Wiring isn’t my favorite thing, but after the Imperial, this might as well be a remedial class. Identifying what is in the engine bay is the most critical part to the program, even if it’s going to be a simple carb setup. We’re looking at options for a distributor that isn’t the HEI unit you’ve seen before, and we are probably going to have to replace the coil and starter relay.

Vacuum routing is also a puzzle that needs to be solved. Most of the lines look good, with no dry rot or splitting, but this broken spark plug was corking the main line from the intake manifold. What the…?

Fuel is the third part that needs to be addressed. We showed you the new fuel system in the last update, but we’ve been waiting on the protective matting to come in before we start shoving this kit up underneath. Note the plastic tank protector…still there!

Jumping down Alice’s rabbit hole. Happily, this is the only “Replace Me” tag underhood. It is the vacuum line from the vacuum tree to the HVAC box. Rodents gnawed holes in the plastic tubing.

Radiator! Frostbite contributed a host of goodies to the RS Fox, including the fan, shroud, and radiator. The black valance/mounting bracket is another LMR-sourced piece. Still have to wire up the fan relay before this is checked off of the box.

First the Cougar, then the 1980 Mustang, now this one. Lesson to learn: just replace the ignition switch. If you’re wondering if the switch in your older Ford product is bad, it is.

After seeing both headlight boxes fill with water during the rainstorms we’ve gotten and seeing the corner lamp lens pop off, the decision has been made: new front lighting bits are needed. I’m leaning towards one-piece units but that decision will be made later.

Power-on checks have started. We have gauge lights, we have exterior lights, we have turn signals and hazard flashers, we have an HVAC fan. But we do have one interesting function issue with the interior lights: open passenger door, dome light comes on. Open driver’s door, nothing. Hmmm…

Just a guess, but somewhere in these six cut wires is an answer. I’ll have to de-pin this connector and do some legit wiring repair, meaning new tool time, but it’ll be good practice. Luckily, de-pinning Ford connectors is straightforward and simple!

We’re in the passenger door, facing a common issue with Fox cars: the damn door handle won’t work. Note the outer handle rod (blue) and it’s lack of plastic clip. That needs to be fixed…the door only opens from the inside right now. I also need to figure out why neither power lock motor (yellow) functions.

The tint. The horrible, peeling tint is gone. Well, most of it is. Both doors had three layers of the stuff. The hatch had two layers. The hatch still has a ton of adhesive to scrub off. I still need to get the quarter windows cleaned off before I even think about getting any new tint, and that might be held off until I get new rear quarter glass pieces put in. The outer weatherstripping is destroyed on both and it’s non-repairable.

The rusty, faded trim has been bothering the hell out of me. So I did something about it: using the blackout masking pattern of earier Foxes, I re-shot them in a matte black. I’ll work my way around the car until I’m done. It’s a $600 Mustang, for anyone lining up a protest. You want new stuff on this car? Donate to the cause.

I’ll put my new part money on hardware like this dual exhaust transmission crossmember. I know I said I had one in the shop earlier on in the project. I did…but it was the single-pipe unit that came off of the Great Pumpkin, not ideal. Now, to bolt a trans to this beauty!