I bought this 1970 Cyclone GT in 1976, it has a 351 Cleveland and a close ratio toploader 4 speed. I decided to fix the car up in 2016, it has always been stored inside. I didn’t realize how bad the rust was under the car and once I started fixing it I ended up going through a full reel of 024 mig wire fixing all the rusted panels.
I was just going to fix the rust and clean up the engine bay and paint it. As I started working on it more and more and really enjoyed it. I bought a front coil over suspension and rear 4 link from R&S Motorsports.
I took the short block and heads to a machinist which is the only thing that has been done by someone besides myself.
I built a temp paint booth in the shop, sprayed it with epoxy primer and then urethane primer. I guide coated the car twice. I put the car back together enough and actually drive it about a month ago. I’m now filling all the unused holes and making sheet metal parts to cover wiring, suspension parts and the grill/radiator. I’ve pinned all the hinges and fenders.
I made a mistake of spraying it with urethane before putting it back together, now I have bare metal showing that needs epoxy so it’s going to add more work to the project.
I have a 67 Fairlane GT that will be my next project.
1970 Mercury Cyclone project
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Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2020 4:29 pm Location: Washington State Country: USA |
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Settled In
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Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2020 4:29 pm Location: Washington State Country: USA |
Few more pictures including a pick of the car in 1978 and my next project (Fairlane).
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Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm Location: Pahrump NV. Country: USA |
Nice! cool project
More details please? Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist. |
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I've filled all the holes and applied epoxy and urethane primer over those panels. I also got rid of the bolts in the front and rear bumpers. All the suspension parts have been sprayed with epoxy primer. Last Friday I started spraying base coat and clear which I have never done.
It's going pretty good, I sprayed the bottom of the hood and trunk lid first. That went good and over the weekend I sprayed the hood, deck lid, doors and fenders. I plan on painting the small parts (mirrors, fender extensions) after work this week but I may not have time. I will be spraying the body next weekend. The next hurdle will be doing a cut and buff. The bumpers and headers will be sent to be chromed and ceramic coated. The headliner, door cards and rear seat are in perfect condition. I really had to be aware to not damage the headliner during all the cutting and welding. I will build my own counsel but I haven't decided if it will be sheet metal or not. |
Shoot 4 coats of clear so you won't be quite so tense while wet sanding and buffing.
Looking good! 1968 Coronet R/T
ACTS 16:31 |
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Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm Location: Pahrump NV. Country: USA |
How did you do the Bumper bolt deleat and make the Bumper sit like original ? sounds like a Cool custom trick!
Since you had it out b4 paint How does it drive into a Hard corner with the Independent in the rear? Sway Bar looks Light? love the set up! looks original like it was made for it! Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist. |
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I took 1/4" out of the bumper brackets so the bumper would be closer to the car. I also raised the bumper up. I had to extend the top of the valance 3/4".
To remove the bolts I cut the top of the carriage bolts off, put a 45 degree angle on them and welded them back in. The hardest part is adding welds and getting it smooth. I found it was hard to do the an angle grinder with a flapper disk. I ended up using the drum side of a belt sander. I also did the front bumper. The suspension still uses the stock 9 inch rear end housing, it's a simple 4 link with coil overs. I set the car up really stiff but with only driving it around the block it was hard to tell how it handles. The loudness of the open headers made it hard to evaluate anything. |
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Here's the valance mod.
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Top Contributor
Posts: 6233
Joined: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:17 pm Location: Pahrump NV. Country: USA |
Ok I thought from that first pic it was a custom independent 9 inch.
What gears are in it? its gonna be fun driving that around scaring little Rice burners Mustangs and Camero's! I bet that 351C wants to go with Open headers! 4V or 2V heads and intake??? Did you raise the compression any? Cam? Roller???? The 4V Cleavland was one of the Best engines ever designed. Wish I had hung on to at least one I had in my youth. Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist. |
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Joined: Fri Jan 31, 2020 4:29 pm Location: Washington State Country: USA |
Painted the matte black on the car today.
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