1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Power Steering Fluid Cooler

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Thanks for checking back on the 1973 Mustang #ProjectSportsRoof.

The power steering cooler is pictured below.  It’s pretty ugly even when cleaned up.

Keeping the Power Steering fluid cool!!

Keeping the Power Steering fluid cool!!

Non-A/C car power steering fluid cooler

Non-A/C car power steering fluid cooler

Here is a little info from a fellow Mustang owner.

Steering coolers were an option from what I understand. My A/C car did not come with a cooler. I added one to my car later as it was just a simple bolt on.

Originally the extra long return line for the power steering box was U’d on top of the drivers side cowl brace that acted as a primitive cooler before returning back to the pump.

Someone told me that the ‘competition suspension’ option included the variable ratio power steering box and included the power steering cooler. However I have seen cars with the competition suspension option that did not have coolers. The owners claimed it never had one.

There are 2 different coolers one designed to be bolted on A/C cars over the compressor and the one designed for cars without A/C.

Ford had a revision to the return line in later cars, originally the return line was U’d on top of the drivers cowl brace then later they shortened the return line and just left it next to the high pressure line going to the box.

For the variable power steering box there was another power steering pump that had a different tag on it. HBA-CG was used with the variable box and HBA-CF was used with the standard box, nobody knows if the pumps are in fact different or not internally.The variable box was tagged SPA-T or SPA-V. The normal box was SPA-S and SPA-U.

I have a 72 H code originally with a FMX, A/C car, no competition suspension.

As for requiring a different pump, no, not that I am aware of I use standard power steering pump with the cooler, works fine.

Typical hose layouts for the coolers

Power Steering Fluid Coolers Diagrams

Power Steering Fluid Coolers Diagrams

I’ve seen a with the cooler painted or powder coated. However, that would severely hamper it’s ability to cool the fluid. They do look better.

Here is the example in an A/C car - unpainted.

Here is the example in an A/C car – unpainted.

Another Mustang owner recommended spraying the cooler with black radiator paint.  That should do the trick.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Money!!

#ProjectSportsRoof will be the way I want it, which I haven’t nailed down yet, so suggest way by dropping me a comment (got your crate motor idea swimming around in my head, Bill) and that will happen fast or slow and cost …

Project SportsRoof – This Just In – Cooler and Gauges

#ProjectSportsRoof will be the way I want it, which I haven’t nailed down yet, so suggest way by dropping me a comment (got your crate motor idea swimming around in my head, Bill) and that will happen fast or slow and cost …
#ProjectSportsRoof

#ProjectSportsRoof

1973 Mustang – Project Sports Roof – Vacuum System Part II

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Thanks for checking on #ProjectSportsRoof.

 

So here is the last set of initial questions.

Here is an image of the current set up:
[Image: Vac-14-L_zpsndlzgozn.jpg]

[Image: Vac-13-L_zpsgbppofla.jpg]

Any diagram I find has the hose vacuum from the Distr going to the Valve assy.

The Valve assy has nothing attached which is located on the front right side next to the alternator on the water pump housing.

[Image: Vac-31-L_zpsyrpi8chf.jpg]

The diagram for the 1972 351C shows that instead of going directly to the carb, the hoses from the distributor vacuum run to the Valve Assy. There also seems to be a second line running from the back of the distributor (in the diagram) – but that isn’t very clear.

Any ideas? Clearly the car runs without any of these connected – do I just plug them all?

Tim

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Vacuum System Part I

For the purpose of these series of posts let’s assume that I want to seriously limit the performance and power of #ProjectSportsRoof’s beautiful 351C and restore it back to factory configuration. Now if you are expecting an …
1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – What are You Gonna …

#ProjectSportsRoof. 73-17. 1973 Mustang Project Sportsroof – Engine Walk-Through. There is a quick walk-through of the 351C tucked between the fenders of the 1973 Mustang Sportsroof. (It took about 5 takes to get this …

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Vacuum System Part I

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Most car enthusiasts know that by the 1970’s all cars even ‘former’ muscle cars, were strangled in terms of power by a host of tubes, solenoids and funny looking flat or funnel like space age devices that were responsible for eliminating harmful emissions.  In some cases they funneled fumes back in to the engine to be burned and supposedly rendering them less harmful.

When you are restoring a car of this vintage – especially one like my 1973 Mustang that has been sitting around a while, those tubes/hoses are often cracked, dried, split or ends stretched at the least for missing all together.

You have the option to remove all the space ag hardware (depending on the emissions regulations in your area) or replacing it all to restore to factory specifications.  For the purpose of these series of posts let’s assume that I want to seriously limit the performance and power of #ProjectSportsRoof’s beautiful 351C and restore it back to factory configuration.

Now if you are expecting an expert run down on the care and feeding of the vacuum system for this project – you aren’t going to get that right up front.  Why?  Because it’s really not that straight forward at first and I have a few questions.

As I look at the diagrams for the vacuum system on a 1972 351C, I am not seeing anything that matches my set up.

Let me start back of the engine.

There is a solenoid on the back of the manifold (only bolted there) that I think is some diagrams is shown on the opposite side and in the front.

[Image: Vac-21-L_zps2rgxlj0p.jpg]

Here’s a better shot.

[Image: Vac-23-L_zpscwrovtl4.jpg]

As you can see it has no power connected nor hoses. Is that the Solenoid Dist vacuum?  I think so.

For the 1972 351C. The solenoid is #12 in the diagram

For the 1972 351C. The solenoid is #12 in the diagram –

Source:  www.mustangbarn.com

As you can see it’s in the front.

So the vacuum hose travels back up front to the Valve Ass. Distributor vacuum control?

Maybe because this is a A/C car the Solenoid Dist vacuum was relocated to the back, that is a lot of tubing!!

That’s the first set of questions, the front of engine is coming up next.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Compression, Rods …

Thanks for check in on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you remember a of couple months back, shortly after bringing the ’73 Mustang home, I conducted a compression test on all.

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Compression, Rods …

#ProjectSportsRoof. 1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Compression, Rods … Thanks for check in on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you remember a of couple months back, shortly after bringing the ’73 Mustang home, I conducted …

 

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – This Just In – Cooler and Gauges

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Just received a few more parts in for the 1973 Mustang project.

Check out the video.

 

Thanks for reading.  Keep checking on #ProjectSportsRoof.

Tim

1973 mustang mach 1

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Money!!

#ProjectSportsRoof will be the way I want it, which I haven’t nailed down yet, so suggest way by dropping me a comment (got your crate motor idea swimming around in my head, Bill) and that will happen fast or slow and cost …

George Barris, famed “kustom car king” and creator of TV’s original Batmobile, dies at 89 | Classic Car News

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Innovative and imaginative. Sad when icons pass.

Thanks for all memories Mr. Barris

George Barris, the “King of Kustomizers” best-known today for the original Batmobile of the 1960s TV show, died Thursday at his Encino home. He was 89.

Source: George Barris, famed “kustom car king” and creator of TV’s original Batmobile, dies at 89 | Classic Car News

Thanks for reading.
Tim

george barris

George Barris, creator of the Batmobile, dead at 89

LOS ANGELES — George Barris, who created television’s original Batmobile, along with scores of other beautifully customized, instantly recognizable vehicles that helped define California car culture, has died at age 89. Barris Kustom Industries …

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Compression, Rods and Heads Part II

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So after inspecting the head further, I noticed  a few more reasons to have them reconditioned.  Take a look:

Gonna Need some touching up.

Gonna Need some touching up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see there a lot of rust and old stuff plugging up some of the water passages.

The heads were sent out to a local machine shop run by an old hot rodder.

Here’s a quick video of the valves that were removed. You can see the build up as the oil (from the tappet hole) and the gas was continually ignited by the spark plug.

The good news the heads are back and installed.  The bad news in my haste to get the car back together,  I forget to get some shots of the completed heads.   By the time I realized it was too late to go back.

 

 

The Cleveland is running strong, but needs a lot of work on the vacuum system and – I’m thinking of replacing the carb.  Send me your on what to replace it with.

Motorcraft?  Holly?

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Compression, Rods …

Thanks for check in on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you remember a of couple months back, shortly after bringing the ’73 Mustang home, I conducted a compression test on all.
1973 Mustang Project Sportsroof – Engine Walk-Through.

Next up will be the install Pertronix system and cap and rotor, then plug and wires. Thanks for reading and drop me a note. Tim. #ProjectSportsRoof. projectsportsroof. 1973 Mustang Project SportsRoof – Interior Walk-Through.

IMG_20150923_162001327_HDR

A century (plus) of speed: The countdown to the 100th Indianapolis 500 begins | Hemmings Daily

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The front-engine roadster era ended with Jim Clark’s 1965 victory in the Lotus 38

In 1909, a gravel and tar racing track was constructed in Indianapolis, Indiana. Initially, the events hosted by the track were relatively small in scope, but primary owner Carl Fisher had bigger plans for the facility. After repaving the surface with 3.2 million bricks and offering a $25,000 purse, the track played host to its first 500 mile race on Memorial Day in 1911. Next May, the facility will host the 100th running of the fabled event, factoring in the two years lost to World War I and the four years lost to World War II.
Chase the link below for the complete article on Hemmings.com

Source: A century (plus) of speed: The countdown to the 100th Indianapolis 500 begins | Hemmings Daily

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

indianapolis 500 history

What you need to know about the Indianapolis 500

Helio Castroneves lost last year’s race in what was the second closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history, but he is still poised and hungry for a 4th title at Indianapolis Speedway. headshot Steven Loung May 22, 2015, 1:05 PM. headshot Steven Loung …

Auto Factoids for the Week of Nov. 1, 2015 – Packard Week

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Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the first week of Nov. 2015. I’m going to call this Packard Week (like Shark Week only on wheels)!!!   Here is why:

Starting right off on the Nov. 1st 1955 Studebaker’s Hawk showed up on the car scene.

  • They when on sale in 1956 and came in the Flight Hawk, Golden Hawk and Power Hawk and Sky Hawk. As you may know these were tough time for Studebaker/Packard so the Flight, Power and Sky Hawk models were only available in 1956.   The power plants for these cars ranged from Studebaker’s old straight 6 cylinder bored and stoked to displace 185 CIDs for the Flight Hawk, and their OHV 259″ V8, which came in a 2bbl and 4bbl configuration (180 HP and 195 HP ) for the Power Hawk to the Sky Hawk’s OHV 289 CID with the Golden Hawk sporting Packard’s 352 CID (5.8 L – V8) that managed to produce 275 BHP. That is pretty good power in fairly light car.

Sky Hawk

Sky Hawk

Flight Hawk

Flight Hawk

Golden Hawk

Golden Hawk

Power Hawk

Power Hawk

On Nov. 2, 1935 we have two events.

  • Cord’s 810 debuted as did the Fords’ (Lincoln’s) Zephyr. Cord 810 was a beautiful and advanced car. It was the first US designed and built front wheel drive car with independent suspension and sported a set of very cool hidden headlights (operated with a crank on the dash-board) – another US first!! It was power by a Lycoming 289 V8 (125HP) and had a 4 speed overdrive transmission.
1935 Cord 810. This the Sportsmen Convertible

1935 Cord 810. This is the Sportsmen Convertible

  • The Zephyr was produced under the Lincoln sub-brand and was powered by 267 cu in (4.4 L) L-Head with 110 HP. It sold 15,000 units in its first with was over 50% of all Lincoln sales for 1936.
1936 Zephyr

1936 Zephyr

Continuing on with Packard Week, on Nov. 5, 1863 John Ward Package was born.

  • Before building his first automobile in 1899, he successfully operated his own business, Packard Electric
John Ward Packard

John Ward Packard

On Nov. 6 is a very busy day in Automotive history we have 3 major mile stones.

  • On this day in Carlo (a.k.a. Karl) Abarth was born in Austria in 1908. He was ultimate gear-headed business man!!! Started out designing bicycle and motorcycle frames in Italy as a teenager for Castanga, then back to Austria and motorcycle racing where he managed to become 5 times European champion. After begin seriously injured in a racing accident he gave up racing, designed a sidecar and started a company with Ferry Porsche (and couple other guys) that was eventually called Cisitalia. They produced the Tipo 360 F1 prototype – which was a flop. Later on he founded the Abarth & C company that eventually produced racing cars with the scorpion logo then moved into the production of performance exhaust now called Abarth. He should the company to Fiat and they named a car after him.

Abarth Race Car

Abarth Race Car

Logo

Logo
  • Edsel Ford was born in 1883 in Detroit, MI on this same day. Often only known for the Edsel sub brand he was instrumental in design and development of the Lincoln as well. But we all love the Edsel.

1959EdselCorsair

  • To finish up Packard Week the first Packard car was test driven on Nov. 6, 1899.
The first Packard

The first Packard

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#AutoFactoids

Auto Factoids for the Week of 5/10/2015 – GM and Corvair

Here is this weeks AutoFactoids (#AutoFactoids). May 10, 1923 – GM names Alfred P. Sloan as president. They didn’t just pick from the streets. He was actually, a draftsman for a bearing company, Hyatt Roller Bearing.

Auto Factoids for the Weeks of March 15 and March 22 2015

Here are your Auto Factoids (#AutoFactoids) for the week. Actually, I’ve combined two weeks because I forgot last weeks and this week’s was limited. So let’s start off with the week of the 15th (’cause going in chronological …

Lisa’s 1973 Mach I Restore!

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I love it when a fellow car enthusiast shares their projects.

This is Lisa’s 1973 Mach 1

1973 Mach I

1973 Mach I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saved after sitting in a junk yard for 21 years.   WAY TO GO LISA!!!   Daunting project to be sure…but you GOT THIS!!!

Lisa73MachI-b Lisa73MachI-c

Lisa wrote:

“Thank you. That is the stock engine out of the original car. The car sat in a junk yard for 21 year before I got it, I thought for sure that it would be too far gone to do anything with but I was completely wrong. The fluids still looked new and once we had the engine out and sitting on a pallet, we rigged it so we could see if it would turn over and sure enough it did. Mine is also a 2v with a 4brl intake. ”
“I wanted to rebuild the engine as affordably as possible so the cam and lifters and the valve guides and seals are the only thing new other than the valve covers which I had to get because sand blasting the factory ones was pointless. The oil pan a friend of mine bought for me after I helped him install his transmission.”
My husband and I own a performance shop that also does machining and I was able to learn how to do the machining on my heads and block to save money on labor. I’ll definitely keep you posted as I progress. I hope you decide to get that mustang and restore it. I would love to see pictures.
You can definitely use my pictures on your blog.”

Here is the engine for Lisa Mach I.

So nicely done!!

Getting ready for some paint!!

Lisa73MachI-Engine2

So nicely done!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa, we are looking forward to seeing the progress on this beauty!!!

Oh…and google #ProjectSportsRoof or just stop by http://www.agcarrestoration.com/ and you can follow the progress on my 1973 Sports Roof.

Thanks again for sharing your project.

Tim

#ProjectSportsRoof

 

1973 Mustang Project SportsRoof – Exterior Walk-Around

Welcome back to #ProjectSportsRoof.  I run my car projects much like I run my IT projects.  You always have to know where to start and know the end game.   As with any project that isn’t being built from scratch, in other word, you have to work with what you’ve got, …

1973 Mustang – Project SportsRoof – Compression, Rods and Heads

Thanks for check in on #ProjectSportsRoof. If you remember a of couple months back, shortly after bringing the ’73 Mustang home, I conducted a compression test on all the cylinders.  The 351C was running rough (to put it mildly) and smoked like a pile of tires on fire (only the smoke …

1973 Mustang Project Sportsroof – Engine Walk-Through.

Next up will be the install Pertronix system and cap and rotor, then plug and wires. Thanks for reading and drop me a note. Tim. #ProjectSportsRoof. projectsportsroof. 1973 Mustang Project SportsRoof – Interior Walk-Through.