Author Topic: project "78starsky" (Read 9386 times)

78_starsky · « **Reply #30 on:** June 28, 2010, 01:10:09 AM »

Thanks Dwayne,

Yesterday I was hoping to get a good day on the car (until it was time to go to the track) was working away when my uncle called and said that his pit crew bailed and he needed more help. OK no prob, I was getting started on testing the sound system when he called.... Today I was able to get back at 'er and was able to test everything!!! worked like a charm.

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

Here is a close up picture of the back of the (under dash) console. This shows how I will be running the extras in this build. I placed in another set of 2 for good measure today (just in case) the common is daisy linked and will be dual grounded from both the motor and the chassis. there are 2 future problems I see that I could encounter with this set up.... 1. blowing a fuse and having to take both, the middle console and this one out to change a fuse, and 2. making sure there is enough extra wire coiled up to be able to pull the console forward enough with out pulling the wires too hard. ** note to self - ADD extra 18 inches of wire **

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

I didn't take a pic of the front of the console, however, this is where I set up 2 toggle switches (so far) they are on the top section that is closest to the under dash. room in there is pretty tight and I need to place some rubber strips there to make sure the switches don't ground to the frame holder. Before I place in this section for bolting I will be laying a rubber backing over the fuse holders to protect them from any misshaps and not getting shorted out.

After I knew this system was going to work I took it apart and then proceeded to strip the back seats out of the car. pulled up all the rugs, and then removed the plastic side wall panels. This ol car looks pretty bare as she sits now. painted the metal back seat base. (after taking it all apart first). Ran some of the wire lengths to the back of the car for the amp and then the run for the front speakers. needs a few more wire runs, and she is ready for the new carpet Angie was able to buy at her fabric supplier.

will post more as she gets completed....

Oh I almost forgot, this morning I went back to the JY, went looking for nice allen key headed bolts to complete the plexiglass. needed something that would look different. I had already looked at auto parts places for these type of bolts, no luck, my last effort would have been to a fastener place and pay throu the nose. After talking to the guys in the office they said go to the European section (and ignore that sign that says get a pass card to enter) well dang wouldn't you know it, after looking for 5 mins I get to peer under the hood of a 98 Mercedes and what would you guess they use to hold the fuel injectors onto the intake?? yep, allen head bolts

gotta love JY's. No charge to boot!!! Tapped (as in tap & die) the bolts into the tangs that will be holding it down. will post pic after she is complete.

cheers

dave1987 · « **Reply #31 on:** June 28, 2010, 01:31:44 AM »

If you are running a lot of power to your amp, and even if not, you could go the same route I am going, as well.

I have one of these installed under the hood before the 8 gauge wire (originally wanted 4 gauge) to my amp runs into the car through the firewall:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.crutchfield.com/products/2007/575/p575RFFAGU-f.jpeg

I've blown a couple 40 amp fuses off my 250 WATT (RMS) 90's model rockford fosgate amp. I had to up it to a 60 amp fuse to keep it from blowing. No issues though, and even with 8 gauge wire I shouldn't have any problems.

My brother who installs custom car stereo systems is fond of the dual fuse blocks when running two amps, one for sub and one for regular speakers:

https://www.addison-electronique.com/catalog/images/produits/section-c/030125.jpg

My deck runs off the stock radio wire, fuse located at Pinto fuse block. Would like to redo my wiring some day though.

Just a thought since you are going to be doing some custom car audio here.

78_starsky · « **Reply #32 on:** June 28, 2010, 01:42:11 AM »

Thanks for the info dave, I am getting tooo old to be cranking up the tunes in a car anymore so that doesn't scare me... LOL however, the wiring for the amp is 8GA straight off the battery through the firewall (grommets of course) into the fuse block. the line has a 30 Amp fuse built into it, if that one blows first I know I have probs. this is just a tiny amp rated to draw only 15 amps, so should be ok (I hope that is) i have to ask thou, what is that black fosgate thing? a fuse holder?

cheers

dave1987 · « **Reply #33 on:** June 28, 2010, 01:58:22 AM »

Yeah, it's a fuse holder. Wire goes in one way, AGU fuse is held (essentially suspended) in the middle and another run of wire goes in on the other side.

I don't crank up the audio on my 78' either, I just enjoy having SOME bass that smooths out the music. The audio in my car is better than my home theater and it's cheap compared to the home theater! Sound in the car is full, hits all of the highs and the lows without any vibration in the panel or distortion in the speakers. 8" Sony XPlode in the trunk in a little box, a 250WATT rockford fosgate amp my bother was getting rid of, Pioneer 6" full range speakers in the kick panels, and full range 6x9's in the rear deck.

Jazz and classical are BEAUTIFUL in the car!

Srt · « **Reply #34 on:** June 28, 2010, 04:03:46 AM »

no fancy sound systems for me at this stage of life but Jazz & Classical sure do make for some good listening after (and during)a 'rough' day at work!

popbumper · « **Reply #35 on:** June 28, 2010, 12:22:25 PM »

Enjoying this thread and you guys talking about audio. I am an old-school audio fan, in fact my fanaticism back in the day now contributes daily to the continuous 24 hour a day ringing in my left ear. Ah, youth......

At any rate, I used to have a company car (Dodge minivan of all things) back in the 80's. Since I was on the road alot I built myself a custom oak veneered/carpeted box with three 10" Pyle woofers (two ported, one sealed), and a hinged door that held two Rockford Punch 45's and an OEQ-1 equalizer. The front speakers were a mix of RF tweeters and a midrange I don't recall, and I had a Sony removeable head cassette unit.

The system kicked nicely, the sound was absolutely clean. Never entered any competitions but really had fun with it. Of course, doing my wagon now I envision bringing this equipment back into use (still have it), though the cassette would be replaced with a CD player, and the speakers would be changed. Don't know if the ears can handle it though.... :nocool:.

Chris

dave1987 · « **Reply #36 on:** June 28, 2010, 01:08:05 PM »

I've heard about people getting the ringing in their ears from loud music in their youthful days. I've been a bit scared of that, the gift of hearing is a great one! I turn it up loud on occasion, but that's rare. Friends see my system and call it a waste because I don't "boom" (as they call it) the stereo while driving.

popbumper · « **Reply #37 on:** June 28, 2010, 04:39:29 PM »

Boy, I hate to be the party pooper/old man, but when these people hit 50, they may be hearing something they don't want to - forever. It's nothing that can be treated, it's a permanent neurological condition. Believe you me, you don't want it. Every time I see one of these (people) drive by booming, I usually say "enjoy it while you have it".

Your attitude is golden, if you see it as a gift NOW, you can save it for later. Having had been a musician all my life, it stopped me dead in my tracks - and I SORELY miss it. I was warned in my youth and ignored it. January 28th 2007 was the start of it, and it's never stopped. You tend to remember the dates of unpleasant things.

Chris

peleus21 · « **Reply #38 on:** June 28, 2010, 06:36:56 PM »

I used to do stereo competition as well, crank up the tunes. fortunately i was smart enough to pack ear plugs to show off my car as it hit 146 with just one sub. i do plan on making my cruzin wagon pound for the odd competition in between the car shows. placing a larger inline fuse is definitely a wise decision stereo installation says it must be less then 12 inches from the battery so it will fully protect the wiring. just my few cents

p.s. i have no ringing. i do cherish my hearing too and am a big fan of all music but beleive it should be heard like the artist meant it to sound like.

78_starsky · « **Reply #39 on:** June 30, 2010, 12:11:49 AM »

I just love it when you can pull up to a car and the bass is so loud next to you that you want to walk over to them ans let them know that the car they are driving will be worth 100 bucks in a year because all that bass loosens bolts over time and they are now worthless.....

here is the latest updates. back seat out, cleaned, painted. (still have to attatch the new red carpet over this.

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

I have been keeping busy with that time consuming stuff of wires, and all those little things that you can't really get pictures of.... Angie has been making the car look new again while I have been busy with small things....

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

Before we left tonight we decided it was time to place on the name tag.

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

78_starsky · « **Reply #40 on:** July 01, 2010, 02:19:55 AM »

Not knowing any better for this is the first time I have had the oportunity to install a steering column, after trying to get this to work first time around by installing it backwards. Today she went together proper.

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

78_starsky · « **Reply #41 on:** July 05, 2010, 01:51:22 AM »

well except for placing in the radio, the interior is as done as she is going to be. Now it is all body and motor work to do. We don't want to place in the new carpets till the body is painted, this way the carpets will stay fresh with no dust on them. The door skins can't be finished till the doors are painted, the seats of course can' return till the carpets are done... and the list continues.... LOL all waits now for the body. So untill we can get going on the rest (motor and body) things will be slower. here are a couple of pics that show up to date. the wiring is completed, and all the rest has been cleaned up.

I have a good weeks worth of work to do to the motor before assembly, porting and polishing, gasket matching, deburring, prepping the block and heads. then it will be onto the fun stuff.

waiting for the carpets.....

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n69/ru_ready_4_r_n_r/interiorready4carpets.jpg

dash

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

71pintoracer · « **Reply #42 on:** July 05, 2010, 08:02:28 AM »

Just a side note: it's not only loud music you need to be careful of, after working in a shop for the last 30 years (dang I'm old) with air guns, blow guns and a whole array of other loud noises day in and day out, driving race cars with no exhaust, AND my share of music turned up too loud, I have constant ringing and hearing loss. Nowadays I always wear hearing protection (and keep the volume turned down) but it's too little too late.

78_starsky · « **Reply #43 on:** July 08, 2010, 01:26:27 AM »

The loss of hearing as we get older... and how the youn'ens just think... awww not going to happen to me.... oh how they will learn.

Angie was at her sewing machine doing other work last couple days and in her "spare" time she alternated on working on pinto stuff. here are a couple pics of the back speaker arrangement and how the amp is secured. the first pic is dark for some strange reason....

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

amp (underneath)

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

She was also able to get the back seat rug sewn up and we placed it onto the back of the seat tonight.

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

we have decided that it is a waste to let all things on the interior wait, so we are going to continue bouncing around doing things on the car. If the interior/rugs/seats and all in we decided to place some heavy painters tarps over the whole inside to keep it clean.

cheers

dave1987 · « **Reply #44 on:** July 08, 2010, 01:31:46 AM »

Looks great! Angie does a FINE job with what she is doing here!

dga57 · « **Reply #45 on:** July 08, 2010, 01:34:27 AM »

I've always preferred keeping cars bone stock, but Angie's creativity is starting to win me over! Wow!

Dwayne :smile:

78_starsky · « **Reply #46 on:** July 08, 2010, 01:43:06 AM »

Her talents are good on sewing, I get the idea, we toss it around, I build, and she finishes/holds things while we put them together. She is very talented. this car is 100% a labour of love... LOL I think you guys understand.

this went together way better than I was expecting it to look. (will be nice when the plexi cover is off and you get to see what will be under it). thanks for the compliments, I will pass them on to her in the AM. cheers.

78_starsky · « **Reply #47 on:** July 10, 2010, 01:06:45 AM »

Here is the back area pretty much what it will look like. Angie isn't happy with this cover and being her first prototype in this it is a bit off on sizes. We guessed on it from not having a proper logo/decal pattern to use. This is what the finished back area will look like.

Today all the wiring was finished for the amp (I dislike soldering wires, takes too much patients) and somehow you need 3 hands..... placed in the back seat rest part. Amazing how fast 9 hours goes by working on a car. hoping that the rugs can be layed and cut into shape this weekend.

here is todays work. (the plexi isn't on yet, that will be one of the last things to be placed over the hole)

cheers

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

dga57 · « **Reply #48 on:** July 10, 2010, 03:49:30 PM »

I love the concept! Once the fit is right, that's going to be totally awesome!

Dwayne

78_starsky · « **Reply #49 on:** July 12, 2010, 11:14:41 AM »

thanks dwayne, yes it will look nice when the fit is corrected.

Here is the hood on and up, placed it on for now to do the top body work on it. (it will be coming off again when the motor goes in) Safe keeping now on the car.

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

dga57 · « **Reply #50 on:** July 12, 2010, 03:35:31 PM »

Quote from: 78_starsky on July 12, 2010, 11:14:41 AM

thanks dwayne, yes it will look nice when the fit is corrected.

Here is the hood on and up, placed it on for now to do the top body work on it. (it will be coming off again when the motor goes in) Safe keeping now on the car.

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

Seems like the logical place to keep it!!!

Dwayne :smile:

78_starsky · « **Reply #51 on:** August 29, 2010, 10:46:18 AM »

Hey all, I know that we seemed to have dropped out of sight for the last while.... we are still alive and kicking, had to place all projects on hold for the last month (and then some). We have been busy with work and also doing a major move, so time for fun, projects and the internet has been slowed to a crawl. We are on the final leg of the move and this week will be the start of the new house/shop. Packing up a shop, garage, and 3 bedroom house has been a nightmare.

cheers guys.

dga57 · « **Reply #52 on:** August 29, 2010, 01:12:54 PM »

Quote from: 78_starsky on August 29, 2010, 10:46:18 AM

Hey all, I know that we seemed to have dropped out of sight for the last while.... we are still alive and kicking, had to place all projects on hold for the last month (and then some). We have been busy with work and also doing a major move, so time for fun, projects and the internet has been slowed to a crawl. We are on the final leg of the move and this week will be the start of the new house/shop. Packing up a shop, garage, and 3 bedroom house has been a nightmare.

cheers guys.

I'd been wondering where you were and what was going on. Glad to know all is well. It has been nearly thirteen years since the last time I moved, but I know all too well what a nightmare it can be! Tell Angie we said, "hi!" We'll look forward to updates on your Pinto project once you get rolling again!

Dwayne :smile:

78_starsky · « **Reply #53 on:** May 16, 2012, 10:22:38 PM »

WOW it's been so long that I had to reset the password..... LOL

Last couple years saw small progress on this car (project) however, this will be the summer that we will be driving it (crossing fingers) .... (gardens, animals, work, and other projects) seem to have ways of making distractions.

the car is now sitting with the engine in her, rebuilt, and redid the rocker springs with the floating ones. Had to make a new riser for the carb out of a 1 inch block of aluminum. She is sitting and waiting for the rest of the time consuming things... which brings me to the new question....

When I took the engine out (many moons ago) all the little hoses were gone and now I have no idea where/what the water outlets attach to. (thermostat housing) etc. Any people with the stock placement of the water lines on a 2.8 that can take a pic or 2 of what all the hoses are for would be extremely helpful.

I know on other posts we (Angie and I) talked about custom dash pads. We still want to do them (however) it is a time thing with us. We hope to have something going this fall/winter when we get house bound with the cold. We moved onto a farm a couple years back and now time chores seem to press time sideways.

here are a couple pics. thanks for reading again, wasn't sure if to make a new thread or keep this one. I will let mods decide. thanks

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

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

dga57 · « **Reply #54 on:** May 17, 2012, 12:20:38 AM »

Welcome back! It's hard to believe it has been nearly two years since you last posted! Glad to know that you and Angie still have plans to finish your Pinto project... you two were cranking out some first-rate work, there! I've missed your updates.

I am a moderator on this forum and I see no reason not to revive the thread and continue it "as is"... it is the same project being done by the same two people. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, the gap will serve to remind others that these projects DO take time. If any of the other mods disagree, I'm sure they'll let me know, but I truly don't see a problem with it.

Once again, welcome back!

Dwayne

78_starsky · « **Reply #55 on:** May 19, 2012, 11:37:55 AM »

Hi Dwayne, thanks for the welcome back, (hi again) this time will be here for longer... lol. that poor car, every time I go into the room in the barn where she is sitting on blocks I want to spend 2-3 hours working on it, however, the reason I am in that room is to get a wrench or something for some other project.

over the last while I have placed in the steering wheel, set in the motor, got all the dual exhaust ready to weld and bend into place. Purchased a small electric fuel pump (made a plate for the block to cover the block hole) Placed in the rad, had to make a spacer for the carb to lift it for the throttle throw. Placing in a different 2 barrel so had to fab up something for I couldn't buy anything that would fit.

over the last 2 years we have still acquired a few new things for the car. Angie didn't think we should place in that old wooden steering wheel so I found a ralley style wheel that was for sale from a capri, so the car has a black wheel now. Angie has cover the console with that same nice red vinyl that is on the dash.

Last year at work I was able to bring home a non used self recovering sand blasting cabinet that I was able to get working with my compressor to blast the pieces that would fit in the doors. (IE. air filter holder, head light holders...)

Last year was able to get a 77 like ours for a parts car, all glass is in great shape with 2 sets of the side glass and perfect pop out top and back glass.
Just a mile from us we found another guy who is doing a V8 conversion (302) in an early 70's car. His car was an original granny owner with low miles in real nice shape. He is a real gear head, he was showing me how he had recut the front end and welded it back to make the handling better with the weight displacement for the motor to make her safer in driving. Also he has taken an explorer rear end to beef up the pinto's, shortened it and then bolted it in. I forgot to ask him if he knows about this site. Will have to ask next time I stop in and chat him.

How have things been with you? keeping the shiny side up?

casey

dga57 · « **Reply #56 on:** May 21, 2012, 12:20:26 PM »

Quote from: 78_starsky on May 19, 2012, 11:37:55 AM

How have things been with you? keeping the shiny side up?

casey

I'm okay, but just can't find the time to do anything with any of my cars. I ended up moving my handicapped (spina bifida) sister in with us once my mother was no longer able to continue as her caregiver due to Alzheimer's. Mom is here too. That's on top of my wife being disabled from the stroke she had five years ago. I have my hands full trying to help all of them be the best they can be, and that doesn't leave much time for me and my toys. Not complaining... just stating facts. It's been nearly three years since the Pinto or either of my old Lincolns have been driven. That's just pitiful! I guess I'll get back to them someday maybe. Don't forget to keep us updated on any progress you and Angie make with your Pinto... that has, so far, been one awesome project!

Dwayne

78_starsky · « **Reply #57 on:** May 26, 2012, 02:22:01 AM »

ARRRRGGG i wrote half a book and went to post a pic and it said it was too large, hit the back button and all the text was gone..... note to self... write in notepad and copy paste..... ok second shot coming up..... (won't be as good as the last one)

hey wayne, take a hour a day to polish the cars and after a couple weeks find a car show to go to. We all need a couple hours to enjoy every once in a while

For me it was more finding excuses of why not to work on the car. however now i can feel the need to push to that finish line 2 year break is long enough.... only so many weeds a guy can pull in a garden anyway.

this is what the motor looks like tonight... it is one step forward a 2 back.... figured out the hoses now it is the sending unit for the gauges that are giving me pains... there is an adapter one that needs to go into the water passage first. and all the threads that are on the water neck are all the same size and too small for the adapter, so looks like I have to pull it apart and take it into work and get some help from a machinist and re-tap it bigger... nothing is ever easy. (see pic(s)) (IEQUUS gauges in case anyone was interested or has the same idea of putting them in) somehow I am sure that I am not the first person to encounter this problem so if anyone has any insight and how you fixed it please let me know.

Second thing to conquer is the MSD ignition. ( i will ask this in help also) but what wires get hooked up to the modual (besides the obvious ones) I am talking from the wire harness in the car. And what is this silver coloured box with these 4 wires? do I use these for the ignition? I wish that I had set this part up 2 years back because I could have swore that I had it all figured out... LOL

thanks

78_starsky · « **Reply #58 on:** May 26, 2012, 07:15:43 PM »

Completely ignore all my chatter about the water sending unit probs... 2 years is a long time to let a project sit. I was looking through a box today and found a set of adapters for the water casing. at least that is one thing that I don't have to worry about now. And I was tired last night when I was putting it together so add the 2 together and bingo brain fart.

LOL

78_starsky · « **Reply #59 on:** June 16, 2012, 11:08:45 AM »

Things are ticking along. Have all the ignition set up, redone most of all the wire looms, wiring, hoses. Now working on setting up the electric fuel pump, (making a place and running the tubes/pipe) placing into the wiring an inertia switch out of a ford ranger just in case to kill the power in an emergency.
Angie and I are booking no work for the first week of July so we can paint the car!!!! finally!!!!

the Motor section work is 95% done now. just exhaust and fuel to work on now!

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Author Topic: project "78starsky" (Read 9386 times)