1985 4E

[dsgmach007]

I purchased a 1985 4E with 38k on the clock. Long story short I got it from a guy that goes to auto auctions. He was buying a 69 comet and the SVO was sold with it. He didn't know anything about so I gave him a brief history lesson and a couple Benjamin Franklins to help him part with it. I was able to get the SVO certificate as well as the Marti report. It had dry rotted tires so the first thing I did was replace the rubber.

Since then I have done a couple mods and will catch everyone up with some pics and explanations.

[dsgmach007]

First up was the headliner. The old one was sagging and torn so I replaced it. The job was fairly easy but takes a little bit of patience. 54485449

[dsgmach007]

These are pics of the car as it sat.

I replaced a front inner light lens due to a small crack and I also replaced the left rear tail light as it has a crack and hole as well.545054515452545354545455

[dsgmach007]

The interior was in pretty good shape. I did have some cracked dew wipes on the exterior that I decided to do next. The plan was to do small projects to build my confidence in tackling the other stuff haha.54565457

[dsgmach007]

I then decided to add a manual boost controller and do the Walbro fuel pump. I also added a Kirban AFPR and put the 35#brown tops in it. The car ran like crap after the 35# injectors. Come to find out 2 of them were not functioning properly. The guys on the other forum really helped me out with this. My advise would be if you buy from a stranger have them flow tested. I got a new set from Ford and the car ran flawlessly. I also did the Motorcraft tuneup to include dizzy, rotor, cap, wires, plugs, and pcv.54585459

[dsgmach007]

Next I knocked out a good interior cleaning. I removed the seats and shampooed the carpet. I also realized the heater core was gone so I was able to replace that with the extra space from the seats being out. I also installed the new speakers, ran new wire, and a new head unit. 5460546154625463546454655466

[dsgmach007]

Figured I would save the funny pic for here. To prop the heater box open I used a can of soup instead of the recommended socket extension haha. Guys on the other forum got a kick out of that. It worked and saved me some busted knuckles.

Next I replaced the worn rag joint with a solid maximum motorsports. The steering became so much tighter.5467546854695470

[dsgmach007]

54715472547354745475

I then replaced the glass for the windshield and rear. Was good to get new seals and gaskets on those. I painted the intercooler black because it was looking a little rough. And here are some after glass replacement pics.

Next up is paint and body work. I will keep everyone posted.

[baltimucho]

Very nice find and build! I love me some 4E.

[dsgmach007]

Thank you sir. Its an awesome car. We have 2 all Ford shows here in Northern Virginia. One is in May and the other October. I'm hoping to have this ready by May. I have yet to see another one at a show but I know they are out there haha.

[FoxBuddy]

I've got to give credit where it is due and you have and are still doing a fantastic job with this car!!

[dsgmach007]

Thank you sir. Forums like this make it possible. You usually find someone that has done it before or ironed out the problems to make your project easier.

[JTurbo]

Very nice!!!

[dsgmach007]

Thanks just put some new exterior door handles on it. Getting some quotes on paint now.

[k98dave]

Nice car....I know what its like, see post: I have since replace the A/C and just collecting what I need for valvejob/cam swap.

http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1775-Restoration-Repair-List

http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1735-Interior-restoration

[Ford Builder]

Looks like good solid car, great score

[MikeFleming]

5470
Excuse me. Is that a Peaches can??

[dsgmach007]

Haha actually its a chicken noodle soup can. I was out there plugging away on my first heater core job and the wife came out to check on me after hearing various curse words. Then I said "I need something about ye big to hold the heater box down so I can get this heater core out". Then she hands me a soup can. After the initial laughter it actually worked well. Necessity is the mother of invention right lol.

[MikeFleming]

^
She's definitely a keeper!!

[svslow]

Any woman that carries soup cans around is a keeper in my book.

[dsgmach007]

Haha shes a good woman for sure. The best is when she starts giving a history lesson on the car to the people we see out that ask "What is that?"

[dagenham]

Haha shes a good woman for sure. The best is when she starts giving a history lesson on the car to the people we see out that ask "What is that?"

That is what my wife does! Its great.

[FoxBuddy]

54695470

This is on my to do list next year!


"I need something about ye big to hold the heater box down so I can get this heater core out". Then she hands me a soup can. After the initial laughter it actually worked well. Necessity is the mother of invention right lol.

I will need to remember this very important step!

[dsgmach007]

Good luck with it bud. To me it wasnt as bad as what most people warned about. Best advice I got was to use sandwich bags and tape the screws to the part they belong to when removing them. Then it made it way easier to get everything back together with no leftover parts.

[MikeFleming]

Good luck with it bud. To me it wasnt as bad as what most people warned about. Best advice I got was to use sandwich bags and tape the screws to the part they belong to when removing them. Then it made it way easier to get everything back together with no leftover parts. And have a digital camera handy to take before pics. Hundreds of them.

Helps a bunch with the memory when you need it later.

[FoxBuddy]

And have a digital camera handy to take before pics. Hundreds of them.

Helps a bunch with the memory when you need it later.

You have to love the digital age! I was going to make an age/memory comment but I forgot...

The baggie idea is great!!

[MikeFleming]

Some comments on baggies: Place parts/bolts/clips/etc. into them by area from where they were removed. And write on a piece of paper what these items are for, and put that inside the baggie. Writing on the baggie is OK if the total job will be done in a short time (like a couple days) but the writing wears off eventually and will be worthless in a year.

Also note that the re-assembly order is not always the reverse of the dis-assembly order. This makes labeling more important.

Get the freezer bags - thicker, more durable.

One of the upcoming "Red Baron Phase ..." threads will be dedicated to documentation.