Byrd Build .. Here we go

[Byrdman]

Hello everyone from Coats NC. After a 31 year military career in the Army and the Reserves, and before my son ZByrd goes into the Air Force, we decided to do this together. I am excited about that! We will not be finished before he starts his training..that's OK - we are not in a great big hurry just spending some time hanging out together. We built the body stand today with a a couple of sturdy saw horses and got the body tucked away for a bit. We also delivered the hinges, F panels and some other hardware to Final Touch Powder coating in Spring Lake NC today. The owner, Roger, gave us a good deal and promised to get right on it. Hopefully on Saturday we can start actually putting stuff on! Byrd

[2bking]

Congratulations! You will enjoy the journey of building together. This forum is a good place to get answers to any question you might have and find solutions to the multitude of problems we all encounter along the way.

What options are you going with? What is your choice of engine, transmission, and rear end?

[Byrdman]

Thanks King! Thinking about a 340 HP 306 (carburetor motor) offered by Ford Racing, and I have ordered the solid axle 8.8 ford rear from FF (still waiting). As far as the transmission goes .. it seems like this HP and Torque combination is at the upper limit of the T-5. Right now I am leaning toward a TKO 600, then if I should decide to increase the HP later there will not be an issue with the trans. What do you mean "multitude of problems?!" :)

[David Hodgkins]

So glad you are getting started. Hey, youre the first build thread in this new forum!

All eyes are on you!

:)

PS just kidding; only maybe 85% will check out this thread! :evil:

[KolonelKraig]

Thank you for your service sir! 28 year veteran of the Air Force here. Both my sons are in the Air Force now.

[fordboy]

Hi...good luck with your build...I'm sure you will enjoy the time with your son. FYI I went with the 302/306 Ford racing motor also, clutch with hydraulic actuator, and Tremec T-5 from Forte...a solid vendor here that supports this forum. He is a great source for parts and knowledge. He had no problem mating the T-5 with that engine and it was a great package price. We go-karted it last week...F'N QUICK !!

[Byrdman]

309933099430995309963099730998Thanks Kolonel and fordboy for those words of encouragement!!

It has almost been a month since I started this thread and well past time to update progress. First, I have learned that the most important tool in this project is patience - which I am not noted for having a lot of; however, I have found that almost every delay I have endured (mostly receiving parts) has given me necessary time to consider different ideas, and has worked out for the best. Zbyrd and I are really having a blast. Update on his AF enlistment - He passed the ASVAB with some very high scores and has passed his physical subject to lab test results. He should have his pick of whatever AF Reserve jobs there are at Seymore Johnson.

We have worked steady on it for the last three weeks, but we have moved pretty deliberately and have taken our time. I think we have made some significant progress. The front suspension and rear end and suspension are in. The pedal box is mounted. The steering is mounted. Gas tank is in. Front and rear brake lines have been installed, and we have started putting in cockpit aluminum. We have used a tube of silicon, and are in the process of wearing out 3 1/8 drill bits.

The one significant change is that we have decided to switch to a Ford AOD automatic transmission. I am told it installs basically in the same bolt holes as the T-5, and I think my family will enjoy the car more. I have decided to use a mechanical fuel pump.

No real wisdom to share that you all have not already experienced. We really have not had any significant problems - knock knock. The manual does an adequate job leading you through it but is not in exact sequence. We appreciate everyone posting there experience. We have referred back to the forums a few times.

Fortunate to have my brother down for a long weekend over the 4th. This has been a great family experience. Happy 4th of July to everyone!! More to follow...

[Engine Factory]

Hi Byrd,

Feel free to look us up on Engine Packages we offer for the MKIVs.
www.fordcobraengines.com
Keep up the great work!
Engine Factory
Thanks - Chris

[Byrdman]

Well, it has been a little more than a year since our last post. It sat idle most of the winter while we studied and made our plan. I am grateful to have a brother, Tracy, who is an electrical genius and can solve most any problem. Also, kudos to my build partner, my son Zachary, who has the inventory of parts and what box everything is in practically memorized. He is also able to keep up with where I lay tools down. Tracy came down from his home up in Richmond for a week this summer (the hottest week in the summer!) and over this labor day weekend, and we were able to make significant progress. Our build has gone pretty much by the book. We chose to put a ford AOD transmission in, so we had to modify the trans mount and fabricate a shifter mount. I will attempt to attach pictures of those things. Today we drove the car down the road and tested all systems. I am happy to report that everything is working great (knock on wood) with not leaks, and everything is tight. The car sounds great, and the transmission is shifting properly. I will attempt to load the video of the first voyage. Thanks again to Zachary and Tracy. Great building partners!! On to the next phase!!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VUW-6swcnY

[jayguy]

Congratulations! Sounds great!

Now it's easier to imagine driving it around once it's done. :)


Jay
(11 years AF)

[Byrdman]

You know it! Jay, thanks and thanks for your service!