Freeze Plugs Replaced

Before Photo
Engine freeze plugs replaced on Nameless 12/17/06.

Freeze plug

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Freeze plugs are a subset of the plugs on a car engine cylinder block or cylinder head. The traditional plug is a thin, domed, disc of metal which fits into a machined hole in the casting and is secured by striking or pressing the centre to expand the disc.

A true Freeze Plug is an expansion plug located in the side of an engine block that is supposed to protect the block against freeze damage. Water expands when it turns to ice, and if the coolant doesn't have enough antifreeze protection it can freeze and crack the engine block. The freeze plugs (there are usually several) are supposed to pop out under such conditions to relieve the pressure on the block.

Most of the plugs to be found on an engine are actually to plug the holes where sand cores have been held. The sand cores are used in the casting process to form internal cavities in the engine block or cylinder head, for cooling water for example, and so should really be refered to as core plugs.

Freeze/core plugs can often be a source of troublesome leaks as a result of internal cooling system corrosion. Ease of replacement depends on accessibility. In many cases the plug area will be difficult to reach and using a mallet to perform maintenance or replacement will be nearly impossible without special facilities. Expanding rubber plugs are available as replacements when access is a problem.

A variety of block heater called a "freeze plug heater" can be installed, replacing the freeze plugs, to warm the engine before start up.

Talk about Plug Replacements

West Coast Rancheros

And so it begins...I am starting a club

Nameless - 4 months later

Friends of Nameless

Northern Cali Rancheros 1st crusie in, Alameda Ca 10/14/06

I ended up hosting the 1st No Cal Ranchero meet-up at the Alameda Naval base. It wasn't my intital idea but I ran with it. We were suppose to meet at the Alameda Swap meet but apparently they cancelled the event and only the vendors knew. I decided to stick it out and host the event in my work parking lot anyways. We had about 6 Rancheros that came and went. There was about five us who stuck around and enjoyed the BBQ. And people who drove from as far as Davis / Santa Rosa to be there. It was funny that we had a lot of people drive in to the lot thinking we were the swap meet.

Rods and Wheels has hosted some shots for us and we do all believe this is the beginning of a good thing.

Rods N Wheels

My Event Photos

One Door Done, another to go...

I was graced with some wonderful assistants today and one of my doors now locks and closes with the orginal hardware.

This is really a great project I have taken on. Some were a little skepticle at first unsure why the heck I would do such a random thing like purchase a project car. But being outdoors, getting dirty and meeting wonderful talented people - who wouldn't want to do it?

I am excited to take on each little project. I might not know how to do it like the pros but by working with people, asking questions and just going for it I am learning a lot.

Its like being back in school and its giving my brain a healthy work out.

Rust and Power Tools

Yesterday, I scraped off rust from the inside of my roof with a wire brush and wiped it down with paint thinner for any extra oils and dirt. And, yes my arms hurt a bit the next day.

Today I pulled out my dads old overalls, bandanna, ball cap worn backwards, face mask and safety goggles (had a doctors face shield/mask but went with goggles but they fogged up a bit) and set-out to use the "Eastwood Rust Encapsulator Black Aerosol 16 oz. Item No. 16060 Z" on the inside of my roof. I considered using "POR-15" but considering the application being upside down I went for the Aerosol.

Before the application I lined the inside of my car with a plastic drop sheet, I should have went to the store to get painters tape but I used what I had on hand a box of binder clips which actually worked out perfectly (pictures will be posted later).

The spray went on really well! By the time I left it looked like it would dry evenly and only need one coat. I managed to get one smudge of paint on my face, unfortunately some up my noise the mask that I had did not keep the particles out, even being outside the fumes were definitely getting me high. So as more painting is needed I will get a better mask.

This took me very little time so I went back to the door hardware project. Empowered with a door handle removal tool certain things became much easier. I was only out done today because of my power tool! I got a Ryobi 7v which is not going to be beefy enough to get me thru a day since I don't currently have power right near the vehicle. I got about 3-screws on the door panels that are beyond screwing out naturally. I was able to use a drill bit (after breaking one) to get the first one out. If I wasn't so intent on moving this part of the project along I should probably go out and buy a hole saw but than I got to think about sizes etc. It appears I made it past the threads with no problem and if the other one's don't work out well these parts can be welded down because they don't need to come off again in my life time.

PS. I learned that 'Deep Woods Off' gets POR-15 off skin. I am sure I will end up using POR-15 on other parts and I will try that if my paint gear doesn't protect me.

Bay Area Ranchero Meet-up Sunday, October 15th

Bay Area Ranchero Meet-up Sunday, October 15th
We are planning to meet-up in the parking lot of the Alameda, Calif. Swap Meet. http://www.turnkeyprod.com/showdates.html

Contact me for more info.
info@thenetworkgirl.com

Nameless gets some bling

I made this from the extra gauge panel trim and a broken Ranchero emblem

Part of this...

Part of this adventure with 'Nameless' is to discover who she is or really who she wants to be. Now I really thought when I got this car it would sit for a long time under a cover but I don't think that is going to happen...things are just happening in a way that won't allow it. I have been looking around on line to find something that clicks in regards to where she can go - there is 100% restorations, mild custom approaches and going Rat Rod.

In my own life I am a mix of many things, practical, minimal accessories with single focal points, few cool things to keep people guessing and all about black. Now in my mind 'Nameless' chose me out so she got to like that style.

This picture totally jumped out at me today:



This one jumped out at me yesterday:

But I do respect 'Nameless' for what she is already with the Rat Rod style of the red rims and white-wall etc. I think it will be a little of this and a little of that to make her unique unto herself.

Head to Toe Body Shots

http://www.networkgirl.com/images/Nameless/index1.htm

Head to Toe Body Shots...Sexy...

More Surprises!!

So this really amazing thing happened Friday night. Someone forwarded me an add from Craigslist. I didn't recognize the email but the ad was for parts for a 1959 RANCHERO!! I immediately called the person who placed the ad because there was a few things I needed. I scheduled an appointment the next day. Was in SF Saturday night and stayed up too late but was totally excited to wake up and go get my parts. The gent selling the parts was a very gracious car enthusiast/mechanic for pre-72 cars. He had purchased the Ranchero to find too much of it was rusted out for a restoration. I totally lucked out in many regards with extra items he threw in just to get them out of his garage but also because another buyer didn't show to buy all the steering / power steering parts! I loaded what would fit in my car and made a second trip tonight. Once again I am amazed by this wonderful car community.

WANTED: PARTS LIST/TO DO

1. Radiator (kinda got it! 7/15, from 59' Edsel - needs to be re-cored)
   
2. Fuel Pump (got it!)
   
3. Steering Wheel (got it! 7/15)
4. Gauges (Tack etc.) (got 2 now, 9/17 got one with fuel gauge)
   
5. Ignition switch (check! got it from a friend of 'Nameless')
   
6. Battery Tray (got it! 7/15)
7. Battery (got it!)
   
8. Ashtray (got it! 7/15)
9. Windshield wipers - all parts needed. (got it! 9/17)
   
10. Finish Pop-locks (scratch that got all new doors)
    
11. All Door Hardware - latches etc. (got it! 9/17)
    
12. Front Grill (custom made on the way...)
    
13. Rear Bumper (got it! 7/15)
    
14. Side Mirrors ( got it! 7/15 - extra got in the mail 8/24)
    
15. Tail-light Lense (8/24 got in the mail! from a friend of 'Nameless')
    

A special surprise today!

I got a special surprise today in the mail from a Birch Bay Cowboy - a taillight lens, a back-up light and 2-fender mirrors for the 59. I am delighted and inspired by the warm welcome I have received into the Ranchero family. A warmth that seems to be prevalent with all the enthusiasts I have interacted with a cross the country.

Maybe the world would be a better place if more people drove 'classics'.


I use to have a 69 Overlander - Airstream ( I cried the night I sold her and wished today I kept her)... but I felt that same sense of community. And as one of the youngest owners that I bumpt into at twenty something of age it was a great feeling that age didn't matter either.


For me personally and maybe for others I appreciate the sense of history it offers... a connection to a time past and lives past that seems more tangible than 'this' world that seems to be as disposable as a Big MAC box and tastes just as bad going down. With very few real opportunities for human connections today its ironic that some aged steal could create such a spark between people.


A special someone in my life also introduced me to the world of VW Vans and the 'hand wave' that almost all of them offer in passing...it may transcend into other breeds of cars too but its just another sign of humanity behind the wheel...

She is Running!

She is Running! more to come on the story of how it happened....

Photo of the Engine

The Engine - 292 V8 Small/Big Block

VIN Code: C
292 cid (4.78 litre)
Maximum hp: 200 @ 4400 rpm
Maximum torque: 285 ft-lb @ 2200 rpm
Minimum compression pressure at cranking speed (lbs): 160
8.8:1 Compression Ratio
3.750 x 3.297 Bore/Stroke
2-bbl Ford carburetor
Fuel: Regular
Carburetor fuel level: 0.910 inches below machined surface
Float setting, dry: 0.450 inches from top surface to top of float
Fast idle cam adjustment: 0.008 - 0.016 inch clearance between cam and adjust screw
Firing order: 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
Distributor rotation (viewed from above): Counter-clockwise
Cylinder numbering (front-to-rear, viewed from front) Left: 1-2-3-4 Right: 5-6-7-8
18mm Champion spark plugs, 0.035 gap
Cam Angle (degrees): 26 - 28.5
Breaker Contact Gap (inches): 0.014 - 0.016
Breaker Point Arm Spring tension (ounces): 17-20
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 0 @ 400 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 0 - 1 @ 450 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 1 - 2 @ 500 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 4 - 5 @ 750 rpm
Centrifugal Spark Advance (degrees): 14 - 15.5 @ 2000 rpm
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 0 - 3 (6.5 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 5 - 8 (10 inches of vacuum)
Vacuum Spark Advance @ 1000 rpm (degrees): 9.5 - 12.5 (15 inches of vacuum)
Ignition Timing with standard transmission: 3 deg BTDC
Ignition Timing with automatic transmission: 6 deg BTDC
Idle speed in Neutral with standard transmission (rpm): 475 - 500
Idle speed in Neutral with automatic transmission (rpm): 450
Generator maximum controlled output (Std): 30 amp, 15 volt @ 2525 generator rpm
Generator maximum controlled output (Air Cond): 40 amp, 12 volt @ 2670 generator rpm
Generator brush tension (ounces): 36 - 40
Gernerator rotation (viewed from drive end): Clockwise
Regulator cut-out relay - Close: 12.4 - 13.2 @ 1200 generator rpm
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Std): 6 - 9 amps reverse current
Regulator cut-out relay - Open (Air Cond): 2 - 6 amps reverse current
Current Regulator - Standard (amps): 28 - 32
Current Regulator - Air Cond (amps): 33 - 37
Voltage Regulator (volts): 14.6 - 15.4 with 5 amp load at 75 degF ambient
Starter motor free running speed: 4500 rpm (85 amps, 12.0 volts)
Starter motor lock torque: 15.5 min ft-lbs (550 amps, 5.0 volts)
Battery cable length - battery to ground (inches): 16.50
Battery cable length - battery to switch (inches): 12.00
Oil Pressure (lbs): 45 - 50
Valve Stem clearance - Intake (inches): 0.019
Valve Stem clearance - Exhaust (inches): 0.019
Valve Timing: Intake valves open at 12 degrees before top dead center
Cooling system capacity - 8-cylinder (qt): 19 (20 if equipped with heater)
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 157 - 162 with alcohol-type antifreeze
Thermostat opening temperature (deg F): 177 - 182 with permanent antifreeze)
Average miles per gallon: 13.7

The 1955 FORD 4.8 L - 1964 FORD 292 ENGINE -- BIG/SMALL BLOCK engine configuration includes a Y-block engine. It is in fact a fully-loaded, sizable 4.8L capacity-rich V8. This is a powerhouse automobile piston engine from Ford Motor Company.

According to online sources its history can be traced back quite some time. It was introduced back in 1954 to replace the Ford L-Head engine and was replaced by the Ford FE engine (on larger cars) and the Ford Windsor engine (on smaller cars) in 1962. It was popular and lasted until 1964 in Ford trucks.

It is worthy to note that Lincoln also introduced its own Y-block in 1952. This particular engine iteration lasted until the 1958 introduction of the MEL. Back to the 55-64 Ford 292 engine.

The 292 (4.8 L) Ford engine is versatile and robust and was also introduced in 1955. It was used in the Ford Thunderbird, and some high-end Ford and Mercury cars. This engine was also used in Ford trucks, namely the F-100, through 1963. It is still popular in the aftermarket and engine parts arena.

Other interesting facts regarding this Ford powerplant that is the 292 4.8L engine:

* Ford Australia released this v8 motor as its only option in the 4 door sedan CUSTOMLINE 1955-59 (based on the crown victoria }and its utility based on the same styling as the customline and called a [MAINLINE}

* Part of the Ford Y-block engine configuration family.

* First introduced in the T-bird and Montclair

* All used four barrel carb in 1955, but horsepower varied, but average around 200 depending with manual or automatic transmissions.

* Bore and stroke: 3.75x3.30 in.

* Following years were produce less horsepower, until its' demise in 1964

Craftsman Tool set - Right of Passage

Ok, so I got a decent size 'Craftsman' tool set and went to get something out of it today to find that everything was bundled up in plastic bags.

Thought I would just put it together before going to bed tonight and found there was very little reason why some stuff was in one bag and other pieces in the other...plus, trying to read the slot names...

ha!ha! is this some odd sort of 'right of passage' -

thee who completes the kit will service their way to freeing himself from the plastic box in the near future by going out and buying a tool box with trays.

And you know one false move picking up the plastic case and everything will fall out! I haven't finished putting it together and the inventory looks a little off (not sure if that happens) but I would almost pay some kid to do this for me.

But on a positive note I was happy to find yesterday that I had most of the other tools I needed already buried away in my closet. Except for the Volt Meter which I also had to buy with the 'Craftsman' set. I have been an odd tool whore over the years, not knowing why I kept them but now I am glad I did.

The Goods on 'Nameless'

It was great spending some quiet time with 'Nameless' today.

I have 2-pages of notes which I will translate in detail later...but to get started...I wrote down anything that had a name or number.

It sat in a storage for at least a year and is over 50 years old so I Lubed up the moving parts. Added some oil for the 'test' to see if the engine would turn over and was not seized. ...I was able to fiddle with the hood a bit and lube it up and got it close and open with the pulley inside the car. The fan for the radiator was not turning so I lubed it up and that loosened it up and than I discovered a bad washer that should be replaced but it now turns freely. I pulled the pieces that were left on the rear tail light and straightened out the plate that was all bent. The damage from the accident will make this one a difficult task and I may rig up a temporary solution just to keep the cops happy till it can be done right.

Has:

Clock

Radio (TBD if works)

Heater / Gauges

Hoses and Fan for radiator

Edelbrock

Aif Filter: PZA170056S21083 (Canada)

Radiator Mounts to frame " between mounts 26" x 11"

Holley

Echlin VR 428 Voltage Regulator

Cornell 855 Ties P215175R14 - All 4 tires have great tread!

SJ85808 - part TBD right drivers side corner

EBV85942 - radiator hose attached to part

5780796 - number on engine behind fan and their was a symbol inside a circle.

It was hard to read the numbers so I grabbed some paper and a pencil and ran over it - it made it a little easier to translate.

By the time I had this all noted. One of 'Nameless' new friends stopped by. He was very excited about the car and generally a Chevy man but 'Nameless' charmed him and he really appreciated her rear end. A few other items he added to the 'has' list: Painless Wiring Harness, Fuel Pump - electric is set-up for already / Vacuum lines tapped up, 7 springs on rear, 3-speed, Ford 9"

He also noted that what I thought was just PAINT OVER THE TRIM was Fiberglass Bondo OVER THE TRIM which I really can't believe they did over the trim - they should have taken it off!

And he noticed the threads on the steering wheel piece were messed up a bit...When the car got towed over behind a pick-up I was given a vice grip to steer with and it may have messed things up because it roughed up the threads for the steering wheel - hopefully not to bad.

He did the 'test' to see if the engine would turn over and it DID! Yeh, that is a good thing and with the proper tools the 'test' wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be - 'turning over' seemed like a big to do. More on the how to later...

DAY 1 - Nameless is Decoded

I spent from 4:30pm-8:00pm with 'Nameless' she told me a lot and I have so much info from investing the time that I need to sort through and type it up for reference. MUCH GOOD NEWS! She is a beauty under her skin.

To start here is the data plate info: Decoder Ring

Serial:C9RF186754
C: engine code - 292CID, 2bbl. carburetor, Y block
9: model year - 1959
R: Assembly plant - San Jose (that's cool she is a local girl!!)
F: Body style code - Ranchero
186754: consecutive unit number

Body: 66C - 1959 Ranchero
Body Color: see attached picture
C - Wedgewood Blue
E - Colonial White
Z - Platinum
Trim: 39 - "Radiant Blue sof-textured vinyl bolster and blue Shantung
pattern vinyl"
Date: 01 G - July 1st
Trans: 4 - Cruise-o-matic, non over-drive
Axle: 3 - 3.70:1 ratio

Wow! that sounds cool what is
Cruise-O-Matic

The original Cruise-O-Matics used a torque converter and planetary gearsets, giving three forward speeds plus reverse. In some applications, Ford offered a dual-range option allowing the driver to start in either first gear or second gear.

Ford dropped the "Cruise-O-Matic" tradename during the 1970s; in the 1950s and early 1960s promoting the automatic transmission as a feature was a standard practice among automakers as they were relatively new. By the late 1970s most cars had automatics as standard equipment and there was no reason to especially call attention to them. The transmissions were marketed as the Merc-O-Matic when installed in Mercury vehicles.

The story of Day 1 is to be continued after I shower and eat BUT

I am happy with my first day under the hood (which I was able to get to close) it was more productive than most of my work day. Our company server went down - the burning smell led them to the problem and than the internet went down which no one could figure out. I was VERY happy to spend time with 'Nameless' after all of that, picking and looking around it was wonderful how it all made sense.