1969 GTX....The T stands for tetanus

[threewood]

Carnage!!!

After bottoming it, I was worried about the pickup being messed up so it had to come off. And as it is easier, I ordered a new pan and pickup. Dropped the link and the pan came right out. As much damage as it took it didn't spill one drop of oil!

 

[threewood]

Great day. Replaced the pan. Changed the filter and oil, used VR1 10W30, refilled the radiator and used RMI-25 cleaner and conditioner. Fired right up and I drove it around a bit getting it to 4k and in between. Traction is an issue lol. Punching the gas while cruising around 35 to 45 mph lights the tires up and sends the *** end out!! No overheating issues and it ran great. I also swapped out the wire set for a Moroso 7mm set which fit much better.

Honestly I was worried about the double spring set recommended by Hughes. 155/430lbs is a bunch of pressure for flat tappets but so far so good. I haven't been able to wind it up because of the lack of traction but hopefully no issues.

And I have a buddy with a plasma cutter that is going to cut out the templates I made for the skid plate.

 

[threewood]

Overkill. I wanted 3/16" but left with 1/4" since it was set up on the plasma table already. Got it cut and welded. It fits pretty good and should destroy whatever gets in its way. I'll get it welded to the K member later.

 

[Glenwood]

Overkill. I wanted 3/16" but left with 1/4" since it was set up on the plasma table already. Got it cut and welded. It fits pretty good and should destroy whatever gets in its way. I'll get it welded to the K member later.
View attachment 436155 View attachment 436157

looks good! that should do the trick

 

[daytona kid]

Bulldozer technology! Me likey..

 

[threewood]

This plate will destroy whatever gets in its way!!! Protects the pan like a momma bear protects her cub

 

[threewood]

Baby's first bath! I needed some shots for the insurance agent so i pulled her out and washed her up. No leaks that I can detect. I still need to cut and buff the paint but it is waaay too hot this week.

 

[69 GTX]

Skid plate looks good!

 

[threewood]

Got it out and put about 10 miles on it last night and got some overheat issues when idling. And the high beams short the system out so I am done dealing with it...getting a relay kit for the lights.

Installed a 20" fan today and it pulls nice, cool air through the whole radiator (a shop rag gets pulled onto the front). I also added more base timing to get my vacuum up a bit and alleviate more heat. I am at 21*btdc on initial and I welded my mechanical up to 14* so total is 35*, all in just over 2000rpms.

And I think I need friction modifier for my diff because once it warms up it gets real grabby and pops when going around corners and turning. I haven't pulled the wheels yet to rule out a grabby brake but it rolls in a straight line very easily. I am really tempted to get an Eaton Trutrac down the road.

 

[69 GTX]

How hot did it get down there yesterday? Post up a picture of your fan. Glad your getting some miles on her.

 

[Glenwood]

a relay kit for the lighting sounds like a good idea. Where does it get installed?

 

[Billccm]

The relay kit is a great upgrade and something all cars should have, but I'm not so sure it will cure your shorting issue. If you still have a short on the lead that powers the high beam between the relay and switch, it will still sink lots of current.

 

[Glenwood]

The relay kit is a great upgrade and something all cars should have, but I'm not so sure it will cure your shorting issue. If you still have a short on the lead that powers the high beam between the relay and switch, it will still sink lots of current.

Those floor mounted switches tend to be the culprit as the body holding the contacts tends to fall apart. A relay kit is smart and something I'll look into on mine as well.

 

[dryheat]

Really nice work Mark!!!! Since your GTX is road worthy now I thinks it's time for me to send you my 64 Polara and I will store the GTX in my garage for you. While it's here I will give a shakedown run (or 40) for you too at no charge.

 

[threewood]

How hot did it get down there yesterday? Post up a picture of your fan. Glad your getting some miles on her.

About 114*. I'll get pictures of the fan when I get home.

 

[threewood]

The relay kit is a great upgrade and something all cars should have, but I'm not so sure it will cure your shorting issue. If you still have a short on the lead that powers the high beam between the relay and switch, it will still sink lots of current.

I can't find a short anywhere. It has to be a connection and I swapped the headlight switch and dimmer switch so I have no clue. The relay pulls much less power.

 

[69 GTX]

About 114*.

I'm sure that didn't help the overheating! I've heard to run a 60/40 mix water:antifreeze with water wetter also helps.

 

[threewood]

Really nice work Mark!!!! Since your GTX is road worthy now I thinks it's time for me to send you my 64 Polara and I will store the GTX in my garage for you. While it's here I will give a shakedown run (or 40) for you too at no charge.

It's too hot to drive anywhere except in the dead of night lol. How is your Polara coming along?

 

[threewood]

I'm sure that didn't help the overheating! I've heard to run a 60/40 mix water:antifreeze with water wetter also helps.

It was the best test imho. All I have in it is RMI 25 coolant treatment and water as I plan to flush it again.
With the new fan, it is 3/4" gap to the shroud and pulls air pretty good. I idled it while tuning for 30 minutes during the afternoon and it never creeped up. I drove it around after tuning and it runs nice.

 

[threewood]

For the insurance, I was happy to hear the adjuster say it was undervalued at $25k so I bumped it up to $30k. I only have roughly $20,500 into it.