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After Our First Weekend Together

Hi all

Hope you're all having a great weekend so far. I said I'll start a fresh thread (will be quite the read so beware!).

I would like to start off by saying that I love this car, its such a pleasure to drive and is very comfortable and def a head turner! So car was originally in Dundee, Illinois where I bought it, had it checked out by a local Mustang specialist (Chris "the Doc" Ingrassia) he gave the thumbs up that its a clean car and a good buy and I got him and his team to handle some minor issues that the car had and to do some modifications before being shipped out across continents to me, in Bahrain (Middle East).

Here are some details:

Car Description:
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible (C – Code)
Originally with a 289 V8 with 2 bbl carb.
Upgraded carburetor to 4bbl Edelbrock carb with electric choke in addition to other items as listed below.

Modifications done by Chris and his team:
Rear window replacement (from glass to plastic)
Radiator was replaced
Power Brakes installed
AM/FM/BT Radio installed (RetroSounds Longbeach)
Steering Wheel changed to wood grain
Console/Cupholders installed
AC Unit installed
Upgraded Carburetor
Fuel Tank Protector Shield installed

Obviously, as soon as you drive the car yourself, you notice other things that need attention.

So, car arrived on Thursday, after spending 45 days on a container ship and driving it all weekend, I noticed a few issues (hopefully all minor!):

(1) Car was dead when it arrived, wouldn't start at the port but they managed to jump it and put it on a truck and delivered to my home. Parked it inside my garage that was that. Later that evening, i decided to take it for a spin. Wouldn't crank. Lot of noise but no luck. Eventually that stopped and i would turn the key and there would be silence. Got jumper cables out and started her up and went out for a nice drive to recharge the battery. She behaved and I drove it normally all weekend and never gave trouble as the battery recharged from usage until one time, the car died completely while I was parked with the ignition on. The car would no longer fire up and when I tried to start it, there would be no sound at all. Dead. I jump started the car and drove but as soon as I turned on my headlights, the car would die (without headlights the car would drive normally but cannot start alone anymore).

I believe the battery is unable to hold charge (however car interior courtesy lights are functioning), could possibly be an issue with the alternator. I have added more electronics to the vehicle from AC system to new radio system so this may have placed more strain on the system.

(2) The throttle/gas pedal was sticking (jamming) sometimes (when open). So car can get stuck in acceleration. I applied WD40 which has improved this, however it has happened again since I did this. Could be an issue with throttle springs or linkage.

(3) The Fuel gauge is not accurate and only shows just over half tank when the tank itself is full. Temp gauge is always on cold even after a long drive and after being stuck in traffic. I think the fuel sending unit and line may need replacing or to install a Classic Instruments Fuel Link Interface which I’m told works. Also, I'm going to have the temp gauge also checked to ensure it is functioning properly.

(4) Gauge lights at night are very dim and I cannot read them when driving at night. Either bulbs need to be changed to new ones or upgraded perhaps to LED.

(5) I have upgraded the brakes to power brakes however I still feel they are weak. Not sure if this is normal. I feel my foot has to go in a lot deeper than it should. Anyone have this issue?

(6) Noticed the vehicle did not come with a hazard light option as this was not a legal requirement in 1965. There are hazard light kits available and I'm considering adding this to the car for extra safety. Anyone done this?

I am also considering installing Magnaflow mufflers on the vehicle. Anyone have these? Any reviews would be great!

One question, the car gives off a strong gasoline smell. Stinks up my whole garage. Is this normal on these cars? Do you all have this same issue? If anyone has a solution, please see free to share!

This week she's going on a flatbed to my local tech to look into all the above points. I also want them to do an overall vehicle health check and ensure there are no leaks, check lines and connections etc... Hope everything checks out and hope the above issues are all minor and easily and quickly fixable so that I can get back on the horse (pun intended) ASAP!

P.S. Another big question here --- has anyone gone further and converted their rides to EFI? For those who have, is it worth it? I'm not a purist per se, but I do (for now) like having the car as it is and as it was "meant to be" in terms of the engine.

Well that's it from me, for now. Will update as I get on. Enjoy the rest of your weekend all.

JB
 
You can get a TBI EFI conversion to maintain the stock look. Check out Holley Sniper and Fitech.

The car is probably going to smell like gasoline unless you install a vapor canister like on newer cars to catch fumes.

I would throw a new battery in and see if that fixes the starting issues.

For throttle sticking, make sure the carb doesn't have any build up around the plates also. There's not much to the linkage so, continue treating it with WD40. Check that nothing is bent or misaligned.

I have Magnaflow mufflers on my coupe. It has a 302. Only ran it up to about 4k rpms in this clip though. Sounds nice to me.

 
Jonny,
I'm no expert on the subject but I'll share on a couple points.



(1) Car was dead when it arrived, wouldn't start at the port but they managed to jump it and put it on a truck and delivered to my home. Parked it inside my garage that was that. Later that evening, i decided to take it for a spin. Wouldn't crank. Lot of noise but no luck. Eventually that stopped and i would turn the key and there would be silence. Got jumper cables out and started her up and went out for a nice drive to recharge the battery. She behaved and I drove it normally all weekend and never gave trouble as the battery recharged from usage until one time, the car died completely while I was parked with the ignition on. The car would no longer fire up and when I tried to start it, there would be no sound at all. Dead. I jump started the car and drove but as soon as I turned on my headlights, the car would die (without headlights the car would drive normally but cannot start alone anymore).

I believe the battery is unable to hold charge (however car interior courtesy lights are functioning), could possibly be an issue with the alternator. I have added more electronics to the vehicle from AC system to new radio system so this may have placed more strain on the system.

Get your voltage regulator checked out. And of course the charge itself coming from the alternator.


(2) The throttle/gas pedal was sticking (jamming) sometimes (when open). So car can get stuck in acceleration. I applied WD40 which has improved this, however it has happened again since I did this. Could be an issue with throttle springs or linkage.

The complete throttle linkage is simple direct linkage. Look and follow it and make sure all is well moving well. I would replace the carb linkage to a hymes joint direct rod. and make sure your return spring is strong enough


(3) The Fuel gauge is not accurate and only shows just over half tank when the tank itself is full. Temp gauge is always on cold even after a long drive and after being stuck in traffic. I think the fuel sending unit and line may need replacing or to install a Classic Instruments Fuel Link Interface which I’m told works. Also, I'm going to have the temp gauge also checked to ensure it is functioning properly.

I have the same problem. Bought a new tank and also a former SFer helped with calibrating the fuel sending unit many times. We had it set and installed and then it would read low. Did this 3 times. Dang things still reads low.......I go by mileage now. The fuel gauge is just a slight help.

(4) Gauge lights at night are very dim and I cannot read them when driving at night. Either bulbs need to be changed to new ones or upgraded perhaps to LED.

Again another item I also had a problem with. Get some LEDS...in the color you want. They light up great.
Try Mustang Project...I bought tail lights and gauge lights from them. They were also one of the first to package LEDs for classic Mustangs and worked with a old friend (RIP) JohnPro here on the forum to develop their first product.
http://www.mustangproject.com/




I am also considering installing Magnaflow mufflers on the vehicle. Anyone have these? Any reviews would be great!

Also consider FlowMaster.

One question, the car gives off a strong gasoline smell. Stinks up my whole garage. Is this normal on these cars? Do you all have this same issue? If anyone has a solution, please see free to share!

Not really. It usually means you are venting too much, which these cars did not have or a leak puddling somewhere...which is not good. Crawl under and check all your hard line to rubber line connections. Replace the rubber if it is really hard. Check the engine area especially. Not good having a slow leak over a hot engine after a days drive.

Not the greatest advice but I'm sure more will chime in here. Take it slow. Don't go driving all over if you don't feel right about it.
Enjoy.
 
Thanks all for the useful tips. Got her back before the weekend, they checked all connections and wires etc all good. Issues with the starting was the alternator was not connected properly but otherwise it's good. Just waiting on new tires to come now, then i can register her this week with the traffic dept hopefully. I'll take her back next month for the other items on the checklist. Please keep the useful tips and advice coming!

Some snaps taken today alongside my "Yellowbird".... Worlds apart but just as much character and fun. Enjoy!
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Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 
Guys for Muffler I'm considering this attached. Here is they underside of my car, i guess i need just 1?
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Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 
That muffler looks to be one of which you would need to two for a dual exhaust. Maybe just a stock pic and not really the one you would get. Are you looking to keep the single exhaust or go to a true dual set-up? Magnaflow is going to make the exhaust note MUCH louder than the stock type muffler in your pics. Is that your goal? I have a full Magnaflow exhaust on mine and the sound is nice but even with all the Dynamat and other sound deadening I installed it is still very audible!
 
So that muffler pic is from the CJ Pony web page. It looks like you have a single, stock exhaust pipe back from the engine to the muffler with same side in/out on a single muffler. You could use that muffler but your tail pipe (exhaust dump) would switch sides. Or you could go with a full true dual exhaust set-up as another option.
 
Thanks guys, ok so this one i posted is not the right one for me?

Yes it's the 1 pipe on the right side.

I don't need to have 2 pipes, happy to keep the same system, just install a muffler to get more growl.

I don't want to it to be obnoxiously loud though.

What do you guys advise?

Thanks again !

JB

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 
Magnaflow makes top quality stuff. It will be louder. How loud is loud is a personal taste thing. This is not made to be obnoxiously so. Every car done on the TV show Overhaulin' has Magnaflow exhaust and this muffer (although they are always duals). That muffler (provided you are selecting the correct input pipe diameter) can work for you. However, because it is not the same physical size as the original, it will require the installer to get creative on how he hangs it. Likely will result in a new hole in the floor for a hanger to be relocated.
 
I believe the stinky gas smell is coming from the carburetor. My car has always done this, and it is in good repair with no leaks. After 3-5 days the gas will have evaporated from the carb fuel bowl and the smell goes away. If it were coming from the tank vent then it would continue. Vapor canisters on the 71-73 cars only attached to the tank, so that shouldn't help your situation. There is no easy way to connect to the fuel bowl vents. Its just one more good reason to install a throttle body EFI.
 
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