1972 Granada Mk1 coupe build - Still going... 14-10-2024

[eurogranada]

I have to say that I'm still struggling to find time, but mostly motivation to do stuff on the Granada. The weather is still very much hit and miss and a bit of sunshine rarely aligns with the opportunity to do some work on it.

I did however use the car some! Which is obviously why I built it in the first place...

So what did I do? Well, I took it to the gym once when the sun was out. And I went for an ice cream with my wife. This turned into a bit of an adventure though. We have a very local ice cream shop but when we got there the waiting line was about 30 meters outside of the building and moving slow. No way said I we'll just go to the other one that is also just a short drive though a little further. When we got there, no surprise really, the lines were similarly long. As getting an ice cream should be a fun experience not an endless waiting game, we changed plans again. Ok, it wasn't really on the same level, but a sundae caramel with nuts from McD's would have to do. Another short stint away.

I had noticed for the first time in ages that the engine was running slightly hotter than normal. Then again, the weather was also warmer than most any day I'd driven the car before this year so far. So no biggie... Until in line at the drive through, it started creeping up and up. Similar to when I had three girls in the car for a Gala and we died 25 meters before the gate and I fried my wiring later that evening. So I was a little concerned. tried not to let the wifey notice, but she's no fool... Anyway we got our two sundae order and drove to the parking. I kept the car running and opened the hood. Just at that moment the fans kicked in! Pfew, at least that still works so there's some cooling happening even at stand still.

Switched the engine off and enjoyed (big word for this simple treat) our ice creams. After a few minutes we were ready to get going again. Started the car and drove off. Engine warm not hot on the gauge and confident that cooling sets in anyway I was quite surprised whem without much notice it died on me in the middle of the road. Thankfully in a place where I could be passed, be it over a left turn exit lane. Car wouldn't restart. The started seemed to not work. Strangely the key wasn't recognised very well either, while that is usually not much of a problem. After a minute or two the car fired right up and we rolled on again asif nothing had happened. And then a kilometer or so on, pop pop in the exhaust, oil pressure light on the dash and no power again. I coasted as far as I could as there was a very soft side to this road and I didn't want to get stuck if I had to push... We were only about 800 or zo meters from home, but pushing that far would still be detrimental to my health, lol.

Anyway, I came to a halt far enough to the side of the road so traffic could pass. But, that pop pop dead behaviour to me was very reminiscent of fuel starvation... So as my gauge is less then reliable, that was my first check. And upon opening the supposedly vented cap, there was a massive rush of air. With the cap off the car started immediately and drove fine for the rest of the way. I guess there just was not enough fuel flowing anymore because of a vacuum...

I was a little surprised to find this out only now, as I never had this issue before. Now it was warmer for one and I have a new higher volume fuel pump than I used to have on the injection side. Maybe these factors combined caused the issue?? My solution was to dril the smallest of holes in the cap like I had done with the previous cap hoping for fuel to not evaporate too much, while adding venting. I could also see no way of venting on this cap so I guess it wasn't as vented as it was sold to me.

Anyway, the weekend had some oldtimer activities so I decided to attend one. It was a 50km one way trip and the car behaved fine, It was half the temp of the previous drive, but the engine stayed cool and I didn't have a single issue on the 100km total. So I'll call that a succes.

Car was making a good impression for sure. i had washed it before leaving.

The car gathering was held at a renowned classic car delaership with a very impressive inventory. Also very impressive price tags. But, many of the cars had paint issues. On 50K pretty standard c code 65/66 Mustangs the paint may be expected to look nice. On a 179K Porsche 911 that goes doube, yet it is presented with a massive 20x20cm paint issue on the passenger door. I've seen so many examples of this that I'm convinced this is all about money and not in the slightest about a love for old cars. They had some nice stuff, but overpriced.

One car I would love to have had was a 69 mustang. But even on this 99.9k car, there were letters missing from the stripings, which in itself looked very thick and stuck on. The ones on my granada look much more factory/meant to be there...

[Alpina99]

Sorry mate,
Rather have yours than the Mustang,
Much nicer,
Nigel

[eurogranada]

May 6, 2024 16:05:05 GMT Alpina99 said:

Sorry mate,
Rather have yours than the Mustang,
Much nicer,
Nigel

Thanks Nigel,

I'll take that as a pretty big compliment! Or you just hate Mustangs, lol.

I do seriously love my car, but a 69-73 mustang sportsroof is pretty high on my list of future wanna haves...

But quality wise, my car is indeed made to high standards that seem lacking on many of the cars I've seen. But there's a solution to that: new build thread and buying a curse word one to restore yourself. ;-)

[Alpina99]

Ref. a new build thread on a Mustang,
Now that I'd like to see !!
Nigel

[eurogranada]

May 7, 2024 14:39:52 GMT Alpina99 said:

Ref. a new build thread on a Mustang,
Now that I'd like to see !!
Nigel

I have a nice restomod idea in mind, but I think I'm going to have to start a go fund me or something as the sale of the Granada will at best fund the new engine/box/ecu/diff combo...

The one thing that my Granada lacks, or maybe I myself am just lacking the balls, is the ability to do a double wheeled burnout. I'm way too afraid of torpedoing my diff and with an auto box I'm also scared of that breaking...

So my next build has to have enough HP and a driveline that can do that...while still being an automatic...

But I have a love for the 65-73 mustang that keeps me dreaming. Although there are other big fords that I would own in a heartbeat if I had the funds...

[mk2cossie]

If you have a rubber doughnut in the propshaft, the diff unit on mk1 and 2 Granadas is more than man enough

And you have the bigger axle shafts and CV joints too

A4LDE transmission isn't too weak, and a nice big external cooler always helps the transmission fluid

[eurogranada]

Well, just from regular driving and fast acceleration I can feel that this current diff has accumulated more play over the past 6+ years. Hence my hesitation…

I do have my old diff to rebuild with a new crush washer but I lack the tools to do a proper job.

Just for giggles, what would be the right way to try a burnout? And won’t having to keep your foot on the brake to remain in place glaze the rear drum shoes??

[blackpopracing]

Rear brakes don't grip much compared to the fronts, put water under your tyres (add washing up liquid if you want to help the car ) and hit the throttle hard to the floor, you can back off a bit once the tyres start to spin good.

Make sure you have someone filming it!

[mk2cossie]

Pretty much as blackpopracing said above.

The short video of my workshop skid was with the standard 3.45 ratio diff, and A4LDe transmission.
If on the first attempt it only spins one tyre, try again straight away, as the extra heat that the spinning tyre has now got in it will help it grip a tad, and more likely to get both spinning

(Also, much easier on concrete, especially lovely smooth stuff)

[spot]

Always happy to read about you enjoying the car when you can. I did have a sense of 'Oh no, this is sounding like it doesn't end well" on your last escapade, but a few hundred metres from home is a win in my book!"

Burn-outs, at yor age! I'm guessing you must have found an old bottle of Brut and a tarnished medallion in the glove box that has ignited this 70's Macho outbust -
I've always found Hire cars the easiest entry point for the working man into motorsport for such frivolity

[eurogranada]

May 14, 2024 11:27:25 GMT spot said:

Always happy to read about you enjoying the car when you can. I did have a sense of 'Oh no, this is sounding like it doesn't end well" on your last escapade, but a few hundred metres from home is a win in my book!"

Burn-outs, at yor age! I'm guessing you must have found an old bottle of Brut and a tarnished medallion in the glove box that has ignited this 70's Macho outbust -
I've always found Hire cars the easiest entry point for the working man into motorsport for such frivolity

Close to home can still feel very far away under the wrong circumstances! ;-)

But in this case there really wasn't a real issue. Although after probably at least a 1000km's on this fuel cap it was strange that it now suddenly was a problem. Only reason I can think of is the little extra capacity of the new injection pump, which has been on for about 400km's now? But still...

Well, what can I say, I'm a simple boy at heart! I'd love to occasionally do a little burnout. Or even just knowing the car can do it. But despite the above, I've not yet dared... Which is also why my dream project is a 69-73 mustang mach one sportsroof with coyote engine, automatic and 9" strong ford diff....and possibly a line lock on the front brakes. I just love cars that can slip the wheels just changing gears lol. Although that may be compromised by my wish to drive an automatic. If I had the balls and the money I might also just see if I can make that setup work in my Granada, that would probably also tickle my fancy then.

PS. a commnique is underway....

[CaptainSlog]

Have you ever been in a 69-73 Mustang Mach One? It is like a mobile tin can, you would miss the refinement of your Granada.

[eurogranada]

May 16, 2024 14:09:27 GMT CaptainSlog said:

Have you ever been in a 69-73 Mustang Mach One? It is like a mobile tin can, you would miss the refinement of your Granada.

Eeehhhmm, yes I have, when a friend was inspired by my Mustang and wanted his own but the later model. We drove two and he bought one. But it was a very rough one and the other one that we took for a testdrive also wasn't the one. And obviously I drove a 66 V8 c-code coupe for four years. Actually my Mustang in a way was my reference at the time. Well, when it wasn't being restored. But that was much more of a rolling restoration.

Honestly, I don't know if there would be much difference between the mustang and the Granada. At least as I have it now and how I'd want the mustang to be.

The mustang would be just as well sorted and with updated suspension and drive train. My Granada is also not as refined/wafty as it once was. PU rubbers all round makes it stiffer, the heavier engine and seats mean it behaves different on its springs... It's comfy still but I wouldn't expect a mustang to be much worse. The one thing I do remember on the Mustang that scared me in a way was the front end going very light at speed as the huge bonnet acted as a scoop lifting the front.

I guess the want is mostly for it being able to do a decent burnout just from standing and between gears and the looks department. Although the Granada coupe is much more rare then the mustangs. The Mustangs of that era have a certain look that draws me.

[eurogranada]

The weekend was a long one, yet also a full one.

It started Friday with a simple check up for my diabetes. Which seems to be well enough under control. Thankfully. As there was some time between that and my next commitment I set to removing my winch from my garage floor (from when the granada was an immovable object) and fit that to the h-van. This in preparation for picking up a marketplace acquisition, a nice second hand but 100% new gas powered weber outdoor bbq/kitchen. This had some weight to it and was to be picked up at a presumedly old widow so this would help assure I could load it easily via the mobility scooter ramp. This job went smooth and I got it buttoned up. Battery on the charger (as it's not a permanent installation, although I could leave it) ready for Sunday. After that I had an appointment to demolish the garden shed at my MIL's. It was rotten and one side was sagging pulling it all out of form. It was roughly 2x3 meters but the amount of wood coming from is was staggering. Of course it also had to be removed so a trip to the tip was in order. Along with a few other items, this turned out to be 450 kilo's. The van obviously had no problem with it all. It was just a bit of work. But including dismantling, cutting the longest of beams and loading and unloading we got it done in just over 3 hours. Not too bad. But my energy level had dropped quite a bit by then and my muscle aches were playing up.

Saturday I had a birthday to go to, but plans needed to change when I was sending off my daughter for her volunteer work when I saw her tire was flat. Looking closer some spokes had also snapped... I dropped her off by car an canceled the birthday visit and focused on fixing the bike. Obviously it was the driven wheel, which means a bit more dismantling. Next up, finding spokes and fitting them. Trying to get the wheel as straight as possible. There was indeed some metal shaving in the tire so that needed a quick patch as well. With that done I could drop off the bike at her work so she could come home on her own as we had a dinner to go to early evening. That was very enjoyable in and of itself though. But it became another long day.

Sunday morning came and me and the lad went on our merry way. Almost 1,5 hours one way. So we had a good little road trip and a lot of good conversation. Really nice. The widow was a very friendly lady whose husband had been an avid hobby cook. He'd bought this BBQ and a load of accessories only to fall ill and never fire it up even once before passing on. This was obviously sad, and also why I made a respectful bid. We got even more than we bargained for and it was soon loaded in the car manually as the son was present. At home I did lower the bbq out of the van by winch which worked a treat. Needless to say we tested it out that evening after a little spruce up with some cleaners for the outside. It was litteraly never fired before. I loved how easily I could get started without my neighbor shouting and threatening to throw a bucket of water on it.

Ok, so why all this on a car forum, well as this all lead up to a bit of a rotten feeling inside. It was once again a nice weekend filled with obligations that meant the blue monster was once again asleep in the garage... So I really wanted to get out there with the car to some show or tour. A tip via facebook meant I set of on the monday.... But immediately I felt the car was off. It didn't pull well, it didn't keep to a speed well and was just a bit jerky. First and only suspect really? The fuel cap. I stopped and opened the cap, no rush of air so I though this is not my problem. Added some petrol (no fun at these prices) and I now knew for sure I could not suffer a lack of fuel either. I noticed at that time that my nice little hole in the cap and the rubber seal were out of alignment. Thereby probably blocking it completely again. So I decided to remove the rubber seal for now and just run the cap without. It was now definitely not sealing. And, never had another issue all the way there and back. Ran fine at speed and more power on acceleration. It must be to do with the new fuel pump for the injection system. It's the only changed component compared to previous long runs etc.

I can't say I fully grasp why this new pump would have this as a side effect though. Anyway, the meeting was a bit messy but the conversations were great. After 3,5 hours I set of home, feeling slightly happier that the car had been out and seen and loved! Loved by sooo many. And the kids all respond to the six cookie monster dolls in the car, which makes me smile.










As a bonus today I was suprised with a gift from abroad. I had bought the car something. Not knowing if I'm going to use it or not but it being rare, even as a reproduction part, I bit the bullet thinking i can always sell on...

It's generally considered a holy grail item....







I'll try it out when I get home from work...

[blackpopracing]

Wow, can't be many of those left anywhere - and it's in perfect condition by the looks of it.

[eurogranada]

May 21, 2024 22:55:04 GMT blackpopracing said:

Wow, can't be many of those left anywhere - and it's in perfect condition by the looks of it.

Mark, it's a reproduction part. Hence looking pristine.

Some fellow in Norway has designed and commissioned it, I think. He's selling them at least. Very nice form and it looks amazing. It's hard plastic. It's thick enough to be a solid thing. When fitted to the rear window it's nice and stable. This one uses no brackets but is designed to be either taped or glued to the rear window. I've yet to decide what to do. I kind of wanted to be able to wash the rear screen underneath it when necessary... Hinging it at the top, or just making it easily removable, but I don't yet see how to do this. One train of thought is making thin metal brackets that slide under the rear window rubber and angle up so I can drill a hole in the side of the lowest louvre and screw it to the bracket. Do the same at two or three places at the top. Another option might be velcro. But I also don't want to have to worry about it being ripped off. Screws would be more of a deterrent, but in al reality the window rubber isn't very deep so a good pull on it would probably have it come loose.

I bought it as I liked them, but wasn't sure how it would look. But as it is a rare part I felt I could always sell it on at cost. The consensus however is that I should definitely fit it... I myself like the extra black that highlights the blue even more in that area, though I've never missed it on there before, now I've seen it I think it does add something. Looking out from inside seemed rather cool, even my teenage son commented on that. which says something, lol.


With?



or

Without?




Other angles (quick garage shots as it was about to start raining)

[blackpopracing]

Look up dual lock link self adhesive strips, should be strong enough, but they are thicker than Velcro at around 5mm.

[spot]

My vote is a definite NO! You really need to take that hideous thing off. Bag it up and store it somewhere out of eyesight until you find another gullable fool to take it away.

You still have my address don't you? Theres a saying that "There's no fool, like an old fool", so I'll take it off your hands so you can sleep peacefully again - You're welcome

Alex, this is soooooo weird - I have litrally in the past few days been looking for any 'Autoplas' lourve for my rear screen and BLAM, you sneek this out.

Does this Norwegian chap have any more would you know?

[eurogranada]

May 22, 2024 12:25:46 GMT spot said:

My vote is a definite NO! You really need to take that hideous thing off. Bag it up and store it somewhere out of eyesight until you find another gullable fool to take it away.

You still have my address don't you? Theres a saying that "There's no fool, like an old fool", so I'll take it off your hands so you can sleep peacefully again - You're welcome

Alex, this is soooooo weird - I have litrally in the past few days been looking for any 'Autoplas' lourve for my rear screen and BLAM, you sneek this out.

Does this Norwegian chap have any more would you know?

hehe Paul! I kept the packaging I received it in.... can forward without issue, lol.

Funny how our connection works, isn't it. You think, I do! ;-)

I can drop you a PM if you like. I'm pretty sure the guy has some more to sell.

[spot]

Hmmm that is a tempting offer but I just know you'll forward me the 'packaging' devoid of any contents aside from a handwritten note stating "You ***** ***, Balding **** **** * No, Not ever"

[You think, I do!] OUCH, or, Great deeds are performed by lesser mortals whilst standing on the shoulders of others

Please do!