1973 Grande Build

Painting threads is a really bad idea, as that distorts the torque values and ruins not only the fastener but potentially the receiving hole.

Steve McMahan said:

BTW, do you guys paint your fastener hardware? Just the parts that show, all but the threads, or ?

Click to expand...

I paint all the heads of my fasteners, but not the threads.

Right, my plan as heads also, but what about bolt starts without threads, that pass through the frame or brackets? I cleaned each one, some were more dirty/rusty than others. I was thinking painting those non threaded shafts would extend their life some. Thoughts?

Take a look at some of the rust or corrosion inhibitors. CRC and LP3 both make them for marine applications. They work well on machinery out in the environment and should work well for your needs. I used the CRC HD Corrosion Inhibitor on my cars' suspension components while I lived in Hawaii and it worked well at protecting them.

Steve McMahan said:

Right, my plan as heads also, but what about bolt starts without threads, that pass through the frame or brackets? I cleaned each one, some were more dirty/rusty than others. I was thinking painting those non threaded shafts would extend their life some. Thoughts?

Click to expand...

If the nut has a non-threaded shaft, then I will also paint the non-threaded part of the shaft.

Thanks for the advice

Ok, I just found this tag. Where was it originally mounted on the car? Does someone have a pic of its location? I know it does attach to the headlight shroud.

That is the buck tag, and it seems to be mounted where it should be. That is exactly where mine is at.

Cool, thanks, it’s attached with a screw; that seems like it would be something riveted on. Is a one screw attachment the correct situation?

Well, big day for my car. My good friend Steve came down to help me install the engine/trans for my Phase 1 effort, for good. Here it is:


Much thanks to my friend for helping me with the install. Everything went without any surprises. Now, I’ve got 30 or 40 parts to put back on the engine, trans, firewall, etc AND, I still have to buy a dual exhaust system that will work with my no name shorty headers and have provisions for two OX sensors and not put me in the poor house, figure out my trans and PS coolers, my radiator stuff, and stuff I’ve forgotten. Oh, the driveshaft also fit!

Good job, can't wait to hear it running.

Tom

Steve McMahan said:

Cool, thanks, it’s attached with a screw; that seems like it would be something riveted on. Is a one screw attachment the correct situation?

Click to expand...

It's all as it should be - placement, paint and screw. All original, OEM, unmolested

Steve McMahan said:

Cool, thanks, it’s attached with a screw; that seems like it would be something riveted on. Is a one screw attachment the correct situation?

Click to expand...

Mine is attached with a screw, and as far as I know that is how most of them came attached.

Good to know on the tag, thanks gents.

More pics for the viewing pleasure. May not look like much, but I have installed most of the emission systems, the complete electrical system (ECU harness and Integration harness), shorty headers, and a few things under the car that I was too tired to get back on my back to photograph. Today is the last day of progress and I take a week off to play with the grandkids.

@Steve McMahan:
I know your engine bay is still a work in progress but FWIW I believe you have your gas vapor canister connected wrong. It is a little difficult to see at the top left of this picture but the small hose leading back to the gas tank fits on the smaller fitting on the left, the center fitting has a little mushroom-looking cap on it and the larger fitting on the right connects to the base of the air cleaner with a flexible paper wrapped aluminum tube.

Mike

mjseakan said:

@Steve McMahan:
I know your engine bay is still a work in progress but FWIW I believe you have your gas vapor canister connected wrong. It is a little difficult to see at the top left of this picture but the small hose leading back to the gas tank fits on the smaller fitting on the left, the center fitting has a little mushroom-looking cap on it and the larger fitting on the right connects to the base of the air cleaner with a flexible paper wrapped aluminum tube.

Mike

Click to expand...

Mike, that was going to be my suggestion as well but you beat me to it.

Tom

You guys should ready the first page of the post before telling me it’s installed incorrectly. If you do, you’ll get it.

Ok, sorry about that. In my defense December was a long time ago.
Mike

That’s what complicated about creating an integrated vehicle; trying to keep as much of the original car, but kinda repurposing things to make the new work. Now, I know emission systems are not high in most peoples goals for their car, but for me, it’s part of the challenge.

I’m not sure how easy it is to see in the other pic, but I repurposed a TAB valve from a 1978 Ford LTD to replace the TAD valve from the TBird. It felt good that I could keep what I started with on the TBird engine, because tossing it is always an option, but integrating it is more fun for me.

Thanks for looking and encouraging me. I appreciate it.