Whats New.

Here is a picture showing the stage I am at right now with my Cyclone (picture was taken in mid May). I have much more work to do, and as you can see, I haven't done much with it for about 10 months. The paint looks really good here, but it definitely needs a re-spray if you look up close. The clearcoat is peeled almost completely off the roof, and there are several small dents here and there. The front tires should be replaced, they are cracking and could blow anytime. Jeeze, I'm glad it didn't happen last year when I took it out on the highway!

As you can see by the height of the front end, the engine bay is still empty. I need some $$$$ to have the engine block bored and stuff. Just before I took this picture, I took the drivers door inside panel off to look for a factory build sheet. I didn't find one. I have looked at all the other locations (above glove box, under carpet) and there just isn't one anywhere.

What I did discover was that the drivers door window had been smashed and replaced at one point. There were some bits of glass in the bottom of the door. I know also that the Ignition switch was replaced too. Hmmm, perhaps this car was stolen at one time? This doesn't bother me, since the window was replaced with an original Ford part. The only thing missing is the chrome piece that lines the top of the window glass.

June 2000 Lucky find

I was at Pick-Your-Part last Monday after work and noticed a 1970 Galaxie that was just put in the yard. It was a very plain-jane machine, four door, bench seat, 302 2BBL engine, etc. Now, since I bought my Cyclone, I have always wanted a Traction-Loc (or for you chev nuts: Posi-Trac) rear end. So, every time I find an old Ford at the wrecker, I check to see if its at T-Loc. This car did not have any options on it, not even power steering. I figured the chance of it having a T-Loc is pretty slim.

Well, I turn the back tire with the tranny in park, and it was really hard to turn. Hmmm, maybe the parking brake is on. I set the brake and release it. It released perfectly, and I turned the tire again and didn't hear the brake shoes rubbing on the drum. Holy smokes! This could be the one I have been looking for!

The next day, after work I go there with my tools and I pulled the carrier out. Yep, it was definitely a T-Loc! I even kept the axle tag which was still present. Cool! To boot, its the same ratio as mine 3.25:1. I can't believe how well my patience with finding a 9 inch T-Loc has paid off.

Not much is happening right now, but I will get some more pictures scanned of last fall when I was gutting the interior and stuff.