May 29, 2006 -
Baby Steps.....
Just like my daughter, we are making progress, but it is slow.
Today, we started to install larger front springs. This is critical since we currently using the stock front springs but we have tripled the size of the engine that it supports. Also, the exhaust wrap we installed on the drivers side has been cut completely from the exhaust in some areas where it has been ground off from the exhaust contacting the ground (can happen from letting off the throtle!) Fortunately we saved the stock springs from the 82 Mustang GT in hope that they will work, here is what we got...
On the Right is the stock front spring out of the Pinto. On the left is the stock front spring out of the Mustang GT. Now we need to shorten up the springs to fit the Pinto.
Here is the shop Manager making sure that we do the job right.
We tried to use a Sawzall to cut the springs, but they were too hard. After 2 bimetal blades, we went for the Angle Grinder with a cutting disk. That made quick work of the springs. After we reinstalled the spring on the Passengers side, it was fairly late in the day and we knew that we could not finish the other side. We have decided to wait for that one until we have more time. Once we had it back on the ground, we did notice one issue that would require more spring to be cut...
Because of the stock springs being so soft, the front end was lowered by at least 2" under the weight of the engine. Since we matched the spring lengths for this car, we noticed that the gap in the wheel well of the passenger side is too big. We will need to take apart this side again to correct this. We also found out the the front shocks were no good and will need to get them replaced. Fortunately, the rear shocks are doing OK and do not need to be replaced at this time.
Since we did not have the time to fix the springs today, we did have about an hour to keep working and since the hood was in the way, we decided that we needed to make it so it could go back onto the car. We laid out the hood so that the center section of the hood was 11 inches from either side and 6 1/2 inches from the front and we cut the hood being carefully not to damage the structural system underneath so we could use the hinges again.
Once we carefully cut the hood, we placed it on the car to check the clearances. It looks like if we only raise the back 6", the hood will clear the air cleaner and distributer. It also creates the look we were wanting for the car. From the inside, there is a little bit of a blind spot, but not too bad. The next major task will be to shorten the passenger side spring and then recreate it on the driver side so we can have it match.
Just like my daughter, we are making progress, but it is slow.
Today, we started to install larger front springs. This is critical since we currently using the stock front springs but we have tripled the size of the engine that it supports. Also, the exhaust wrap we installed on the drivers side has been cut completely from the exhaust in some areas where it has been ground off from the exhaust contacting the ground (can happen from letting off the throtle!) Fortunately we saved the stock springs from the 82 Mustang GT in hope that they will work, here is what we got...
On the Right is the stock front spring out of the Pinto. On the left is the stock front spring out of the Mustang GT. Now we need to shorten up the springs to fit the Pinto.
Here is the shop Manager making sure that we do the job right.
We tried to use a Sawzall to cut the springs, but they were too hard. After 2 bimetal blades, we went for the Angle Grinder with a cutting disk. That made quick work of the springs. After we reinstalled the spring on the Passengers side, it was fairly late in the day and we knew that we could not finish the other side. We have decided to wait for that one until we have more time. Once we had it back on the ground, we did notice one issue that would require more spring to be cut...
Because of the stock springs being so soft, the front end was lowered by at least 2" under the weight of the engine. Since we matched the spring lengths for this car, we noticed that the gap in the wheel well of the passenger side is too big. We will need to take apart this side again to correct this. We also found out the the front shocks were no good and will need to get them replaced. Fortunately, the rear shocks are doing OK and do not need to be replaced at this time.
Since we did not have the time to fix the springs today, we did have about an hour to keep working and since the hood was in the way, we decided that we needed to make it so it could go back onto the car. We laid out the hood so that the center section of the hood was 11 inches from either side and 6 1/2 inches from the front and we cut the hood being carefully not to damage the structural system underneath so we could use the hinges again.
Once we carefully cut the hood, we placed it on the car to check the clearances. It looks like if we only raise the back 6", the hood will clear the air cleaner and distributer. It also creates the look we were wanting for the car. From the inside, there is a little bit of a blind spot, but not too bad. The next major task will be to shorten the passenger side spring and then recreate it on the driver side so we can have it match.