I decided it was time to overhaul the radiator, though instead of getting a re-core of the OE unit, I went with the Vick Auto Sports custom aluminum radiator.
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Current Status
Thanks to a little off-board suggestions from Papa Tony and Bob Brown, I installed a separate fuse box to run the headlight mod, Stereo/Amp, secondary radiator fan console switch and push-button starter in a nice, clean way that allows for easy maintenance. Very happy with the results.
I’m still tweaking the position of the Euro-style front bumpers that Ricardo re-produced, to get it just right (while leaving room for adjustment) before finalizing. They are a great fit with the revised brackets Ricardo made. Ricardo made the Euro-style side markers for me as well. I sourced the spoiler from Henk.
First Time Timer
I have never timed a motor before, nor really understood how/why. Yeah, I know. Well today I decided to teach myself and went to Harbor Freight and picked up a $25 timing light. If fact, I picked up a lot of things, because you know, it’s Harbor Freight.
I’m checking the timing because when it failed the last smog check, the tech said the timing was off. First, I checked my timing marks:
According to the Timing Guide, I think I’m off the mark from the start?
This is where I’m at with the motor running, timing light advance on 10 degrees. The tach reads 1200 at idle, which is too high (if it’s reading correctly).
Fit Testing the Euro Bits
And it needs lots of adjustments 
The “bumpers” and spoiler are all reproductions in fiberglass and are very tricky to work with but I’m sure the end result will be well worth the fuss. My goal today was to get them fitted on the car. I’ll need to find more time later on to do all the adjustments to make it look right.
Up and Running
Was having issues getting the 86 going and it seemed electrical in nature. Dropped in a new battery and all accessories came on but when it came time to crank, everything went dead along with the battery. Noticed one of the things that came on with the accessories was the fuel pump – not normal. The PO had put a wire between the ballast resistor on the coil side straight to the fuel pump (with a fuse) – for what reason? I removed it and hooked it back up to it’s normal connector (which was just laying around). Turned the key, pushed the flap on the air flow meter in – no fuel pump. Just happened to have a working spare…on the other car…plugged it in, jumped the battery ran the same test and the fuel pump came on. After jumping the battery,we were up and running.
I let the car run for a good 20 minutes. Was really rough at first and lots of white smoke cleared out of the exhaust. Tested everything, lights, fan switch, interior accessories – everything working ok. Took it for a spin around the block and it’s still pulling with a lot of power, though running a little rough and shifting is crunchy. Brakes need to be overhauled – barely have a pedal but it does stop.
As of now, it starts up very easily and idles fine. Doesn’t leak anything. Going to give it a full tune-up before attempting smog – temporary plate is good through August so there’s plenty of time. I’m going to apply the vision I had for the 85 car to this one instead so I de-bumpered it. The nose is tweaked pretty bad as is the driver door. Front right corner got hit as well, but minor. Unfortunately, I’m afraid this means the end of the 85 project. I’ve invested so much into the mechanicals of that car and I’m going to transplant them into the 86.
In Memory Of Ian “Mac” McIntosh
