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FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » I want to build a shop compressor » 10/01/2021 10:53 AM

markdtn
Replies: 27

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I would also go the "figure out how to get 220" route.  In one house I put an oven plug on the compressor and swapped out with the oven when I needed it.  To blast you really need some cfms out of the compressor.  Gas power would work, but I think all in all that electric is easier.  I kinda like the generator option too, but it might have to be pretty big to handle the startup current.

Swap Meet » 1966 Mustang Coupe Resto-mod » 9/13/2021 11:54 AM

markdtn
Replies: 13

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No interest as of late.  It needs to go.  I need my garage back to start another project.  I looked into Bring a Trailer a little and I don't think this is their kind of car.  Everything looks shiny and polished.  This one is more like 'ol reliable-a little rough around the edges, but always there for you.

Swap Meet » 1966 Mustang Coupe Resto-mod » 8/24/2021 11:36 AM

markdtn
Replies: 13

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Still have the car.  Did list on VMF, but nothing yet.  It will sell when it sells I guess.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Looking for Relay panel ideas » 8/02/2021 2:24 PM

markdtn
Replies: 10

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On my '66 I first had a '90 Contour box, but it had no relays.  Then I had a '94 Explorer box working with a 5.0 conversion.  Now I have the '00 Explorer box with the '00 Explorer engine.  It fits nicely on the drivers fender.  Either of the Explorer ones have a good selection of maxi fuses, mini fuses, and relays.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/SPJVVJPQefYuXSUv9

 

Swap Meet » 1966 Mustang Coupe Resto-mod » 8/02/2021 2:09 PM

markdtn
Replies: 13

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Thank you.  What sites might I consider?  Ebay?  Craigslist is dead around here, but maybe a nationwide search would find it? 

I've never tried to sell anything quite like this before so not positive the best outlet.  To me it is a niche car.  It's not full-blown restored so it doesn't go that way, but it's not a parts car either.  EFI is a blessing and a curse to the original guys.  (was buying gas in Amarillo and a guy rolled up and wanted to talk cars, we talked a bit but as soon as he found out it was EFI he got in his truck and left.  Whatever.  I say anything that gets these old cars out of the garage and on the road is a good thing.)  Then there are some that do like EFI, but don't like OBD2.  It's fast and with a cam swap could be more so, but to me there is more than enough power for the tires that fit it so why change the cam.  It sounds good to me with the chambered exhaust.  It's not "pretty" but it is solid reliable.  It looks old, but has modern upgrades.  Hopefully the right person will see it for what it is and want it.  Thanks again for the advice.

Swap Meet » 1966 Mustang Coupe Resto-mod » 7/30/2021 1:02 PM

markdtn
Replies: 13

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Since I am seeing no offers either here or on FB Marketplace,  I have a question.  I have had a few inquiries but nobody has come to see it yet.  Either I am way high or it's just not an interesting car.  Any idea from you experts what a reasonable price would be for this car?  Or what I might do to it to make it sell? (OK that is 2 questions)  I have thought hard about a cheap paint job, but if I was buying I would want to see it just as it is with nothing hidden. I know you can't usually get your money out of a project, so I know I will realistically take some loss.  I am not hurting to sell it, but would like to while it is still fresh from RT66 and I can get my garage bay back.  I can see it going 1 of several ways.  1-enjoy just like it is, (or 1b-put a windshield and headliner in it and enjoy as-is) 2-blow it apart to do the paint and body and put it back together with a new interior, 3-buy a Dynacorn fastback or convertible body and have most of the parts to put it back plus an original title. It's  a running, driving, reliable '66 Mustang but it's ugly to some.  I was confident enough in it to send it 3000 miles away and drive it back with minimal tools.  I am interested in what you guys think a realistic value is.  Hit me, I can take it.  Thanks!

Swap Meet » 1966 Mustang Coupe Resto-mod » 7/26/2021 1:40 PM

markdtn
Replies: 13

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Dropping price to $14,500 today.  Thanks!

Swap Meet » 1966 Mustang Coupe Resto-mod » 6/03/2021 6:38 AM

markdtn
Replies: 13

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I thought I should explain a bit more to go with the ad.  I have had the car almost 20 years, but it has only been driving for about a year.  I originally bought it to fix for my wife but she didn't care.  Fixed the floors and did a 5.0 swap to the point it needed a couple days work to complete and then got a job in a new town in 2005.  Thought my 2 sons might be interested in cars, but they were not.  I did with them what they wanted to do until they left.  Car sat in the corner of the garage and I gathered parts.  Then I brought it out when they were gone and finished it expressly for a RT66 trip.  It was basically purpose built for a 3000 mile road trip in a classic car.  I wanted a very stock looking '66 Mustang like my classmates had in High School, but with a modern driveline for mileage and safety where I could improve it.  I wanted rock solid reliability (within reason), with parts readily available along the way in junkyards and parts stores.  I wanted as many OEM parts as possible.  I wanted to keep it Ford, but not cut it up for a rack and pinion front or Coyote swap.  I wanted to not have to worry about door dings and hotel parking lots and dirt/bumpy roads. So this car was built to be strong but not particularly stand out. I feel that by finishing a 3000 mile trip with no major mechanical issues that I achieved what I set out to do.  I have other cars and projects, but this one really does not fit my long term needs so it needs to go.  That is why I am selling it, not because there is anything wrong with it, not that I don't want to "finish" it (whatever that means), but I just can't keep them all.  I tried to spend money where it would make it reliable and better than original.  I tried to keep as much of the character of the car as I could but still make it safer and more comfortable.  I know the price sounds high, but it's hard to build anything decent cheap-and it's negotiable.  I have a spreadsheet of what I spent and where that

Swap Meet » 1966 Mustang Coupe Resto-mod » 6/01/2021 12:33 PM

markdtn
Replies: 13

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1966 Mustang Coupe with Explorer 5.0, automatic, 8.8 rear with 4 wheel disc brakes.  About 5000 miles on the build.  Recently back from a 3000 mile trip where I shipped it to San Francisco and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway to LA, then Route 66 to Missouri and back here to Chattanooga, TN where it averaged nearly 20 mpg.  Originally a 6-cyl/3-sp it has been converted to a 5.0/4R70W 4-speed automatic from a 2000 Explorer (so GT40-P heads and Cobra style intake) in OBD2 form so it retains better diagnostics than an OBD1 Mustang setup and keeps the EDIS coilpacks instead of a distributor.  New Motorcraft thermostat, water pump, Melling oil pump, pickup, and Cloyes timing chain. New Motorcraft wires and plugs. New crank trigger, cam position sensor and IAC valve “while they were off”.  New Bosch O2 sensors.  HiPo K-code exhaust manifolds (repros) with Arvinode chambered exhaust from Waldron. ’69 BB aluminum radiator with dual 2-speed (Contour) electric fans.  Explorer auxiliary transmission cooler also.  New Continental belt, all Gates hoses, belt tensioner, and idler.  Granada disc brakes on front with new rotors and USA Timkin bearings.  Rebuilt calipers and new hoses.  Fox body brake booster conversion and dual section master cylinder.  New custom brake lines front and rear.  New (67L style-bigger output shaft) Borgeson power steering box with new MOOG tie rods/sleeves and a new drag link and idler.  New lower control arms/ball joints, new upper ball joints and MOOG upper A-arm pivots.  Shelby/Arning suspension drop performed. New springs and poly torsion rod bushings.  New poly sway bar bushings.  New shocks. New rear springs.  Aluminum driveshaft. Narrowed Explorer 8.8  31-spline differential with 3.73 gear and Trac Lok with new Ford clutches and brake pads.  KH 14x6 Magnum 500 style wheels with 215/70/14 tires plus 1 for a spare.  Floor mounted parking brake handle from late Mustang.   New 22 Gal (’69) fuel tank from Tanks Inc.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 289 bearings and rings » 5/27/2021 10:55 AM

markdtn
Replies: 35

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So you have a fresh rebuilt engine that has been sitting a long time?  And you are taking it apart and then putting it back together?  To me as long as these were not damaged I don't see why you can't reuse them.  Are you sure the bearing caps were on correctly?  What are you finding that you don't like besides a  bunch of RTV?

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Fuel line routing » 5/27/2021 10:50 AM

markdtn
Replies: 8

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TimC wrote:

Thanks all for the ideas.  Yeah, it'll be steel lines as much as possible. The routing is complicated with everything we got going on underneath.  

I hear you.  With battery in the trunk, I did not want the fuel line and positive battery cable crossing.  I thought long and hard about running the fuel line in the driveshaft tunnel, but just could not bring myself to do it.  I did put the negative cable there.  I spiral armored as much of the fuel line as I could. I ran mostly steel line, but did consider plastic line and creating some kind of gutter/track to run it in to protect it.
 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Fuel line routing » 5/27/2021 5:08 AM

markdtn
Replies: 8

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The last photo with the charcoal cannister was the original setup for an '88 Cougar 5.0 it was taken when I pulled that engine to put in the Explorer 5.0.  Where the vapor line comes through the apron the fuel lines  originally came there too.  I also added some spring wrap at that location so the vapor line didn't get a kink in it.  The vapor line is still there now but the fuel line comes up under the heater motor. (and did away with the starter solenoid since the later starter has a solenoid on it)

If you are going to make your own EFI hard lines I would look at a Mastercool tool.  It makes those lines so simple.  Also double flare brake lines are easy too.  Don't get to use it too often, but it is one of my favorite tools.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Fuel line routing » 5/26/2021 9:08 AM

markdtn
Replies: 8

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  I have a Tanks Inc tank with the lines coming out the top of the tank from the pump.  I used  5/16 plastic fuel line from the vapor port to a 2000 Mustang charcoal canister in the engine compartment.  I have a 3/8 line from the tank to a filter in the RH muffler cavity underneath.  I have a 5/16 return line from the filter back to tank.  I have a Mastercool tool for making hose quick connects.  It will also push quick connects into the  plastic line.  I have roughly 6" plastic lines from the tank to the hard lines at the filter.  I have roughly 6" plastic lines at the filter then a 3/8 hard line from the filter that goes towards the engine compartment, converts to a 5/16 line and then connects to the factory braided line to the fuel rail.  This is with a 2000 Explorer 5.0 with "returnless" fuel using a 2000 Corvette filter with internal regulator.  I made a cover to go over the lines in the trunk to protect them.  My 3 lines from the pump go straight forward through the forward trunk floor through a big rubber grommet, then over the axle and head towards the right side muffler indention (I have Arvinode chambered exhaust).  The lines are held up by cushioned clamps to the floor.

When I had the 1988 Cougar 5.0 I had the same setup to the filter, but I had a return line from the fuel rail to where the filter is and joined that to the line to tank. The fuel lines both ran forward past the RH front wheel and used the Cougar lines to connect to the engine.  I had quick connects as needed to join the Cougar lines to the ones I made.

I strongly recommend using canister purge on any EFI conversion.  It keeps fuel smells to a minimum.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YFgcZQgd6eFFK35U8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xPEES9xbZe3Q9KA97
https://photos.app.goo.gl/jsW9MpGCPPy3hf6MA
https://photos.app.goo.gl/tbojesGgHCtvEVhX9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9GH4GRzFobn8Jhmp6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/iewB6bxDpAJHEPRP8




 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » FiTech problem » 5/24/2021 10:48 AM

markdtn
Replies: 7

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TKOPerformance wrote:

This is exactly why when people talk about converting to EFI I suggest using an OEM based system.  Its more work on the installation, but you get a system that was OEM engineered and OEM tested for longevity and reliability.  There are 40 year old vehicles out there running EECIV systems that still work fine, and if there's an issue you have a factory troubleshooting manual with pinpoint tests and parts are commonly available.  The problem with the aftermarket is that its geared towards product, and the product evolves over time.  Once that happens support, parts, etc. for the older style systems starts to disappear. 

This.  I have done a number of EFI conversions using OEM computers and they are all still running, 4 of them almost 20 years now.  Parts available at any auto parts store (except maybe fuel pump).  Could be diagnosable in a dealership if necessary.  I have nothing against aftermarket systems, but unless you are heavily modified I see no reason to go that way.  I too have never had an EFI vehicle leave me stranded for an EFI related problem.
 

Tips and How-To's » Lights on reminder » 5/20/2021 9:08 AM

markdtn
Replies: 4

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Another simple version of this also uses the common SPST "Bosch Style" cube relay.  It does not have the override and sounds with door open or closed.  It would be terminal 85 to ground, terminal 86 to ignition.  Terminal 30 to marker lights and terminal 87A out to the hot side of your chosen buzzer/beeper/dinger.  (If you want to be able to have parking lights only on with ignition off and no buzzer-thus a headlight only reminder-then terminal 30 would go to the wire between the headlight switch and dimmer switch.)

Theory of operation: When the ignition is on, the relay goes to the unpopulated Normally Open side so the buzzer does not sound-whether or not the headlights are on.  When the ignition is off and the headlights are off, the buzzer does not sound.  But when ignition is off and headlights are on , then the buzzer receives power through the Normally Closed side of the relay.

 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Just got back from a 10 day RT66 road trip in my '66 » 5/10/2021 11:21 AM

markdtn
Replies: 15

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I had a blast.  I would recommend anybody using a 4R70W to use an AODE pan if you have any hint of ground clearance issue.

Wish I could post a few photos, but Photobucket won't allow that anymore and I don't have another host.  Suggestions on a free host?

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Impact wrench suggestions » 5/10/2021 11:16 AM

markdtn
Replies: 21

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Most any tool battery can be rebuilt with new cells as long as the case is not damaged.

OP-for air impact (really for air anything), Ingersoll-Rand is the king IMHO.  I have had mine 15+ years and it keeps going.  If I were to buy a battery one today, it would be a Milwaukee.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Just got back from a 10 day RT66 road trip in my '66 » 5/04/2021 1:24 PM

markdtn
Replies: 15

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Short version: Just got back from a 10 day RT66 trip.  Shipped my '66 from Tennessee to California.  We started in San Francisco, came down the Pacific Coast Highway to Los Angeles and drove it on RT66 to Joplin, MO then came home via Little Rock to visit my son, just over 3000 miles total. Car is a resto-mod with ’00 Explorer 5.0.  Sat from ’85 when it hit a deer to me getting it moving again last year.  Saw a lot of interesting places and things along the way.  Overall thoughts:
1-Would I ever do this in a ’66 Mustang again-no
2-Would I ever do this in a classic car again-probably not, but maybe.  We only saw 3 older cars on the road the whole time.
3-Would I ever do RT66 again-yes, but not the same way.  I will someday finish Joplin to Chicago.  I would not do any of the big cities on RT66 again.  Almost nothing left to see.
4-Jerry McLanahan’s EZ66 book is excellent, a must have. My only comment is that it is written for East to West travelers.  If you are going West to East you will have to do some interpreting.
5-A navigator is a must.  RT66 takes many strange and unmarked turns.  Having a navigator made it much better.
6-RT66 as it was 50 years ago is long gone.  There is some left to enjoy, particularly Eastern California, Western Arizona, Western New Mexico, Texas, and some Oklahoma.  Much of the rest has been eaten by the Interstate.
 
Long Version:  Wanted to travel RT66 for a long time.  My children are grown and married now.  I have a ’66 Mustang that I thought would be a fitting car.  It was wrecked in ’85 and sat in a field until ’03 when I bought it.  Fixed the floor pans and swapped in a V8.  Moved to a new city in ’05 and stuck the car in the corner of my garage.  Children not interested, so it sat.  When they left, I dragged it out and finished it specifically for this trip.  I wanted a good driver, but not a show car.  Something safe, but don’t have to worry somebody will scratch.  Changed much of what

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 65 single speed wipers to intermittent 2 speed conversion » 4/14/2021 5:27 AM

markdtn
Replies: 31

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Nos681 wrote:

...Are there any tips or modifications required to getting alignment correct for park position?

I had no issues with this when I did mine.  The arm will only go on 2 ways.  As long as it is pointing the same way it was on the new motor as when you took it off you should be fine.  I got a '74 F250 motor and bracket from the pick-a-part, took the Mustang motor and bracket off the car, pulled the motors off the brackets, took the truck arm off, put the truck motor on the Mustang bracket, then put the Mustang arm on the truck motor in the same position it came off, put the assembly back in the car.  Dash was out which helped  a little, but it's tight under there.  Mine is a '66 but I thought the arm and bracket were same as '65?
 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 65 single speed wipers to intermittent 2 speed conversion » 4/12/2021 5:11 AM

markdtn
Replies: 31

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I used a '74 F250 motor with the original bracket and arm from my '66.  Then used the switch and module from a '91 F150.  Had to cut off the shaft on the switch but other than that it was plug and play.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 97 explorer 5.0 engine and tran swap into 66 mustang » 4/06/2021 1:39 PM

markdtn
Replies: 40

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Steve69 wrote:

 My long post again
 
   Thanks for the info you posted!   How well does it run?   Idle?

Thanks Steve69
 

It runs great.  It starts immediately, idles nice.  I like the Arvinode exhaust even though the shop that installed the kit for me said it sounded like glasspacks   Gets about 19mpg even with tiny tires and 3.7 rear.  I wish I could have found a 3.55 rear to shorten, but they seem scarce.  No cooling issues.  I am quite happy with it.  It is basically a 2000 Explorer with a Mustang body wrapped around it.  It is plenty fast for me, but a cam and valve springs would probably make it even faster.  For my purposes, it is exactly right.  I can buy driveline parts at most any junkyard and parts house in the country but it is still a "classic looking" '66 Mustang.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 97 explorer 5.0 engine and tran swap into 66 mustang » 4/06/2021 1:29 PM

markdtn
Replies: 40

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Bullet Bob wrote:

Wow....very nice and complete write up.  Your Monte Carlo bar is quite a piece of engineering.  I got involved in putting an Explorer with complete front dress and 
T5 in a '64 Falcon.  I did a custom harness and we went with a dizzy and run it on an EEC-IV, A9L PCM.  My friend was determined to use all the Explorer accessories but the Falcon engine compartment is a bit longer than the Mustang, I think, and we were able to make an adapter to allow use of the Exp. AC compressor. 

So now drive the wheels off of it.  Next Bash is in Rockwall, TX, May 20-22.....BE THERE!

BB1
 

The Explorer a/c compressor has ports in back.  A 2000ish Crown Vic has ports on top.  The wrecked Mountaineer I bought had no compressor when I got it, just a delete pulley.  From my junkyard measurements, a Crown Vic has the same mounting pattern.  I THINK it would require a 1.5" dimple in the shock tower to not interfere, but that is all kind of squinting and guessing.  I like a/c but it just didn't make sense with this one.  I think it would fit better on a '67 up.  If I could have found an easy way to bring the engine forward, that would have been nice.  The Explorer accessories are shorter than any other SB Ford so 1.5" forward would be no problem-and might have helped with the transmission wiring block.

I really really wanted to keep it OBD2 for better diagnostics and to keep the coilpacks.  I did not want a distributor and OBD1.  It is very hard to find anyone who can do anything with these PCMs.  Garry The EFI Guy is outstanding, I cannot say enough nice about him.  Keeping the coil packs meant I had to keep Explorer accessories (or make custom) and I had to keep the front cover to get the crank trigger (on RH side) so no good place for the dipstick like the previous covers had.  I was also sweating until I got the hood on that the coilpacks would hit but they dont.

For the MonteCarlo bar, I took a porta power and spread the car the right

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 97 explorer 5.0 engine and tran swap into 66 mustang » 4/06/2021 5:08 AM

markdtn
Replies: 40

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I realize this is an ancient post, but I have done this recently and have answers to some of the questions.  I hope that this may be helpful to somebody thinking about this swap.
I wrote about this on a different Mustang site, but this is the shortened/compiled version.
Short story, it is possible to put an Explorer 5.0/4R70W transmission in a ’66 Mustang in OBD2 trim without a distributor, without changing to a Mustang computer, and without modifying the hood.  It is possible to get the PCM programmed to a non-emissions version and delete PATS.  It is possible to use the Explorer front cover with a front sump pan/dipstick.
Long story.  ’66 Mustang originally a 6-cyl/3-sp I swapped to V8 and AOD but never finished.   Battery relocated to trunk.  Shortened 8.8 Explorer 3.7 TracLok disk brake rear (14” Disc Brake steel wheels work fine, 14x6 Magnum 500 wheels required 1/8 shims both front and rear to clear calipers).  Borgeson steering.  Granada brakes.  Shelby/Arning drop.    I decided wanted an Explorer 5.0 with the GT40P heads and improved 4R70W transmission.  It is arguably the pinnacle of SB Ford engine development.  I bought a wrecked 2000 AWD 5.0 Mountaineer.  I bought a 2wd transmission from the pick-a-part.  I sent the PCM to “The EFI Guy” Garry in Colorado.  He is the key to all of this.  He turned off PATS, EGR, rear O2s, and all the fuel tank sensors.  I pulled the PCM from the yard-driving truck and sent to him.  He turned it quickly and I was able to put it back in the truck and drive it into the shop to pull the engine.  Removed the main engine compartment wiring harness from the C115 engine connector.  Since it was wrecked and the front end, the radiator and condenser were ruined-so I cut most of the nose off with a Sawzall.  Disconnected the transmission from the transfer case (you really need a ½” half-moon wrench for this-OR-pull the access cover).  Pulled the driveshafts and then transfer case.  Cut the exhaus

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