Jennifer:Keep in mind that you probably already have a duraspark ignition box.  Its the silver box with wires going to the distributor that’s usually on the firewall.  If you don’t have one then you can use an after market ignition box that will do the same thing. (Summitt has a store brand box that’s cheaper than others) Or go with the d…[Read more]

GeoffI haven’t had the pleasure of working on one of those. From what I’ve seen  on my car and what I’ve read in the Haynes  manual, it looks like you’ll have pretty much have to at least lower the rear of the tranny to access the upper tube shifter rod.  So, you might as well pull it and make sure. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.Ringo

Geoff:Does the shift lever depress down and move over but the car doesn’t go into reverse?  Or does the shift lever just not move further to the left than 1st and 2nd  position?  Is the shifting stiff or tight going into other gears?  Does “rocking” the car while trying to shift into reverse make any difference?Ringo

Thanks Paul!The photos will let me scale out the dimensions just fine.  Most photos of original dashes are at an angle that wouldn’t let me accurately measure the opening.Again, many thanks,  Ringo

Jennifer:A tune up would do wonders for your mileage. Be aware that a 25 year old car that hasn’t been run much will need a major tune up to be dependable. The usual stuff like plugs, plug wires, distributor stator and cap, air filter, PCV, timing check, and more than likely a carb rebuild or cleaning. Also replace any vacuum lines. Those hoses…[Read more]

Jennifer:Good news, since those engines appeared in vehicles up to the 90s. They appeared in everything from Mustangs to Rangers to Aerostars. Most replacement parts are easily available at any auto part chain stores. They run well and are almost bullet proof. Almost any shop worth it’s salt has working knowledge of them so it’s not such a chore…[Read more]

Jennifer:Checked my manuals and the quickest way to tell size on the Pinto (Lima) engine is by the oil filler cap.  On the 2.0 L it’s at the front of the engine, on the 2.3 L it’s at the back of the valve cover.  (closest to the driver).  There’s other ways but this is the most obvious.Sorry I  didn’t check these sooner.  Hope it helps.Ringo

Hey Gang:
Had to laugh the other day when I read the comment “looks like a
grenade went off in a spaghetti factory.”  Did you mean something like
this?

The only wires that make sense are the original steering column
connector colors.  After that it goes down hill quickly.  Luckily,
everything was working before I took it apart to make the new da…[Read more]

Jennifer:
Most likely it’s a 2.3 Liter. The web sites for the Pinto and Mustang II gang will give you some guidance to make sure.
Once you’re sure, check Amazon for a manual. (I prefer Haynes manuals,  much more detailed, IMO)
Also check out sites listed under the search for 2.3 Liter Ford such as Racer Walsh and Esslinger, for aftermarket…[Read more]

Andre:
I agree with Larry, it’s just a personal choice. I looked for a front engine replica just because I’d had 4 VWs in the past.  They were easy to work on, reliable, and parts were easy to get. I have always kinda been a Ford guy and knew that the 2.3 L ford engines were also easy to get, easy to work on and put out a lot of power with the…[Read more]

Welcome to the forum!
I’m sure you’ll get some guidance and answers to help you along from the members with similar top attachment.  My top attaches by way of snaps on the top of the windshield frame.  This causes mucho problems with wind leakage at speed and I intend to change it over to the more correct bar in the front channel when I replace t…[Read more]

Hello Jennifer;
Welcome to the Forum!  There is so much good info on the site.  My TD replica is also Pinto based.
The part you want is called the radiator shell medallion.  It’s available from Moss Motors for US$29.95 plus shipping.  Part number is 201-010. There web site is:
http://www.mossmotors.com
Don’t forget to post some pictures of your new toy!…[Read more]

And here’s the compartment open

AndreYeah, that is a beautiful duchess!My plate says limited edition but doesn’t have the *out of * number, just the serial number.My Duchess has wire wheels.  Check my photos on the site to see the wheels…..Unless you mean a picture of the compartment, which I can take this weekend and send along.Ringo

PaulYou’re right about the Duchess vs Grand Duchess.  I checked the old brochure I have and it is only referred to as the Grand Duchess. There were option packages that had names such as royale listed but no Duchess or Grand Duchess, only Grand Duchess. My badMy Duchess is supposedly made in ’84.  What year did CR make the switch in owners?Ringo

Hi Gang;Sorry I didn’t make myself clear about the “hidden” space.It’s located behind a raise up hatch located at the back of the usually visible space behind the seat. Totally out of view, it is up under the lip of the cowl in the space where the ‘doghouse” would normally be on a VW model.  It’s approx 30 wide by 9 inches high by 12 deep.  E…[Read more]

RE: aboveFor instance, the Grand Duchess Royale package had the hidden luggage area in the back and the Dayton wire wheels.Ringo

Andre,From what I’ve learned the only difference was trim and options.A retired Classic worker told me all frames from the factory were the same. They could hang different suspensions and engines on them according to buyers specs. This may be why the wheels are ahead in the wells. They compromised position accuracy for ease of assembly with…[Read more]

Interesting to read of the other rides we have.I’ve got a 53 Ford truck that I’ve redone.  I kept the straight axle and put mono leaf springs and a power disc brake conversion on it.  It looks stock except for the lowered ride stance and drives very stable once I put a sway bar on it.I’m thinking about hanging  power steering on it at some po…[Read more]

AndreThere are chrome companies that do fiberglass, plastic, even wood! A friend of mine had some dash work done that looks great. I can’t remember the name offhand but he found it online after a Google search.Good Luck,Ringo