[tcoupeturbo]

I am in the process or re-building my 1986 Thunderbird. It's purchased the car back in 1989. It was my first car and I intend to restore it, this time with my dad & son.

About a year ago, we pulled the motor to start a rebuild. When the motor was out, we found the shock towers were rusted at the base. I guess the NY winters have taken a toll.

Passanger side inner frame rail;

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I cut out the rotted section and welded in a new piece.

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Installed some steel tubes to replace the rotted inner plate steel.

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I would up having to do both sides;

Passanger Side;

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Driver Side;

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I applied some POR-15 to hopefully prevent this from happening again.

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I ordered some new SN95 length control arms from Griggs Racing to replace the old worn out arms. They should arrive early next week.

[tcoupeturbo]

Painted the inner fenders with 3M Undercoating. Looks like It will need another coat. I may have to wait till spring;

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[tcoupeturbo]

I was digging up some old photos of the build. I started collecting parts for the build in March of last year. The short block will be as follows;

.020 over bore
Stock crankshaft .010 under on mains & rods
Federal Mogul coated bearings
CP pistons - Esslinger D-port chamber
Crower 5.2 rods (re-used from current engine)
Melling M86E oil pump
Esslinger Billet intermediate shaft
MSD Billet distributer with bronze gear
Kevko road racing oil pan


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[tcoupeturbo]

Painted the short block with POR-15 Ford Blue, installed the Kevko pan using some Permatex Right Stuff. Installed ARP head studs, Felpro 1035. Installed the Esslinger water pump & billet intermediate shaft.

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[Just Add Boost]

Nice looking build! One thing I thought I would mention. Unless you are going carb, I don't think the MSD dizzy will work for you. They have no way to hook up to the factory fuel injection setup.

[tcoupeturbo]

Thanks for the compliments. As for the distributor, I am not running the factory fuel injection. I have a classic FAST system.

Ran into a little weather. Might be done for a little while.

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[Deathbypsi]

Looks like a solid start!

[tcoupeturbo]

Because sometimes you need to turn left or right.

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Just receive my Griggs SN95 HD adjustable arms. I am looking forward to some better weather.

[tcoupeturbo]

Here are some pictures of my Esslinger D-port head. The port work was performed by, Tim Ottinger at Performance Masters. I was very happy with the customer service that was provided.

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Tim aslo went through the head and corrected several issues; low seat pressure, tight exhaust valves & a stripped thread. I can wait to get this together.

[tcoupeturbo]

I stopped by my Dad's & got a little time in on the engine today. Installed the oil cooler/heater, crank case breather, T-stat.

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