Author Topic: project "78starsky" (Read 9333 times)

78_starsky · « **on:** May 10, 2010, 01:14:57 AM »

I thought we should start a project thread, so here it goes. Purchased this car for $300.00, and we are the 3rd owners. Background, 2.8 runabout. As of today we have the motor apart and the block and heads are getting tanked. the car had sat for 18 years under cover till we bought it. Interior is in very nice shape, just needs a good cleaning and going over. the rugs are in good shape, the leather is in perfect condition, no tears or any wear marks. the body will be the most time consuming aspect of this project, and the motor the most expensive.

the block needed hot tanking because the water that was in it evaporated after 18 years of sitting and left some rust damage. nothing that wont be cleaned up.

I say the engine will be most expensive because of the parts cost. the Cam is going to a custom shop this week for a custom grind, we have a MSD setup for the spark, and going to be running a 2BBL Rochester on this build. I will be doing a complete build of the motor.

Angie and I will be doing all the body work, spraying at least 3 base and setting 6 coats of clear onto the finish with 2 being layed then a complete wet sand between every two coats. followed by a full polish finish to bring the clear to full shine. Angie made a custom red mix up today from old part cans of red that we had laying around the shop, and we are going to be giving the starsky stripes painted on with a pure white doused in white pearls to make it stand off the red.

We have been slowly buying parts that were missing from the car, and as far as we can tell we have about 95% of all missing or broken bits. the rest of what we need will be made by us or bought as we see fit or as needed. Thanks to the people on this wonderful site for their bonanza of spare parts we are happy to report that finding things has been way easier than we thought it would be when we started out on this project. CHEERS guys!!!

here are a few pics, today we tore into engine compartment. we are planning to work on the body of the car on a fairly regular basis now that the weather is turning warm!!! so we plan to have her on the road by mid July, in time for the summer cruising season.

cheers
the day we bought it
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/78pinto.jpg

todays work (ignore the white patches, that is cleaning agent residue): before
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/beforeengcomp.jpg

after:
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/afterengcomp.jpg

dave1987 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2010, 12:13:29 PM »

WOW, what are you using to clean it up with?!?

78_starsky · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2010, 07:45:43 PM »

LOL, I wish that cleaner did that.... we used TSP crystals with warm water. let it soak to get rid of the grime/oil... then we rough sanded the old paint then Angie went to work with Tremclad in the engine compartment. What you see is new paint. sorry to disapoint
you.

78_starsky · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2010, 01:19:25 AM »

Today while Angie was busy sanding down the hood, I was busy placing things back in/on and tearing more stuff off.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/addingblack.jpg

dave1987 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2010, 01:33:21 AM »

Lol, it's okay. Wish there was some type of cleaner that did that much, I wouldn't have to buff all the paint on Brownie!

78_starsky · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2010, 01:37:09 AM »

Ya I hear ya, a super cleaner that will take any old painted thing and turn it back into showroom gleen.... dang wouldn't that be worth a 1,000 bucks a gallon.... cheers, you are really going to town on your build looking good!!

78_starsky · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2010, 11:48:39 PM »

This is at the end of 1 weeks work. Angie has done wonders to the passenger side, the dent is gone, and she is just about finished the tiny bit of work that needed to be done. pics as follows.

here is the dent when she started

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/day3.jpg

here is how it looks when we turned off the lights tonight.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/day4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/day4-2.jpg

78_starsky · « **Reply #7 on:** May 16, 2010, 09:57:57 PM »

The last couple days have been heartbreak and joy. We decided to do a custom mural under the hood, and had all going smooth till this morning when we were ready to start to cut into the heart of the project. Up till today the under side has been lightly sanded, 2 base coats, 2 clears then a full wet sand, then frisket papered and given the blue/purple highlights. the picture of the circle with the hood laying on the car shows what it looked like this morning, and we were ready to start the horse. As luck would have it, after taping off the under belly and cutting the image, when we started to pull the tape off for spraying the detail the clear was haveing a chemical reaction to the tape & paint. when we pulled up the whole set was lifting with the tape. heartbreaking!!! Angie figures that with this being under side of the hood oils were still being trapped under the base coat. only one thing to do... we had to take the underside back down to the original paint and then sand it down more and then give it 2 coats of epoxy primer.

After the primer went on then 2 base red then 2 more coats of clear. the hood is ready now to start again with the wet sanding and retaping for the circle.... today was a let down...

Not to be fully bummed out we decided to venture onto doing the custom valve covers.

these are the original 2.8 covers after 2 primer, 2 base coats and 2 clear. the added touch comes from the baby horse.... enjoy

shadowing the circle
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/1sttrysprayed.jpg

how it was this morning
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/1sttry.jpg

after taping and ready to cut
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/1sttapeoff.jpg

valve covers
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/donevalvecover.jpg

dga57 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 16, 2010, 11:13:14 PM »

How much $$$ to rent Angie for a week? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Dwayne :smile:

78_starsky · « **Reply #9 on:** May 17, 2010, 12:05:48 AM »

LOL... I guess that depends, we work best as a team. The cover was built and sprayed by me, (she cleared it) however, for the airfare I guess you get two for the price of one... how big is your dent(s). She does do excellent body work thou!!! While she went to work on redoing the hood I went to work on the covers. The other side of the car is mainly all sanding now with a couple small dings to get out. I will ask her tomorrow what the rate will be ... :lol:

dga57 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2010, 12:37:37 AM »

Quote from: 78_starsky on May 17, 2010, 12:05:48 AM

LOL... I guess that depends, we work best as a team. The cover was built and sprayed by me, (she cleared it) however, for the airfare I guess you get two for the price of one... how big is your dent(s). She does do excellent body work thou!!! While she went to work on redoing the hood I went to work on the covers. The other side of the car is mainly all sanding now with a couple small dings to get out. I will ask her tomorrow what the rate will be ... :lol:

I actually am capable of pretty good bodywork myself... my problem is lack of time. One of these days...

Dwayne :smile:

78_starsky · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2010, 01:04:20 AM »

ahhh time, yep that killer of great intentions.... I know and that other scary one is procrastinatio n.... funny how work, bills and family seem to collide so well with projects and fun stuff. That is were the two of us are pretty lucky our hobbies and interests are the same.

You can relate then to the work involved in body work.

it is funny when Angie and I talk to people about cars and things and she talks about painting and body work, guys have to take this second look and ask... what did you just say? ... then they raise an eyebrow as in... hmmm ya right, till they actualy see her work then they understand. some of her work on has won their owners trophies, and she has a couple of her own downstairs.

Do you do auto paint also, or just bodywork?

78_starsky · « **Reply #12 on:** May 23, 2010, 09:35:18 PM »

78_starsky · « **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2010, 11:57:36 PM »

Updating progress... (wich we will do every week or so... or when something good is done)

Started cleaning up the interior last couple days. Have the block and heads back form the shop and getting ready to figure out the parts list that will be going into the build. Cleaned up the ignition holder (the piece that holds the key/turn signals) when I first started with it there was no ignition and the column was torn apart from last owner. I looked over the parts that house the key and figured it was hooped. Before I was to chuck it and find a different one I guessed that maybe I could fix the seized pieces. After 2 hours of working it and soaking it I was able to get it to slide, painted it up and regreased the 2 steering wheel bearings.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/ignitswitchbefore.jpg

cleaned
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/ignitswitchafter.jpg

todays attention was focused on placing in the gauge set that I was going to put into my truck. After debating about it, decided that yes I will put these into the car instead.

This is how I did it, and if you are going to do this I am going to give you a couple pointers, to help make it easier. This set comes in a set of three water/oil/volt and has a metal mounting bracket. I liked the distance that the package set the gauges at, so I placed the cardboard holder onto the dash where the gauges were going. after the circles where were I wanted them I scribed them into the dash/paint.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/scribecircles.jpg

I used a dremel to do all the cutting and grinding with. In the bits there is a fine scribing type bit. Using this makes a heavier imprint/etching to see the circle.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/etchingcircle.jpg

etch in all 3 holes. Next comes 1 of the important issues. I used the metal cutting wheel on the dremel. Carefully cutting light (not to go through) on the INSIDE of the etched circle. the blade being careful not to damage the Aluminum dash. If pushed hard the straight wheel would make a straight cut and not a circle. time and PATIENTS is required. the reason to make sure to stay inside the etching is becuase after the circle is cut out you can clean up the hole and keep going to fit the gauges in, If out side the etch you can take away tooo much material and screw up your dash. CHECK to make sure taht no wires are sitting close to the are (hidden behind) where you are about to cut. A dremel will cut them before you are aware that you are that close. And the small sparks and smoke can distract your attention, so check that no wires are in danger.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/cuttingwheel.jpg

after cutting out the grind till the circle fits. On my set of gauges there is a top tang/holder, use what ever bit you think will get out that tiny amount of metal so it fits properly.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/firstdone.jpg

final product.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/finished.jpg

After the holes and the gauges fit, it was time to prep the dash for painting. This is primed and ready to finish the paint job tomorrow.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/primed.jpg

cheers

larjohnson · « **Reply #14 on:** June 02, 2010, 06:46:25 AM »

WOW!!!!!! That's all I have to say is WOW!!!!. I'm so jealous, this will be a spectacular car once you have her done. The mural is exceptional... . Can't wait to see more pictures. Have a great time restoring this wonderful piece of Ford history.

Larry :police:

78_starsky · « **Reply #15 on:** June 02, 2010, 11:52:53 PM »

Thanks Lar, We have been truely enjoying the efforts and accomplishment s in this build, tons of fun, and will be great when the day comes and we get to sit in her and turn the fresh new heart over.... vrooom. I forgot how easy and fresh it is to work on Ford's simplier days of cars. Not like working on our daily drivers, 2 ford rangers, and a chevS10. these old cars are nice and simple... no computers, no added junk to mess things up, just good ol' plain car.

cheers

78_starsky · « **Reply #16 on:** June 05, 2010, 02:04:38 AM »

Last of the dash pics for now, that is untill she is put back together.

here it is white, still needs clears, weather has not been nice to us, raining solid last few days so can't continue with the spraying.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/whiteb4clears.jpg

found a killer steering wheel on CL tonight, will be picking it up after work tommorow, will post a pic of it. It is one of those deals that doesn't come around often.

cheers

78_starsky · « **Reply #17 on:** June 06, 2010, 09:20:07 AM »

Picked this up yesterday, this wheel should complement and finish off the interior. The fellow who sold me this wheel had it sitting/hung on the wall of his garage/workshop for 15 years and knew that when /if he was to ever sell it the wheel would be sold to someone who was doing a project and would love this wheel. Paid 100 for it and these are getting rare. the oak on it is in perfect shape and the chrome is mint.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/Swheel.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/wheelside.jpg

cheers

78_starsky · « **Reply #18 on:** June 20, 2010, 12:04:57 AM »

Progress being made on putting the dash back together. Finaly a nice day today, no rain!!! So we installed the new dashpad and started placing back in the dash goodies.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/dashpad4.jpg

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/dashpad1.jpg

dave1987 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 20, 2010, 01:10:37 AM »

This is going to be one fun Pinto to drive once it's done! You'll FEEL the excitement just sitting behind the wheel!

78_starsky · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2010, 12:06:58 AM »

Strange things happen when you least expect them to happen... today was one of those days. Went on an errand and on the way back home happened to pass by a JY that I have driven past a few times, never stopped in there before. today I thought "I wonder if they have any 2.8 motors for parts" went in talked to the guy and he said maybe there might be one on an old bronco that is out back, go look. I was huh??? I am allowed back there? he said yes on sundays it is a bring your own tools and take what you are looking for... ohhh boy... venturing past the Ford cars on my way to see if the bronco has/had a 2.8, my eyes spot this old 78 mustang, the brakes stopped me in my tracks and peeking in I spot a complete center console.... yeppers that will be coming home with me. went back and sked the ol' guy how much, 30 and it is yours. wow we have a new project to recover. also grabbed a nice set 6X9 speakers, and some mint shape chrome window winders (from a 80 LTD wagon) and all the cluster light bulbs from the mustang....

here are a couple pics of the "raw" console before we attempt the new vinyl coverings in the near future.

before cutting it down to size.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/rawfreshconsole.jpg

after

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/rawcuttoshape.jpg

cheers

78_starsky · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2010, 12:14:24 AM »

hey dave, sorry just seen your comment, yes we can FEEL the excitement, just watching this build go together is a good feeling. sitting in her when the key is on and the motor is turning is going to be a whole other ball game.... neither of us have ever driven a Pinto before so we are really looking forward to bringing this ol' one back to life.

cheers

dave1987 · « **Reply #22 on:** June 21, 2010, 12:19:59 AM »

Awesome score! Those consoles are getting scarce! I'm curious as to what you might do to fill in where the center console mates with the stock center cubby. I have a gap at mine as well and just cut out some "chunks" of the left over end of the MII console and stuck them in there to fill it in temporarily, it looks decent though.

Try cleaning it up really well and use some SEM brand vinyl prep. It's like a neutralizer/cleaner for vinyl and ensures it's completely clean of oils and dirt. Once that's done spray it down with some SEM brand "landau black" (or which ever color you prefer) vinyl paint. It's flexible, long lasting, durable, and looks INCREDIBLE.

Watching this makes me wish I could keep Brownie!

78_starsky · « **Reply #23 on:** June 21, 2010, 12:33:08 AM »

hey dave, the plan is to just wash it up, then make a custom glued on refinish from the same vynil that we used on the dash cover, will mold & sew it into place, leaving the tranny indicator dial off and planning on building a white (vynil) area with the slot in it for the (auto) shifter. For the cubby and where it will fit the front end we are thinking about mating the red vynil to it be using foam (what ever thicknesses will work) and tight butting into place. will keep posting pics on this new little project. scarce probaly doesn't start to describe these... I was in total shock when I seen it sitting in there, and complete. funny thing is it was already unscrewed and everything... just sitting there waiting for the taking.... cheers

78_starsky · « **Reply #24 on:** June 23, 2010, 12:25:27 AM »

Not a very productive day, however, The dash's clusater was cleaned, lights checked, and placed into the dash. This gives the 1/2 way finished look as to what the rest will start to look like with the dash cover. Hoping tomorrow to get the rest of the steering stuff into place, and finishing off all the under dash wiring.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/clusterin.jpg

78_starsky · « **Reply #25 on:** June 26, 2010, 12:25:51 AM »

the last couple of days consisted of finishing off the interior doors. Angie wasn't happy with the clear that was layed on the white so she sanded it down and recleared them with tons of "bright white pearl & flamboyance sparkle" when you see the glove box you will see the sparkles. after it was dried on went the pinstriping.

glove box

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/gloveboxashtray.jpg

passenger side

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/passclearedpinstripe.jpg

driver side

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/driveclearedpinstripe.jpg

also last few days I started the rear speaker case, and the white circle you see is plexiglass (white is the protective covering) it will be clear, and underneath the see through plexi will be the spare tire that will be seen with the spare tire cover that will be white and inlaid a red pinto emblem. (will post pics when it is finished). the plywood will be finished with the same red that the dash pad and the console will be made of.

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/rearspeakersb4.jpg

hopefully tomorrow will get he dash/steering finished and the wiring near completion.

cheers

dave1987 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 26, 2010, 01:39:47 AM »

Wow, that white is amazing! I love the pearl in it, really brings the paint to LIFE!

Great progress, love the details in the progress updates, keep up the good work!

78_starsky · « **Reply #27 on:** June 26, 2010, 02:38:50 AM »

Thanks dave, I wasn't sure if I was going to keep posting the half completed bits and run a full (work in progress) thread or if it is better to post the completed works?

glad you like the work

under the speaker section the amp will be hung upside down and all the wiring will be hidden under there over top of the black coverings. The amp will be wired direct from a fuse panel that I have bolted to the plastic console (under dash) isn't wired up yet, will show pics of how I will be doing this (done this) each unit will have independant switches for live power. head unit will be fused direct and switched, as will the amp. bolted in a 4 (glass fuse) holder for running the options, IE secondary switched lighting, stereo, (maybe second cigarrete lighter for plug in things, seeing that stock location is hard to get to. (will place this into the mustang console).

The motor parts should be here by end of next week and I can start to build up this one. unwrapped the reground cam today to take a look at it. wow the shop did a GREAT job on the grind. in all totaled $190 (can $) for the grind of the stock shaft and resurfaced 12 lifters. money well spent I figure.

cheers

78_starsky · « **Reply #28 on:** June 26, 2010, 11:51:03 AM »

LOL... I jut looked at the driver's door pic and it looks like the pinstripe tape is all wavey, the pic must have distorted on the resizing before I posted it. the tape is straight in real life...LOL

dga57 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 26, 2010, 08:10:17 PM »

I love your use of the pinstripe on the interior of the door! Looks sharp... as does everything else the two of you have done so far!

Dwayne :smile:

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Author Topic: project "78starsky" (Read 9333 times)