Spring Projects

Since this winter was spent building a new garage at our new house, my car projects have pretty much been on hold.  But now it is spring and I am chomping at the bit to start some projects.  What started out as just a couple of projects though has grown into some really big things that I am starting to question my sanity (thanks Greg for talking me into this!)  The original plan was to redo the cooling system and change that rear main oil seal that I have been chasing since last year.  But now this has grown to be:

• Pull the engine and transmission out.  Why replace the rear main oil seal with the engine in the car when you can pull out the whole thing and detail it??  Duh, this is a no brainer apparently.  My goal is to replace the rear main seal and then clean up the engine block and paint it Corporate Ford Blue.  If nothing else, this will help give me more "authenticity points" at car shows and just clean up the engine bay.  It fits with what I am going for, the "stock" look with stealth mods that improve reliability.  The only problem is right now I am having trouble finding the upgraded rear main seal that everyone recommends.  For some reason FelPro is out of their 2901 gasket and no one has it in stock.  Hopefully I will find something out tomorrow when I call them.

Cherry picker is ready to burst its cherry

• Up next is a cooling system rebuild.  I have been wanting to do this one since I have been struggling with the car running hot.  I am just going to do the whole thing new including:

• Griffin radiator
• New fixed blade fan with thermal clutch
• High performance water pump
• Thermostat and housing
  

• Finally, since I am going to have the transmission out, I thought I would fix that up some too.  I plan on upgrading to a 10.5" clutch, including new flywheel and pilot bearing (and potentially a new starter).  I also plan on detailing the transmission and installing a Hurst Competition Plus shift kit. This is the project I am most nervous about.

The way I see it, go big or go home.  Honestly I didn't want to tackle this all at once, but they are all projects I wanted to do.  After talking with Greg, it just makes sense to do it all now.  Luckily I am not in school so I should actually have time to devote to this and get it all done before June.  Whelp here goes nothing.....updates to come.