For the restoration purists- PS pump question

[83GTJIM]

I received my judging sheet today from the MCA show in Kansas City Aug 24-27 and I am questioning some of the things they noted. I think the problem is probably from trying to apply a standard across all third generation cars rather than recognizing production nuances as the years went by. As one example, they docked me for "PS Pump Cap not OEM Ford- missing yellow lettering". I am fairly certain that my car retains the factory original power steering pump and cap. Here is a picture of my engine bay and you see that the cap is back with a yellow stripe on the grip/handle. By the way, my car is a late 83, build date of 07/19/83



Today I noticed that EmeryGT350 posted a picture of his headers and his 84 had the same cap:



The rules state:
Power Steering Pump, Pulley & Hose: Must be as original. Pump is natural aluminum. Reservoir black plastic on '79-'88 & off-white plastic on '89-93. Pulley semi-gloss black. Mounting bracket natural. Black cap with yellow lettering. Cobra R will have black PS cooler mounted behind fog lamp opening.

I would love to hear from anyone-newer and older cars- with what they have. I haven't researched it a lot yet but as I recall the yellow lettering maybe was on later model cars. To further mix things up look at this engine bay from one of the magazine shoots back when these cars were new- this cap is completely different!

[STANGMAN116]

Attachment 115396
Here is my 83 im pretty sure its all original, looks just like yours

[STANGMAN116]

And i just looked at my 84 predator and it looks just like yours as well

Edit, i just looked at my 83 capri and it has black cap with yellow letters??

[bluesfannoz]

I've checked pictures I have of cars from 83-85. The 83 and 84 cars are like yours. 85's have the yellow wording.

[Gemini1999]

I guess it's supposed to look like this:

https://lmr.com/item/LRS-2380025/For...-Reservoir-Cap

[erratic50]

My 86's ps cap looked mostly like the one from lmr when I bought my car back in 1992. That being said, mine was not identical to that. It was exactly the same as the one on my 1989 and is exactly the same the cap on my son's 1986 now.

I agree on the tank stuff. I believe it's correct to the best of my knowledge.

Good luck getting a black one though from the mcparts store. I ended up with an 89+ style pump on my 86- oh well. Underdriven and filled with synthetic and with a better cooler the mcparts pumps even are silent -- for a change.

I agree- the rules are wrong on caps. Some of our beloved foxes had differences.

[sowaxeman]

The picture you posted above from a magazine (the silver car) is not an '83 based on the flex tubes of the snorkels. Looks like an 82 GT engine based on the lid...but odd that it says 4V? Also has that big vacuum canister behind the PS shock tower...which I believe is the cruise module used up thru 83 or 84....definitely not in '85

My '82 has a beige cap just like that picture.

My '83 GT that I had several years ago and my '85 GT now (both all original) have the same reservoir and cap like yours....yellow on the fins only, not the letters.

My 82


My 83


My 85

[84StangSVT]

Also has that big vacuum canister behind the PS shock tower...which I believe is the cruise module used up thru 83 or 84....definitely not in '85

To touch on this comment, my 84 (10/27/83 build date) has the vacuum module for the cruise control mounted in the drivers side fender well behind the liner. It appears to be factory still.

[rodster]

83 Thunderbird 5.0

[83GTJIM]

83 Thunderbird 5.0

That is cool to see a 5.0 in a 83 Ford that isn't in a truck. What was Ford thinking running a serpentine belt that didn't include the PS? Looks like a lot of parts are different on the EFI vs HO 5.0. Looks like the AC compressor might be different too.

Generally I am seeing the all yellow cap on some 83's but more so earlier cars, the yellow striped cap on later 83 cars and newer (83-85). The black cap with yellow lettering seems to have first made an appearance in 1985. Of course, there are always exceptions but based on low mileage original owner cars this is what I am finding with limited search so far.

[xctasy]

That is cool to see a 5.0 in a 83 Ford that isn't in a truck. What was Ford thinking running a serpentine belt that didn't include the PS? Looks like a lot of parts are different on the EFI vs HO 5.0. Looks like the AC compressor might be different too.

Generally I am seeing the all yellow cap on some 83's but more so earlier cars, the yellow striped cap on later 83 cars and newer (83-85). The black cap with yellow lettering seems to have first made an appearance in 1985. Of course, there are always exceptions but based on low mileage original owner cars this is what I am finding with limited search so far.

The Big Sterling Foxes were a heavy duty line, which up until 1981 still used York A/C units; then the 5.0 got withdrawn, and then added again. It missed out on the 100% serpentine supply to all seven ancillaries. More like a half breed EECIII 5.0 in the Lincoln. They stayed EECIII for Cali market Tbirds too.

[83GTJIM]

Double post

[KevinK]

I have seen some variations when looking fior a cap on my 88. I did not note if it was yellow lettering. In general, I look for some yellow on the cap. It's likely an area where the MCA rules are too generic and personal knowledge needs to override the wording. If in doubt, the benefit goes to the car.

Btw, I got dinged at the Reno show for painting the power steering plastic housing. I have trouble understanding how they could tell having done it off the car and pump.

If you want me to have a personal discussion with one of the judges, send me a pm.

[sowaxeman]

The pictures of this car do not appear to be yellow letters either. Also I don't think it is a question of discussing with the judges, rather making sure the rules book is updated. I'm sure that is an ongoing and DAUNTING task!

http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...ble-8100-miles

[83GTJIM]

I have seen some variations when looking fior a cap on my 88. I did not note if it was yellow lettering. In general, I look for some yellow on the cap. It's likely an area where the MCA rules are too generic and personal knowledge needs to override the wording. If in doubt, the benefit goes to the car.

Also I don't think it is a question of discussing with the judges, rather making sure the rules book is updated. I'm sure that is an ongoing and DAUNTING task!

Two excellent points and I agree 100%. I have been thinking about this and I believe that the 79-93 cars are being lumped together in judging because there just aren't enough cars, knowledge or interest to take on the daunting task of making better/more detailed rules. I am sure that in the very beginning the first generation cars were probably lumped together until the production differences from 64.5 to 66 were documented.

However, with that said I do believe it can be done especially with the information we have here. I know restorations are not for everyone but with the number of people on this site I do think we are an excellent resource. I am considering testing to become a judge with the ultimate goal of improving the rules for the third generation, or at least the 79-86 "generation". It could be an undertaking of monumental proportions...for example which 84 GT's should have fog lights/quad shocks/3 piece spoilers? (this is a restoration thread so please no comments "what difference does it make, nobody cares!") With some effort, Marti reports and Foxchassis' help we could probably get darn close to the production change date.

From a little research and after hearing from others here, I am convinced my PS cap is OEM original and correct. Question is how much work is it going to take to amend/update the judging rules? Ultimately I would rather work to make the rule more accurate than to change my car to fit the rules.

[swearint]

My 85 GT has the yellow letter version. I wonder if the variation is not a production change, but rather a case of multiple vendors and substitute parts.

[84StangSVT]

However, with that said I do believe it can be done especially with the information we have here. I know restorations are not for everyone but with the number of people on this site I do think we are an excellent resource. I am considering testing to become a judge with the ultimate goal of improving the rules for the third generation, or at least the 79-86 "generation". It could be an undertaking of monumental proportions...for example which 84 GT's should have fog lights/quad shocks/3 piece spoilers? (this is a restoration thread so please no comments "what difference does it make, nobody cares!") With some effort, Marti reports and Foxchassis' help we could probably get darn close to the production change date.

I know my early 84, 10/27/83 build date left the factory with 3 piece spoiler, quad shocks and NO fog lights.

[KevinK]

[QUOTE=? Ultimately I would rather work to make the rule more accurate than to change my car to fit the rules.[/QUOTE]

Even with errors on judging your car should fair well if the rest of the car is correct and clean. I used to get dinged for the heater hose clamps on my SVO. I knew the car was correct. Another one is the embossed oil filter. The FL 300 never came embossed and the FL 1 just does not fit. This is an example where the judge should know better than to follow the letter. You need to get you cars out there to the shows and be the example that they follow.

[bluesfannoz]

Traveling long distances across the country with our cars is not in the cards for a lot of us at this point. But yes agree the more shows we can attend and assist with judging, the better the rules will get. So guys look for a national show in your area and volunteer to assist in judging. My car is nowhere near judging class ready so at the recent Grand National in KC I just put it in a show only class so it still got seen. Then volunteered to help with judging.

Even with errors on judging your car should fair well if the rest of the car is correct and clean. I used to get dinged for the heater hose clamps on my SVO. I knew the car was correct. Another one is the embossed oil filter. The FL 300 never came embossed and the FL 1 just does not fit. This is an example where the judge should know better than to follow the letter. You need to get you cars out there to the shows and be the example that they follow.

[roush235]

Traveling long distances across the country with our cars is not in the cards for a lot of us at this point. But yes agree the more shows we can attend and assist with judging, the better the rules will get. So guys look for a national show in your area and volunteer to assist in judging. My car is nowhere near judging class ready so at the recent Grand National in KC I just put it in a show only class so it still got seen. Then volunteered to help with judging.

I wanted to second Steve's comments. He is spot on with his comments and recommendations.

So..... If you have an interest in restored (and unrestored) cars, first of all you should become a member of MCA. There are three tiers of membership, ranging from $25 to $50/year. In addition to things like parts discounts and access to Ford X-Plan pricing, I consider it an "investment" in the hobby and evidence of my support. (I have gained many, many other benefits from being part of MCA, but that is a discussion for another day.)

Next, commit yourself to volunteering to help by participating in the MCA judging community.

How do you get started in this area?

--The first step is to pass an online test. The test is open book and not time limited. It covers technical info but also MCA procedures and show etiquette.
--Next, come to a show and volunteer to help. Maybe you can even bring your car, but if not, just come yourself. You will be assigned to be a scribe at a show. Working with experienced judges, you will be amazed at what you learn. Assuming you have basic skills, after one or two such scribe duties the Assistant Head National Judge will sign off for you to be a Certified Judge.
--Then, keep coming to shows and keep judging. After the Assistant Head National Judge is confident in your skills, you can then become a Gold Card Judge (like Amy did this year).

We need more participation, and more judges!! I have met several of you, and I know you know your stuff. MCA needs your knowledge!! It would be great to have more judging teams who have a cross-section of knowledge (e.g. .... what is the correct color for a power steering pump lid on an 83!!).

For people who have interest in these areas and then started working in the judging community, essentially everyone I know has found it an interesting, educational, and rewarding experience.

So, if this is of interest to you, I'm always glad to provide more info. Just PM me.

[Lowetlx]

My 84 lx 5.0 has the same cap. Black letters with 2 yellow lines

[84StangSVT]

I also have the same cap on my 84. Yellow lines, albeit worn off and hard to tell in this pic, and no yellow lettering.

[erratic50]

Honestly I wore my four eyed shirt to MCA and walked right past nearly every non-4eye car there. I was there to see the cars from everyone at FEP and I've seen almost everything else at the show so many times.

The attitude often received by others for having a four eyed car I guess is becoming a little bit of a two way street. Lol.

100% agree - change the rules not the cars!

[erratic50]

Truth is I worry more about age related failures than mileage related. I've had U joints last through two full seasons on the drag strip then go another 200K miles. I replaced them with the same parts bought at the same time and stored inside. those also fail within 3000 miles. I thought the ones in the car went out because my car had sat for 5 years, the reality is it was because the seals around the bearings were lord knows how old and simply couldn't do their job anymore. They hadn't broke entirely but boy they sure vibrated at speed. Btw - my usual rule of thumb is if I can feel them shake at wide open throttle at 2000 in 4th and they stop shaking when I left off then they are about to fail....

But belts and hoses and wheel bearing seals and brake lines and tires and engine seals ... and.... and.. are all the same way for the most part. So yes - unless the stuff has all been replaced through normal maintenance stuff is bound to go wrong.

[sowaxeman]

Adding to this...my 92 and 93 both have black caps with yellow letters (not yellow stripes) on beige reservoirs. Just a little more evidence the rules need updated.