Arne's non-Porsche projects - Now a 1969 Bronco

[Arne2]

The exhaust ran through hooker headers (still have them as a keepsake)...

Headers for the 2.8L are hard to find these days. Don't let them go until you are SURE you have no more use for them.

[Arne2]

A day later than expected, but my Capri is functional once again, after all the oil leak remediation and new cooling parts. Runs a little crisper than before, since I had set the ignition timing by ear because I couldn't find the timing marks in all the oily grunge down there. Now that the marks are visible, I found I had the timing at about 1° BTDC, rather than the 12° the factory called for. That was quickly corrected.

Almost everything seems to work fine, save the vacuum-operated heater valve. I had that working before, but didn't test it after the last work on the dash. Shouldn't be too hard to track down. Other than that, it starts easily, runs cleanly, no leaks so far, gauges all work. Steering will probably be a little more responsive with the new coupler and rack mount bushings.

Starting to plan the A/C refresh now.

[Arne2]

Since my last post(s), I've been catching up with some of the little things, as the project is definitely nearing it's end. I've tweaked the center bearing on the driveshaft to eliminate a vibration during decel, tracked down a couple more glitches in the vastly over-complicated factory A/C air handler box, and recovered and reinstalled the headrests. Most of the A/C refurb parts have been ordered, and I expect the last few by late tomorrow.

I had to make a change in plan on the A/C, normally on a project like this I'd convert to a modern Sanden compressor. But the installation on the Cologne V6 is tight, and the Sanden is too long. So a new R134a-compatible York-style compressor is part of the still incoming parts.

Tomorrow morning I'm going to take the Capri to a cars & coffee hosted by the local PCA.

[Arne2]

The Capri was a surprise guest at the local PCA C&C this morning. Runs great, comfy and solid. No rattles. Can't wait to get the A/C running again though...

Will probably be ready to sell by the end of the month.

[blueline]

The Capri was a surprise guest at the local PCA C&C this morning. Runs great, comfy and solid. No rattles. Can't wait to get the A/C running again though...

Will probably be ready to sell by the end of the month.

Looks at home and content in the P-crowd. Nice!

[Tom]

Just great, now I want a Capri. Looks fantastic! Interior looks better than new, literally...

[Arne2]

Interior looks better than new, literally...

It is better than new in a couple ways. The new, thin ABS skin on the dash pad will never crack, and the new seat covers are much better vinyl than the budget stuff Ford used.

[Arne2]

A funny thing happened this weekend—to use the common real estate phrase, the Capri is now "Sale Pending".

No, it's not totally finished, I'm still working on the A/C and a couple of other little details. But a person who's been following the progress online drove several hundred miles to come see the car now, and decided they needed to tie the car up now, before others might jump in. Didn't take long to agree on a price. I will finish the car over the next couple of weeks before it is picked up.

The primary thing I'm now working on is the A/C. I had all 3 hoses rebuilt using the original hose ends (save 1). I'm waiting for a binary pressure switch port fitting to splice into the hose from the accumulator to the expansion valve. Planning to evac and charge late next week.

And not long after that, the deal should be wrapped up.

[996C438]

Congratulations on the sale .

[Arne2]

Time for the big goodbye to the Capri. The sale was final today. I'll be finishing a couple of details, then packing it up and storing it away to await transport.