new Del Rio project

[billd5string]

I used gasman826's suggestion and just filled up the carb, sprayed a quick shot of starter fluid and the old girl started right up.  It was idling pretty smooth - I am astounded. I have already ordered a new water pump, time to move onto the brakes.

I only let it run for a minute or so, waited a few minutes while I dance around the driveway, then tried to start it again, and she started right up. I am completely astounded.

[canadian_ranchero]

What motor/trans did you replace it with?

lincoln mark 8 4.6 auto,almost done.see my post under engine swaps

[djfordmanjack]

I vote for 312 power in a D code Del Rio !

[RICH MUISE]

If mine had a 312 oem engine, it wouldn't have ended up with the 4.6 dohc I also installed. With that said, I couldn't be happier with my decision to go the new school route.

[billd5string]

Thanks for the input, guys. I put the new fuel pump in this morning, and reached in, turned the key, and she started right up. I haven't got the new water pump yet, so I didn't leave it running for more than a minute, but it sure sounds good.

I shifted it into drive and the wheels turned (it is on jackstands and master cylinder is fried). So at this point, I am definately going to stick with the stock motor and tranny. I am anxious now to get the brakes finished and go for a drive. Oh yeah, I'll have to do something about the seat also.

[billd5string]

I got the old water pump pulled out. No question on why it was locked up. The radiator flushed out pretty well, and I pulled the thermostat out and flushed out the engine, it came out pretty clean too - still had anti-freeze in there.

The small tube on the thermostat housing is half rotted away though, so I will try to find a new one.

[Zapato]

That is the nastiest water pump I have ever seen. Did it even spin?

Zap-

[billd5string]

That is the nastiest water pump I have ever seen. Did it even spin?

Nope! It's pretty much solid.

[junior58]

I'm so glad that the ol' 312 has fired up and that you are now going to keep it in place. My once-frozen 312 purrs along nicely, never been apart other than stripping and cleaning up the rocker shafts and rockers. Uses very little oil, no more you'd expect from a 59 year old engine, but doesn't blow any smoke. Hope yours goes as well as mine.

[lalessi1]

Thanks for the input, guys. I put the new fuel pump in this morning, and reached in, turned the key, and she started right up. I haven't got the new water pump yet, so I didn't leave it running for more than a minute, but it sure sounds good.

I shifted it into drive and the wheels turned (it is on jackstands and master cylinder is fried). So at this point, I am definately going to stick with the stock motor and tranny. I am anxious now to get the brakes finished and go for a drive. Oh yeah, I'll have to do something about the seat also.

In the '60s I once test drove my car sitting on a bucket! That was how excited I was...

[John Palmer]

In the '60s I once test drove my car sitting on a bucket! That was how excited I was...

That's funny..............I always used a Milk Crate!

Not sure how we lived through the 1960's?

[KYBlueOval]

That's funny..............I always used a Milk Crate!

Not sure how we lived through the 1960's?

Milk crate was my choice as well. Why are we alive today?

[hiball3985]

The one I used was still made from wood., I think it was a 7 UP.

[Ford Blue blood]

I was not as sophisticated......used a little "kiddy" chair.  Still have it for working the loooong sides of cars while striping paint with the DA.  Yes, it is amazing we survived without government "help".

[hiball3985]

I was not as sophisticated......used a little "kiddy" chair.  Still have it for working the loooong sides of cars while striping paint with the DA.  Yes, it is amazing we survived without government "help".

I'm sure in the future all kids will be required to be in bubble wrap