Since the car is apart, decided to clean and detail the undercarriage over the winter
Axle, springs, shocks, exhaust, gas tank, fuel/vent lines are out of the car, making access easy.
Does anyone know what color a San Jose built '71 should be underneath? Hard to say with the dirt, factory undercoat, soot, and fire extinguisher residue…
My Dearborn built '69 R-Code Cougar and '71 Atlanta built Ranchero are both red oxide.
My may 71 Dearborn cougar is red oxide. I used 2 parts ppg DP red epoxy primer mixed with 1 part black for a good match. Picture is original primer.
Jim
As far as floor pan/undercarriage color from the firewall rearward when was your car built. What product was used is typically tied to when the car was sprayed so seeking out other examples from the same plant and production period would be the place to go if there is no original color left on your car due to cleaning or blasting. Often under things like muffler brackets/hangers provides the best protected original finishes so check your car the effort will be worth it if your looking fro what was original.
Don’t recall what color mine is but it is a mid December finished example if yours is close . Also have examples from the production year that include light gray, greens, blues, a purple so batch colors as used in prior years (since 65 at least) and some red oxide examples also then the batch system had issues
My thread on details I found if they will help in some of the other areas you may be addressing during your build
Also a good reminder to those who haven’t replaced that small rubber hose under the master cylinder , I was lucky as I had to park mine outside overnite when mine ruptured after a cruise. Didn’t see the leak till the next am.
It happens to the best of us, Its an experience you will never forget and will become a better wrench because of it too. Sometimes we just need a reminder to cover our butts.
I was guessing it had something to do with a fuel line leak, It seems that little hose gets missed more then you think. Even without EFI those hoses do not like the current fuel blends and break down pretty quick. Its one of the things I check frequently and mine are due to be replaced again soon but plan to go EFI before that. I have all new hardline and EFI rated rubber hose and connections to install.
I really do want to find a compact fire extinguisher that I can carry in the car just in case. I have been carrying a dry chemical one but hate it as I know how much worse they make everything after a fire. I need to invest in a halon or similar.
Great thread! I need to check my fuel lines, does anyone have a photo of which hose I should be checking? Sorry, I’m not very savvy with engines but I’m trying to learn. Also, any recommendations what fire extinguisher we should carry in our vehicles? Thank you.
Just start at the tank sender unit, follow it forward and replace all the little sections. I think you will find 4 or 5 sections from the tank to the carb.
Rubber section 1 runs from the fuel tank sender (driver’s side bottom of the tank) to the steel fuel line bolted to the frame rail
Rubber section 2 is located directly under the driver’s side hood hinge and runs from the fender apron to the rear of the shock tower
Rubber section 3 comes out of the driver’s fender apron near the bottom front and runs to the fuel pump inlet
Check them all. If you aren’t a practiced mechanic, do NOT cut or remove section 1 without the tank being empty. A LOT of fuel will gush out otherwise.
Section 2 is often old and overlooked, and usually in bad shape from heat. This one can be replaced without a lot of fuel spillage.
DO NOT, under ANY circumstances use a hose designed for vacuum. Use a FUEL rated hose and always use new hose clamps.
Do the 28 and 31 spline axles use the same differential housing? I have a 31 spline nodular center section that I’d like to install in the Cougar with a new set of axles.
Current differential is a 28 spline.
Will my housing work with the 31 spline axles and related wheel bearings?
Thanks to everyone who replied. I never even thought about checking my fuel Iines now have an idea where to look. I purchased the 73 shop manuals when I bought the car and will go through them also.
