Putting the 64 on a diet.

[cdhowell]

Also asked on VTCI. Besides the normal aluminum heads intake and radiator. where would you look at shedding a few pounds off the bird. This is a hot rod project not a concourse car. Goal is 3300# curb weight Retaining the FE block, Heat and AC.

[simplyconnected]

Use an alternator instead of a gen/voltage regulator. Install a wide open throttle (WOT) limit switch that will cut out your alt & A/C when racing.

Rack & Pinion steering helps and so do disk brakes. Electric water pumps and electric radiator fans are far more efficient. The pumps give great flow at idle speeds but don't rob excessive power at high rpm. Electric fans only turn on when needed. Hope this helps. - Dave

[cdhowell]

All good ideas, The type of things I am thinking about is on the lines of coatings instead of insulating mats. Dimple die the x bracing behind the door panels. Trying to keep a near stock appearance and around 425 reliable HP. If I was trying to be really fast I would bought a lighter car. Just want to mess with these kids and their Fart pipes. How would the R&P steering work with the hydraulic wipers?

[simplyconnected]

I'm rackin' my brain, trying to figure out what 'hydraulic wipers' are. I don't think I have ever heard those two words used together, and what do wipers have to do with steering?

I appreciate lots of hp, but it must be properly controlled so you can unleash maximum delivery at your rear wheels. Too many devices unnecessarily rob power along the way.

Yes, acceleration goes by horsepower:weight, so managing both more efficiently will deliver more bang for your buck. - Dave

[Joe Johnston]

The 63's and perhaps another year had wipers that were driven by hyd pressure from the power steering pump. Worked very well and has variable speed too. I think also some Lincolns had this set up also.

[simplyconnected]

I've heard of master cylinders boosted by power steering pressure, but not wipers. (Seems like an overkill to me.) Regardless, there's plenty of PS flow to go around.

[redstangbob]

I'm rackin' my brain, trying to figure out what 'hydraulic wipers' are. I don't think I have ever heard those two words used together, and what do wipers have to do with steering?

Hydraulic wipers were standard on Thunderbird from 1963 thru 1969. Steering pump pressure went from the pump to the steering box, the return then went to the wiper motor and then back to the pump reservoir. It offered a variable speed of the wiper blades.

[YellowRose]

Putting the 64 on a diet.

A person could get a Masters Degree in Thunderbird restoration just by reading this Forum on a daily basis. I learn something new every day, and I didn't know about the hydraulic windshield wipers either!

[simplyconnected]

Well, son of a gun... Ford didn't keep that system long, either. Thanks for letting me know, guys.

[Guest]

Yep my lincoln has hydrolic wipers to. The one draw back is don't brake a power sterrin belt in the rain. Been there. ( ah crap can't see or steer)

[cdhowell]

Glad we got a kick out of the hydraulic wipers. Any thoughts on the coatings or dimple dies? Or other diet ideas

http://www.lizardskin.com/

[Guest]

Diet ...

I don't think you will see 3300 lbs on a 64, but not saying you can't try. Aluminum or better yet magnesium wheels. Lizard Skin, or truck bed liner for the floors. They make very light weight lithium ion batteries for drag cars now, but very pricey. I think you would be money ahead to just use a 4.25 stroker kit on the FE with some good ported heads, headers, and a 235ish @ .050 hyd roller cam and you will be making a very streetable 500+ hp. That should suprise the fart can crowd. Mike

[cdhowell]

Thanks, wheels are a good place to save weight. I am also thinking an aluminum center section and drive shaft. Fixed seat mounts instead of electric motors. Maybe convert the windows back to manual. A new compressor instead of the old York that needs rebuilt.