Gatormc9's 1971 Vert Adventure

[jbojo]

Looks really good.
-jbojo

[71_resurrection]

Great progress on an already great looking convertible. My first goals were very similar to yours. New brakes, suspension, and I replaced my entire fuel system. Keep up the good work and we love the pictures!

[gatormc9]

Great work.

You used the right side adjuster on the left side

Not according to the shop manual. It is the correct adjuster...this is actually worse than that...lol

[gpierce]

OK, shoes are backwards?? I can't remember which side the bigger one goes on but I would think the trailing side rather than in front.

[gatormc9]

OK, shoes are backwards?? I can't remember which side the bigger one goes on but I would think the trailing side rather than in front.

No, I'm pretty sure I read before that the big one goes forward, but I should check that. The actual problem is in the second picture of the brakes, you'll notice the "window" that you use to adjust the adjuster is not lined up. It turns out that the dust shields are DS and PS. I built the whole thing up with the wrong shield.

[gatormc9]

OK, shoes are backwards?? I can't remember which side the bigger one goes on but I would think the trailing side rather than in front.

Scratch that. I found this thread...

http://www.7173mustangs.com/thread-brake...-secondary

...and you are right, the big brake pad should go to the rear. So now I have TWO reasons to take it back apart. Should that make me feel better?!?!?

[gpierce]

OK that makes sense, why it sorta looks like you have the adjusters backwards.

Anyway Drum brakes are fun to do multiple times

[gatormc9]

Exciting times are here! First things first, last weekend I made some serious progress on Friday and Saturday.

New stainless steel front brake lines
   

Rear end back on with new shocks
   

Drive shaft back in (had to put an entire bottle of gear oil in to top off the diff)
   

New U-bolts/hardware
   

New fuel tank installed
   

Rear end complete
   

Unfortunately, my new master cylinder didn't come with a push rod. I destroyed the retaining clip getting the old push rod out. These aren't available locally, so I wasn't able to drive the car last weekend. Instead, I ordered a new adjustable push rod from Jegs that I got on Thursday
   

Friday night the MC went back in and I bled the brakes. This morning, I adjusted all the brakes and installed the wheels and hubcaps. I lowered the lift and sat the car on the ground for the first time since November this morning!

---

So, as for the first drive. I tightened all my belts and did my last minute checks. While sitting cold, the trans showed plenty of fluid. I fired her up and put it in drive and...nothing! Gave it gas an it crept forward an inch at most. Checked the dipstick and it had no fluid. Added a quart and it moved two inches, added another quart and it clunked into gear but still very weak. Two more quarts later and it finally got to the sweet spot on the dipstick.

I pulled it out onto the drive way and went back and forth a few times and things seemed pretty good. The brakes are still soft (need to be bled again) and the steering is a little shake (needs a new rag joint), but it was such a beautiful day I just had to drive.

Here is a picture of me taking a good friend and her mom (the former owners) for a spin.
   

I've made several runs around the neighborhood now and I am smiling ear to ear! Phase 1 is complete, she is driving again for the first time in 15 years! Still a lot of work to do, but this was a satisfying moment in the process for sure.

   
   
   

[gpierce]

That's awesome man! Great work getting another one back on the road.

Convertibles are great to drive

Greg

[mach71351c]

Congrats! Keep us posted on the next faze.