Thread: Why we do this...

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I’ve got a young friend (okay – he’s 47) that bought a pretty decent ’71 Bronco 302, 3 speed manual in overall good shape. The previous owner put on headers and “a high lift cam” (no specs available whatsoever except it’s a Crower) but left the carburetion stock. This engine apparently came stock with a four barrel cast iron intake and a 4-to-2 barrel adaptor upon which sat a well-worn Motorcraft unit. He was having some issues with idle and poor performance and someone suggested a new ignition. He purchased a PerTronix module to replace the points and a new coil which did help but pulling out the manual throttle was still necessary for any idle. When I looked at what he had and heard it run it I suggested we time it correctly and then look to replace the intake and carb. For simplicity sake, I suggested a Weiand Stealth and the tried and true 1406 Edelbrock knowing that we didn’t have any extra clearance under the hood.

We had a great afternoon removing the old and installing the new. He knows little to nothing and was very eager to learn as we worked together – cleaning things up as we went and just enjoying turning wrenches. Also put in a set of Bosch gages and a tach as a part of the process that look right at home in the Bronco – tach on the steering column with a hose clamp of course! Started right up and I got things dialed in about dark (which was at the end of my physical endurance cycle!) and I suggested he take it for a spin in the morning and let me know. I got this text this morning:

“Hey there friend! Took it out today to get gas… It ran flawlessly and had TONS of power. I cannot thank you enough! Truly grateful for your help and friendship!!”

He couldn’t believe I really wanted to help him until my wife assured him, “He lives for this stuff…. Really, he does.” Yup, I do – it’s a great way to spend time with and invest in the lives of other people and I’m sure there will be more Bronco time – I can’t wait.

Regards All,
Glenn

That's a good story, I like to read things like that. I'm 44, so I'm not sure how to comment on the young friend part LOL.

That's a very cool story, Glenn, describing how things used to be more often, before the vehicle controls got so complex and the OEM's started hiding all of the components from view! Thanks for the story.

Amen brother.

That's a good story, I like to read things like that.
and your writing skill is very good keep it up
this forum is very nice i am new here

Originally Posted by rspears

That's a very cool story, Glenn, describing how things used to be more often, before the vehicle controls got so complex and the OEM's started hiding all of the components from view! Thanks for the story.

I hear that Roger - this engine is everything I enjoy and easy (relatively speaking) to work on. The vehicle is lifted and has over-sized tires so I need a stool to reach some of the stuff on the rear of the engine and I really appreciate Ford putting the distributor in the front of the engine!

It feels really good to find someone who enjoys cars and wants to learn. Us "old guys" that still remember carbs and timing lights are getting fewer and further between. It's really amazing how quickly I can find myself remembering little things like timing spec's and low idle screw adjustment procedures. I'm thinking there will be a lot of hot rods in heaven 'cause working on them makes me feel like I'm there! And I've known for years that God rides a Harley!

Thanks for the kind words, John. Is that Dublin Ireland, California, Ohio?

God rides an Indian, that's how we know he likes to wrench.

Hey, if God is all powerful, can he make an Indian that doesn't leak oil?

Helping out the newbie looks good on you Glenn! The only way we'll preserve our pastime is to pass it on! You're a good man!

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Helping out the newbie looks good on you Glenn! The only way we'll preserve our pastime is to pass it on! You're a good man!

Thanks for the kind words, Dave - It was an incredible day. Almost giddy when it started up. I been doing this kinda thing for over 50 years and I still get excited when I hear one crank and fire up. This gentleman also has a 15 year old son and a 17 year old daughter that are great kids and interested in cars. His daughter has an absolutely beautiful 1977 F-150 4x4 that she drives with a big American flag flying on the back. How did I get so blessed to have these folks find me??

Originally Posted by glennsexton

How did I get so blessed to have these folks find me??

They found you because good people attract good people.
You're getting what you deserve.
'As ye sow; so shall ye reap.'
You are one of those that we Kiwis call 'a good bastard'.


Almost the equivalent of a Knighthood.

Originally Posted by johnboy

They found you because good people attract good people.
You're getting what you deserve.
'As ye sow; so shall ye reap.'.

AH bloody hell.... so that's why you ended up at my door!?!?!



Pokin'' the bear brother.

Originally Posted by 34_40

AH bloody hell.... so that's why you ended up at my door!?!?!

I thought jb said he was lost and went to the only house with a porch light on? Maybe that was at my house......

Bear pokin', yep!

Musta' been your house.! We kept the lights off when we heard he left Kansas.. And he had the cops bring'im here!



(Now I think I'm kickin' the bear! )