Project Junkyard Dog

[Joe Toller]

Here are the pics. I should mention, as earlier on, the motor is back in the car and it moves under its own power lol. I also sold the front discs and swapped on drums for less rotating weight and removed the swaybar. The rear now has a Trak-lok and 4.62's, and a pair of Lakewood slapper bars I got dirt cheap. I do have a pattern for a homebuilt caltrac-style traction bar I found on a hotrod forum; if I get bored I may fab a pair if I have the right stuff in scrap iron. I'd love to buy the real deal, but the cost would be equal to 20% of my total investment in the whole car!

And if there is time after the car runs well and consistent enough, I will throw the Rustoleum and a roller at it. For now its all the same color and will shine up ok. The youtube $50 paint job is no joke; it works!

[MICROMACHINE72]

sounds like a lot better combo than the Buick. Always liked the Gapp & Roush taxi in Pro-Stock back in the days. What will you do for a tranny? I'm sure the FMX will not hold anything. Or is it a C4 behind the 302?

[Joe Toller]

Its a C4, not alot of miles on a stock rebuild, I upgraded the band and servo, threw in a shift kit, and called it good. I have a 10" PTC converter for now, but will probably end up with one from Mark Yacavone.

[Joe Toller]

I am going stir crazy! I can't work on the car outside, and I see a couple more of these builds popping up, albeit all 75's. None in Division 6 that I know of yet though (I hope at least until I know what mine can do lol). I just want to get back to it! I'm getting nervous and ancy, and though I know mine is on a McBudget, my competitive streak is burning! I did order some front wheels, since the 54 Ford ones were too crusty for me, but not much else. It's not looking like it will be a mild winter either.

[Joe Toller]

Well, not much new here, just clearing up some unused pieces and whatnot to make room, I am planning on getting a converter from Mark Yacavone, and the correct 77-vintage cam (I have a 75-correct grind now).

I did pick up a new budget tip to share: alot of guys look for donut spare wheels, and the fox-body Ford guys have good 4-lug versions in aluminum. But, the 5-lug Ford/Mopar/AMC guys have an option too: 94-02 Mustangs (especially GTs) came regulalrly equipped with 15x4 aluminum compact spares, with the 5 on 4.5 pattern. They are very common and cheap (except on ebay), I bought a pair for $40. Check your local yards!

[goinbroke2]

This was brought up a couple years ago at our local track as it is a cheap alternative to aftermarket rims, here is the answer straight from Mike Baker;

From: "Baker, Michael" <mbaker@ihra.com>
To:
Subject: RE: T-Bird temp spare wheel
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 08:03:41 -0600
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I would not think they would be legal based upon their intended use and speed. Only OEM or SEMA approved aftermarket wheels should be used in a drag racing application.
---------------Original Message-------------------------


Subject: T-Bird temp spare wheel

Question: Are the narrow aluminum "temporary spare"
rims from a Ford T-bird legal if they have frontrunners and tubes mounted on them? I need the "official IHRA position" on this question as I have a lot of people waiting for the answer.
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Now him saying "I would not think" is not a direct "no", but I think the intent is to discourage people from using them. What would happen at your local track? Depends on Tech.

[Sean Marconette]

The aluminum spares have been used on several stockers over the years, along with street strip cars too. I believe they are a full size spare, so with a good tire there should be no issues at the track. The original tire would be the issue at the track, as those are not rated to exceed a certain MPH.

Sean