next

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
Ford Fairmont & Mercury Zephyr Owners and Enthusiast :: Message Board-
Jump to: