Maintenance and (partial) restoration
mecum
End 2015
At the end of 2015 a 1970 Ford Country Squire was offered at the Mecum auction in America. This one was sold for $5,250 euros and turned out to be going to the Netherlands. The car was bought by Stuurmans Classic Cars. Reno Cars in Harderwijk bought the car to drive to the beach with his children with a surfboard. After one season, that was also ready and the car went on sale. Reno Cars drove on green plates so I am the first registered Dutch owner. The last owner in Los Angeles most likely lost the car due to a seizure. He ran a store in LA that employed illegal Mexicans and was said to have ordered the murder of someone. Apparently not a good idea... Handy that I included the title and google will help you with the story afterwards!
Maintenance and minor fixes
December 2016
Around Sinterklaas, after a long search, driving and more searching, we finally found a woody wagon that was completely to our liking. The price was good for the quality of the car, despite some ticking in the engine. He had no license plate, no LPG and some small things were missing. There were still quite a few finishing touches to be made. Before the inspection, the bushings of the auxiliary steering arm had to be replaced and I had already noticed that the tie rod rubbers were broken. In addition, the starter relay was partly melted and some rubbers had to be replaced. Small parts of, among other things, the window windings were also missing. Voorend from Gendt could supply just about anything at reasonable prices. I liked it a lot.
RDW
December 2016
There are not many of these cars left in the Netherlands and unfortunately it is not really a car for which there are many reproduction parts. Some parts are interchangeable with the Mustang or Torino models, but it is a bit rarer, so more expensive stuff. The engine, on the other hand, is in so many models that everything is available for it. The company Voorend is located in Gendt, a specialist in the field of Ford, who already knows me well.
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Step 1 was getting a Dutch license plate. We had an MOT preference done for this at Rutgers in Gendt (thanks for the help Vincent!) because the car comes from outside the EU. For the RDW inspection, among other things, the headlights had to be adjusted, new rubbers had to be installed on the tie rods and new bushings in the auxiliary steering arm. On the Saturday afternoon before Christmas, I quickly went to Voorend with the auxiliary steering arm to have the new buses pressed in. New tires were also badly needed. The old ones still had 8mm profile but were from 2001 and dried out. There were 17" Enkei alloy wheels on the car, which we replaced with 15" smoothies with Maxxis tires with an extra wide white rim. Looks a lot better. I was only able to pick this up after the inspection, but the judge made no problem of it. Pumping air into the old tires was a different story, the valves were unusable. Shortage. We had it inflated quickly at Koos van Elk in Huissen before we went to the inspection. This was planned immediately after Christmas and was quick and easy. I had the brochure with me for all the specs and it is perfectly registered.
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Hmm, yum! Spark plug wires!
December 2016
The ignition had to be replaced. He wasn't walking very well. It soon became clear that the adhesive tape around the spark plug wires was there for a reason. An animal (marten?) has once been busy under the hood. In addition to the spark plugs, cables, etc, also replace the ignition coil. He already had electronic ignition, so dots are no longer necessary.
New tires and rims
December 2016
Ordered a set of 15" smoothies with chrome dog dish caps and Maxxis tires with an extra wide white rim from CarMar in Deurne. It gives the car a completely different look. The 17" Enkei rims looked nice but do not match our idea of a custom look with metal flake lacquer. In addition, the old tires from 2001 were very dried out. They even had 8mm. The car has probably stood still for a long time. Now replace the spacers again, these are 50mm thick! And just another tire as a spare tire. It's from 1974...
Have the dent partially removed
March 2017
Unfortunately there was a large dent in the left rear fender. This dent could not be completely removed without also removing the wood foil. This will come again. So for now have Vincent van der Welk largely remove the dent.
LPG installation and so back to the RDW
March 2017
After collecting the items for the LPG installation, my grandnephew Paul again installed LPG. The ring tank is located in the space in which normally two benches for children can be built in. Unfortunately, it did not fit a larger tank than the 70 liter tank that is now in it. Paul also immediately mounted new lower steering knuckles and did some other small things. After this, the car easily passed the RDW inspection.
The tap in the engine has become worse, and especially more expensive
April 2017
After the approval of the LPG installation, we wanted to drive, but during the first drive to Gendringen there was a loud knocking sound from the engine compartment. It was not immediately clear what it was so first checked the ignition. It wasn't. First drive a little more to look and listen. The second stage went to Nijmegen and didn't make any difference, the knocking sound remained, but because we didn't get above 80 it didn't seem to be too much. Then came a ride to Roermond. During that ride it soon became apparent that something was really wrong, it looked like bearing issues. The tank also turned out to be really too small. From Bemmel to Roermond and back was too far for the tank. Unfortunately, the car did not want to continue running on petrol, so it was towed by the ANWB to the LPG pump at the bottom of the Dukenburg exit. The next ride was to van der Linden in Didam for a diagnosis. Unfortunately, it was not possible to quickly connect the test equipment to measure the oil pressure, this might have provided some extra info, but anyway, driving on was unwise. During the RDW inspection, the CO percentage turned out to be very high, the car smoked quite black. Immediately after the inspection went to Autobedrijf Tip (my regular garage) to adjust the co. This did not work well, partly because at a lower speed the oil light started to flash. This already gave an indication of the engine condition....
Routine job... removing the engine
May 2017
Through someone I came into contact with a man who has Ford blood. He has been working on engines for years and knows all about it. We watched and listened to everything together with him. Verdict? Replace crankshaft bearings and probably grind crankshaft. The smartest thing to do was to remove the block. I didn't want to think that I would be able to ride again in two weeks. I understood that too, a month or two or three was enough, right? Well... while I'm typing this it's Christmas 2017 and we're not driving yet...
Disassemble the engine and take it in for overhaul
May 2017
Gradually it became apparent during disassembly that there were quite a few issues. A piece of the shirt had broken off one piston, damaging the cylinder wall. Of course there was play on the crankshaft bearings, these were just gone. The block had also been repaired at some point, it seems that a connecting rod once went through it. Well repaired, that is. The connecting rods were also once replaced by connecting rods from a 427. Then we decided to tackle the entire block and also provide it with some extra horsepower. After all, an edelbrock manifold and carburettor was already present. Later while ordering parts it turned out that the manifold I had was actually a 'boat anchor'. It was intended for fuel and weight savings and offered few benefits. The order became increasingly complex and expensive... The disassembled block went to Van Thiel in Heteren. They will grind the crankshaft, drill and hone the block, prepare heads and fit new valves and springs and then balance the rotating part because I will be using lighter pistons. They also cleaned many things and provided the pistons with the springs. Hartgers in Zutphen has meanwhile checked the radiator and solved a small leak.
Radiator control
June 2017
Have the radiator checked for leaks at Hartgers in Zutphen. Except for a very small leak at the filler neck, it was fine. However, an aluminum version will soon be introduced with 2 12" electric fans for better cooling. But for now it is still good enough.
Life just got easier! Add a 4 column bridge
June 2017
Thanks to an early birthday present from my dear mother, a 4 column bridge was built in June. A nice neat used FOG that can hold up to 3.5 tons. The seller got rid of it with a bridge jack, winch, sink, hydraulic bucket support and axle supports. Done in one go! When I went to look it turned out that they had also looked at our house when it was for sale last time. Together with some help from family and friends, we demolished the bridge in one day and placed it at my place. A week later we connected it. The first car to enter the bridge was Wendy's Xsara. Just did some small things and then switched for the Pontiac. That went well too. Getting the Ford on it was a different story, he was actually wrong, but it was soon managed to put him in front of the bridge. The winch turned out to need help from 3 people to pull the Ford onto it. Just buy a stronger winch..
Job one on the bridge: remove the machine
July 2017
When removing the engine, 1 bolt of the starter motor was still attached to the machine. As a result, a piece of the tank broke off. Fortunately, this could be welded, but the machine had to be removed from under the car for that. We waited for the bridge to be ready for use before removing it. Makes life easier anyway! After removing the container cleaned a little. That was necessary! Almost 50 years of greasy dirt and sand...
The orders from the USA have (partly) arrived!
July 2017
Ordering the right parts was still a chore. Finally able to order most things through Survival Motors, Jegs, Rockauto and Summit Racing. Fortunately, an FE 390 is a common engine where a lot of information can be found. One of the things is the oil issue. The crankcase has only 5 liters capacity. While driving there are 3 liters in the block and only two in the crankcase. If you pull up hard, all the oil sloshes backwards and the oil pump can't suck up anything or very little. Ford's solution then was to just throw in 6 liters and adjust the dipstick. Nowadays you 'just' buy a larger crankcase with a mudguard (windage tray). Together with the new Edelbrock Performer RPM manifold, these were the largest parts. Although the Edelbrock Elite II valve covers are also voluminous. Through DIYFord.com I was able to get a lot of information about the right gaskets etc. Fel-Pro set is nice, but then you have to order other head gaskets etc. Those are handy tips! Ordered the correct bearings through Survival Motors and, for example, also bushings for the rocker arm shafts that replace the springs that were also broken in my case. This allowed the rocker arms to move in all directions (the cause of the ticking I heard with purchase). Make no mistake about the total costs, there is still a best ditch shipping costs, VAT and import tax!
Unfortunately, there were no bearings with the first delivery. As a result, Van Thiel was still unable to get started and that was not really convenient, given the upcoming holidays.
The holidays are finally over and the block is ready
September 2017
After all the holidays at Van Thiel, they immediately started grinding the crankshaft, drilling and honing the block, surfaces of the block and the heads, mounting new valves and seats for LPG, new valve springs that were used with the faster camshaft. and then building the rotating part for balancing. This was outsourced and also resulted in a two-week waiting period. Then the piston rings were mounted and the stuff was ready to be picked up. After paying (which I lost the most this year...) loaded everything and took it home. The machine was also back from the welding that week
The bottom gets an RX coating treatment
September / October 2017
Started cleaning the floor parts under the car in July. The car immediately turned out to be a hard copy. Can't help but come from the San Jose / Los Angeles area. The scraping of the wheel suspension took the most time. What a job! Several wire brushes are worn and also many small wire brushes, but the result was worth it. After cleaning follows degreasing, a good layer of RX-5 coating, which I let dry for a week, and the finish with a layer of RX-10 coating. Then the beams and other hard-to-reach places were sprayed with RX-7 for hollow spaces. The engine compartment itself was also a challenge, you can't reach everything as well as with the Pontiac. But in the end the mission succeeded.
Cleaning and spraying the individual parts
September / October 2017
Next to the bottom there are countless bolts, nuts, brackets, pumps etc that had to be cleaned and then given a color. The machine was a very laborious job, the other things were a bit easier but it does take a lot of time. Fortunately, the sink came in handy and Wendy and I alternated neatly. The little things were her domain for a few evenings.
New rubbers were needed here and there
September / October 2017
The upper wishbones had to be fitted with new buses, you noticed when driving that they were gone. During the removal it soon became apparent that the dust covers of the steering knuckles also had to be replaced. If you have a Mustang then you get new covers, if you have an LTD you will have to replace the entire bullet. Too bad, because they were still good. Got 2 Moog bullets from America that were still cheaper incl. shipping and taxes than 1 bullet around here. Ridiculous... There are also new stabilizer bars underneath.
Aside from the colors and the air filter, this should be about my block. Below is the result so far.
Building engine block
October to December 2017
Building the block should be a piece of cake as all parts were in. The crankshaft was built in like that, but the rear bearing cap has two rubber strips that didn't go in very easily. Since these are vital if you don't want a leak, we've set aside some time for them. The next step was to place the pistons with connecting rods. Van Thiel had supplied this fully assembled. However, we couldn't get three of them apart. These had to be taken apart by Van Thiel with a tool that was not present at the time. After that we could continue with the installation. Not all of them wanted to get into the cylinder with ease. The edge of the cylinder turned out not to have the right angle, a deviation from the machine that is used to drill, turned out later on inquiry. After that, that part came together quickly.
The next step was mounting the timing chain with the axle for the balancer. There's supposed to be a pin on it that was missing on me. So looking for a new one. Voorend offered a solution! Another step further. Assemble the heads. This was easy. After this the tumbler shafts were close. Everything was delayed again. 1 axle turned out to be bent, so that 1 rocker arm had also become unusable. The supports were also not too good anymore. There were axles to be found through the media, but they turned out not to be for sale. Voorend went to search but indicated that he had nothing. eBay offered a solution and again the parts had to come from America. This resulted in weeks of delay. When I went to pick up the bent axle that I had left behind at Voorend, I was casually told that they did have an axle, but that it was not new, while I had asked for a usable used axle. Well. Building up the axles was done quickly and finally the block was ready for installation.
Refurbish moldings
December 2017
After the dent removal, the molding that was removed at the time has not been put back. Friend Joep sanded this list completely smooth to see what we can do with it. This sanding action has produced a frame that is as slippery as a baby's bottom! That same evening I also disassembled the rest of the frames from the left side. Fortunately, this was not a difficult job at all. I saw myself removing all the door panels and breaking off all kinds of clamps. No need, with such a plastic crowbar she clicked loose in no time. All these frames will be sanded and then given a polyester primer and lacquer layer. Hopefully it won't look so shabby then. It seems as if the frames once had a layer of papier mâché.... In the last photo you can see how they should look new.
We are not replacing the wood foil layer yet, this will coincide with painting the car in the future.
Transmission support issues
December 2017
Before the engine went in, we wanted to assemble the automatic transmission. Months before, I had already ordered a mount for a 1970 C6 for mounting in an LTD. That should be fine, unfortunately. Just before the Christmas holidays I sent an email to Voorend with the sizes I needed and told that the support I had received from them was not correct. That afternoon one was waiting for me. I go there. Was the same as I already had. That's what the computer said. Measuring others was too much trouble. So I ordered myself again in America. Given the prices, but two different ones just to be sure. Ordered before Christmas and received on Christmas Day! Another Dutch Ford specialist, Adams, wanted to order one, but then I had to wait. However, he was helpful. Even if he had ordered my way, he could have kept a margin of 100%... they just don't want to!
Engine is back in
April 2018
After a while of cold and illness, we can start finishing the Ford again. Tie rod rubbers and reaction rods replaced and new rubber wishbone protection flaps fitted. In addition, replace as many vacuum hoses and fuel hoses as possible. The automatic transmission is now back under after we lost some time restoring an unruly torque converter. Fortunately 1 of the 2 supports received at Christmas fit. Immediately put in a new filter and sprayed the pan. Hanging the motor in it was done in no time, but getting it in place was a different matter. The large Canton sump pan threw a spanner in the works because it came further back than the original pan and therefore rested on the beam between the front wheels. First we wanted to put the bike higher on the supports with a 1 cm thick steel plate. This in itself went well after the fact that the threaded end of the motor mount on which a nut had to come was too short. Finally cut a piece out of the beam so that it just fits well. Installing the exhausts was also a thankless job because they appeared to be bent. Whether left or right could be mounted, both at the same time not. After we put the exhausts back in a normal position with tension straps on the bridge, it was quickly done. The next steps are the mounting of the attachments such as alternator, steering pump, radiator, ignition, etc.
New windshield
April 2018
Unfortunately, the windshield had a crack. At first I was thinking about taking over a window from an acquaintance because Autotaal Glas indicated that a window was difficult or impossible to get because the window of a wagon differs from, for example, a coupe. A wagon is wider at the top of the windscreen. So I thought I couldn't do it through insurance. Via Marktplaats I came into contact with Mr. Prince of the Autoruiten Prins. He could deliver such a window via America and could also declare it directly through my insurance. He also did the installation on location! It couldn't be better. However, it took several months until the window was cleared and Mr. Prince could come my way from Monster. The old window was removed along with the parafan. I was given all the time to clean everything and to treat it with RX where necessary. Then put the window together and put everything back together. All in all, it took quite a few hours, but Mr Prins thought it was no problem. It had been a pleasant day.
Impco mixer too high
May 2018
Due to the new Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold, the hood could no longer be closed with the Impco mixer on it. The only way to solve this was to see if the mixer could be mounted lower. Now there was a thick spacer under the carburetor but it was there for a reason. The mixer without arm did not fit at all. The last option was to grind off a piece of the ring. This eventually fit together with a shortened threaded end. Before running in, an original air filter had to be fitted with yet another threaded end. Too bad about the money but you have to do something... The original air filter with nice 390 2V sticker looked nicer!
Replace tank transmitter
May 2018
Leaks from your tank, no matter how small, should be taken seriously. In the photo (left) the thick plug of the kit that man had used has already been removed, but it was clear that everything was wrong. The transmitter was from a different, older, non-wagon model, the float was missing, as was the filter. For emergency, the back has been temporarily soldered, a new rubber ring has been placed and an old filter has been fitted. Unfortunately, it was not immediately in order and it leaked again. the rubber turned out to be crooked during assembly. Second round 'fixed' the ring with some grease. A new tank transmitter initially proved difficult to find. After a long search for a replacement tank transmitter, it soon became apparent that only NOS would offer a solution. A new one for a coupe or sedan costs less than 40 dollars. A NOS for a wagon just 180... and then he still has to go here. Done anyway. I was happy that I could buy one. The new one did have a connection for an 'empty' light, but luckily I was able to grind it off. Everything works now and is leak free.
Wheel arches RX's, new muffler, suspension parts and more
June 2018
During the run-in it turned out that the front wheels rubbed into the wheel arches due to the 50mm spacers. The wheels were also not right under the car and the rubbers of the suspension were also further out than expected. We had already replaced a few, but the rest had to be too. Wendy went to Carmar to replace the spacers which was not necessary. It also fit without spacers. The noise that was there now came from the balancing weights hitting the brake caliper. Unfortunately the tires were strangely worn in 500km. So I'll just use that one. The inner wishbone rubbers had to be replaced and unfortunately the tie rod rubbers were of very poor quality, one was completely destroyed after 500km. I replaced them with PU bushings and also immediately replaced the shock absorbers. The muffler, which looked original and was still intact, started to rattle, a partition was loose. From home to Deurne a piece of the outer skin of the muffler had already come loose and when we got home there was a hole in it. So replace them again. After that, I was able to coat the wheel arches in the back on the inside and provide them with damping mats. This went well. The moldings around were all removed by now and I sanded them together with Joep.
ATF Leakage and welding again
July 2018
After running in, it turned out halfway through that there was a significant leak behind the torque converter. Unfortunately, the machine had to be removed again for this. During the lowering, the front came down further and further while the tailpiece was still above the exhaust. Despite the careful lowering, the box still fell to the ground from a height of one meter. I just managed to catch the tailpiece. Unfortunately, due to the impact, the previously welded piece at the starter motor was now torn again and a crack had also appeared at the bottom. In addition, all the oil had run out. If this had not happened, it could have been installed the same evening. The leakage could be solved by a new seal ring and gasket for the pump cover. Removing this cover was still a chore. He was very stuck. The box had to go again to be welded. It would take until the end of September for him to return. When we wanted to close it again, a ring behind the front drum with clutch plates turned out to have fallen down. The front drums but removed and a new brake band immediately placed. Then the machine was placed again and filled with oil. In retrospect, stupid that we did not also replace the clutch plates ourselves. Now I could at least complete the last 250 test kilometers after which we would check everything and connect LPG. Fortunately, it still shifts well.
Back of the bottom and tank with RX Coating
August 2018
Last year I had completely cleaned the engine compartment and bottom up to the rear axle and treated with RX-5 and RX-10. Now it was the turn of the rear. Removing the tank was a fairly easy job but the tank neck was a bit more difficult. This one was stuck. However, the rubbers on both sides had to remain intact because they are unfortunately not available. With a lot of effort we succeeded! Then started scratching, brushing and more scratching. Still, there were many places I couldn't reach. However, I had bought a sandblasting set with the compressor, so I decided to try it out. I had put sails on the car so that I had a kind of tent. This was necessary because it will be a huge mess. The sand used partly falls to the ground, but also remains on and in between everywhere. Good cleaning is therefore required. The 1970 body kit had dried out. As soon as you touched it, it fell to the ground. So everything was scratched away and sealed again with new body kit. Then RX-5 and RX-10 again. We rinsed the tank because of all the junk that came out with the emptying. Water, soap, thinner etc and then it was clean. Thanks to a to do list from Rustbuster Veenendaal! However, there was also a hole in the tank that I closed with a 2 component kit from Bison that is resistant to chemicals. Now it's closed again! All in all, everything improved again!
Refurbishing the cargo area
August 2018
The hoods in the cargo hold had already been removed since the dents were removed. Now it was time to fix them up and rebuild them. A little sanding, a little primer, spraying and you're done! Vincent van der Welk was able to match the color perfectly and supplied me with a few spray cans with Ford Ginger brown. Oh yes, the tailgate now works as it should! Together with Hans a wire break was determined and with a lot of WD40 everything went back to normal. The window didn't work anymore after which I ordered a new engine after some measuring and after a lot of searching the right NOS switch for the dashboard. The engine turned out not to be necessary, the rest was. The window works again, the door can be lowered again and it can also be locked again.
Holiday car should have holiday stickers
October 2018
As a souvenir people used to buy stickers for the car to show where they have not been. These water transfers are sometimes offered unused on eBay in affordable sets. I had a set ready for a long time but only wanted to stick it on the car when it was presentable. This was the time! Wendy and Dorus glued them to the rear windows. If someone asks if they are original? Sure!
Polishing, washing, claying and polishing
October 2018
Washing the car was not enough to get all the dirt off. The paint was very dirty. Wash twice and then dress up. That too was not enough. So polishing was the only way to get it neat! Polishing 6 meters of car in a few passes is a lot of work. But how he recovered! Not normal anymore. I let go of my idea for spraying the car. Uncalled for! Only some local updating is enough.
Assemble frames and stick new foil
March/April 2019
For the appraisal, the car had to look a bit presentable. The frames had to be mounted again. We had already seen and read everything but most of it was very expensive. A company from Lent was able to obtain and install the original 3M film. € 1,200 euros ex VAT... Especially because we are busy with the Cadillac, we opted for the cheapest solution. Foil of the Gamma! Cheap and available in the right colors. Unfortunately, we only found out with the last list that you could also process this foil with the hair dryer to get it neatly around corners. Anyway, it turned out pretty neat! And if it falls off again in two years, we can always tackle it properly. The old brown foil is still underneath for the time being. If we are going to have the left rear dent out, everything has to come off again.
Temporary mounting of the new dashboard cover
April 2019
The original dashboard had some serious cracks from the California sun. Repair was going to be very expensive and at the moment we didn't feel like doing it ourselves. We had already had a new hood done in a reasonably matching color via R&D USA Classics. After removing the hood, I immediately replaced all dashboard lights and mounted a new speaker for the modern radio that will be installed later. While driving, the hood turned out to be too glassy and everything reflected in the windshield. Spray it on later.
Mounting aluminum radiator with electric fans
May 2019
The engine got quite hot from the start. Around 98 to 100 degrees by default. That is not nice, especially because there is no reserve anymore if you get into a traffic jam. This year, therefore, little has been driven with the car. The radiator had been in for a while before being mounted. Due to an incorrectly chosen mounting point for the temp switch, the fans keep running for quite a long time, which costs power, but we solved that later by moving the temp switch to the upper radiator hose. He was in the thermostat housing. It actually stays hot for a very long time. If all that is not enough, there will be an electric water pump if it is available for the FE390. I have already experimented with different transmitters with a low on/off temperature and a summer thermostat. For the time being, it has turned out to be working well enough.
Season 2019, starting problems and alignment
February 2020
In 2019, not much more was done to the Ford. We were busy with the Cadillac. It has done exactly what it was intended for. Visiting meetings and shows. As long as he could cool down after arrival, because he was difficult to start, or not when he was warm. When we almost arrived at the meeting in Grefrath, Germany, the gearbox stopped shifting. When I gave it gas, only the RPM went up. Stomachache again... Fortunately we did arrive at the site. Refuel immediately after the meeting because it was still nice and cool. Driven home via the highway and together with Jan determined that the bolt of the brake band had come loose (the only thing that you can adjust from the outside). Fortunately simple. I saw another revision before me...
At the end of the summer there were health problems that ruined the rest of the year for the Ford and also the Cadillac. At the Cadillac the engine was just in. So we couldn't finish that.
For the 2020 season, the intention was to align him properly. This happened in Elst. This did not go smoothly because the upper wishbone can be set in two directions at the same time and this is difficult. Had to start a few times and luckily it all went smoothly. After the alignment I would deliver 2 stools to someone in Elst who had bought them via marktplaats. Waiting at his house I had turned off the engine, this was not a good idea. Starting was very heavy and slow and starting was barely possible. I also had to fill up, but just to be sure at home I grabbed a second car before we drove to the gas station in Bemmel where it eventually didn't start at all. To make matters worse, the starter motor continued to run smoothly with the key out of the ignition... Quickly disconnected a cable and then it stopped. We had to leave the car behind.
At home, on Jan's advice, we took the starter relay off the other Ford (LTD '67) and took it with us. Arriving at the gas station we mounted the other relay, reconnected the cable and started. Hey hey, he started and he could go home again. Then let it stand again. I was ready for that moment.
Speed Center Geldermalsen
July 2020
In April we spent some time on the Cadillac and otherwise it was all hands on deck due to a major renovation of the garage, garden and some things to the house. As a result, we would not be able to do anything about the cars all season, not even because of corona. So that came out 'good'. But that doesn't mean that someone else couldn't do something with the car. Speedcentre Geldermalsen would fine tune the car and check all starting problems. Especially the fact that he wasn't as smooth as he should be bothered me. They fitted the throttle bar better. Because the car went from a 2 to a 4 venturi carburetor without adjustments, you could never kick the carb open. The evaporator turned out to be leaking and there were still some small things. All in all, there was just a little more power on the dynamometer on LPG that the Impco could actually deliver. So that was good news. Unfortunately they couldn't get it to run well on petrol and we don't know how much power it now has on petrol. He also had the starting problem. However, it failed to resolve. Well, he drove better now.
New water pump and finally cool engine
October 2020
I had ordered a new water pump for both Fords. The radiator had to be removed together with the fans and then you can easily reach it. With a flushing tool with which you can rinse the block, the rest of the cooling water is blown out. New water pump, thermostat + housing and then the rest installed again.
A few weeks later we made a trip to Nijmegen and Groesbeek and the temperature remained at 90 degrees. Finally!
Maintenance and latest MOT
Dec 2020
The rear axle rubbers were still on the list. Since the Cadillac and other Fords still yielded enough work and Jan was unavailable for health reasons for the time being, I outsourced the job to our local garage. The car had to get its last MOT, new brake fluid, new rear springs due to sagging to the left and the small rubbers of the shock absorbers were rock hard, so new ones had to be fitted as well. And with the Cadillac on the burg, outsourcing was a better idea. After placing the springs, it turned out that the springs also had to be renewed, it was better but not yet perfect.
Minor collision
February 2021
When we were visiting friends in Gendt, the doorbell rang. Someone had bumped into the car. At first I thought of our friends car but it turned out to be my car. I had nothing visible but the tip of the bumper and hood had damaged the Opel Corsa for 1,200 euros. Fortunately, not my fault and no injuries of course, except for the wallet of the owner of the Corsa.
Starting problems solved
March 2021
There was still a possibility that the fuel valve was throwing a spanner in the works. Or petrol.. He got two fuels but that was not the cause of the problems. Checked here and there and also replaced the induction relay, but we couldn't figure it out. Anyway, back to Vakgarage Tip in Elst, my regular garage. He got it right away. The ignition coil only got 9 volts and that was too little. When everything was cold it still wanted to start, but not warm. It turned out that there was no series resistor but a resistance wire. This was in the steering column and we had made a temporary wire from the steering column to the ignition coil. Well, that didn't help. Directly from the battery. Strike immediately. A simple solution without having to demolish the steering column was a power relay from Pertronix. Once it was in, the starting problem was solved! Finally. At least that makes the car usable. Also immediately built in a better water temp meter because the old one constantly pointed a little too much and was in fahrenheit. In addition, the radio is now finally in place. Finally music after years.
Check new front springs and suspension
April 2021
In the meantime, after a long wait, the set of springs for the front had also arrived. Also the wringing rubber noise that could be heard at the front with manoeuvring still had to be solved. By installing the springs, the car was finally back on its wheels. The wishbones were checked, but the garage preferred to fit the wishbones with new buses. Only when they went on could proper alignment be done. So we had to wait a few more months because the buses were in America and would come with a car. Unfortunately they arrived just a day late because the car was already going to the port. So just ordered another set from Rockauto because they can ship cheaper than sending a box via USPS. A new order included shipping and taxes cheaper than sending a box. Outrageously expensive.
Suspension fitted with new buses plus brake check
July 2021
The wishbones were now fitted with new bushings using a self-made block of wood as an aid. Useful! Alignment could now finally happen. In addition, the brakes were never your thing and adjusting the ignition was also necessary. The brake calipers had to be overhauled because the pistons were stuck and the just replaced brake fluid turned out not to have been replaced at all or only the reservoir had been emptied and filled again. A pity. I had a rebuild kit for one caliper and the other came from Voorend. Even though they were closed Alex helped me for a while. Fine! The overhaul was badly needed. Adjustment was not entirely fantastic because the choke is no longer complete and the speed should now be too high as standard, otherwise it will stop idling. A new LPG switch has also been installed, hopefully the lights will work again. A new carb is now on its way. A holly this time.
New window guides and different rear bumper
August 2021
The side window guides were rock hard and partly chipped. We replaced these with new rubbers that had been ready for more than a year or even longer. It was quite a job to remove everything but we succeeded.
The rear bumper had two large dents, it looked as if the car had once been lifted with a forklift. I have been looking for a bumper for over 4 years. Only the 1969 and 1970 LTD wagon bumper will fit. Not to be found in NL and not to be found via the well-known groups on Facebook and American scrap yards. Finally got lucky through an eBay search. And affordable too. This was brought to NL by R&D Classics. Removing the old one was not much work. All brackets have been given an anti-rust RX coating and all holes drilled for the LPG filling nipple and the nipple for inflating the shock absorbers. Assembly was still a thing, especially the alignment on the car. But now that it's done it looks so much better. Very happy with it!
The reflective hood of the dashboard sprayed
September 2021
The new hood over the damaged old one reflected enormously in the windshield. That was not really pleasant. Ralva in Elden made an aerosol for me with a brown matte color that is matched with the other interior parts. Also immediately made an aerosol for the sills and inner edges of the doors. In order to do that, the weather must first be better. Part of the car has an anti-stone-algae foil on the underside for protection. We only just sprayed the sills.
Refueling LPG at a liter per minute
October/November 2021
During the last event I drove the Ford I couldn't fill the tank with LPG. In the morning yes, but not in the afternoon. To make sure it was not the pump, I drove back to the pump where I had refueled in the morning. Unfortunately. That was not the case now. Filling liters per minute does not help. Made another appointment with Tip. He wanted me to empty the tank, but I didn't dare. It didn't run on petrol for a while because of dirt in the tank. So carefully drove for a while and with 5 liters still in it brought to Elst. Tip indicated that it was the 80 percent fill valve that was broken and probably stuck. He still had this one for a ring tank like I have. We immediately changed the limit so that I can now fill up a little more and maybe drive 200km on a tank instead of 160km. Every little bit helps. The LPG switch, of which all lights are now back on, now also works better and now at least indicates when the tank is empty. About then... There was also checked for a gas leak due to a gas smell in the car and then, but that was no longer there. The bushings of the front axle have been checked again because of a still present wringing sound. Even now nothing has been found. Unfortunately, the car was gone too long to be able to spray on the sills. Now it's too cold.
Cause of wringing rubber noise found
December 2021 - February 2022
Now that the Cadillac is off the bridge, the Squire could get on it. Watched together with friend Hans and it was quickly clear. Garage Tip had already tipped me (haha) to look at the lubrication of the ball joints. It turned out that there were no grease nipples in the upper steering knuckles, so both sides. They will therefore be far gone after a few thousand kilometers without grease. In addition, the cover of the fusee bottom right is torn. So I placed another order at Rockauto for 4 MOOG bullets. Voorend did not have them in stock and Jambroes was 60 euros more expensive for 4 bullets, which is not too bad. At the beginning of 2022, the upper steering knuckles have already been replaced, the wringing rubber sound is gone. Now the bottom two steering knuckles still need to be replaced and a new Holley carburetor has arrived, this one was in the Hudson. Now we can hopefully adjust everything properly in terms of speed.
![20220314_160441[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c02cdb_4253b1f75277460799f1a6340b2941e0~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_1402,y_0,w_1196,h_1868/fill/w_242,h_378,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/20220314_160441%5B1%5D.jpg)
1 liter of coolant on 3 to 400 kilometers...
March 2022
Lately I've been smelling hot coolant more and more and I also had to top up a liter regularly. I don't think this is the intention. Together with friend Hans, the radiator was pressurized with a tool from the neighbor (thanks!) and yes, a leak was found. The radiator has since been removed and is now located at Hartgers in Zutphen. Hopefully he can fix it and otherwise put in a new block. We will see.
Olie verversen
Mei 2022
Olie verversen is lastig. De normale carterplug is niet meer bereikbaar. De originele carterpan is immers vervangen door een 8 liter versie. Er is echter een extra aansluiting voor een pijlstok. Als je de plug daar uit haalt kun je met een maxi pipet de olie er uit zuigen of je koopt voor 9.95 een elektrische oliepomp bij HBM. Dat had ik dus gedaan. Op zicht werkt het wel maar voor 5 liter was al 45 minuten nodig. En dat moet je dan in 2 sessie doen want je mag de pomp vanwege de hitte niet langer dan 30 minuten laten draaien...
Deurrubbers vervangen
Mei 2022
Al in 2017 had ik nieuwe deurrubbers gekocht bij Steele Rubber. Die van de sedan zouden passen op de station. Dus ik was al blij dat het kon. Duur geintje! Dat wel ...Aangezien we de auto wilden laten spuiten lagen ze jaren op het schap. Echter is de kwaliteit van de auto goed genoeg om hem niet te spuiten. Aangezien de oude echt keihard en uitgedroogd waren was het tijd om het eens aan te pakken. Ik dacht dat het een geknoei met lijm zou worden maar dat was niet nodig. Veel makkelijker kan het niet. Er zit een metalen rand rond de deur waar je het rubber overheen drukt. In het rubber zitten metalen klemmen die de hem vasthouden. Simpel klusje uiteindelijk.
Polijsten
Juni 2022
De auto was na 4 jaar wel weer eens toe aan een rondje polijsten. Er zitten krassen in de motorkap die je met polijsten redelijk kunt verminderen maar ze zitten uiteindelijk toch te diep helaas. Aangezien de lak niet meer superdik is (wel origineel!) blijf ik er maar vanaf. Ondanks dat ziet hij er weer mooi gepoetst uit. De lak is verzegeld met Ceramic Wax van Mequiars. De steenslag is bijgewerkt met een klein kwastje, dat was wel nodig. Het is er goed van opgeknapt!
Vakantieklaar maken
Juni 2022
In juni zouden we een paar dagen naar Friesland gaan met vrienden. Dus 5 man, een hond en bagage. Aangezien de auto redelijk scheef hing besloot ik de oppompbare dempers achter te vervangen. Kijken of dat helpt. Het deed iets, maar niet veel bleek na de montage. Nog steeds 2cm verschil tussen links en rechts. Tijdens de montage bleek één achterveer niet helemaal goed te zitten, deze was verdraaid. Dit ook maar meteen gecorrigeerd. En als laatste de kleppendekselpakkingen vervangen samen met de bouten.
Ook weer een verhaal op zich. Voorend had wel de juiste boutjes maar per 4 stuks waren die 21 euro. 3 Zakjes waren dus 63 euro. Doe maar niet... Bij AJ Speedshop waren ze 20 euro incl. verzenden. Scheelt enorm....
