1972 Ford XA Fairmont

[shifted]

tl;dr

I stumbled upon the idea of doing a restoration/project car with the old man a couple years ago after my arrest and subsequent expulsion from school. Unfortunately during my childhood Dad sustained a job up north FIFO and as I never had a chance to do whatever father/son shit people do with their Dads I figured - fuck it, bite the bullet and put the idea forward so at least later on in life I have something I can sit back and say, "Dad & I did that."

Fast track a couple months and we are searching around. Dad being up north still sees old school cars burnt out, or rusting out all the time in the bush, none worth salvaging and bringing back to Perth. Initially looking Holden or Ford or well, anything Old, but eventually settled on the blue blood and as I have always loved the curvy shape of a Ford XA/XB/XC I didn't want anything else.

Ideally, I would have picked up a GT, and a coupe at that, but this little gem came up for sale at the right time, at the right place and seeing as in its original condition (even restored) it won't be worth anything close to what it is worth to me - the time has come now to start off the project and go all out on it. It is a joint venture between my father and myself, and I hope at the end of the project to have a plaque fixed to the inside of the glovebox denoting who was involved in the build and etc.

So, fast tracking. My cousin's engagement party came to fruition a couple years ago, and we noticed the next door neighbour to my cousin's inlaws had a 1972 XA sitting out the front. All original, including a front sun visor. As we were at the engagement party - didn't want to deter too much from the happiness there - however we could not resist to walk over next door and see what the go was. :p

Dudley Williams was the owner and we asked him if he was looking at selling. He said he was going to actually list it in the Quokka the very next day for $4000. Seeing the rust in the car we figured it will go cheaper, though still rego'd and still driveable (albeit no idea what speed your going). Got it down to $2500, then eventually $2200 when we came to pick it up due to rego being needed.

We picked it up two days after talking to him, drove it onto the trailer and brought her home (need to find pictures, but have a feeling they are on a HDD which died :()

Went for a lap in it, drove sweet, idled perfectly, and was running mechanically sound.

Stored her in the garage from that point on (this is going back about 2 years).

Well as usual, shit happened, car sat there and fuck all was done... Battery died and didn't get it replaced so car sat some more...

Come 2010, I wreck my pride and joy (Supra) and have an opportunity to look into a house purchase - putting future options of Supra ownership on hold. XA is still sitting there, I have fuck all to do at home doing FIFO so I kick start the project figuring this is the best time to do it. I put my battery in from the Supra, play around a little, mate fiddles with the idle and she roars to life again (the XA). Running sweet and on the first go as always.

We have paid the rego each year so far and again will be due later this year, aim is to keep the rego going...

Anyway, we are officially, the 3rd owners. I have all original log books, manuals etc. and I will take photos and post them up. Dudley Williams (the previous owner) had it in his family since 1974. Sold it to me in 2008. He is a wonderful gentlemen, and you could tell he loved the car dearly when he passed the keys onto me. I promised him that I would be back with the car completely done when it was finished - a promise I intend to keep.

Some history...

The car has been driven to Melbourne and back, Port Hedland and back and various other long trips numerous times, never missed a beat.

Car was resprayed in POS Maroon at some point in Dudley's ownership - original colour showing under the sanded areas (forgot the name though) a nice light blue - will get the proper name and photos of the tags etc.

Car is all original and came with the original set of hubcaps and wheels in the boot. Sun visor, rear visor, bits and pieces...

Had an ugly ass large bullbar on the front which the old man removed and fuck knows what he did with it - I think he chopped it up and scrapped it with some of my road signs.

Anyway, photos!!

When we put her into the garage...

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/n644179895_1619127_7551-1.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/n644179895_1619126_7110.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/n644179895_1619125_6677.jpg

After a light sanding a couple months later (you can see the original blue colour here)...

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/12835_231221519895_644179895_4411949_981035_n.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/5371_145445974895_644179895_3417534_7895907_n.jpg

So yeah...

Current Plans:


Panel work - look through Rare Spares and Super Roo Falcon Spares catalogues for all parts we will need for panel work, missing tidbits etc.
Respray in the original colour, with a pearlescent hue.
Find a BF F6 wreck.
Custom Plates - trying to figure out something decent... feel free to contribute ideas. Want something that is a play on what the car is/has in it. :) - $50 to you if I use your plate idea.
Weld any holes from badges etc. as future badges will be applied in another method.



Custom plate ideas...

[XA LENT] Submitted by evil.e30
[XACUTNR]
[XAGER8D]
[FSIXA]


Small current plans, but focusing on it one step at a time...

If you see any XA parts floating around let me know...doors might be a replacement job as fairly rusted...

Will update with more photos as work progresses. :)

Specs (stock) found here:
http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/falcon_XA_technical_specifications.htm

Kerb weight is ~1370kg!

Cheers,
Paul

Edit: Updated progress on following posts:


62
63
68
74

[MrSparkle]

put the 2j in it. ffs

[evil.e30]

good luck with project :)
[XA.LENT]?

[shifted]

put the 2j in it. ffs

If I could, I would. However it is not possible at the moment.


good luck with project :)
[XA.LENT]?

Cheers!

[XA LENT] is not a bad idea, will have it in a consider list. Seen [REXELLENT] on my mate's WRX which fitted that nicely!

[stumps.]

LARGE v8 required for aussie muscle car.

Go on ebay everyday you will find so many small bits at good prices rare spares tear you a new one.

[Butcher]

What do those old iron birds weigh?

[ben351]

if you stick a F6 motor in this ... i will kill myself

needs 351 or GTFO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lump]

What do those old iron birds weigh?
about 1550kgs i think

[stumps.]

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/2814/281/7032640036_large.jpg

[Tocchi]

if you stick a F6 motor in this ... i will kill myself

needs 351 or GTFO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


You heard the man, F6 motor in asap :) :p

[adrenalin]

Fuck thong slapper F6 motor in that would be awesome

[AGIT8D]

F6 motor + A6, yeah. Manual no.

But I reckon you should take a leaf out of Gerrin's book and go a donk like his - but bigger, cause 400+ cubes or bust, really.

Other than that it's a wicked resto, something similar to what I have planned in a few years time, but I've got my heart set on an early 60's EJ sedan :)

[mitchy]

blown big block or GTFO.


410+ cubes or bust

:p

[AGIT8D]

hahaha. fml.

[Joe]

2JZ!!!!!!

[kirbo]

2JZ! Sub 3second 60ft'ers!

[Lump]

are you & your dad gunna attempt the major cancer repairs or farm that bit out?

[SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS]

fuckin' Ricers suggesting 2J!

Go big Block or Burn it!

[dhs]

as much as I love forced induction
pleeeeeease put a Clevo/Windsor in it

not many tidy ones left.

[xr6tego]

Go the turbo 6. Every man and his dog chucks a big block in these.
Do something different! And goodluck with the restore.

[shifted]

LARGE v8 required for aussie muscle car.

Go on ebay everyday you will find so many small bits at good prices rare spares tear you a new one.

Been checking eBay already. ;)

V8 will mean it is no different to every other old muscle car out there...


What do those old iron birds weigh?

I was reading somewhere around the 1400 mark but will have to double check. 1550 would be the Supra weight.

[shifted]

if you stick a F6 motor in this ... i will kill myself

needs 351 or GTFO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Better make sure you have funeral arrangements and a will ready then. Also, if you are rich, please leave something in there for me. K. Thanks.

LOL

Joe - LOL no 2JZ. Been trying last couple days, Dad won't hear of it. Needs to be Ford.

Its ok though, I will be back to 2J loving soon enough anyway. ;)



I would CONSIDER a V8 like a 351 Clevo/Windsor had this been a V8 initially, or a GT (though that would be a concourse restoration).

This being only an inline 6 253 bored out a little extra, meh. Bring on the F6!!

[shifted]

are you & your dad gunna attempt the major cancer repairs or farm that bit out?

Going to attempt at it ourselves. Dad is a mechanical fitter by trade and has worked across most mining companies, knows his stuff, and knows his welding quite well.

[shifted]

Have been given a price on this...

I bring an F6 Wreckage to this shop.
They will make custom solid mounts, fit the engine, gearbox, diff, suspension etc. into the vehicle.
Car would get custom 3" extractors and exhaust, cams, flash tune, and a couple more tweaks here and there for about $5500.

This does not include wiring etc. which would probably be another sourced job.. but I will come to wiring and interior when the time comes, as wiring will be transplanted from donor F6 anyway just needs to be mated into the old Ford stuff.

Also, panel and paint is biggest priority at the moment. :)

[Zuicider]

My friend is going to be selling quite a few xa and what not parts. If you have lost his number i will repm it to you

[shifted]

End of the day - hoping to pick up skills here too so I will be painting the first primer coat as well. :)


My friend is going to be selling quite a few xa and what not parts. If you have lost his number i will repm it to you

Probably have mate, all I remember is his name is Dean? Kept side tracking it cos of Supra ownership. Has he got full car? Or just parts? Am up north at the moment - PM me his number - but if I could send him an email to get a parts list too that would be a bonus... :)

[shifted]

F6 motor + A6, yeah. Manual no.

But I reckon you should take a leaf out of Gerrin's book and go a donk like his - but bigger, cause 400+ cubes or bust, really.

Other than that it's a wicked resto, something similar to what I have planned in a few years time, but I've got my heart set on an early 60's EJ sedan :)

No replacement for displacement, right?

What are the qualms with the Manual? The A6 - are you talking about the 6 Spd Automatic with Tip-Tronic? Will produce tyre frying abilities with launch? :p

Mate of mine was looking for an EH, but too costly/run down for what they were going for, ended up buying an all original SLR Torana for 15k - same colour as my car actually.

I am waiting on the over inflation in America to stop so their dollar drops to below 3rd world country value specs so I can scoop up American Muscle just cos. A Superbird... Barracuda...GTO...Challenger...Javelin...Charger R/T...Mach 1 Mustang...Eleanor...SuperSnake... oh man... the joy...

[Lump]

my mate at work can & does bring in yank classics, he's just had a car bought it this week actually.
only weight i can find is a wheels road test with a xc fairmont 351 @ 1707kg, so yeah can expect your coon spec xa to weigh a fair bit less :P

[DanWA]

That sounds crazy cheap!

[ckleib]

Man that dude that picked up the aquarius slr sure did well hahaha. I should really get around to doing a showcase thread on it. I'm still going to own an eh one day too.
Glad you put this up though, means you're going to get off your ass and do some work on it! If you need any help just let me know. Also go the cubes.... something huuugggeee!!!

[Lmx]

^ keen to read showcase on toranas.

[ED40]

Sick project mate! keen to see results! big shiny fmic in the grill would be sweeeeeeet

[PERFORMANCE07]

Niceee!!! keen to see progress...

[kurbn]

I have a grill from my dads old superbird he had in the 80's, hasnt been on a car for a long time.

looks like this, its still in pretty good nic. Chrome around the frame only needs a light polish and clean the dust off it and would look mickey mouse
http://www.aus-ford-uk.co.uk/assets/images/GrnSprbd4-94.jpg

if you ever want a grill.. PM me.

do this to the engine bay
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs461.snc3/25344_1424173130788_1426535419_31191819_5351830_n. jpg

will tear you a new ass hole.

[Phyber]

I really love the turbo 6 barra, hell I drive one...but I'm torn between liking the idea of that vs the classic V8 for this body shape...the unique territory of an I6T in the old X series is quite alluring though. I like the idea of a shiny FMIC in there, would match the chrome bumper :D


Then again...

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff91/phyber83/ForumJunk/Revheads09/Phone046.jpg
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6QDJuV88QoQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6QDJuV88QoQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Passage GT]

Nice project dude, seriously needs a good sized v8 in there though, can't wait for more progress

[adrenalin]

F6 motor would make that car way more of a sleeper specially if you bolt on a few mods to it. Can make it quiet as shit till you hear boost.

Will be an awesome awesome project and that is cheap as shit for what your getting done.

[shifted]

Man that dude that picked up the aquarius slr sure did well hahaha. I should really get around to doing a showcase thread on it. I'm still going to own an eh one day too.
Glad you put this up though, means you're going to get off your ass and do some work on it! If you need any help just let me know. Also go the cubes.... something huuugggeee!!!

You delusional muppet you!! Haha nah YOU need to get off of your lazy ass and make a showcase thread. I have been pestering you to do one for ages!! I have two cartons sitting at home - drop through whichever day your free!


I have a grill from my dads old superbird he had in the 80's, hasnt been on a car for a long time.

looks like this, its still in pretty good nic. Chrome around the frame only needs a light polish and clean the dust off it and would look mickey mouse

if you ever want a grill.. PM me.

A Superbird grill fits an XA??

The engine bay will be nicely detailed. ;)

[shifted]

Sick project mate! keen to see results! big shiny fmic in the grill would be sweeeeeeet

Cheers, figured it is something different!!

If it were a GT, only way I could go is V8. Non GT, no V8. :D

[shifted]

Nice project dude, seriously needs a good sized v8 in there though, can't wait for more progress

Cheers man - I6T though. :p


F6 motor would make that car way more of a sleeper specially if you bolt on a few mods to it. Can make it quiet as shit till you hear boost.

Will be an awesome awesome project and that is cheap as shit for what your getting done.

Going for the sleeper look... ;)

Here is hoping it turns out well!

[kurbn]

A Superbird grill fits an XA??

The engine bay will be nicely detailed. ;)

It was off an XA superbird :)

[Lump]

A Superbird grill fits an XA??

yeah they only had that option pack for the xa, it was just a gs with a couple more stickers.

[shifted]

It was off an XA superbird :)

Never heard off but PM sent!

[shifted]

my mate at work can & does bring in yank classics, he's just had a car bought it this week actually.
only weight i can find is a wheels road test with a xc fairmont 351 @ 1707kg, so yeah can expect your coon spec xa to weigh a fair bit less :P

~1370kg kerb weight from the spec sheets I found...

Soon to be "non-coon" spec Ford XA. lol

[AGIT8D]

No replacement for displacement, right?

What are the qualms with the Manual? The A6 - are you talking about the 6 Spd Automatic with Tip-Tronic? Will produce tyre frying abilities with launch? :p



Auto will do a better job of holding boost between gears but mainly they are just a faultless box if properly cooled. Anyone going a M6 with a barra engine has clearly not done enough research into how good the A6 is.

Plus this is a cruiser, you want to be able to slap it in D for DONUTS and just cruise the coast.

Whether you go a big donk or barra I still reckon auto is where it's at for a tough cruiser, but that's just me.

[sprint347]

Sell it to me!

[ben351]

this is why Import guys shouldnt buy muscle cars ...

[shifted]

this is why Import guys shouldnt buy muscle cars ...

Awww that's just too bad.


Sell it to me!

Sell you...??

[shifted]

Auto will do a better job of holding boost between gears but mainly they are just a faultless box if properly cooled. Anyone going a M6 with a barra engine has clearly not done enough research into how good the A6 is.

Plus this is a cruiser, you want to be able to slap it in D for DONUTS and just cruise the coast.

Whether you go a big donk or barra I still reckon auto is where it's at for a tough cruiser, but that's just me.

Hmm...I will consider the TipTronic 6 Spd. But I just love manual cars, saying that, city driving is ridiculousy shit for manuals and I would probably burn more clutches than tyres... If an F6 A6 pops up, let me know. ;)

[Lump]

dont be weak, drive a manual.

[Stef]

not often you see some thing different. who is it on here who has the rb25 in a kingswood? something different. paul maybe go along the lines of keepin an eye out for just a bf xr6turbo wreck? bf motors had the f6 internals, brakes are decent enough. will be a truckload cheaper than getting an f6 wreck.

[shifted]

dont be weak, drive a manual.

Want2doSKIDS@MotorVation.

[shifted]

not often you see some thing different. who is it on here who has the rb25 in a kingswood? something different. paul maybe go along the lines of keepin an eye out for just a bf xr6turbo wreck? bf motors had the f6 internals, brakes are decent enough. will be a truckload cheaper than getting an f6 wreck.

Hey mate,

Cheers - I do not know much about what internals went where but last I heard the last of the BF's had the F6 internals in the engine? Seems the F6 wrecks are going for about double the BF XR6T wrecks but I would like the Brembo's and have an idea for the interior. ;) Most of the F6 where possible would be chopped and changed to suit XA dimensions. :)

Either way, will have to look into it. Priority at the moment is the panel and paint side to get the body looking all schmick.

Anyone here good on PhotoShop that could do some rough colour options for me? I want to figure out some black accents (similar to GTs). :)

Edit: At the end of the day, I want to do something different. Everything is "V8 this!!" Seeing as this is not a GT, GT-HO or anything special and is originally an I6, don't see why an upgrade to another I6 is an issue. :)

[Phyber]

True on the ZF box as logged on my own stocker (those spikes of PSI would be inverted I'd imagine in a manual):

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff91/phyber83/ForumJunk/RPMandPSI1stto3rdgearto135Kmh.png


I can see that since it started life with an I6 it should be given a new I6...but the best one made so far (by Ford anyway) :)

Keen on this and the XF which is being built with a turbo barra too over on xr6t forum - you can race each other!!! :D

[shifted]

Cheers Phyber. Seems the A6 isn't a bad option. ZF box is in the F6's yeah?

Will have to look into it. Will make a comfier cruiser too. Am hoping to achieve power steering with the conversion. Driving it now is bloody hard work. lol

[esky]

Why do you want an entire car as a wreck?

the rear end in a falcon would be a huge job to fit into a xc. the cradle is massive and fucking heavy. the brakes won't fit, plus you can buy xc brake kits for next to fuckall. buying the whole car to wreck seems an expensive and hard way to go about it.

in a xc i would do as follows.

buy fg long motor from walistons wreckers.. 4-5 grand for motor complete (i.e includes turbos accessories computer etc)

c4 auto with 3 grand stall plus transbrake.

9 inch diff.

sell off stock turbo. buy gt42 twin scroll with dual gates. put new valve springs in it and your good to go. motor will do high 400rwkw

tough car without trying to reinvent the wheel.

[Stef]

ZF box is also available in the xr6t. mate bought a bf 6t with zf box.

i agree with esky RE: retrofitting most of the stuff out of a bf into an xa, will be very hard, i know for a fact because I was going to do somethin similar (fit all au running gear and suspension to an xt wagon). you can get an RRS brake conversion for the xa to meet current specs for not too much coin.

just a comfy cruiser? i personally wouldnt go the c4/transbrake setup. guys goin cruisn not quarter mile beatin.

whats your thoughts on the paintwork? something along the lines of gt replica or somethin different there as well?

[esky]

c4 is a not a bad box, cheap and easy to get hold of and more importantly easy to run since you don't hvae to fuck about trying to get the computers communicating like you would with a zf. low stall and taller diff gears would make a great cruiser. a full manualised box is good fun to drive as well, plus everyone loves a transbrake skid.

a zf will be about 4 grand plus 2-3 grand to rebuild if you want big hp and a headache to get working. i'd put it straight into the too hard basket.

[shifted]

All options will be looked into. :)

Paintwork - not so much a complete GT replicated set, but some black accents here and there, I will try and draw it up or something later on but basically the rear facia to be blacked out, and the bottom of the car around the wheel arches, across the side skirt and up to the front lip (which will be a GT replicated lip). I am in the process of sourcing GT Bonnet cut outs, possibly a Shaker Scoop and bonnet pins. Though not set on the GT Bonnet cut outs or Shaker just yet, as the Bonnet may need to have a "buldge" grafted on. :)

[KPWISHN]

Looks like a lot of work ahead.

Needs LS1. :)

[shifted]

Plenty of work ahead.

Don't want another "FOLDEN" lol

[shifted]

Some more photos...

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3572.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3577.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3578.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3579.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3583.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3582.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3586.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3587.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3591.jpg

[shifted]

Some spare parts $1200 later that I picked up the last couple days...

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3581.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3584.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_3585.jpg

[Lump]

front windsccreen & rear window coming out too?

[DanWA]

a mate has just written off a manual bf typhoon, mentioned to him you were chasing driveline.

will let you know the outcome of insurance!

[earlybirds]

massive fan of XA's mate !! nice work
what othe bits/parts did you get for your $1200 tho ?

[shifted]

massive fan of XA's mate !! nice work
what othe bits/parts did you get for your $1200 tho ?

Some fuel and new spark plugs for the XA. :( Parts are expensive! haha rust free though so worth the cash to be honest. Mine are fucked hence the replacement panels.


front windsccreen & rear window coming out too?

When I figure out how to take them out. :p lol

Nah car can't be stripped yet, once the Supra crap goes I can start stripping the Ford so sand blasting and etc. can occur so I will have room for parts, you know?


a mate has just written off a manual bf typhoon, mentioned to him you were chasing driveline.

will let you know the outcome of insurance!

Yep, please let me know outcome! Very interested! How was it written off? Details of the car?

[shifted]

This is the original colour of the car to those interested to see:

http://www.falcongtclub.org/i/XAGT_C.jpg

[Phyber]

Fuck I love that shape!!! :)

Agree on difficulty of the ZF computer bits. Was wondering what that would entail getting it to talk to the car like Esky pointed out.

[Steppo_GT]

Nice project man. One thing I wouldn't do is put a shaker or "bulge" on the bonnet keep it sleeper and you'd be on the money!

[shifted]

Fuck I love that shape!!! :)

Agree on difficulty of the ZF computer bits. Was wondering what that would entail getting it to talk to the car like Esky pointed out.

I was hoping to transplant everything over mechanically and electronically - so that should waver any issues? :s

[shifted]

Nice project man. One thing I wouldn't do is put a shaker or "bulge" on the bonnet keep it sleeper and you'd be on the money!

Only considering a bulge (no shaker) providing the engine doesn't fit - as the turbo will have to be high mounted to fit from what I have researched. :)

[Torquen]

dont be weak, drive a manual.

QFT! Manual all the way :) T56 manual box is strong as farkkk!

[shifted]

Videos of her running, she drives as good as my daily!

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[Lump]

When I figure out how to take them out. :p lol

Nah car can't be stripped yet, once the Supra crap goes I can start stripping the Ford so sand blasting and etc. can occur so I will have room for parts, you know?


yeah, you have alot on your plate it seems.

take windows out by removing s/steel trim strips & then cut the rubber seal out around the glass.

not a fan of the skyview blue, i like the idea of another gt colour with 'black paint outs' tho
allways liked burnt orange, vermillion fire, yellow ochre, cosmic blue (colour of your new panels), silver fox & a few others

[shifted]

yeah, you have alot on your plate it seems.

take windows out by removing s/steel trim strips & then cut the rubber seal out around the glass.

not a fan of the skyview blue, i like the idea of another gt colour with 'black paint outs' tho
allways liked burnt orange, vermillion fire, yellow ochre, cosmic blue (colour of your new panels), silver fox & a few others

Yeah the Supra stuff is tieing it down a little, hoping to move it soon, may just have to cut my losses.

I like the light blue, but I want to put a pearl hue through it, something different again I suppose. :) Will make it stand out well though!

[Zuicider]

aye not many light blue ones out there. Heard a few of the light blue xas being used as patrol cars.

[XF Falcon]

Spotted the ass end of the XA when I drove past this morning :)

[shifted]

Don't know Patrol Car history - still waiting on that email from your mate Dean though Paul, will try catch him next time I fly down. :)

Mike - took her for a spin. :p It is actually a joy to drive!

[AGIT8D]

Yeah the Supra stuff is tieing it down a little, hoping to move it soon, may just have to cut my losses.

I like the light blue, but I want to put a pearl hue through it, something different again I suppose. :) Will make it stand out well though!

I'd properly investigate the pearl thing before you go too crazy with the idea. With the lighter colours like white etc if you use too much pearl it looks 'off white' or creamy/dirty out of the light. Not sure if you'll have the same worry with the baby blue but if you don't go too heavy handed on the pearl I'm sure it would look okay. What colours are you thinking?

Baby blue certainly wouldn't be my first option for painting that car but a lighter colour will mean any imperfections in the panels won't be as easy to pick as they would be if you painted it black/deep purple etc.

[shifted]

Wanted to do the original car colour Dan, just with a light pearl hue. Only other colours I would consider are the lime green or that orange. But prefer the blue. :)

[VS50WA]

Good meeting you today. Car has some serious potential just need to get all the rust cut out and new sections welded in or maybe if possible new panels.

Good luck with the build!

[shifted]

Good meeting you today. Car has some serious potential just need to get all the rust cut out and new sections welded in or maybe if possible new panels.

Good luck with the build!

Cheers mate!

Yeah car runs and drives fucken schmick. Garaged last two years (previous owner didn't garage it for about 5 or 6 years, hence rust. :()

Got some new panels as per above posts, going to sand more down today. :)

Wreck is gone - garage space is now fantastic!!

[Stef]

any updates on this?

[shifted]

Last time I was back about 2 weeks ago - switched panels over with the replacements...

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0259.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0258.jpg

Next step is stripping it - and taking it to sand blasting. Fenders aren't bolted on, doors and bootlid are just to save space in the garage.

Hoping next time I am back to begin stripping the body/interior... just have to take pictures doing so, otherwise I will forget how to put it back together!!

[shifted]

Come to a problem. Fuel pump seems to have shat, got an electric replacement from Steve@AutoPro... question though, I got it hooked up, just not to a power source though... anyone know best wire to connect the power to?? Can't tell which is positive....

Fuel pump:
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG00615-20110127-1751.jpg

Wiring to where...?
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG00614-20110127-1751.jpg

[Turbo2.6L]

Just run it off the battery with an inline fuse in place. It's only to get it up the driveway isn't it?

[shifted]

Yeah up and down the driveway. Will have to look into it, all wires are bloody black.

[Scaf]

Got a test light?

[mitchy]

multimeter...

[Turbo2.6L]

Lighter?

[shifted]

Did have a test light, will have to find it, I have it hooked up to the starter motor at the moment, just have to disconnect the battery otherwise the pump keeps running. :) No problem really, got to strip her down anyway so as a temporary solution isn't much of an issue. In and out of driveway is all she needs to do.

Will be working on her tomorrow. :D

[Pal]

I had a xa coupe and a xa superbird back between 1987 and 1989. give the superbird a new motor and full paint job. got married and had a kid. sold it for $3000 to buy a vb commodore. :(. will put up a pic if i can find it.

i can see this being a very nice car in the end. good luck

[shifted]

Farkkk mate - Superbirds are worth a pretty penny!!

Some work done today. Rust is fucking EVERYWHERE.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0553.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0554.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0555.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0556.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0557.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0558.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0559.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_0560.jpg

[waxdass]

fark goodluck with that

[Joe]

Geeez.. bit of a contrast to bangn's immaculately unrusty S13.

Might even be worth junking it mate and getting something less rusty, unless you want to spend some big coin on it!

[jaybee]

fuck you have a massive task in front of you if your going to tackle that!

[shifted]

Hard to find the old stuff without rust these days unless your willing to pay big coin for it. Needs a fair bit of body work, won't know the extent til she's completely stripped. Unfortunately not worth much in parts.

Will just have to see how it goes. :) The longer she sits, the worse it'll get but hard enough trying to get dad into the garage let alone work on it. I know he needs his time off from work and shit but I can only do so much myself.

Will do some more later today/tonight, tomorrow might begin taking the interior out. Need to get that wirewheel thing bangn used on his S13.

[monk_13]

FARK that's a lot of cancer...

Time and patience. 2 things I hope you have lots of as fixing that is going to be a pain in the ass. Do it all properly though, and you will end up with a mint car in the end, and also will have picked up quite a few handy skills.

[shifted]

No shortcuts here. I don't want any bog. Rust is to be cut out and replaced with new replacement panels/sections (SuperRoo & Rare Spares have heaps). It will be a lot of work.

I think Acid Bath may be a better option than Sand Blasting. Anyone know someone in the works that does it? Will need a coat of that pink primer shit after its bath...

[family guy]

No shortcuts here. I don't want any bog. Rust is to be cut out and replaced with new replacement panels/sections (SuperRoo & Rare Spares have heaps). It will be a lot of work.

I think Acid Bath may be a better option than Sand Blasting. Anyone know someone in the works that does it? Will need a coat of that pink primer shit after its bath...

Be pretty hard to do a job like that with out bog. Unless skilled tradesmen or handy at lead wiping. As for rare spares panels they are good for saving time but are not 100% but betta than starting with nothing.
Dont know about acid baths, I always wonder about inside panels that u can see. If they are left bare or do the dip the body in another liquid that seals the body up.

Seen many a good looking car come to the sand blasting booth to be blasted looking very bad after all the filler was removed. Tin worm everywhere. As you know somtimes cheaper to find a betta body to save some coin in the long run. Time,Space and money I reckon are 3 things you need for a car. If you dont have much of one the other 2 normally make up for it.

Good luck:)

[Jase]

Rust like that is pretty normal for xa/xb's unfortunately.
Pretty sure no one in Perth acid baths shells

Find a good sand blaster and get them to go over it and prime it up for you (unless you intend on using the cut out rust sections as use as a template for new parts). Cost will be around the $1500 mark for a big car. If you have a painter in mind get a recommendation from them and make sure they specify what primer to be laid on, some are fussy pingpingpingpings

Also I would chuck a set of GT fenders on it while your mucking about, brand new repro's are about $750 each though (google new old car co ... or ask Tony at superoo)

These things came out in so many cool color schemes, would be a hard choice, The dark metallic blue, or green ..purple or red....
Havent read through whole thread but IMO one of those colors would be way better than baby blue, unless your doing a concourse rebuild and want original color; but if your changing engine etc I would go with what you like rather than originality. Flick through the XA XBs ion the Aussie muscle car sales site :) ...Crack one off every time I go to that site

[shifted]

All the common rust spots, she has them. :) lol

Anyone know if any Asbestos was used in these?

[DanWA]

owch thats a rusty ford... but im sure you expected it anyway!

it will all pay off!

[shifted]

http://cdn-img.westfalia.eu/ms/300/300/000/000/000/000/001/324/19-produktbild-slaughtering_equipment-set_of_6_meat_hooks.688685.0.jpg

Anyone know where to buy hooks like that?

Cleaning out the garage to make way for stripping more parts from the old girl this weekend, and was thinking of hanging the panels up by hooks like this.

Anyone else ever hung panels (bonnet, fenders and etc.) off of their garage walls? Any recommendations?

Also keen to know of any suburbs doing collections - if I find the right sized book case to shove into the garage I will grab it and put parts on the bookcase as well.

Cheers,

Paul

[Lump]

bunnings, about $2 each

[shifted]

Fack. Yes. Thanks mate I will check it out this arvo after work!

[sprint347]

That's a moderate amount of rust for a 40 year old falcon, seriously.

I was quoted approx 2k to fully media blast a falcon, from there you'll have to replace the rusty parts and I hope you're either good with a welder or know someone who is.

Proper restorations of cars in that state easily rack up $20k+ of repairs pretty easily with the number of hours required. Check out the repro guards you can buy, sometimes it's better alternative to blasting/repairing originals.

Make sure you put every bolt you remove in a labeled plastic bag, and mark what where it comes from. It's a PITA to figure out where all the bolts go after a 3 year build!

[shifted]

Dad's been welding for 30 years. :)

It definitely will take time. I want to blast it first to gauge what to replace and such. There will be a lot of hidden rust, thats for sure.

RE: bolts in bags, I know what you mean. Hence trying to organise the garage to make it more friendly lol - I have a feeling I have already forgotten half the stuff. :(

Repro units I am looking into once its blasted, a lot of panels are remade by SuperRoo & RareSpares so will save bulk time for the sake of a couple hundred dollars here and there. Def all a long term thing though.

[earlybirds]

much happening here mate ?

[shifted]

Slowly... very... very... slowly...

Hoping to have it stripped completely in the coming months and blasted. Just have a whole heap of other shit at the moment taking my time away from it. Couple weeks (hopefully) and should be stripping it further. :)

Hopefully once everything settles down, progress on this becomes more constant.

[mARC]

Might even be worth junking it mate and getting something less rusty, unless you want to spend some big coin on it!

When you start talking bare metal respray its going to be big coin regardless.

You'll also find these cars come in two types:

- Fully of bog and ridiculously priced; and
- Meticulously maintained and even more expensive.

All I can say mate is good on you for restoring a classic! You'll bleed, cry and swear black and blue that its the worst thing you've ever done but nothing will beat the satisfaction of turning the key when its eventuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaly :p finished.

Just be mindful of everything you take off especially chrome strips as they'll bend and flex easily.

From memory the way you remove the front and rear windscreens is by removing the chrome molds and digging around in the windscreen sealant for the copper wiring and hooking up a set of jumper leads from your battery to it 'this will heat up the sealant and eventually enable you to get a scraper between it and cut it free.

^^ Cant remember if that was just for Monaros or all cars around that era.

I'd recommend signing up on some good Ford forums and reading up in their restoration sections.

I'll also assure you that your patch welding skills will god tier by the time you're at the filling stage.

Might I recommend a rotisserie for when you get it back from the bead blasters.

Personally I don't like the XR6 engine choice as these cars need to rumble :D I do like the way your thinking though as these cars look hot when up dated with modern technology.

Good luck with the build mate!

[duste]

Any updates on this?

[shifted]

Good luck with the build mate!

Thanks mate, will be a while yet - cheers for the windscreen thing though - car is still yet to be stripped so hopefully get around to it soon. Plan is to have a rotisserie after sand blasting. :)


Any updates on this?

Not yet, was hoping to over the Christmas period but plans all fell through. At the moment the Supra is at home as well and not in storage so there isn't much room. I'm hoping to drop off the Supra next week sometime providing everything is ok on that end of things as I don't want to intrude too much on my mate with his plate being so full right now.

It'll be a while, old man's been away for the last 3 weeks himself and over Christmas had no time either.

I've thrown out everything in the garage that isn't needed though (old car parts from wrecks etc.) so made some space.

Aim over the next little bit is to:


Strip down the car
Sand blast


That is as simple as it gets for now, until that is done I've stopped searching for a Typhoon wreck and all, just no space to fit everything at the moment or time for that matter.

[thommo]

sell off stock turbo. buy gt42 twin scroll with dual gates. put new valve springs in it and your good to go. motor will do high 400rwkw




mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm twin scroll and dual gates would be great. need this on mine



air con hook up is a must too

[Lancey_B]

Im going through the same thing at the moment with my ZD, for the windscreens i poked a bit of wire through the sealant and with one person inside and one person outside pulled the wire around the whole windscreen, they just lifted out.

Its pretty daunting when you see your car in a thousand bits and realise there is no going back :)

Glad to see alot more oldschool stuff popping up around the place. Good luck!

[shifted]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_20120630_174255.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_20120630_174322.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_20120630_174313.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_20120630_174304.jpg

Progress today, front area now stripped, aircon system removed inside the engine bay and under the dash.

[matty12]

Keep at it mate it'll be worth it in the end. Is that Plenum rust the worst off it, if its anything like the HQ I'm doing currently its far better to remove the whole Plenum to fix the many layers of panelling that rusts away.

[Kickit]

What are you going to do with the rust? have you done much rust work before? I've seen worse get fix and I've fixed worse.
Just comes down to how patient you are really.

[shifted]

Keep at it mate it'll be worth it in the end. Is that Plenum rust the worst off it, if its anything like the HQ I'm doing currently its far better to remove the whole Plenum to fix the many layers of panelling that rusts away.

From what I've looked up that'll be the plan. Rarespares offers replacement sheet metal panels not sure if they do any in that area but I haven't looked in a while, otherwise we may have to come up with something ourselves.


What are you going to do with the rust? have you done much rust work before? I've seen worse get fix and I've fixed worse. Just comes down to how patient you are really.

Well, the aim is to fix what we can ourselves. If it is something we can't tackle - find someone who can. Do you do cashie work? Feel free to PM us with details mate...

Ideally we'll do everything we can ourselves. I'm learning more so but the old man has experience with a bit of everything (through his apprenticeships and then working the last 30 odd years) so depends on what he thinks he can tackle really.

Next step is to continue taking everything apart, and continue sanding it down. I'm just using a sander with those velcro circular pads on them.

Really, there isn't much to these. The bolts are a pain in the arse from seizing/rust but otherwise everything else either crumples or comes off smooth. I've had to get the chisel out to pop some screw heads off a couple times. Half the rear end is stripped inside, just gotta get into the rear of the car for boot/lights/bumper, rest of the interior, then separate the doors out and strip it mechanically.

[31-EVO]

Last time I saw this it had shit all over it in your garage lol,. Misses has a friend about 4 houses away from you.
You reconnecting the a/c ?

[shifted]

Last time I saw this it had shit all over it in your garage lol,. Misses has a friend about 4 houses away from you.
You reconnecting the a/c ?

Haha yep! She was covered, all gone now and just a matter of putting the time into it. :)

Ah, the guy that lives about 4 houses up is Chris, drive's a VY/VZ Commodore - that the one?

Will be reconnecting it but will be using the system and setup from whichever Typhoon wreck comes along. Basically will be relocating as much of that wreck as possible into this XA. :)

[family guy]

I would be looking at the after market stuff for the air con from mustangs other repo fords. And just using the compressor on the new motor.

[shifted]

Really? How come?

Is there a benefit for that type of system compared to (hopefully otherwise it'll need replacing anyway) undamaged stock components from the Typhoon wreck?

[family guy]

Last time I saw this it had shit all over it in your garage lol,. Misses has a friend about 4 houses away from you.
You reconnecting the a/c ?

Not sure on which gear you are going to use. All the late model stuff or the old stuff. Or a mix and match. There is a few companies that do after market stuff. Vintage air etc

[shifted]

I'm hoping we can transplant as much of the modern stuff in whichever Typhoon wreck we find into the XA as possible. This includes AC, dash and it's components, hiding all the wiring somehow under the guards etc. Long and time consuming - but best result in the end we think. :)

[matty12]

It would ge a mammoth task to use the a/c from the typhoon you would have to run the full dash and any/all electrical wizardry as the hvac unit is a complicated thing. If you don't want something like the kneefreeze unit you pulled out chuck a genII vintage air unit with defrost for legal side of things.

[shifted]

Will look into when the time comes - haven't done any research really into it yet. Just in case plans change once the car is completely stripped and all. We are hoping to transplant the full dash into the car, hence the thought of running the complete AC system, all the electrical components etc. Something to research further really.

[Turbo2.6L]

Put a tough clevo in it. Much simpler & will be a better drive.

[shifted]

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_2159.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_2161.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_2160.jpg
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_2162.jpg

Tried to get to the front seats but only one bolt came out, rest are seized or bolts are fucked - shits just rusty. Got a fucked wrist at the moment too so couldn't play around much. Did start taking off bits from the dash too.

[shifted]

Peeps, how do you remove the speedo cable? And the cables for the vents and shit? Tried twisting/turning stuff, gently pulling on stuff - nothing gives... trying to search through the repair manual and online but yeah not much I have found yet... shit just says "remove item"...

Vents
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_20120711_190531.jpg

Ciggy Lighter
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_20120711_190535.jpg

Speedo cable behind cluster.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k97/shift3d/IMG_20120711_190550.jpg

Anyway, these are the last bits before the dash comes off and all that will be left there will be Steering wheel and Handbrake for now. Hoping to continue on with this every night until this weekend when I can get all the seats out (front ones bolts have seized so I'll have to get under there) and then front seat belts. Once that is all stripped it is engine, gearbox and diff time...

[matty12]

In your last pic of the speed the right hand tab needs to be pushed against the cable and then should pull off.

[Leigh42]

Hey man, just reading through your thread and here are some things you can do yourself to save some coin..

If you're wanting to save money on blasting, this works out a lot cheaper if you're not planning on stripping the interior paint too.

Off to super cheap -Buy 2x 3L of paint stripper. Do the usual and tell them you want 10% discount too :P
Buy four of these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4x-180mm-7-POLY-STRIP-DISC-WHEEL-CAR-PAINT-RUST-REMOVAL-CLEAN-ANGLE-GRINDER-/120869024685?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1c245af3ad

-Cake on stripper, wait til it reacts and pretty much bubbles, scrape off with paint scraper (This part gets messy as fuck) then go over with strip it discs, you'll need a 5 inch grinder to use the discs.

If you're planning on going 2 pac paint you'll want to do bare metal, using acrylic as a base isn't something I would recommend if you're looking at doing it right..

Buy these to cut the rust out, bunnings will rape yo bum with the cost of discs trust me.. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/125mm-5-CUTTING-DISC-WHEEL-THIN-ANGLE-GRINDER-CUT-OFF-METAL-STEEL-STAINLESS-x50-/120805456287?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item1c2090f99f

Also with your dash, to physically fit the new dash could be incredibly hard to get right.. You'll have to fabricate new mountings, cut, mould etc.. One that you can do is put the parts from the new dash into the old dash housing..

Oh, and just for some inspiration, at least your car doesn't look like mine..

http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad220/leighhills1/ute/IMG_7789.jpg

Keep at it though, it's all worth it in the end. I think.. haha. And if you need any advice on body work just send me a message, I know a little bit

[shifted]

Mate thanks so much for the information - definitely will be helpful! I was just going to sand the whole lot myself! This will look worse than yours soon enough I think, rust is just everywhere...

The whole plenum is rusted - so I was thinking of cutting the firewall out of the wreck and transplanting it over... ambitious I know, but I'd rather put the time into it to build it how I think it should be than just do it to get it back on the road.

Figured out how to get all those bits off, now just have to get the choke cable out too but may have to leave that til the weekend (planning on getting motor and box out then anyway) so it can all go as one and I can actually start the car first to move it into the middle of the garage to work on it. See how we go though! Trying to do all this myself at the moment (old man is away for work, plus has a fucked shoulder anyway) so I'll probably be doing everything up to the body work myself.

With the dash, I was considering that, but it depends how hard it would be... seen a VL or VK running a VY dash IIRC. I know it'll be difficult but I think it would be well worth it.

[Leigh42]

I wouldn't be inclined to cut a firewall off another car, reason being rust starts internally, oxidisation forms on the spot welds where it's joined and usually plenums aren't rust proofed from factory.. best thing you could do is buy one of these http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/8x80mm-HSS-Cobalt-HSCo-Spot-Weld-Welder-Cutter-Drill-Bit-Free-Postage-/380453603460?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5894cd4884 and search for the spot welds, drill them out and the plenum will probably come off as a whole.. then fix the plenum, spray this before you re-spot weld it http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/WELD-2-AEROSOL-WELD-THROUGH-PRIMER-450ml-PAINT-CAN-U-POL-CAR-BIKES-PAINT-/320902998440?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4ab74f29a8 and then this too http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wattyl-KILLRUST-epoxy-gloss-enamel-paint-assorted-colours-4-litres-/221032383482?pt=AU_Building_Materials&hash=item33768e83fa

Sorry if I'm sounding like a know it all haha, just wish someone told me the stuff I know now, before I started.. If you want to see how I've done my car here it is http://www.aussiev8.com.au/conversions-rebuilds-project-cars/44347-hz-wellbody-restoration-bulk-rust-repairs.html

And here's a hk monaro with a new dash just for some inspiration :P http://www.aussiev8.com.au/members-lounge/46489-best-new-old-hk-monaro.html

[matty12]

Pull the Plenum apart piece by piece and repair as you go, there's often many layers the rust through.

[31-EVO]

Working on the supra today champ? No idea wtf your plates say. I'll honk when I leave so if you hear a v8 thong slapping that's me haha xa is covered in shite again :(

[shifted]

@Leigh - that is exactly what I want to achieve, cheers for the advice though. Would it be an issue if the whole car was rust proofed and primed before parts were fitted in? Basically I want to do this:

- Fix body panels up where they won't be modified to suit/accommodate BF Typhoon items
- Fabricate/Modify to suit BF Typhoon items (so you aren't doing things twice basically) - this includes engine mounts, etc. I'd imagine much like a Supra auto to manual conversion - transplanting the tunnel is easiest... (in theory/my head anyway!)
- Fit all the parts first to make sure it all works - by transplanting everything over I'm hoping to minimise whatever modifications are required to the wiring loom etc. this means transplanting AC, electric mirrors (yes I'll make them work! haha) dash facia etc...
- Remove everything
- Paint
- Final fitment.

I know it is enthusiastic and all, fuck all knowledge on my part as well - guess it will be an interesting learning curve... I just don't want to sit there at the end and think "fuck, I wish I did this..." I'd rather just take the time and do it now... as it is, I'm working on the XA solo at the moment, I get to points where I am stuck and need guidance/dad's knowledge and shit and HOPE he has some time to work on it when he is back hence the delays...

I know the guys at Briffa well, so Mick over there when I told him about this mentioned that they'd be able to sort out whatever we couldn't anyway and help us out so that is a bonus as well.

@matty - I think the whole thing is going to fall apart to be honest - LOL - I'll take photos of the rust when the car is finally stripped but there isn't much left there!

@31-EVO - black commy?? Plates read unicorn, but backwards. Something that came about between me and Dan (who imported the car for me, IMACUL8 on here). Was servicing the Supra, then pulled the Supra out and chucked the XA onto the stands (XA isn't covered in as much shit now, just it's own back seat and 2 boxes so easy done!) and tried to get under the car to get the front seats out and worked a bit on the rear end.

2 bolts left that hold the rear bumper in but I couldn't get them out so it'll have to wait, and the front seats I'll have to get the angle grinder out and cut the nuts off... so we've hit a stale mate after today for now. :(

If I can't progress further though it isn't a worry... I have the tail lights out and I'm planning on cutting up Supra lights to fit the XA outer cover - modernise it and make it look better. Something I can do in the mean time. :)

My grille also fell apart finally so I'm thinking of hitting up a fabrication outfit that does work for the engineering company I work for and seeing if they can CNC some good shit....

[matty12]

Good plan, real ambitious but can be done, hope you've got the will to pull through the tough times. Ive got a reasonable mechanical knowledge etc but I'm not sure its a transplant I would wanna takle although with my quey I'm swapping some shit from other cars into it I'm sure other people wouldn't even consider doing it/worth it.

[31-EVO]

Yeah man, black vy ss, it's my fiancés car. Ahhh yep I get the plates now, looks really nice, dan imported my Evo yearsback now, think it was the second or third he had done. Love your work with the xa man keep it up

[Lump]

heres a better idea, buy my XA GT for $26k & put your bodywork skills to use on that :)

[shifted]

In a couple years when I own a warehouse and have the space, I'll buy the GT from you if you still have it. :p haha

Can't bastardise a GT though...

Exams finish up on the 1st November, after that it's playing with the cars time. :)

[mARC]

S'garn on with this build?

[shifted]

Sitting in the garage waiting for gearbox and motor removal :-)

Long process really. I don't have the time or funds, old man had a shoulder recon in Dec last year and now the Hilux got yellowed so the Ford is sitting their patiently!

As soon as I'm out of uni I will be dumping every possible cent into it and speed everything up :-)

[Thychiz]

Read through your whole thread, and got to the photos of the rust almost cried mate. Sucks to see! But if you stick with it, when it's done it'll be the best feeling. Goodluck!!!

[shifted]

Read through your whole thread, and got to the photos of the rust almost cried mate. Sucks to see! But if you stick with it, when it's done it'll be the best feeling. Goodluck!!!

Well, I made a promise to the old boy that I bought it from that even if it took me 10 years, I would bring the completed car back to him and show it what it became.

I like to keep my promises - regardless of how hard I make it on myself.

The rust is a MASSIVE issue - but there are plenty of reproduction panels available so I don't think it will be too hard to handle once it's started on, the hardest will be the firewall/plenum area. I can't wait til the end of the first semester in 2014, degree in hand and that means time and cash for the Ford!

I have some ideas for replacement tail light setups though so I'll see how hard it is to retrofit items/put them together in the mean time. The motor and gearbox are ready to come out, the dash is mostly out (just need to disconnect choke cable and it's out) and then it'll be time to take out all the subframes etc.

It may be easier to lift the body off of the running gear actually now that I think about it, see how we go. I have left the running gear in it for now because it makes it piss easy to move the car around (still starts and drives).

[Lump]

the 'running gear' will just unbolt easily from the chassis, you dont need to lift the body off - the front end consists of 4 suspension arms, steering linkages & 2 castor rods. the rear is just 4 points at each end of the leaf springs.

[Chivalry]

Love seeing people taking on older car projects! I've subbed to this.

I feel your pain re: major rust. My 1974 Range Rover needs new inner and outer sills and rear crossmember with extensive work needed to repair most of the body-mount points. The cowl requires a bit of love too along with plating on the sides of the bulkhead, plating on the floor under the windscreen, on the rear floor sideboards, the inner fenders and multiple small areas like under the taillights. The entire chassis is covered in surface rust and it would be easier for me to replace both doors and the tailgate, even though I can actually repair them. That's just some of the bodywork...

Even though I have a fair bit of experience with rust repairs and welding so it is not such a daunting thing to me as the XA is to you, I am still not thrilled to do it. But one thing you always have to remember when you take on a major project in an older car is that you are keeping a real car alive. Something that will never be built again, something that you will remember having for the rest of your life. Driving it for the first time, after all the time and love you put into it will be as memorable as the birth of your first child haha

I know a bloke who has a terminal illness, inoperable, untreatable and is just as aggressive as cancer. When we got talking about old cars about a year ago, he remembered his Alfa Romeo Giulia Berlina and we got to talking about how he had to fix it so often, trying to start it in winter, the sounds it made, the smells etc and it just made him so happy, tears in his eyes and a grin from ear to ear. What I'm trying to say is that no matter how much it might end up pissing you off, no matter how much skin and blood it takes from you - don't give it up man, especially if you promised the old fella that you would take it back to him. It would probably be cheaper for me to start again and buy another `70s Rangie in better condition but the one I have now is mine, I took it on and I'm not going to give it up. It hasn't been registered for 10 years, it hasn't run in almost 7 years, it sat uncovered on a farm for 6 years and was a week away from seeing the scrapyard when I found it.


Will PM you a few photos of what I have to deal with, just to keep you motivated!

[shifted]

That's pretty much why I hold onto it, I know what it will one day mean when it's all finished. :)

I actually had a chat to someone who has done a bit of restoring, reckons a guy had a coupe that was essentially only worth chopping up, the only stuff left on it that was good was the roof. He too bought an FG wreck (a GT) and he actually is in the process of molding what is left of the XB Coupe to the floor pan of the FG.

I realise the work is ambitious, it will be costly, it will be difficult. No pain, no gain right haha.

I'm more than motivated to strip the rest of it and get it ready for sandblasting, I just struggle to find the time. Hilux copped a yellow last week too so we now have a shopping list for that to deal with. Time is the only commodity I need at the moment that I am short on, but soon enough it will be the end of year break and I will hopefully have it completely stripped by then.

Depending on how the car comes back from sandblasting will tell me what to start on first. I will need to source a wreck soon enough for the driveline and everything else I want to use, so depending how that goes and how the floor and everything matches up dimension wise (at least from those I have spoken to) it isn't impossible to match the two cars that way transplanting the firewall, floor pan and sills etc.

At the end of the day, I don't care if it takes 10 years, it's going to get finished. I know enough people to be able to ask questions, get some help and for the tricky bits get the work done for a good price so pretty happy for now. :)

[shifted]

So uni is over - started organising the garage again and made some space to get back onto the Ford.

Have been looking up rotisseries as I want to attempt what I can at home, came across these - they look awesome. http://www.whirlyjig.com/

Anyone seen something similar locally?