Thread: Meller's "Last" Hoorah - '62 Fairlane

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I love the Thunderbolts but I have a question. Was there a factory '62 Thunderbolt, or are the above just capturing the Thunderbolt themes?

The flat black hood used to be just about essential on drag cars for me! Our local track runs straight west, in late afternoon rounds a shiny hood would make "seeing" the lights almost impossible!!!!

Originally Posted by Hot Rod Nick

I love the Thunderbolts but I have a question. Was there a factory '62 Thunderbolt, or are the above just capturing the Thunderbolt themes?

According to wikipedia, the Thunderbolt was only '64. Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Altho some have said not to go with the stock carb, I decided to try a brand new one at $165 and if it doesn't work out then the swallow won't be as difficult. Also the timings not the greatest with my eye crap but maybe I can get, Bo, to come help install it anyhow.





Got some figuring to do with the accelerator rod and I need to pick up a heat tube and figure out where to stick it. The place in the exhaust mani is a no-way-jose becaue it's a rusted POS so maybe there would be a place on the intake???
Appears to be some small vacuum tubes that I don't have places for but I'll figure it out some how.

Anyhow, if it will crank and idle then I'll be happier than Charlie with an ice cream cone.

Originally Posted by MelloYello

Got some figuring to do with the accelerator rod and I need to pick up a heat tube and figure out where to stick it. The place in the exhaust mani is a no-way-jose becaue it's a rusted POS so maybe there would be a place on the intake???

Anyhow, if it will crank and idle then I'll be happier than Charlie with an ice cream cone.

Is it even legal to be that happy?!?!?!

If you can find center on the old connector, you just may be able to drill right through it and sleeve your new tube right through. I've done that on my 390 Mustang, and someone made a kit that mounted onto the exhaust pipe that would give you a new place to mount the tube connection.. Check with the Mustang vendors like Mustangs Unlimited, they'll have something to help.

thanks Mike, I'll give those places a look see - - - can't get to the old one to drill it out however.
an aftermarket kit sure sounds like the cat's meow don't it?

You could also convert to one of these..
Motorcraft Electric Choke Thermostat

Just add a wire..

Originally Posted by 34_40

You could also convert to one of these..
Motorcraft Electric Choke Thermostat
Just add a wire..

Now THAT sounds like the MEOW of a bigger cat!

Now you've gone and done it, Mike. I think that will really "simplify" my prob, especially if the one I have will adapt.
'preciate it el mucho,
Em

One more question, if I may. The one I have is like the housing on the left is it the one that will work? Am I understanding this correctly?

I would say the Echoke would make life a lot easier...Just put one on the wifes 57 and it works great...You just have to find a lead thats hot only with ignition on..Good luck

Originally Posted by MelloYello

One more question, if I may. The one I have is like the housing on the left is it the one that will work? Am I understanding this correctly?

I believe you are correct EM... but I would call them with the carb info in hand! I'm sure they can answer any question you have!

Hay Mello you been up playing with your new hot rod yet???

Sadly, Charlie, I can't do anything except look at it right now, or my Wife would field dress me with a butter knife. However, I'm starting to think about the next steps. Of course the new carb goes on first with some creative linkage and no pull ties. hahaha and then I have to address the oil pan plug and probably the radiator. Then comes the mufflers, the lowness and on and on but it's the best therapy that I know of if I ever get to do it. Thanks for asking

well hopefully the oil pan plug can be fixed with an oversized plug OR just a new one with a gasket..Was the last guys nam Rub Golburg I understand the wife thing BUT if you screw up your eye she will not be fun to be around. (Been there done that)