Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Looking good Kelly. On your base adjustment Allen/extension, paint 2 lines 180 deg apart different colors. That way you can count half turns of base. With the engine and trans in the car, you may need to have a second person depress the clutch peddle so you can check clutch air gap. Or modify a paint roller extention pole to fit between the peddle and steering wheel. Then it's a 1 person procedure! The peddle should be super light to depress. Also add a spring to retract the clutch fork and to take the slack out of the cable. The spring on my car is attached with a small D ring to the trans crossmember and to the fork next to the cable. It has just enough tension to take the slack out of the cable. This also prevents the TOB from riding against the clutch levers when the peddle is not depressed. Otherwise the weight of the peddle will pull the TOB into the levers.

Money well spent on having that window in the bellhousing too!! Keep up the great progress. Everything is always fix one thing and screw yourself on something else! That's part of the fun.

Sean

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Thats the the story of my life!

Thanks for the tips.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Buy the Dick Miller book "Hook and Launch". Read the part about Ford four link rear suspensions. Than compare his parts to yours. Eds bars are the best we have tried. And we have tried them all. Work on the boosters too. You can run any booster in your carb. And the right ones will make a huge difference.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

What's going on here?
I heard the engine made good power ;-)

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Hey Mark
At times I get a little discouraged after reading some of the negative posts about NHRA and drag racing in general. I haven't raced since 1982 and competitively since 1971. I know that drag racing is not like it was 'back in the day' but I still go to races so I also know it can be fun. Seems like some people get caught up in what I think of as the small things like parking, I don't know maybe it's a bigger deal than I think it is. I thought racing was supposed to be enjoyable, you get to hang out with your friends and make some new ones along the way. I have no idea if my car and I can be competitive, I hope so but I'll keep trying until I'm not having fun or I'm broke.
I hope to start racing some divisional races in the southwest for now. Looks like the folks in Tucson are doing a good job with their S/SS association, might be fun to make it down there sometime.

Now for an update. I work on the car most weekdays, seems like it never goes fast enough.

Carpet is in, trying to get the interior parts painted and installed. Some of the plastic parts for this model Fairmont are hard to find.

Glass is in as well as the moldings.

I got my ring and pinon back from Cryo & Rem (Thanks to Terry & Rex at Finished Racing). My model 8.8 rear differential doesn't have a provision for a spreader, so I built one out of angle iron and 1/2 all thread. Works pretty good, giving .004 to .005 extra width for installing the carrier.

Installed the engine/clutch/transmission. Wired it up and it even runs!

Slicks are mounted and bolted up. I have to use a small tire because of wheel well clearance issues. 28 tall M/T radials.

Next will be bolting on the body sheet metal, grille, headlights, etc.
Should tackle that in a couple of weeks.

Kelly

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Looking great,Kelly
I know there are a few guys here that are really looking forward to seeing your car go down the track.
You've got to make it to Wild Horse for the Association race in September.
Let me know if you are coming down this way sooner.
Oh, and don't worry about the stacking and parking thing. That's just a bunch of grumpy old guys carrying on. ;-)
We never have a problem. Just ease in there whenever. The smaller the rig, the less the problem.
See you soon.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Your making progress! A couple of things to consider. A momentary button to turn on the fuel pump for the fuel sample. And a ballast bar, depending on how light you were able to get the car. A ballast box will not get you to your natural weight, if the car is really light. Let me know if you want more info.


Sean

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Not sure how happy the radials are going to be on a stick car. I tried it a few years ago, about every 4th- 5th run it would blow them off with no possibility of recovery. I had to run them down to around 12 lbs, wouldn't work at all at the typical 20 lbs that the auto guys run. I don't know of any stick cars that are having any luck with this.

Jim Caughlin
SS 6019

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Sean, I already put the momentary button on the car. I'll work on the ballast bar idea.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Since my car is a fairly light, low HP car, I'm hoping they will work. They came recommended by a couple of guys. Guess I'll find out.
Thanks

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

The radials are a great idea, but it would really make your life a lot easier to start with a bias tire and get the clutch close. Then progress to the radial.

I have noticed the same thing with the radial that 1 out of 5 times it spins bad.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Radials were a tick faster, as I mentioned, I had to run them down to 10 - 12 lbs to get them to work. My car is low HP and light also, the only difference is that I have a boatload of low gear ratio. I guess my point is that you're not going to win a lot of rounds playing Russian Roulette on which pass they are going to spin. And when they do spin, it's not a recoverable spin, I have short shifted into second and had them continue to spin even then.

Jim

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

I will take your advice and look for some Bias tires to start with and maybe try the Radials at a later date.

Thanks, gentleman.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Kelly, I tried radials with a stick, over 20 years ago. Too much torque and too much clutch.It bounced all over the place.
I would revisit that idea on a lighter, lower hp car, for sure.
But the guys are right. You've got enough to think about on the first day out.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Wow the car looks great Kelly! keep us posted and good luck!

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

FINALLY! the car is done with paint. I had a real mess with the first guy that painted it. Screwed me and the car pretty bad. Some of it was my fault for not holding him accountable. Anyway a racer friend in Colorado saved my butt by repainting it. I still have to install some emblems and small parts, then it's time to do a lot of testing. Looking at a local race in early August.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Looks great. Good Luck!

Rick Thomason
GTOMayhem

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

I'm looking forward to seeing this car on the track.
Junior Stock Lives!

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Are you going down to the track in ABQ?

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Yes ABQ, if i can get a couple of suspension items finished in time. I'm in serious need of some seat time.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Well I didn't make ABQ to test. I tested on a remote backroad 2 weeks ago and smoked the clutch due to my inexperience and other issues. The car runs well, stops and steers like it should, transmission shifts perfect. Just some driver/builder problems. Shipped the clutch back to Robb, he did a quick turn around on it and is on the way back to me.
As per Sean Marconette (thanks buddy) and Robb I installed a later Fox Mustang pedal assembly, Steeda clutch quadrant, firewall cable adjuster and cable. Also added a 1/4 spacer between the bellhousing and block. All of this should give me plenty of clearance between the t/o and pressure plate fingers.
We will try again next weekend if all goes well.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

let me know when you are heading to abq, i will be in that area on the 16th.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Glad to help in any way Kelly!!

All I can say is your car looks great and something for you to be very proud of! If you can get the air gap where it needs to be and the clearance on the TOB to the levers you will have it made.

Sean

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Where is the "LIKE" button??? :D

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Nice car, cool test track.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Looks close to the spot where Walter White buried those 50 gallon drums..

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Close, we used to say it's out where God lost his socks. Way out there!

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

I just wanted to congratulate you on a great job you've done on your car. Only way that those car are beautiful is as a race car. Great job. Thanks for sharing. Claude R.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Thanks Claude, Fairmont Futura's are one of those cars you either love or hate them. I agree they look pretty good as a race car.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Last Saturday I ran my first passes with the Fairmont on a real drag strip with clocks! Nothing fell off, the car steers, stops and more importantly goes...really quick.

I made four hits and they were all under the index.

My first burnout in over 35 years, amazing how you get out of practice especially with a 4 speed. Came back to me with a little coaching from a friend.

Looks like I'm done with updates for now.

I appreciate all the advice, mentoring and encouragement from the Class Racer folks.

Everytime I get onto the Class Racer website the first thing I do is look at the Class Racer Builds. I'm inspired by, Robbie Racer, Dave Muller, Mark Yacavone, Jeff Lee, Pinballer, and lots of others.

Thanks to Fred Rector, Gary McGlasson, Sean Marconette and Robb Youngblood for their help. Nice to have Pro's in your corner.


Thanks folks, see you in September at the Salt Lake divisional. Got to get my feet wet sometime.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Congratulations on finishing the job! Nice nice car. We'll all be looking for how you're doing in the future, and best of luck.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Great job! Was hoping you were coming down here the week before.
Too much, too close, I'm sure.

Remember, you ARE the average. You get one (1) second under freebie run per half year.
We've been known to use it up.
Otherwise, keep the average less than .85 under.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Mark, I grew up in Phoenix, you can't fool me. September is TOO hot.

I would love to come down and race with you guys, but when it's a little cooler.

Kelly

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Congratulations on a very nice build in a fairly short amount of time.

I think your thoughtfulness and attention to detail will pay off.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

Bill

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Congratulations, Kelly Lane!
No. 2 qualifier at SLC, and set the T/Stock record, from what I hear.
Way to go with those C/R builds.

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Congrats on SLC runs , been watching from the beginning. Great Job... hope the weather clears for SLC

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Wow last i looked 46 degrees

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Well how about that!! Congratulations Kelly!! Now go some rounds!

Sean

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Nice job!

Re: Fairmont U/S Build AKA Craigslist Racer
 

Amazing, great job...Congrats !!!!!