1979 Mercury Capri

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

It was fun seeing it run. And Russell, we CAN paint the whole deal - I was just looking for you to get your feet wet on a simple project so you could get used to it. An overall paint requires a LOT more prep that just spraying an easily removable panel.

Dan

I was thinking about taken the hood off an seeing if a 87-93 hood will fit I have a couple extra ones in the barn. I even have one I am willing to trim a little to make it fit. I think getting the hood painted will go a long way on its looks. I am thinking about painting the 2 little vents on the hood black when I paint the cowl vent. What do you all think?

[DanStokes]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

It was fun seeing it run. And Russell, we CAN paint the whole deal - I was just looking for you to get your feet wet on a simple project so you could get used to it. An overall paint requires a LOT more prep that just spraying an easily removable panel.

Dan

[milner351]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

;D

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Thanks Joe! I did have to spend some $$$ to get it track worthy. I have not been keeping up with it I really, don't want to know, but I think I have less that $500 in it as it sits.

Made one pass sunday, and decided to quit while it was still running (even though I THINK a couple more would not have hurt it) and drive it back on the trailer. I did nothing to the car b/w run one and two I just shifted the trans instead of leaving in drive and floored it from the start in stead of easing into it and it got me a 106.75428! It does make me wonder how it would run it the timing was set instead of me dropping the dizzy in and saying well its running must be close enough. I don't know anything about a carb but taking one out of the trunk and not even changing the filter or touching any of the screws, again its running...

But this trip was more or less a shake down, motor is coming out to make way for the P motor. I would love to keep it EFI and put a megasquirt on it but Dad has a 4bbl set up he is going to let me use for free, so the win goes to cheaper! time to learn how to tune a carb setup! I have already learned a lot about wiring from this car see what else it can teach me.

I met someone this weekend, I think you said your name was Dan? Sorry I was short I was in a hurry to get on the road. Catch me in May there is a good chance the car will not be ready to race again so I should have plenty of time to BS!

[JOES66FURY]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Got one run in today 100.93355 mpg! I am very proud of my $100 capri!

congrats...thats quite a bang for your buck...100 bucks to grin er to ear and drive fast...a steal at twice the price.

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

NICE WORK!

The toggle switches and push button officially make it a race car!

Have a blast!

Well I got the key switch to work when I fixed the neutral safety I removed the problem just did not realize it. I think it was back feeding through the reverse light wiring.

Got one run in today 100.93355 mpg! I am very proud of my $100 capri!

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Rustoleum is terrible to paint over if you ever want to put real paint on it (I know, I know - Rustoleum IS real paint.......). I can help with both - no big deal. Really.

Dan

I would more than likely sand off any of the "temporary" paint if / when the whole car gets painted, But for the cost difference I could use Dupli-color or something like that for the temporary paint job. Is it harder to sand off Rustoleum, random spray paint, or other non automotive paint? I don't want to make more work for my self in the future.

With my limited shop time it is hard for me to spend it on body work. Pretty paint does not break records, but I don't want it rust through either.

[DanStokes]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Rustoleum is terrible to paint over if you ever want to put real paint on it (I know, I know - Rustoleum IS real paint.......). I can help with both - no big deal. Really.

Dan

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Russell - That hood is PERFECT "learn to paint" material. Bring it over and we can have a paint-a-thon. That's a nice piece to start on as you can bolt it off easily and put it in the truck. And if it get's totally screwed up (it won't) - who cares? Find a weekend and we'll do it.

Dan

Sounds great. I have put a mustang hood in the hatch of my 89 before it rubbed alittle on the c pillars but it should fit. If I had to pick between the two I would rather have your help on the tbird. I was thinking I could shoot the capri hood with parts store or rustoluem. Then I might just brush on the other random rust spots. It just needs to look good from the pits as it goes by hopefully over 100.

[DanStokes]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Russell - That hood is PERFECT "learn to paint" material. Bring it over and we can have a paint-a-thon. That's a nice piece to start on as you can bolt it off easily and put it in the truck. And if it get's totally screwed up (it won't) - who cares? Find a weekend and we'll do it.

Dan

[milner351]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

NICE WORK!

The toggle switches and push button officially make it a race car!

Have a blast!

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Well I did not update after last weekends work. I ended up spending most of the day Saturday messing with the ignition switch (this was not on my list of things to do) ended up replacing it with a push button and two toggle switches. Some times you get what you pay for when you buy a $100 car. Had to fix wiring to neutral safety switch it was part of my no crank problem. Replace the PVC value and the temp sender for ones off my parts car. I checked the brakes and put a new spring kit in the drums, I had already replaced the rubber hoses and fluid. I switched the drag lites for a set of 10 holes with open lugs. Installed double throttle return spring. Vacuumed inside and under hood. Washed mud and mildew off paint. Bought a $90 battery to fit the small battery tray. Changed the oil again. Got the 7way trailer plug hooked up and mounted under the rear bumper. Lastly Parked car on trailer and strapped down! I have been itching all week can not wait for 5:00 am Saturday (planed departure time)! I did not have time / forgot to take pictures. If I get to make 3 passes and I am able to drive it back on the trailer I will be very happy! The rest of the time I will be hanging out and taking pictures of cars.

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

I was thinking loan, only wheels and tires I have for the car (not that it ever moves). I was wrong they are 205 70 14's.

They are 25.3" They might help some but I dont think it would be a great enough diffrence to justify they trouble. Thank you very much for offering.

[Shawn Anderson]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

I was thinking loan, only wheels and tires I have for the car (not that it ever moves). I was wrong they are 205 70 14's.

[Russell]

Re: 1979 Mercury Capri

Thanks Walt I would like to try them The breaks are little but I don't know if they would fit a 13" rim or not. The 195-60-15 are 24.2" or a 2.61 gear, the 175-70-13 are 22.6" or 2.80 gear. I plan on being there in June and I hope the Capri is with the P motor but a lot has to happen between now and then.