so i accidently bought a car and started a challenge team last night. have questions.

Yowza, fellas, That looks great!

Thanks!!! Im happy with it.

Tons done! Really interested to see where it goes from here. I bet the car is much more solid feeling after the cage work and all the welding. Very cool.

This thing has really come along. Wow, it looks awesome!

Yes!

Challenge Budget: Car/parts $200 Donor Lincoln town car: 410 Engine crossmember: 120 Sold transmission crossmember from Lincoln: 10 Sold rear axle from lincoln: -50 Scrapped what was left of lincoln: -89 trans cooler: 2 Engine swap: 5.0 plus 300 boot Sold kelstar wheels-200 (cant recoup more than we spent) 2x2 angle iron, tractor supply 12.05 Brand new Watkins glen nascar slicks and wheels, which were bought for $50, and promptly sold to Dallas dad for $50 and some weld wheels with really old drag slicks. So, slicks were $0, but $50 taken out of the recoup limit. $5 grant wheel and hub (smaller diameter wheel gives more feedback. Well see if it stays. BOOM TUBES!!!! ($25, with brackets) 6 5/8 heim and jamb nuts, as well as threaded tube for the front suspension: $65 Pair of aluminum seats, $40. Sheet of flame retardant high density foam $10 Fire suppression system parts (not included in challenge budget. But ive had 2nd degree burns on the boys before, so were getting safety gear come hell or high water) Long tube headers for 66-67 mustang 10 Solid steel lowering blocks, with the holes drilled to offset the rear axle rearwards. $5 1/4 plate, scrap metal yard: 7.50 Mustang convertible mounts 22 Bending plate cost 25 Swedged tubing, ebay: 31.90 Threaded adjusters and 650lb springs, SRI performance: 65 4 used billstein shocks, pull-a-part: 28 Cage materials: 271.40 Spool welding wire: 33 Leaf spring sliders: 40 Gauge cluster: 32 ebay Clamps for spring adjusters: 23.59

New challenge budget total: 1434.44

On Monday. Dallas and I spent a lot of time finishing filling holes, welding details, and smoothing welds. Tuesday night, Steve came over and fitted the dash bar, one of the rear leg braces, and picked up the clamps for the front suspension for a little touch up machining. Wednesday, Dallas picked up the car to transport back to his place. He spent Wednesday night and Thursday night cleaning, scraping, removing undercoating, stripping the floor pans and engine bay, and getting us ready for paint. He also cleaned and painted the transmission. Paint was a half used can of cast coat aluminum he had on the shelf. This is all Dallas, by himself. I'm really impressed by this. Really impressed. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/J_zpsuso5ygrk.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/F_zpsxvmujtqo.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/G_zps0zx8f0ss.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/V_zps4t6ukgm2.jpg.html][/URL]

Friday night, i went over after work to help. We did more of the same, and started to wipe down for paint. I didn't take any pictures, and neither did he. I did do a little shopping on the way home though, in preparation for Saturday. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/V_zps4t6ukgm2.jpg.html][/URL] Thats a whole lotta crap in the trunk of a miata that doesn't count towards the Challenge budget.

Saturday rolled around. Sunny, cold, and windy. Perfect painting conditions! So, Dallas, Dustin, garret, and I got an early start at about 11am by drinking coffee and staring at things. We decided that the car was not going to paint itself around 11:30, and decided to actually do something. We vacuumed, used the air nozzle in all the nooks and crannies, taped up all the exterior paint and door jambs with a combination of plastic landscaping sheeting, floor underlayment paper, used making tape, cardboard, painters tape, and sheets. Pushed it up onto some old ramps from a used car dealership out in the field, and hosed the underside with brake-clean and wiped the interior and engine bay with lacquer thinner. Now, a not about the thinner. Garret scored a half full 5 gallon can from a job site sometime last year for free, and we used about a half gallon throughout the process. Since he didn't pay anything for it, we don't feel bad about not including it in our budget even though we used some to mix with the tractor paint to thin it to spray it. If this is wrong, let me know. Anyway, this is how you DONT prep a car for paint. Also, as Mr safety, since the ramps were pretty wobbly, we used a rope and tied off to a backhoe for added stability. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/A_zpspbwkberm.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/P_zpsleefssgf.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/U_zpsrwvmh1pq.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/Y_zps9abdunis.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/E_zpsytgtltra.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_132606_zpsigqyecfx.jpg.html][/URL] So up next was spraying the industrial enamel. None of us has ever used an HVLP gun before. Or any kind of sprayer. But I watched a few other guys do it, and I figured it couldn't be that damned hard. So I volunteered to be the spray guy. Dustin works at a paint store, so he was paint mixer. Dallas was gopher, and garret was designated beer drinker. We first tried loading a little into the gun straight from the can. Did not spray. So then Dustin started cutting it with “enough” Lacquer thinner. Unknown what ratio, but generally 2/3 paint, 1/3 thinner mixed straight in the guns. Worked good enough once I figured out what all the knobs did. We also made sure to take the minimum number of safety precautions possible. After all, I am mr safety... Sunglasses, long sleeves, and a toboggan to keep paint out of my hair. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_143454_zpsm6zsdysg.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/SubstandardFullSizeRender_1_zpszewvzj5q.jpg.html][/URL] Three heavy coats later (almost the whole gallon of paint) we pushed the car back inside and unwrapped it. Pretty damn happy with how it turned out! [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173038_zpsijnqx8rb.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173054_zpssk7sdi4i.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173047_zps9quhsz9u.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173039_zpskcjplsxn.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173139_zpsy48ratvf.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173214_zpsqgnqwhtz.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173230_zpsflplliva.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_173239_zpsof95bgez.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_180903_zps7znr3pcf.jpg.html][/URL]

[URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_185355_zpsstumptjp.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_180844_zpskfscguzz.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170128_185513_zpsr3dybhdh.jpg.html][/URL] Later this week, well try to get the drivetrain back in it, and start reassembly and plumbing.

pres589 wrote: Tons done! Really interested to see where it goes from here. I bet the car is much more solid feeling after the cage work and all the welding. Very cool.

when I got it, if you jacked up one corner none of the doors would open and the hodd would hit the fender. now, you can all but pick up three wheels from any jacking point. its amazing. I'm looking forward to driving a truly stiff chassis for the first time ever.

Challenge Budget: Car/parts $200 Donor Lincoln town car: 410 Engine crossmember: 120 Sold transmission crossmember from Lincoln: 10 Sold rear axle from lincoln: -50 Scrapped what was left of lincoln: -89 trans cooler: 2 Engine swap: 5.0 plus 300 boot Sold kelstar wheels-200 (cant recoup more than we spent) 2x2 angle iron, tractor supply 12.05 Brand new Watkins glen nascar slicks and wheels, which were bought for $50, and promptly sold to Dallas dad for $50 and some weld wheels with really old drag slicks. So, slicks were $0, but $50 taken out of the recoup limit. 6 5/8 heim and jamb nuts, as well as threaded tube for the front suspension: $65 Pair of aluminum seats, $40 and on;y usng 1 so $20. . Sheet of flame retardant high density foam $10 Fire suppression system parts (not included in challenge budget. But ive had 2nd degree burns on the boys before, so were getting safety gear come hell or high water) Solid steel lowering blocks, with the holes drilled to offset the rear axle rearwards. $5 1/4 plate, scrap metal yard: 7.50 Mustang convertible mounts 22 Bending plate cost 25 Swedged tubing, ebay: 31.90 Threaded adjusters and 650lb springs, SRI performance: 65 2 used billstein shocks, pull-a-part: 14 Cage materials: 271.40 Spool welding wire: 33 Leaf spring sliders: 40 Clamps for spring adjusters: 23.59 Adjustable brake bias valve 18 (amazon) 2 cans of flat black spray paint (lowes project source) .97 ea Half melted, used 21 circuit ez wiring harness cut from my duster after the mice chewed it up and it had a meltdown. $5 is what I was quoted as FMV due to the fact that copper prices are down. Accessories and flexplate: see link in update New challenge budget total: 1233.38

Little budget housekeeping first: We removed the long tubes (10), boom tubes (25), gauge cluster (32) one seat (20, and only for the challenge. You will see it throughout the rest of the thread, but not at the event coverage), 2 bilstein shocks (14) and grant steering wheel (5 may return). Reason being that we needed to cut the budget due to expected expenses (shifter, u-joints, fuel line tubing, hoses, electrical, steering box, linkages, etc). We are going to make it to the challenge. Maybe not with the car we had planned, but the one we built. I have purchased an adjustable brake bias valve (18, not budget exempt due to not stock replacement) and a roll of nicopp tubing (budget exempt for safety). I need to figure out what the 2 half used rolls of 3/8 steel fuel line tube are worth (current price for a 25 foot roll is 32 at the parts store, but im not sure that there's actually 25 foot worth left between the two. They have been in my storage for YEARS. I need to figure out what scraps of 3/8 fuel line are worth, as I have a box full of 4-8 inch pieces. Need to figure out what a used and noisy fuel pump is worth (i paid 13 for it new, was noisy as hell, pulled it off, got a refund from the seller, and replaced it with a different e2000 pump. Need to figure out what a cobbled together nitrous kit is worth (4 solenoids, 2 plates, an msd retard box, brackets, line, bottle, misc chunks that we cobbled together from leftovers in our sheds years ago and I bought from Dustin and dallas’s stashes for all you can eat Chinese dinner. I used the number 32 in my duster build thread when I got it back then, as I think thats what dinner cost me). Need to figure out what 2 used cans of ford blue, and a half used can of cast coat iron are worth. Please advise!!!

On the accessories front, short version is the guy we worked the deal with on the 5..0-302 swap has vanished without completing the transaction. Long version in the link: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/truth-is-stranger-than-fiction-challenge-budget-question/126281/page1/

So when we got the ruling, dallas got to work. He pulled the accessories from the 5.0 and flexplate, and water pump (different for serpentine), sandblasted and painted. While he was at it, he painted the engine with 2 different cans and brands of ford blue that he had in the cabinet from when his dad restored a mustang, sandblasted and painted everything else that was loose. He ran out of blue before getting the valve covers done, so we shot those in black. Same with the crossmember, engine mounts, brackets, etc. All the concourse points at that challenge that we score will be because of his hard work doing restoration quality detailing. Im amazed at his dedication. Its also proven to be very therapeutic for him to clean and paint stuff, as it helps him to focus on something other than the divorce. Which is GOOD.

Anyway, when I got to the shop last night, this is what we had:

[URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_175814_zps7v9rlxg7.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_175826_zpsqzxddhw1.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_175835_zpsjnpp8wqy.jpg.html][/URL]

We then proceeded to do this: [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_192022_zpsbydn0ueq.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_192027_zpsm6dk0tp7.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_194504_zpssmqmmork.jpg.html][/URL]

Which resulted a couple hours later in this: [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_212846_zpsfcyejqzx.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_212915_zpsjh7e8oqh.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_220603_zpszuqnidb2.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_220610_zpslirrrddf.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_220617_zps7vrdmld8.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_221025_zpspg6mhycp.jpg.html][/URL]

We got really lucky. Power steering pump is super close to the box.... [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170209_212930_zpsjp202r4q.jpg.html][/URL]

I can fit a finger in between at the closest point, so I guess were good.

Challenge Budget: Car/parts $200

Donor Lincoln town car: 410

Engine crossmember: 120

Sold transmission crossmember from Lincoln: 10 Sold rear axle from lincoln: -50 Scrapped what was left of lincoln: -89

trans cooler: 2

Engine swap: 5.0 plus 300 boot

Sold kelstar wheels-200 (cant recoup more than we spent)

2x2 angle iron, tractor supply 12.05

Brand new Watkins glen nascar slicks and wheels, which were bought for $50, and promptly sold to Dallas dad for $50 and some weld wheels with really old drag slicks. So, slicks were $0, but $50 taken out of the recoup limit.

6 5/8 heim and jamb nuts, as well as threaded tube for the front suspension: $65

Pair of aluminum seats, $40 and on;y usng 1 so $20. .

Sheet of flame retardant high density foam $10

Fire suppression system parts (not included in challenge budget. But ive had 2nd degree burns on the boys before, so were getting safety gear come hell or high water)

Solid steel lowering blocks, with the holes drilled to offset the rear axle rearwards. $5

1/4 plate, scrap metal yard: 7.50

Mustang convertible mounts 22

Bending plate cost 25

Swedged tubing, ebay: 31.90

Threaded adjusters and 650lb springs, SRI performance: 65

2 used billstein shocks, pull-a-part: 14

Cage materials: 271.40

Spool welding wire: 33

Leaf spring sliders: 40

Clamps for spring adjusters: 23.59

Adjustable brake bias valve 18 (amazon)

2 cans of flat black spray paint (lowes project source) .97 ea

Half melted, used 21 circuit ez wiring harness cut from my duster after the mice chewed it up and it had a meltdown. $5 is what I was quoted as FMV due to the fact that copper prices are down.

Accessories and flexplate: see link in update

Battery cables and relays, pull-a-part: 12.75

Steering box, pull-a-part: 27.50

25feet 3/8 steel fuel line, ebay: 25.75

Bypass fuel pressure regulator, ebay: 29.23

Used and noisy fuel pump: 6.50

Used mix and match nitrous kit: 32

Used cast coat aluminum paint: 3.50 (advance price is $7 new, and the can was half empty)

Two half cans of ford engine blue $7

Shifters: 7.50 (bought 2 from a forum member for 15, only need one. So 7.50)

3/8 plastic line clamps, lowes: 1.78

1/2 metal line clamps, lowes: 3.48

Throttle return springs and brackets: 5

New challenge budget total: 1395.37

So, ive gotten the budget caught up with the spending.

Heres pictures. The pull-a-part haul: [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170212_082604_zps9kzdbmks.jpg.html][/URL] Theres more there than what they charged us for, due to the fact that we were arrested. But only temporarily. For trespassing. See, the alarm for closing never went off, and we were drug out by the cops. When the manager figured out that we weren't lying thieves, she told us to come back in the morning (140 mile round trip) to pay, and that she would take care of us. She did. Only charged us for 3 cables, gave us the relays, gave us the u-joints, and knocked off the core on the steering box due to our inconvenience and their technical difficulties. Next, the haul of crap I pulled from my storage area. This thread explains how we came up at FMV for this. https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/rambling-fmv-questions/126372/page1/#post2232495 [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170218_165537_zpstyslrfpp.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170219_100949_zpslpoajnss.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170219_101044_zps3fnpi4ic.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170219_101546_zpsi50qaior.jpg.html][/URL] I fpund the console we pulled out of the AMC in my storage area. Under layers of crap I havent used in years. I dont know if it will fot or be useful, so it may just hit the scrap pile. The shifters. Floor shifters from an AOD ford product. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170219_101324_zps5o3dnz0t.jpg.html][/URL] Throttle return springs that didn't fit the duster. Got these at the autofair this past fall, and then forgot they existed. I think I gave 5 bucks. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170219_101424_zpsraac8ckk.jpg.html][/URL]

Lastly, were working on exhaust. The goal is to make the shorty headers we got with the engine fit, so we can modify the exhaust I got with the car and use it. All about the money on this one. The headers hit everywhere. The collector hit the block on the drivers side. So Dallas, being the wonderful redneck he is, got out the oxy-acetaline and backhoe to move the collector. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170213_172955_zps3plw7gny.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170213_173000_zpslnrx46ev.jpg.html][/URL] [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170213_173201_zpshaytcjqx.jpg.html][/URL]

That one kind of fits now. More to do.

The goal this weekend is to get the fluid lines plumbed, battery box and main cables in, seats mounted, cage finished, and suspension finished. Weve got 2.5 days. Dallas and me Friday night, Steve and me Saturday, Dallas and me Sunday. Expect updates next week!

Does your team have a name yet?

Dusterbd13 wrote: Lastly, were working on exhaust. The goal is to make the shorty headers we got with the engine fit, so we can modify the exhaust I got with the car and use it. All about the money on this one. The headers hit everywhere. The collector hit the block on the drivers side. So Dallas, being the wonderful redneck he is, got out the oxy-acetaline and backhoe to move the collector. [URL=http://s54.photobucket.com/user/dusterbd13/media/amc/20170213_173201_zpshaytcjqx.jpg.html][/URL] That one kind of fits now. More to do.

I'm sorry but could we all just take a moment to fully appreciate what you did here? I just. I. Uh. WOW.

In reply to pres589:

Hadn't thought about it until now. Maybe team backhoe? Or team scope creep?

In reply to maschinenbau:

Is that because genius or insanity?

Man, I hate it when I accidentally buy another car!

In reply to Dusterbd13:

I think team name is a requirement for Challenge paperwork. Plus, you know, jackets...

Dusterbd13 wrote: In reply to maschinenbau: Is that because genius or insanity?

Yes

The more I think about it, i think that the team neame will be "team scope creep "

Now for a logo and t shirts....

I'm pretty disappointed that no one has suggested Team Ramrod.

Just wanted to say how awesome this thread is. So much effort being thrown at this chassis. The end result will be awesome.

Remind me again if these can "easily" accept a 4.0 Jeep inline 6.

In reply to Scooter:

Yes the 4.0 will bolt right in. It was originally a 258 car which was the predecessor to the 4.0. As far as I understand it it's a little bit of mix and match and drop it in.

We're back, ho!

Dusterbd13 wrote: The more I think about it, i think that the team neame will be "team scope creep " Now for a logo and t shirts....

Found this. Maybe this could work:

dusterbd13, I'm cornfused....the frontend loader was used to hold down the block holding the header while a team member pried up on the collector?

In reply to 759NRNG:

I think so. His pictures were sent via text, with the captions of "i made it fit. With diesel power."

Bonus points for naming the 90s song i know he was referencing.

Complete WAG here... Diesel Power by The Prodigy??