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  1. #1
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    Wink 1979 Coupe - The Medium Blue Bomber

    NOTE: In addition to the images in my posts, I add the direct image link to Photobucket for each. If I discontinue my subscription, Photobucket will watermark all of the images in the posts. This way you all can still see the clear pictures in the future

    We have owned this car since September 2014. This is a Colorado car that was purchased from Fidel, FEP member Stangman116 and then shipped and brought to Canada.

    I figured this would be a great compliment car to our Tangerine coupe that I restored for our oldest son. Except this would one day be for son #2. Two relatively unique examples of 1979 Mustangs.

    Here are some other threads about this car:

    Fidel's initial intro thread: http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...979-ghia-coupe
    For Sale thread: http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...ang-ghia-coupe
    Marti Report: http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...e-Marti-Report
    Our initial show and tell thread: http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...other-79-Coupe

    My last post about the car was pretty unexciting.

    Quote Originally Posted by 82GTforME View Post
    Still no updates and nothing on the near horizon...I went over about a month ago to check something out and noticed that there was a flat tire from sitting

    I needed to borrow the coil off of it so last weekend I hauled my little compressor over to fill the tires up and blow the car off. I gave it a decent dusting off also...

    ...and then finally put a cover on it

    One day baby blue your time will come. I have a few goodies hoarded away for you already!


    But. Another project has finally ended and I have found myself with a need to fill a void. While I could do some other things on the running two cars to fill some time, this car has been in line to have some work started on it.

    I went over to the neighbors garage I have had it stored in down the alley. Hmm, same flat tire again...



    Last edited by 82GTforME; 02-11-2024 at 11:57 AM. Reason: Added image link explanation
    Quote Originally Posted by Travis T View Post
    I think this is my favorite car on the site right now.
    Quote Originally Posted by BLUECRAPI
    This is the best thread on the internet.
    Darran
    1982-1C (Black) GT T-Top:http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...he-Road-Thread
    1986-9L (Oxford White) SVO: http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...d-did-1986-SVO
    1979 (85:Tangerine) Coupe (my son's): http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...gerine-Machine
    1979 (3F:Light Medium Blue) Coupe (one day to be my other son's!) http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...um-Blue-Bomber!

  2. #2
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    In reality, I had actually went over the weekend before to scope it out.

    I had taken a few tools, the compressor and a battery. Who know what could happen

    Anyways, it was anti-climactic. I hooked the battery up, interior lights were working, buzzers worked. Removed the coil wire and went to turn it over. Nothing. No click, no nothing.

    I wiggle some wires, look at connections. All looks good. It ran almost four years ago

    Anyways, back to this week. I went with more tools, took my truck in case I needed a boost and put some effort into it. Still nothing. Barred the engine by hand to ensure it never seized since the last time. Was good. Tried to bypass the solenoid and got nothing but a spark. Weird. I got my remote starter and hooked it up. Still nothing. Bad solenoid? I had no spare handy...

    I ended up tapping the solenoid a few times and wouldn't you know it. The starter jumped.

    I pumped the gas a few times and stepped outside to hit the remote start to crank and no fire. Pump a couple more times and try and a fire One more time and the car started! Nice!

    I had noted when I got the car, there seemed to be a bit of a knock on the bottom end. You can hear it faintly at idle and more pronounced when it is revved up. See video below.

    Any sage diagnostic advice?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1lerOqIqOM

    (Not sure the direct link is working below? If not click above or right click below)


    Moved out under it's own power



    My plan was to get it to the coin wash to degrease the engine bay etc. but with the pronounced, loud knock, I didn't need the attention. Plus I wasn't sure on the solenoid situation.

    I only ended up bringing it back down the alley to my place and then gave the exterior a quick wash on my driveway.

    Parts of the paint and body are good, others have some issues that I'm sure will be identified along the way while we figure the path forward.





  3. #3
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Cool car and I am sure you will enjoy restoring/resurrecting to its former glory.

    In regards to the engine, I would definitely recommend removing and rebuilding, but I am sure you have already figured that out on your own. Definitely something going on that could be catastrophic if not fixed soon. Hopefully it hasn't done too much damage and the repair will be a standard rebuild with maybe a replacement rod and turned crank at most. Good luck!
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  4. #4
    FEP Senior Member BMW Rider's Avatar
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    That sounds like it might be a wrist pin or piston knock, but it's hard to be sure from a video. At any rate, it needs an overhaul. Best not to run it any more to avoid a major failure, you still have a rebuild-able original engine to work with as it is.

  5. #5
    FEP Super Member STANGMAN116's Avatar
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    Thats interesting about the engine noise, when i got it started, i did not hear any noise, and i drove it about 2 miles to the drop off point? I wonder if its its something else. I was just listening to the video when i first got it started and didnt hear anything. Also when matt and i went and picked it up we test drove it with no issues.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by STANGMAN116 View Post
    Thats interesting about the engine noise, when i got it started, i did not hear any noise, and i drove it about 2 miles to the drop off point? I wonder if its its something else. I was just listening to the video when i first got it started and didnt hear anything. Also when matt and i went and picked it up we test drove it with no issues.
    Thanks Fidel. Not sure what happened or what is up. I noted it when I picked it up and then when I parked it. Regardless, the decision was made long ago that the engine would get a rebuild of some degree. The extent was to be determined and I guess still is. I plan on a stock-ish rebuild currently but hey...plans could change right?

  7. #7
    FEP Super Member onetrackrider's Avatar
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    That stinks, as Fidel mentioned when we first looked at it was fine...on a good note it has one fine interior..
    Current rides:
    89 LX 5.0, 5 -spd..the Lemon
    86 RS Capri 5.0 Auto...
    86 LX Colorado SSP 5.0 5-spd (Sadly Sold)
    85.5 SVO, Finally Got Boost
    83 RS Capri 5.0, 5-spd (another sadly sold)

  8. #8
    FEP Super Member STANGMAN116's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 82GTforME View Post
    Thanks Fidel. Not sure what happened or what is up. I noted it when I picked it up and then when I parked it. Regardless, the decision was made long ago that the engine would get a rebuild of some degree. The extent was to be determined and I guess still is. I plan on a stock-ish rebuild currently but hey...plans could change right?
    Ya, it just sucks and hope its nothing crazy. The car sat for loong period of time, im sure even before i purchased it. Maybe just something minor... but damn that car loks great and i for sure miss her!!!

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by onetrackrider View Post
    That stinks, as Fidel mentioned when we first looked at it was fine...on a good note it has one fine interior..
    Tis true Matt One quite nice interior! Quite a change from black in and orange out to my eyes!

    Not sure on the engine. I can't think it is that big of an issue to resolve. The odometer says 17XXX miles so that is 187,000 km likely not 17,000 miles . I'd think it may have needed a little work. I don't think we expected to just drive it. Once I delve in a little more in the next while, we will see.

    Either way, I am not in a big hurry right now; I have two running, driving cars and it is summer! I do expect some picking away over the next few months though!
    Last edited by 82GTforME; 07-20-2018 at 11:14 PM.

  10. #10
    FEP Super Member STANGMAN116's Avatar
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    The dash pad was perfect!!!! I would think its a low mile car based on condition I wanted to find more docs and even tried to contact prior owner unfortunately he had passed away. I wish i could have found more info!!

  11. #11
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    Well FEP, time for some little updates. Progress may seem slow but in my typical fashion, I am detailing progress for my own purposes. I am also doing cleaning and detailing as I go!

    I do not feel as ambitious to post progress as I was with the last project but I will try to keep up with details and will try not to bore you with trivial stuff.

    I have been picking slowly over the last few weeks now that other chores and seasonal stuff are done. Plus if I do not start, I will never finish!


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psn4lbtkcy.jpg

  12. #12
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    I removed the hood and test fit the used factory cowl hood I bought a few years ago. Looking at it closer, of course it has the factory kidney hole but the cowl holes look added.

    Not the end of the world and definitely usable!

    I have washed and cleaned it and stripped the hardware. Just needs sanding and proper prepping. That will happen at a later time once I get to more of it!



    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psgf9hmk0h.jpg
    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8se9fhsh.jpg

  13. #13
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    I have been doing a little bit of disassembly in a couple of areas to start.

    Working on stripping the engine bay slowly.

    Some originality still there. Original upper and lower rad hoses and red PCV valve.



    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psocnynjbn.jpg
    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psgjpfafc4.jpg

    Noted I need to repair the harness side of the alternator plug


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psvmracon3.jpg

    Looks like the last oil change was done in 2011.


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psioggxjif.jpg

    I have picked away and removed a bunch of the easy stuff and pulled the harnesses back to the firewall like I did on the other project.
    Here is where it sits from a few weeks ago. Sure wished I could have gotten it to the self wash to clean up a bit. Quite a bit of grime to deal with!


    https://i1337.photobucket.com/albums...psadkbao6m.jpg

  14. #14
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    I pulled the fender splash shields out. Yay undercoating Good thing it came off somewhat easy



    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4bevy61p.jpg
    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...ps415ecihl.jpg

    Lovely overspray. What they could get access to was covered good!




    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psdszsuhjg.jpg
    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psxllfuu2m.jpg
    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psyykbpq4h.jpg

    The underside of the front end of the car seemed quite rusted on the surface and at one time, someone used black spray paint on it to cover it. A little added pain to remove paint off natural surfaces but at this time it all looks to be surface. Body and structure seem very decent though.


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psbg5bd5yw.jpg

  15. #15
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    I also pulled the front cover. I will take it all apart to clean and prep it properly.

    This allows easier access to the engine compartment and to get at the condenser and tranny cooler.


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...pszs9w4sbt.jpg

    Can someone tell me if this automatic came with the front tranny cooler form the factory? The cooler lines look like they went to the rad like usual at one time but it also looks factory...We will eventually go manual but in the event we stay auto for a bit, I wonder if this is needed?


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psvinbj0g5.jpg

  16. #16
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    Removing the front cover also gives access to the buck tag on the 79 San Jose car. Same as the Tangerine coupe.


    https://i1337.photobucket.com/albums...psn80eetbb.jpg

    You can barely even see it, let alone remove it with the cover on!


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...psgwvm8drz.jpg

    It has quite a bit of paint on it and even got undercoating way up there!


    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...pssrsuh1bh.jpg

    Here is a mirrored image from the back:



    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6clrmzql.jpg
    http://i1337.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9pmjozui.jpg

  17. #17
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    I have been picking away here and there when I have a free weekend afternoon plus I had to use some vacation days and was off a couple of weeks ago so I got some extra hours in on the car.

    A lot of the basics on this car is the same as all (or most) of course. Removing the front suspension was reminiscent of the last project so things are taking slightly less time.




    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...wi6tp.jpg.html
    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...qqtmb.jpg.html
    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...waqkd.jpg.html

    Unfortunately the friend and coworker I used to borrow a ball joint press from passed away a year and a half ago. His GF sold all his tools off so I had to find one for myself. Similar but less pieces. I managed to get the ball joints out somewhat easily though.


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...qrirf.jpg.html

    I used the same proven method for getting the bushings and shells out.

    Quote Originally Posted by 82GTforME View Post
    After I pulled the arms out, I was going to get a shop to swap them for me. I took them to a chain shop and they called me later in the day to say they didn't have the right "press tool". Other places were all over the map on the time ($), another wouldn't install customer supplied parts (?!): warranty issues they claimed.
    So I decided to try it myself. I didn't have a torch to burn them out as other suggested so this is what I did:

    Cut the end off first:


    Drilled many, many holes around the sleeve:



    Knocked out the center sleeve and removed all of the rubber with a chisel:


    I GENTLY used a sawzall to cut almost through the outer shell then crushed it from the outside and they slid right out:






    They went easier and faster after the first one.
    Just a few layers of undercoating to deal with now. You can't even see blue on the K member!


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...89tqo.jpg.html

  18. #18
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    The shocks and struts had been replaced somewhere along the line, but the front springs are original.


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...qggrz.jpg.html

    I managed to take the spring decals apart to see the details. The MIZ matches the build sheet.


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...w5avw.jpg.html

    While my initial thought was to upgrade to 87-93 spindles and 11" rotors, my ads on some local sites have gone unanswered. I am happy with the 10" brakes so far on the Tangerine Machine so I will likely go with the set up that was on the car.

    The dust shields look to have seen better days but should be reusable.


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...dkqfb.jpg.html

  19. #19
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    The master cylinder looks to be original and is also painted black along with the booster. The Tangerine Machine was also painted black so not sure if it was a San Jose thing. This one has a unique yellow stripe painted on it.

    I intend to clean up and reuse as much as I can for this.



    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...nqyoz.jpg.html
    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...macss.jpg.html

  20. #20
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    Default Auto trans and cooler questions.

    This car has a trans cooler on it.

    I am not sure if this is a factory set up on not. Could it be dealer add-on?


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...cf6kb.jpg.html

    The holes for the brackets look added.


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...wfqps.jpg.html

    The hard lines from the tranny look unaltered and do not look like the both went to the rad fittings so it seems factory.


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...iqs5o.jpg.html

    Last question, I drained the last of the fluids which was the tranny. When I took the pan off, this was in the bottom. I didn't look too closely until I pull the trans but can someone tell me what this is for or where it goes?


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...2nlib.jpg.html

  21. #21
    FEP Senior Member 83gt351w's Avatar
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    On my first control arm, I drilled and chiseled the bushing out. What a pita. On the other 3, I heated the shell with a propane torch, and the rubber pushed straight out. Made it a 10 minute job.

    Nice work, by the way!

  22. #22
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    Default Further stripping.

    This engine and engine bay has a lot more to it than the Tangerine Machine and the 2.8.

    I had the car down to this a few weeks ago and thought I was doing good.


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...bao6m.jpg.html

    Working slowly and methodically, I have removed the AC stuff and the vacuum stuff. Pretty extensive on this Ghia and looks to be all the original ones there.



    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...lyfqz.jpg.html
    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...ng3fh.jpg.html

    So now I am down to this currently:


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...woys0.jpg.html
    Last edited by 82GTforME; 12-09-2018 at 08:52 PM.

  23. #23
    FEP Senior Member BMW Rider's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 82GTforME View Post


    Last question, I drained the last of the fluids which was the tranny. When I took the pan off, this was in the bottom. I didn't look too closely until I pull the trans but can someone tell me what this is for or where it goes?


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...2nlib.jpg.html
    That's just a plug that was in the dipstick tube hole and gets pushed inside when they assembled it. Nothing to worry about, I've got a few I've collected over the years.

  24. #24
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    Thanks for that Ed!

    So at this stage, the engine is basically ready to come out. I could pull some accessories off and what not but it may as well all come out at once.

    It would be easy to rush into it and pull it but I decided to not do it right away for various reasons.

    1. Space. Pull it to have it sit on the stand and take up room.
    2. The engine work will cost and I am not ready to acknowledge this or plan it
    3. There are so many other things I need to do and look into, take apart, clean or get organized that won't cost me anything but time.

    All of this stuff will need to be done at some point anyway so I have been washing, degreasing, rust removing, detailing, documenting and organizing as I go (a little OCD I know ).



    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...ckute.jpg.html
    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...lkip0.jpg.html

    As typical age takes its toll on finishes. You can see how bright the galvanized finish is where it was not exposed. Most cleaned up reasonably well but I may use some deoxidation type product to see if it will brighten up.

    If not, I have made contact with a company that does electroplating, yellow cadmium coating etc. I have been keeping a list of what is what finish and may opt to actually have some professional plating done. We'll see.



    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...x8yvp.jpg.html
    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...an8v4.jpg.html

    I tried my hand at the Eastwood simulated cadmium coating aerosol paint system again. Results are okay but as mentioned above, it I can get larger batches, it may be worth having some plating done professionally


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...4hipq.jpg.html

    Air cleaner turned out nice. Most of this stuff can now sit and when I am at the end putting things back together it will go quicker!


    http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/82...oi7ef.jpg.html

  25. #25
    FEP Super Member STANGMAN116's Avatar
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    , man i am so excited to see the progress on the car, its very exciting to see it coming apart and parts getting cleaned up!!!!! Great work buddy

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