That's what I love about these cars almost as much as driving them...it's the history that goes with them. Great story.
The day and a half of rain we had here cleaned all the treatment off the roads and I had every intention of cruising for a bit today so the fuel additive could make it's way throughout they system. Up until today, the car was running like a bear. The Q-Jet was a fantastic upgrade from the other carb. Especially, with aviation fuel. However, as I was out and about, something didn't feel right. Even at cruising speed, the car had a bit of a bog to it but seemed to work through that as it picked up speed. As I got on a straightaway close to my parents, I kicked things up a notch and as I shifted third, it fell on its face - like it was starving for fue - until it finally died. No matter how much I feathered the gas, nothing happened. I pulled over and popped the hood in an effort to see if anything was glaringly obvious but saw nothing. I got back in, turned the key and it cranked and cranked but wouldn't fire. So, a AAA tow it was. Not how I wanted to end this season but I guess that's a wrap for 2018.
Fuel pump is brand new but that's what it felt like. That or maybe something got stuck in the the fuel filter? Who knows.... That's a problem for another day - that I get to agonize over for the next few months.
Easy way to find out- pour a little fuel down the carb and see if she lights up. I learned a long time ago that just because its "new" doesn't mean its good. Also check out all the rubber in the line going to the pump. If there is a hole, it will suck air. Like having a hole in a straw
The hoses are almost 50 years old, so you're probably right. It was like someone just turned off the gas.
It was beautiful yesterday and the roads were devoid of treatment. I would have cruised today and tomorrow as well.
Disconnected the fuel line to the carb, cranked it and no gas came out of the line. Connected the line, (back to the carb) poured some fuel down the bowl, turned it over and it started for about .02 seconds before dying. Looks like a new fuel pump is on the list for next spring. Adios!
BEFORE you just go out & buy a new pump you should check the hose at the tank. They could have cracks in them from being old that won't leak fuel because they are ABOVE the tank, BUT will suck in air. I know that being cold out it's a hassle, but better than buying a pump you don't really need. Tom T.
Thanks! I have some more things to check when I can get it up in the air next year. At least I was able to surmise it's definitely a fuel delivery issue before putting it away for the winter.
So, the archeology just took an interesting twist: about an hour ago, I received a random Facebook message from a woman living in Lebanon, PA. She went on to tell me her cousin owned the car until 1976 and traded it into Goodman Dodge. Next owner was her husband - from 1976 until 1978. (Not sure why there wasn't a private sale) I asked her how she knew of the car and she said someone brought MCR to her husband's work - and he immediately recognized the car to be his old one. Her son had apparently seen it on Facebook, so she reached out. The common denominator is the original owner - her husband knew who he was. I'll get more info when I speak to him tomorrow. Stay tuned....
I had an opportunity to speak to the (legit) third owner yesterday afternoon for about an hour. "Legit" is important because this conversation partly contradicts the previous chat I had with one of the other owners at the outset of this thread. I'm not really sure how he managed to gloss over the 4 years and 2 owners prior to him buying the car but I guess that's how archeology plays out. In retrospect - and until the gentleman Dano bought it from finally grabbed it - this poor car was passed around like some kind of hooker. This gentleman bought the car in the spring of 1976 and owned it for a couple years until life got in the way. Marriage and eventual children meant the musclecar had to go and in its place something more practical. He (half) jokingly mentioned he should have kept the car instead of the woman. He went on to say that he never drove the car in any inclimate weather of any kind. No rain and definitely not snow. The owner prior to him, his wife's cousin, (mentioned in my previous post) didn't either. The car was mostly utilized for weekend cruising and street racing in what was a rather "hot" street scene in Lebanon during the mid 70's. This resulted in a blown clutch, as well as some new valve train components. The question of paint originality was also answered. He told me the original owner had it repainted with copious amounts of lacquer, for no other reason than he just didn't like the factory paint. Kinda weird but to each his own, I guess. He didn't have any documentation but was sure there were some pictures of the car somewhere in the house. Like Cook says, the archeology is one of the best parts of this hobby, especially when you're afforded the information unsolicited.
Yup, Lakewood ladder bars, 3 of my cars had them back then. I can remember picking up my SS Nova new, and within a week ripping the factory sway bar out because it wouldn't fit with the bars. That same week took out the factory AM/FM for an aftermarket radio. A week later off came the special wheels I ordered for Cragar SS wheels. Then a Motion L88 glass hood and work on the engine. Crazy, when I think about it now!
