The MARO

[Duck Vader]

Haven't really thought it through yet. Was probably just going to stop by the auto store and see what they had. I have a shit ton of electrical tape, but would prefer something better.

[aaronatstate]

What are you planning to use for harness tape? I have thoughts.

https://www.waytekwire.com/search?query=51036

This made me chuckle

I'm sure you looked at multiple different options, and probably found basically the exact tape Ford uses in their OE harnesses no?

[Jeff V.]

Do not use electrical tape. Especially in the engine bay. It'll turn into a gummy mess in no time.

The tape I linked above is meant for use in high temp areas where you need abrasion protection. Tesa seems to be the easiest to get. You can get Tesa on Amazon too. I only went with Waytek because they had wider rolls. https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Ave-Advanc ... B09KHKX9Y5

You can go with fleece tapes for the interior. https://www.amazon.com/tesa-51608-High- ... B01LYZDN2X There are different thicknesses and adhesive strengths. 51608 is a good middle ground.

I have Ford's harness design spec. So yes, I did figure out what they use. The actual brand is up to the harness supplier so long as it meets the spec. Coroplast and Elliott are two more I'm aware of.

[Duck Vader]

Need to see if I can find something local preferably. Something I can pick up today or tomorrow. Rest of fenders go on this weekend was the plan, but need to wrap wires first.

[ChargerX3]

Don't piss off Jeff. Do as you're told.

[Duck Vader]

Got the dash and instrument cluster completely wired but that was about it this weekend. Spent extra time with the new foster dog to get her used to us. More than likely it's going to be a foster fail. She already gets extremely excited to see us, cuddles with us, and has a sad back story and injury and we know we can provide the care she needs.

However did convince Danielle to do a wrap. She wants to wrap it in as close to rallye green as possible with black bumble accent. That way she can get used to it. If she just can't handle the green she will remove it and paint it blue. If she ends up liking the green, once the wrap needs removed, she will paint it green.

So still have to do the body work and stuff and prep for a wrap, but don't need to worry about finding someone to paint. Can get it professionally wrapped fir about 3-4k locally.

[Duck Vader]

You all are going to hate me for this, but we are going to try and paint it ourselves. She really wants it to be something we do together from the ground up. All the work ourselves. Even if it is not perfect. So will be sanding it all down, adding body filler or replacing panels as needed, then painting. In the meantime I will be browsing marketplace for a good used compressor.

[Duck Vader]

Little update. Ordered new carpets and padding. Epoxy and urethane primer and sealer. 1 spray can each of Lemans blue and rallye green. I'm hoping to get the car done and ready to sand down by mid January. Then paint it end of January into February.

[Duck Vader]

Also picked up a gravity fed electric paint sprayer that had surprisingly good reviews on YouTube for $200. Figured I'd give it a shot. If it doesn't work, I'm only out a few hundred and it will be good enough until we save up for a proper job.

[Duck Vader]

Front end panel mocked up. Just enough bolts to hold it and no shims yet. Next I'll finish wiring the front lights and then line up and bolt in the front.



I also noticed a big red puddle under the car. Looks like the transmission is leaking in 2 spots. From a line and from the output shaft. There is also power steering fluid leaking.

Not sure what to do with the transmission. Personally I want to swap in a different one. Either a th350 or if I can find one, 2004r. Both will bolt right in without having to modify the driveshaft.

As for power steering, I'll look into it. Might be an easy fix.

[Duck Vader]

She finally made a decision! Going with rallye green and white bumblebee stripe.

Like this:

[Chris GTO TT]

[Duck Vader]

Engine and front end almost done. Just a couple of bolts and a few grounds and should be good for a trial fire up.

However, the transmission vacuum line from the intake manifold to the transmission popped off on the transmission end. Need to crawl under there and see if I can locate where it goes. A few different diagrams for the powerglide are out there showing different locations.

[Duck Vader]

Front end done other than headlights, turn signals, and markers install. All wired, just need to put them in.





Ripped out the carpet completely today. Passenger side floor pan. Mixed feels. Heavy surface rust but feels solid. Can push on it and it holds my weight without giving at all. Part of me wants to replace it and another wants to take a wire brush to it then seal it using rust converter and rust prevention paint. I guess I can go that route first and see how it goes, then if rot sets in, replace it then.

[Jeff V.]

It's looking real good. It's weird seeing surface rust on the front edge of the car. I'm so used to everything being plastic now.

I agree with you on the floorboard. If it's solid, there's no reason to replace it. You're more likely to cause more problems than you solve. Take the time to prep and treat it with the right coatings and it should be good for the foreseeable future.

[Duck Vader]

There is very little plastic on the car. Bumpers, fenders, dash, glove box, gas tank, etc. All metal. Only real plastic is some under hood bits, center console in a few spots, and wire connections really. It's honestly about 95% metal. Lol

[Jeff V.]

Skip around in this video before you commit to painting your car. His car was done by a supposed professional shop, and it came out so bad that he's basically going to have to start over from scratch again.

[Duck Vader]

Even if it comes out looking like shit, Danielle really wants us to try it first. Even if we have to pay again down the line to have it done again. It's about us building something and doing all the work ourselves as a bonding thing.

[DCIV]

Can you try on a panel from the junk yard or something?


Coop

[Jeff V.]

It's about us building something and doing all the work ourselves as a bonding thing.

Must be nice.