79 Mercury Zephyr

[87gtVIC]

Yessir Nice weather is right around the bend. Looking forward to doing the same shortly.

[massacre]

Been a while since i updated this thread, this summer has been tough lots going on. Had to quit my job, my wife's dad died, family stuff.
Basically been trying to get stuff done, things i should have done before but ran out of time because of having to store the car for the winter months.

My exhaust was kinda janky, quickly installed so i could get inspection sticker. Had a decent exhaust leak at ball/socket drivers side manifold/mid pipe. Mid pipe was a freebie from 2v Mustang GT. The ball/socket ends appear to be different and they just didn't fit great. Also did not have any hangers for the mid pipe. Was running my wideband on the pass side due to the leak. Ended up fabbing a hanger bracket that bolts to the trans x member, welding hangers onto the mid pipe. I cut off (3) of the ball ends off of the mid pipe and welded on new ball ends that are a much better fit. Fabbed up new flow tubes, bought a 10' stick of 2.5" exhaust pipe. Got some better stepped band clamps instead of the u-bolt style clamps. Exhaust is super solid now with zero leaks, but i have terrible drone 1700-2500 rpm.




I should have taken more pics, i'm bad about doing that when i'm busy.

I installed a couple of stainless carriage bolts in the front bumper, to fill the holes from when i removed the bumperettes. I didn't mind the look of the bumperettes, but i kept smashing my knees on them when working under the hood.

[massacre]

Having an issue where i can't post pics because the "window" to post is too high. Can't scroll it down to post the link. I'm sure it's a problem on my end




Also installed rocker mouldings, and fender lip moulding on front drivers side. Removed the stick-on woodgrain strips at the beltline. Tidied up some wiring as well.
Spent past 2 days replacing the bracing behind the back seat. Original bracing was bent/broken when i bought it, presumably from when it was in an accident. Stock stuff was 20 gauge, pretty flimsy. I replaced it with 14 gauge much more solid now.

I'll get some more pics up soon, i also waxed it and it looks less shitty now

[DerekTheGreat]

Props for being steadfast and handling life's hurdles. Car looks good.

[Tynnerstroem]

This is a really cool project. Great model for a sleeper build.

[massacre]

Thanks for the kind words!
Replacing the bracing made a difference. Much quieter over bumps now.

[massacre]

Car is still running pretty good. I need to research some more on the cold start with the Holley. Once the O2 sensor heats up everything is fine. But before that, the engine will start but will stumble and stall, have to stab the gas to keep it running. Cold start tuning is completely separate from O2 warm tuning, might need more startup enrichment and extend the ramp down time. Weather here is getting colder, when sunny it is great cruising weather. Starting to think about putting the car away for the winter.