Project Sleeper

[never]

A few people have asked so I figured I should make a build thread...now that things are starting to progress.

The car is a 1986 Mercury Marquis...not a Grand Marquis. It's a Fox chassis car so it's basically a 4-door Ford Mustang. The awesome part is that almost everything for a Mustang bolts right in.

I bought it from an 83 year old gentleman and it had 118,000 km on it. The car was in great shape and didn't have any rust on it. The paint is in desperate need of a polish and there were several minor nicks where the previous driver may have misjudged how close things were.

Nothing done to it yet at this point:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/011_zpsdd803fe2.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_2990_zps778b5500.jpg

The plan is to do an LS swap with a turbo and build it up as a street legal drag car. I'll have to review the IHRA and NHRA rule books but I'm planning to build it to be legal to run up to 8.50s. I recently pulled the motor/trans/wiring/etc. and have a bunch of suspension/chassis parts waiting to go in. I'm going to set it up in the garage and get going on it right away. The other current major steps are finalizing the parts list, figuring out vendors and ordering everything.

Test fitting the ET Radial Pros (won't be using these wheels, just wanted to see clearance with the tire):

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3798_zpsebcf55a6.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3799_zps1ed66f9c.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3800_zps224da3d4.jpg

Engine/trans coming out:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4322_zps1f4879d2.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4331_zps54211aa4.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_43332_zpsb749cbe7.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4334_zps7f3cc9fe.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4346_zpsefda614b.jpg

It's going to be a great sleeper!

[ExtraSlow]

I like where this is headed!

[CanmoreOrLess]

I had a coworker who was really into sleepers, he came from a family of sleeper builders. His reaction to whenever I suggested this or that for his current big Olds: "Does it make it go faster?".

I stopped suggesting anything as he was right. Keeping it real is the goal.

[xnvy]

So this is what you were talking about at GE... I'm excited to see the progress on this. :burnout:

[KRyn]

Cool project, looking forward to following along.

[DeleriousZ]

Cool man, definitely a sleeper. For some odd reason, it looks weird having 4 bolt hubs/wheels on that car. I'm sure that's what it is stock, but it just looks off to me lol.

[never]

Thanks guys, should be fun. And it'll be just a little bit of a change from what I was driving/racing before.


Originally posted by DeleriousZ
Cool man, definitely a sleeper. For some odd reason, it looks weird having 4 bolt hubs/wheels on that car. I'm sure that's what it is stock, but it just looks off to me lol.

Yeah, no kidding...must have saved Ford a bunch of money going 4-bolt on most of their cars during that time.

Good news is a 5-bolt conversion is happening on this car. Already have the 5-bolt spindles mounted to the tubular k-member for the front...plus updated brakes with 5-bolt rotors are on the way. And when I order the race axles out back, just have to check the 5x4.5 box and I'm good to go.

[89s1]

Nice!

I like me a good sleeper.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[vengie]

Subscribed, this will be an awesome build!

[D. Dub]

I'm old. My young family had one of those in the mid 90's -- it was a horrible thing. A perfect sleeper.

Cant wait to see this car progress.

[Gary@UrbanX]

Sad to see you part with your beast, hope the new owner treats her well. This is going to be a sweet build though! Definitely going to follow your progress.:thumbsup:

[LSChevelle]

Nice! Turbo LS, I heard those are fun!! :burnout: :D

You are the Albertan Denmah!!

[bourge73]

When you go 5 bolt I have old Minty 5 bolt Ponys off my 94 GT you can have for a few bevies,, :thumbsup:

[corsvette]

Going to be a cool build! In High School my buddy had a Marquis Wagon, complete with woodgrain sides. I always thought that car would have been an awesome sleeper, they're fairly light Cars.

[never]

Originally posted by LSChevelle
Nice! Turbo LS, I heard those are fun!! :burnout: :D

You are the Albertan Denmah!!

Yeah, turbo and LS...how can you go wrong??

I don't know if I can be compared to him...let's wait until I get at least one of these done!

[never]

Originally posted by bourge73
When you go 5 bolt I have old Minty 5 bolt Ponys off my 94 GT you can have for a few bevies,, :thumbsup:

Thanks for the offer! I'll have to see how the front spaces out when the k-member goes in. I have shorter chromoly A-arms so I'm not sure how wide I'll be able to go up front. The k-member will be going in shortly so I'll know soon. Definitely have enough room for some drag 15x4s though.

[never]

BTW, the car is set up and ready to go in the garage. I'm away for the weekend but when I'm back, I'll snap pics of the parts waiting to go in. Then I can get installing.

First step is to get the car to roller status.

[mrsingh]

Nice project, perfect title I don't think anyone would expect from looking at it that it could be fast Good luck with the build!

[Hallowed_point]

Hell yeah! Talk about doing something different.

[TL911]

:thumbsup:

[never]

Did a bit more work tonight...pulled the stock k-member, pulled some of the brake setup, installed the cc plates and coilover suspension, stripped some wiring and pulled a bit of the interior.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4358_zps6b11b8f6.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4360_zps83ca1302.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4364_zps4e1ec4ab.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4365_zpsfb8bc543.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4369_zpsce7e10f2.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4367_zps3b8be196.jpg

K-member, manual rack, conversion spindles all ready to go in...might delay a bit and get everything cleaned up in the engine bay first...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4370_zpsd245f762.jpg

And I lied when I said the car was rust free. The passenger side fender had some rust building up under a piece of trim and it was bad enough that it perforated the metal in a few places. So I picked up another fender. The new fender isn't as nice as the original fender so I'll just cut out the rust and splice in the necessary portion of the new fender. I'll get pics of that later.

And when I pulled the driver side fender, I found this...it's pretty localized so it should be an easy fix.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4377_zpsd2a8bf0c.jpg

It's happy being in the garage...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4379_zps4c7af98b.jpg

Here's the motor waiting to get torn apart...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4381_zps6ededf17.jpg

[never]

A bit more progress...

Pulling interior and wiring:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4410_zpsfa2fec67.jpg

Interior and most wiring all stripped:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4416_zps1df35246.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4417_zps18603a1c.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4418_zps15b7ce52.jpg

Everything is in really good shape. It's nice not having to fix a rusty Fox-body floor for once!

Going to have to figure out how to setup the dash for gauges etc:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4421_zps1a739552.jpg

Pulled upper bushings out of the 8.8, now I have to disassemble and prep for the new internals (race axles, spool, etc.) and disc brakes:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4422_zps862f4e80.jpg

I need more space in the garage:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4423_zps5306c2de.jpg

[Hallowed_point]

^You work fast my friend :eek:

[sillysod]

Awesome build

reminded me of Neil's Alberta plate Cream Dream... IMO the ultimate sleeper.

Never seen such an ugly car just hook up and go

sMlxG00TyBM

yNYBPcDXmzI

[never]

Originally posted by Hallowed_point
^You work fast my friend :eek:

I actually feel like I have been slacking! Have only spent a couple of days working on it.

Now I have to start ordering a bunch of parts to get ready for the next few steps.

Tonight I had to pull the headliner because the fabric was starting to separate. Have to get that fixed and back in before I start on the cage. If anyone knows of a place to get it fixed, let me know (might just have the form redone in black...hmmm, maybe I should just try doing it myself).

[never]

Originally posted by sillysod
Awesome build

reminded me of Neil's Alberta plate Cream Dream... IMO the ultimate sleeper.

Never seen such an ugly car just hook up and go

Both of the Cream Dream cars are sweet! Always fun watching them go down the track.

[never]

Not the Marquis but related...the tow vehicle has been cleaned up a bit...thanks in part to Gary and the guys at UrbanX South!

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/duramax/IMG_4428-load1_zpsd5a22f09.jpg

[Toma]

hahahha

You guys crack me up with your Ugly cars lol.

Stout motivation for year end though. Wow.

[never]

Originally posted by never
Not the Marquis but related...the tow vehicle has been cleaned up a bit...thanks in part to Gary and the guys at UrbanX South!

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/duramax/IMG_4428-load1_zpsd5a22f09.jpg

WTF...this pic is right side up on the PC but upside down on the phone...effin iPhone.

[never]

Originally posted by Toma
hahahha

You guys crack me up with your Ugly cars lol.

Stout motivation for year end though. Wow.

Just be ready to tune this thing when it's done!

[never]

So the lack of space in the garage was annoying me so I built a 8'x16' shed. It's 11' tall on one side and 8' tall on the other side so I should be able to put a lot of crap into it!
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/storage/21E5E1C1-9FD4-4A59-AD35-556C1C1669B0_zpsnkmwzbsu.jpg

So I haven't done much on the car for a while but I have a few parts in including a complete brake setup with 99+ calipers, rotors and pads, new MC and booster, torque box reinforcement plates and subframe connectors.

I have the bulk of the parts list priced and ready to order. I was hoping the dollar would improve but I'm going to have to bite the bullet and spend.

So the next few steps are:
- fix the headliner, just have to get some fabric. Once that is done, I can put the top of the interior back in and get going on the roll cage. Still haven't decided what to use yet.
- I drilled out the front swaybar mounts so now I need to prep the engine bay and hit it with some snazzy brown paint. Once that is painted, I can put the front k-member/suspension/brakes in.
- pull the 7.5 and prep the underside for the torque box reinforcements and subframe connector install.
- install the upper and lower control arms and put in the 8.8 to mock up the wheel/tire setup.
- get a new heater core and fan then reassemble the heater box (I cut it apart to pull the AC). This needs to be back in before I start on the cage.
- pull the fuel tank.
- pull the sound deadener in anticipation of the roll cage install.

I think those are the main things I have to check off over the next while. Going to spend some time on it tomorrow night. Once I get moving on it again, I'll post up more pics.

[never]

So a bit of stuff on the move...it's all the non-glamorous stuff for now!

Picked up the headliner fabric and got everything fixed and installed:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/B50B8791-BE91-499E-95FE-9B5753CBC40F_zpsonhlvz3b.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/478DF7B5-1F33-48F7-8149-798E1E21E3F2_zps4eyk8fcv.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/FB9054E8-7873-4982-8B39-B6A8C6B56067_zpsx2b3pc0r.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/31ED3F06-743F-42E6-A56E-0A750DF35F0F_zps228yhuaz.jpg

Fixed the rust:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/9EBDEBE8-C788-4BEF-84B9-367788256B30_zpsnhjgoiiq.jpg

Pulled the tank and lines:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/5AA82F77-A032-4375-AA35-92FFA337BE50_zpsaypeowua.jpg

Patched a couple of engine bay holes that won't be used:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/DE87D391-F5D8-40C7-8478-39976AE3E559_zpsuzwj7ljt.jpg

[never]

Some more progress pics...

The turbo:
http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_2642_zps5aefb150.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_1939_zps718e2008.jpg

Started to scrape some of the sound deadening to get going on the torque box reinforcement. Propane ran out shortly after I started though:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/5E92141A-C2A8-4B34-834B-3FF737ACF583_zps9qpnshyf.jpg

Put the TB and rails on the intake for a check:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/9AB59502-DCFE-47B8-BE53-BE427F2604A3_zpsfpphszyh.jpg

Pulled the 7.5 to weld up the torque boxes...will get that done tomorrow:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/209E419E-9DAC-4F70-BF34-73B4917E7163_zpsaupemv3b.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/EBCB9404-D1E8-471D-812F-8C9988694B76_zpseemsl7xn.jpg

[xnvy]

You could try dry ice on the sound deadening.

[never]

Originally posted by xnvy
You could try dry ice on the sound deadening.

Heat and scrape is pretty quick. Just forgot to get more gas for the torch last week. Today was a great day to head into the city to get supplies! Didn't get started on the car until pretty late in the afternoon.

[Dumbass17]

this. is. awesome.

[never]

Got the torque boxes welded and reinforced. Front k-member and suspension in. Rear suspension in but just with the 7.5 for now. Borrowed some steel wheels for the front off of a Mitsubishi Lancer...now the car can be rolled around. I was playing with the height in the rear and I think I have it close to what I want.

But now that the car is rolling, it's almost ready to get the cage.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/D708AF3A-290E-47B8-BB40-136871A5A4EC_zps1n5jhqxg.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/1F030B54-4570-45A5-808D-16A275D62B79_zpsw9alsb4j.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/D0CB9C48-2D0B-4B42-9652-76F9550FFBAA_zpstvdnhdrl.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/C7B64338-A4BE-4A0A-AFF2-3DC205554BC9_zpsqv96xsob.jpg

[never]

Double post

[never]

Getting ready to go see Dario...

The car is light but it wasn't fun trying to get it on the trailer by myself, without a winch!

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/85497394-5AA3-4D62-889E-9630FD11134C_zps5g6q2jo8.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/E70749EC-C402-4DA7-A4F1-69D72591C6EC_zpswspb4qgu.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/0DEB4EF1-6F0B-4DC3-8BCC-476EA6272937_zpsnnugw7hu.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/F677EE06-1623-4800-A120-FA9E4DF04F2D_zpsjwzk8me8.jpg

Stance is looking better than when it was stock.

[never]

Cage work has started...Dario working his magic:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4720_zpsdfed4986.jpg

Full length subframe connectors...ready for a potential 7.5 upgrade down the road:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4718_zps5365cdba.jpg

More to come tomorrow...

[Hallowed_point]

Making good progress! I'm really excited to see this completed. Why a 7.5 though?

[never]

Originally posted by Hallowed_point
Making good progress! I'm really excited to see this completed. Why a 7.5 though?

No, I meant the cage will be legal to 8.50 but has all of the necessary parts in place to do a fairly easy upgrade to a 7.50 cage.

[never]

Some more progress today...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4726_zps0a1ee7b6.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4727_zps27aa7068.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4728_zps3dde655d.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4729_zps98faaa30.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4730_zps5231e873.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4731_zpsba2c29bb.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4732_zps58db8fe5.jpg

[Cody D]

Awesome build.

[never]

Dario is making good progress on the cage:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3975_zpsaa23207f.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3980_zpsa252cdee.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3986_zpsc0f86540.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3988_zps519eca93.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3990_zps56d8d545.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3991_zps8bdff7d0.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3992_zpsa6ada260.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3993_zps97f199a0.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3994_zpsd6f7c71d.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3996_zps727a0c49.jpg

[never]

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_3998_zps5afd48d1.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4000_zps60ca017b.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4001_zpsfc29d797.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4003_zpsf6006c6c.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4004_zps03733ca8.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4005_zpsac16bb0a.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4006_zps21bb3b25.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4007_zps6f263b55.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4009_zps53a3d159.jpg

[sr20s14zenki]

Its changed homes. I know where that is!! (=

Looking awesome. Dario is good with cages!

[never]

Originally posted by sr20s14zenki
Its changed homes. I know where that is!! (=

Looking awesome. Dario is good with cages!

It's definitely a better decision having Dario do a custom cage rather than trying to make a Fox cage fit. The fit on this cage is amazing, everything is so tight and follows the lines really well. Once it's painted, it'll barely be noticeable.

[asp integra]

looks so sick

[never]

Stopped by to visit Dario and the car today...he had all of the top bars in and had the cage dropped down to weld around all of the bars. Was still pretty tight in some spots, even with it dropped. When we got it back up into place, the fit is amazing ...can't wait to get it painted and the interior back in (though that is still a long way off). So if you need a quality cage built at a very reasonable price, go see Dario!

Most of the bars are now welded, the trunk is finished, and Dario had just started welding the subframe connectors and plates to the floor. Next steps are finishing the welding to the floor, doing the door, rocker and subframe bars, and finally welding the front bars to the outriggers.

Some pics...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4058_zps39881089.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4059_zps4d9b23a6.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4061_zps035a7c2f.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4062_zpsaec24b26.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4064_zpsfee589e2.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4065_zps704856a1.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4066_zps5fde89d7.jpg

[never]

Car came home a while ago but haven't gotten any good pics of the cage...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/D6745FF1-36C9-4CD5-9E0C-A9B0629FE55D_zpsdffmtbmd.jpg

Here are a few finished cage pics (I'll get better ones with the real camera soon)...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/EC871F42-604B-4D33-8766-2951717CD8D8_zps8chwtpde.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/E79A8E15-6501-46BA-A55B-AAEEEA22D33B_zpsa9zi3zzl.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/1F59DC6C-3CAF-45A8-9AAD-91C594644E13_zpsghsebimv.jpg

Also picked up some stuff from the border on Monday. The rear end stuff from Moser arrived (shortened axles, spool, 8.8 housing ends, brake adapter plates) as well as the trans, converter and cooler and the Wolfe mini tub kit. Dropping the rear end stuff with Dario to narrow and put everything in the diff (I sandblasted the diff last week). I was rolling the fenders tonight and will start on the mini tub shortly.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/92574717-2344-448A-BF82-9D199BD8C577_zpshnpahfz9.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/E86E1778-97BF-4BC2-93BD-EEC7325716B6_zps0gsw84ls.jpg

[ExtraSlow]

still awesome.

[never]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
still awesome.

Well not awesome yet but it's slowly getting there!

A couple better quality pics of some of the cage work...everything is mild steel, welded with a MIG and no cleanup on the welds yet.


http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4068_zps5a2aa6f4.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4067_zps3038306e.jpg

[se7en]

Sub'd. Love this kinda shite!

[FixedGear]

i always enjoy the uypdates of this build - that car is the bomb.com :thumbsup:

[never]

Thanks guys. Got some work done today but mainly just prep to start the mini tubbing. Getting going on that tomorrow so I should have some interesting pics to post up.

And Gary at UrbanX South said the wheels could be here as early as Friday so the car could be rolling around with the proper wheels and stance soon. Then the only outstanding part for rolling it around as the final setup is the coilover kit for the rear (which should be at the border shortly along with the front struts, anti rollbar, and some misc other suspension stuff).

So still a ton of work to do but things are happening.

[never]

Didn't have as much time as I hoped on Sunday but got a few things started...

The passenger fender with the rust cancer because of the body molding. I have a spare fender but the original fender is a lot nicer (other than the rust) so I'm going to splice the new one on. So I cut off what I wasn't going to use...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4833_zpse26b3966.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4835_zps326776c5.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4836_zps6f092a33.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4837_zps3a876363.jpg

Started cutting the driver's side for the mini-tub...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4842_zps1402f227.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4839_zpsf1ae3d2b.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4840_zpsd705d4bd.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4844_zpsae2389e2.jpg

[never]

Pulled all of the brackets off of the frame and started trimming everything to get the tub in...driver's side is mostly ready to go but I have to wait for my new welder to show up.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4859_zpsf9346f55.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4860_zps4a7c93d2.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4861_zps9aac3351.jpg

And thanks to Gary and the guys at Urban X South, my wheels already showed up. And everything cleared up front so we're all good to go. They are the black chrome finish so they should look pretty good with the snazzy brown paint.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4850_zps5ea1ac93.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4851_zps090cdec7.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4853_zps42438395.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4855_zps6057eb4d.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4856_zpsc245fada.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/IMG_4857_zps80a6cf87.jpg

[never]

Picked up the rear from Dario today. Diff is a total of 4.5" narrower. Just need to clean it up and hit it with some paint.

Mini tub is almost done...now have over 16" of tire clearance.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/4444EB75-51D0-4987-AE5E-FBFD0ED5E1AD_zpstzh9vmo7.jpg

[TheHumbleGeek]

Dude! Im glad I found this thread... Love what you've done so far... If I may ask, where are you planning on racing it?

[corsvette]

Can't help it, every time I look at this thread I think of the POS Ford LTD in Men In Black....buckle up, this thing moves lol. :thumbsup:

[never]

Originally posted by TheHumbleGeek
Dude! Im glad I found this thread... Love what you've done so far... If I may ask, where are you planning on racing it?

Planning on hitting the tracks at Castrol, Medicine Hat, Rimbey, Mission, Kelowna and maybe Saskatoon.

I have also arranged some airstrips in the Calgary area for some 1/8th mile streetcar/Street Outlaw style shootouts. Have insurance sorted out...just need to figure out a couple of other things and then it's time to start recruiting members.

[never]

Originally posted by corsvette
Can't help it, every time I look at this thread I think of the POS Ford LTD in Men In Black....buckle up, this thing moves lol. :thumbsup:

Thanks...hopefully this thing moves!

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by never


Planning on hitting the tracks at Castrol, Medicine Hat, Rimbey, Mission, Kelowna and maybe Saskatoon.

I have also arranged some airstrips in the Calgary area for some 1/8th mile streetcar/Street Outlaw style shootouts. Have insurance sorted out...just need to figure out a couple of other things and then it's time to start recruiting members.

Kelowna? No track there....

[never]

Originally posted by GTS4tw


Kelowna? No track there....

Well not right in Kelowna but close enough to host the Kelowna Fastest Streetcar Shootout Sept 18, 19, 20 this year.

http://www.thundermountainraceway.com

http://www.performance-shop.com/showthread.php?t=56550

[Shlade]

This thing will be so sweet when done!

[GTS4tw]

Originally posted by never


Well not right in Kelowna but close enough to host the Kelowna Fastest Streetcar Shootout Sept 18, 19, 20 this year.

http://www.thundermountainraceway.com

http://www.performance-shop.com/showthread.php?t=56550

Right on, I figured you meant thunder mountain. There's some 1/8 mile stuff down in Osoyoos too that's always a good time.

http://www.winecountryracing.ca/index.html

Look forward to seeing this beast.

[LSChevelle]

Originally posted by never


Planning on hitting the tracks at Castrol, Medicine Hat, Rimbey, Mission, Kelowna and maybe Saskatoon.

I have also arranged some airstrips in the Calgary area for some 1/8th mile streetcar/Street Outlaw style shootouts. Have insurance sorted out...just need to figure out a couple of other things and then it's time to start recruiting members.

Let me know if you need any volunteers! I'd be willing to help out.

[Freedom69]

Looking great Eric!

As much as it's going to suck losing to this Brown Turd, I can't wait to see it run... :thumbsup:

[never]

Got the test fitting tires mounted on the new rear wheels. They look so much better on the 10" wide wheel compared to the 10 holes.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/8B9EAC53-C4DF-442C-9659-86BD2B06A9CD_zpscy8gqgl5.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/90E5B504-7107-49BC-97CD-0C0B659CF9C4_zps2hkao6qu.jpg

The shortblock...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/15F473D0-AFB1-4F05-A4CE-A13971F570F2_zpsdivzafup.jpg

[never]

Originally posted by GTS4tw


Right on, I figured you meant thunder mountain. There's some 1/8 mile stuff down in Osoyoos too that's always a good time.

http://www.winecountryracing.ca/index.html

Look forward to seeing this beast.

Cool, thanks for the link. I wasn't even aware of that track.

[never]

Originally posted by Shlade
This thing will be so sweet when done!

Haha! Everyone seems to have a different definition of what this car will be and not everyone would agree with sweet...at the very least, it'll be brown!

[never]

Originally posted by LSChevelle


Let me know if you need any volunteers! I'd be willing to help out.

We'll definitely need some help at the events...I'll be posting up info online once we get a few more things sorted out.

[never]

Originally posted by Freedom69
Looking great Eric!

As much as it's going to suck losing to this Brown Turd, I can't wait to see it run... :thumbsup:

Hey, don't make fun of Mr. Hankey!

[never]

Been a while since the last update so here are some pics...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/CF03DF37-C042-4388-A995-1D9D99914A2F_zpsm0dezaxp.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/F8B0DCEA-344A-4490-83BF-C03EA28175CE_zpskbnyanjw.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/02A31682-0F00-4E0A-8BC2-2D980B76A114_zpsu4vhvdtc.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/F0816FCB-366D-4391-96F7-8989EA17DE98_zpsho4dniqm.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/D6005872-B46A-473B-BD4F-4F519FB32E67_zpsjj9zdgvg.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/5CED296C-ADEB-4E54-8E45-F736715926F1_zpsrufmieqo.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/314B6709-F960-4784-888C-82F184E4AA5F_zpss6h7irpn.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/0D4C3C56-F5A6-42F1-83DF-7358FA66596B_zpsarbnhdhm.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/9987D395-AEF4-4097-B60E-1B9AC4B7DCEA_zpsslqm0fxg.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/7A493638-57F3-4F76-9181-A5FCF756C777_zpsrqnakxp8.jpg

[never]

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/70DE2BB5-AACE-4AC1-969D-938AE4A509D6_zpsriqdyqv0.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/911B4B0B-55F7-4A5E-9436-0C92B8F6CD45_zpsq6w0ava1.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/5395FDED-9BDA-4CCF-B463-5648CC72F385_zpsv03nlrrj.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/33BC4888-5C58-491B-B2B9-9F330A1DBFEB_zpsx7dcnval.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/F05837ED-A04F-4DB2-8382-F2261D4B5839_zps5uynkhpu.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/C8E5E445-EE17-45F2-8369-B5D4F1919290_zpsjfyuxbqg.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/2DCFFFFA-7227-4D3E-A6A5-BDAD70B2DC7E_zpszvltajtv.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/F1BD735B-0917-48FE-B768-548D1C5B34A4_zpsz5equise.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/07A70C6A-6585-4A5B-BC33-3D53D45C1EC5_zps7vmbv8nb.jpg

[Redlined_8000]

Looking very nice! Beefy tires. Great work man.

[Dumbass17]

Always been curious and never really asked....when someone builds a project like this, do they have to take it somewhere to get inspected prior to registration? Like getting the frame checked, lights, all the stuff that deems it legal for street use?

[never]

Originally posted by Redlined_8000
Looking very nice! Beefy tires. Great work man.

They're actually just 275/60/15 ET Pros (but they look way bigger on the 10" wheel compared to the previous 7" wheel)...I may try to run 315/60/15s down the road for street driving. But the 275s or 28x10.5s are the max that I can run for most of the events I want to enter around here.

[never]

Originally posted by Dumbass17
Always been curious and never really asked....when someone builds a project like this, do they have to take it somewhere to get inspected prior to registration? Like getting the frame checked, lights, all the stuff that deems it legal for street use?

If it was insured before, it shouldn't matter. I didn't have this insured before I started on the project so I'll have to get an inspection before I can insure/register (only because of the age of the car).

[never]

The Marquis was getting pretty dirty so I pulled it out to give it a quick spray. And spaced out the rear wheels a bit to check clearances. Can run a 12" wheel out back eventually.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/FAD17DB4-C712-4157-8A3B-ED380E885D3E_zpsmhzxlttl.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/18461784-ABD4-4894-8E6D-6D6C4160B3B3_zpsbzeuooyv.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/BCFE92C9-47CF-4F05-BB9E-4400C786A293_zpsvbwk0nbw.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/8ECECBEA-A8B9-40EA-864C-8073D03EA416_zpsoy6dzptn.jpg

And I'm tearing down one of the sheds on the property so I had to get a bunch of parts out of it. Threw some of the parts on the car...hadn't seen it with fenders and front trim for a while...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/4859CFD2-27F5-42F6-9800-168202C3B7C7_zpsgfoj8pfh.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/615D99F3-68A3-44ED-8AA3-FA39D5163AF3_zpswg8vv9zj.jpg

Also got some parts from the border a couple of weeks ago...fuel system, shifter, trans crossmember, etc. So I can get going on getting some of the stuff setup.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/B141BDED-2065-49EF-860C-7BBA40A43218_zpsltk3ry5s.jpg

The plan for the motor was to run the 4-bolt truck intake but as I was searching Kijiji for the carbed intake for the LTD LX, I found something I really didn't need to buy. An EFI Super Vic with a low profile elbow...it was local too. Overall height is similar to the intake. Looks like the TB will just be a bit higher.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/D026E36B-AFD3-453A-9784-0DF939365ED4_zps4mb1frzx.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/C646820E-2A32-4122-9D96-60664954566B_zps2ldjusgk.jpg

[never]

Also got the computer a while ago too.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/AAFE1485-C1D4-4832-9E9D-CBA9D1B113CE_zpsxllwkosz.jpg

[NoPulp]

Awesome build! Reminds me of cream dream, love their cars.

[never]

Yeah, Neil's cars are awesome. Mine will kind of be a cross between Cream Dream 1 and Cream Dream 2. More involved than 1 but nowhere near as crazy as 2.

[never]

Over a year later, it finally has an engine and trans back in it.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/A04F0A84-D8DF-4928-AF5C-D831DFDB4347_zpsfatgi28v.jpg

[never]

Been a while since any pics...here are a few...

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/838A5D8F-11F4-4897-A6F5-A5625EDD9DE5_zpshfjjjrwf.jpg

Rad/fan setup:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/0CF9236B-606B-4604-A812-B32A56E03CAD_zpsfteg4dte.jpg

Went manual brakes to pick up some clearance. Not sure if I'll run this alternator bracket or have it on the other side:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/28A176DC-D76A-482E-B69D-9BB762A36BB9_zpsw4tsmdar.jpg

Shifter setup:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/B08A82D3-0E2A-44A1-BCDF-25B7A0436D65_zps0rkngziq.jpg

Steam lines and rails:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/5D3E874F-3650-4CD2-9EFC-8A7F2ECA7CE4_zpsshonqqgt.jpg

Welded in X-member for chute setup:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/24E5487A-61BD-4C56-9134-54D9111B4323_zps5xbgjaby.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/E8977778-9CF8-4C58-9E91-E14099AC9B9A_zpszmrivhpm.jpg

Starting to fit the interior back together:

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/92A3DAEB-8E66-4A8A-BC7C-FA7F82E3EA4D_zpslpewbzgs.jpg

[never]

Wanted to run the elbow/TB forward so had to modify the elbow and trim the hood bracing...but everything clears the stock hood...excellent!

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/4681EAEA-BCDE-46A8-85B6-B408C0D4FB93_zpswiqpxg62.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/75C89C88-3AD1-4873-B3A0-906C99A195DD_zpsayvj7jdt.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/6BCA6572-FD20-4BAD-BE35-25EF3F436567_zpsr5jbjm0m.jpg

Welded in the supports for the fuel cell. Just need Dario to weld on some aluminum tabs and then it's all good to go.

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/48A8BA55-9F3A-4718-B690-625B1AB52987_zpsyhw87md7.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/651E4766-1081-41C8-BE8D-FB16BC2DBE89_zpsjzqnnwpi.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/B3689887-2C0E-4A7B-B1AC-271823C20CAA_zpszhpqwxdi.jpg

http://i1376.photobucket.com/albums/ah16/LSmarquis/0FBFA359-87F0-44E1-8DE5-3D528EEB6F25_zpsw0kfqofv.jpg

[never]

Not sure if this is okay, but if anyone is interested, updates for the car have been moved to FB for simplicity (on my end):

https://www.facebook.com/Skid-Merc-1024939457570170/

[never]

Not sure if this is okay, but if anyone is interested, updates for the car have been moved to FB for simplicity (on my end):

https://www.facebook.com/Skid-Merc-1024939457570170/

So I was doing updates on FB for a bit but then I remembered why I stopped using it before! So I shifted it to IG and I realized I just dislike most social media for personal stuff.

I have been driving the car for a couple of years...after some drawn out issues getting it running due to me being an early adopter of a new Megasquirt ECU system. And now that I have been driving it, I’m going to make some changes to make it more fun to drive regularly.

In the meantime, here is a walkaround from early last year...


https://youtu.be/k8EQbQo4PdE

[never]

A bunch of car guys who live off of 762 get together once a month and over the summer we do some cruises. On one of them last year, one of the guys had his 16 year old son along. Took him half the cruise but he finally asked if he could ride with me. Did a few pulls and scared the crap out of him and then he asked for a burnout so he could film it...how could I say no?


https://youtu.be/Hvrb6k-Dlao

Only problem is after that, they started looking for a turbo LS car and they sent a couple for me to check out and they were junk. So I suggested just building one...and shortly after, they found a pretty clean 1987 Buick Regal. Gave them a parts list, they ordered it up and at the end of February we started picking away at it. Now it has an aluminum 5.3 with a Stage 2 Pat G cam, a Dario built RMVB turbo 400 with an FTI converter, and will have a Winters 9” rear end it the next bit (just have to swap the stock spring perches over). I just finished the cage and have started on building the turbo setup. Mounted the IC today, and going to start on the hot side next...planning on doing a modified manifold on the driver’s side, rear crossover, and build a manifold log for the passener side.

85820

[never]

And a cage pic...was a Comp Eng kit for a G-body...took a fair bit of work to fit decently. And there’s no way the door bars would fit with interior. So I’ll get Dario to do those when it’s at his shop (don’t have anything for bending).

85821

[Sentry]

Got them hooked on real horsepower haha.

[never]

Got them hooked on real horsepower haha.

Haha, yep! It was an easy sales pitch!

Only problem is it gave me more to do than I need right now...but building this stuff is fun so I can't complain. And it's even more fun when you don't have to pay for it but still get to pick/do whatever you want!

[never]

I really need to get this thing ready to pull out of the garage...been dailying a 2008 328x and its starting to feel quick! :facepalm:

Was going through some pics so I may as well share an engine pic when everything was new and shiny!

86020