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  1. #1
    New User
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    Default New Fairmont owner.

    I didn't see an introduction section so since I've recently purchased an 81 Fairmont Futura I figured this was the place. I've always been drawn to Fox body cars and this site has some great examples. I hadn't been here for a while but stopped by last week when researching an 80 Tbird that was for sale. My first car was a 75 Granada w/302 and my second was a 78 Cougar XR7 w/351 but that was 32 years ago, I haven't had an older Ford/Mercury since. In the mean time a Futura had been recently posted on CL and everything fell into place with the purchase. It's an automatic 6 cyl and needs some attention to be road worthy. Short term goal is to get it cleaned up and address the fuel issue that has it parked. I've enjoyed visiting here in the past and I'm looking forward to spending more time here now that I'm part of the crowd.
    Hello to all.
    Thanks

  2. #2

    Default

    Welcome! Can't wait to see it!
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  3. #3
    FEP Power Member 4-barrel Mike's Avatar
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    Default

    Yes, welcome!

    Mike

  4. #4
    New User
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    Feb 2017
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    Default Pics

    A little rough looking but it's just on the surface.


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  5. #5

    Default

    Good color combo!
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  6. #6

    Default

    Looks awesome. Plans?

  7. #7
    New User
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    Default

    I like the two tone and I'm hoping it won't cost too much to get the silver painted. I'm only wanting it to be presentable for now.

  8. #8
    FEP Member brianj's Avatar
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    Default

    That thing is awesome! The sleeper potential is endless.
    1983 Mustang G.T. No-option stripper- I like strippers.
    5.0, GT40P heads, Comp Cams XE270HR-12 on 1.6 rockers, TFI spring kit, Weiand 174 blower, Holley 750 mechanical secondarys, Mishimoto radiator, Edelbrock street performer mechanical pump, BBK shortys, T-5 conversion, 8.8 rear, 3.73 gears, carbon fiber clutches, SS Machine lowers, Maximum Motorsport XL subframes, "B" springs.

  9. #9
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    Feb 2017
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    Rocket City USA
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    Default

    I'm going to drive it as is for a while. Guy I bought it from knows where I can get an 8.8 MK VII rearend which I'm pretty sure I'll buy at least for the option to do later. He also has a Cobra front brake set up that I'll probably get too. An 86 HO302 was part of the deal too but I have no idea the condition of it. This is the first car I've bought with intentions to modify and it happened fast enough I haven't settled on a goal.

    Thanks

  10. #10
    New User
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    Default

    I'm more excited about this than the 89 Vette and 06 GT I had.

  11. #11
    FEP Member
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    Anchorage Alaska
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    Default

    Welcome, and great choice on a car!

  12. #12

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by FX27 View Post
    I'm more excited about this than the 89 Vette and 06 GT I had.
    Funny how that works, isn't it? The car I had before my Zeph was an '02 GT I had bought new. I'm sure everyone thought i was crazy getting rid of that in favor of a glorified box.
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  13. #13
    FEP Senior Member waggin's Avatar
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    Mount Vernon, WA
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by FX27 View Post
    I'm more excited about this than the 89 Vette and 06 GT I had.
    Welcome!

    Totally agree about getting excited about these Fairmonts & Zephyrs. After a carb rebuild and taking my 6-cylinder, 3-speed Fairmont for a cruise, I commented on here about never having been so excited to drive so little horsepower.
    '78 Fairmont Box Top w/Straight 6/3-spd Manual Everything
    '81 Zephyr Wagon 4/4-spd
    '84 Mustang SVO 5.0 Swapped semi-junker (I didn't do it!)
    MAF, GT-40, BBK Shorties

  14. #14
    New User
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    Feb 2017
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    Rocket City USA
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    Default

    Had to arrange for it to be towed and it will be at a friend's shop tomorrow. I'm also waiting to hear back on the axle and will get it if it's available.

  15. #15
    FEP Senior Member
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    Default

    Nice looking car.Good luck.
    Will Rogers" common sense is not as common as you think"

  16. #16
    New User
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    Default

    Thanks 48ford.

    Quote Originally Posted by 48fordnut View Post
    Nice looking car.Good luck.

  17. #17
    New User
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    Feb 2017
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    Rocket City USA
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    Default

    Started it up today and it ran for a bit, not too bad either, using a plastic gas can as a tank. Hooked the line back up to the car's tank and it would start but wasn't getting enough to keep running above idle. I'm thinking the tank needs cleaned. Plenty still to do but I need it moving before starting anything else. Lots of fun ahead.

  18. #18

    Default

    I seen that car advertised on Facebook on a F/Z page. Great car. optioned very nice with the sunroof and console. Hope to see more updates and you fix it up!!!

  19. #19
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    Default

    Thanks Brenden. I don't spend much time on Facebook, do you know the name of the F/Z page?

    Quote Originally Posted by Brenden View Post
    I seen that car advertised on Facebook on a F/Z page. Great car. optioned very nice with the sunroof and console. Hope to see more updates and you fix it up!!!

  20. #20

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by FX27 View Post
    Thanks Brenden. I don't spend much time on Facebook, do you know the name of the F/Z page?
    There's another one that's not as good, but the good one is "FORD Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr 78-83".
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

  21. #21
    New User
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    Default

    Thanks.

    Quote Originally Posted by ZephyrEFI View Post
    There's another one that's not as good, but the good one is "FORD Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr 78-83".

  22. #22
    New User
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    Default

    Not much progress in last couple of of months. The tank was too far gone so It's been replaced. Now that it runs it doesn't idle well but smooths out with a little gas. The brakes were to the floor but firmed up after flushing with fresh fluid. I finally got to drive it and it did ok with the old tires, still a long way from being road ready. I'm much closer to having everything needed for the 5 lug/8.8 swap having found a set of wheels. It will be at least a couple of weeks before I can start the swap.
    Here is a picture of the wheels.
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  23. #23
    FEP Member brianj's Avatar
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    Default

    I think you have a bit too much camber on that front wheel---
    1983 Mustang G.T. No-option stripper- I like strippers.
    5.0, GT40P heads, Comp Cams XE270HR-12 on 1.6 rockers, TFI spring kit, Weiand 174 blower, Holley 750 mechanical secondarys, Mishimoto radiator, Edelbrock street performer mechanical pump, BBK shortys, T-5 conversion, 8.8 rear, 3.73 gears, carbon fiber clutches, SS Machine lowers, Maximum Motorsport XL subframes, "B" springs.

  24. #24
    FEP Senior Member Patrick Olsen's Avatar
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    Default

    Did you end up getting that Mark VII rear end? I'm fairly certain they're like the SVO rear end and thus are wider than a "normal" Fox 8.8".

    Doing a little googling... "- Lincoln Mark7 LSC, SVO Mustang and Fox Body Saleens use a rear axle that is 1.25" wider per side than the 87-93 Mustangs" and "Ted, 79-93 Mustangs use a 57 inch wide rear axle. 94-98 Mustangs use a 58.5 inch wide rear axle. 99 and newer Mustangs use a 59 7/8 inch wide rear axle. Lincoln Mark7 LSC, SVO Mustang and Fox Body Saleens use a 59.5 inch wide rear axle. Hope this helps."

    That's a pretty significant difference, might make wheel selection tricky.

  25. #25

    Default

    Yeah, i had those same brakes on my rear, and those wheels will rub with them.
    Brad

    '79 Mercury Zephyr ES 5.0L GT40 EFI, T-5
    '17 Ford Focus ST
    '14 Ford Fusion SE Manual

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