Jeff’s ‘69 Valiant

[Jeff]

Thought I would start this one up now. Car arrives tomorrow, then I can start going through it with Billy. I will embrace any remarks or suggestions along the way with this.
I should have the build documentation tomorrow as well.
We want to attend drag and drive events with this, as well as the 3 drag strips we have here.
Looking forward to the journey with the little car, and happy Billy will be along for the ride. Now if I could only get him out of his drifting obsession!
The last few weeks I have been to and fro with Blue, regarding possible purchases. There was even one in the UK, but the only compromise I made, was going big block rather than small block.
I have a large Mopar store / breakers yard nearby, so should be able to source most of what I want from there.
I will update once I have the car here. So happy to be back on the old messageboard.
Jeff

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[mygasser]

welcome aboard. i'm a bit partial to a valiant myself https://www.moparuk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=56362:
keep us updated and don't forget lots of pics as you go.
neil.

[Jeff]

Got the car home today, went over it with Billy this afternoon.
Found a couple of things it needs.
Windscreen washer foot pump is leaking. Sounds like a common fault. I will replace the rubber foot switch with an electric one. Stop water from leaking on the floor.
The other problem is a bit more complicated.
There is nothing in the rearcend that acts as an emergency brake.
I need that for our version of MOT. The backing dust plates are home built, and the thick metal items that hold the e brake shoes have been ground flat. Looks clean, but it won’t pass.
It is an 8.8” Explorer rear end. And getting all the hardware ain’t that easy!
We thought a hydraulic e brake may work, but I think, that will not pass either. Will chat with tester next week.
But, it drives great, handles well, body and underside are just amazing! And the sound, really takes me back to the old Coronet days.
If I can blag a trailer for next weekend, I have been invited to one of the tracks for a private event. Only 40 cars!
And if my F150 has its new trans fitted by then, grrr!

[Jeff]

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[Jeff]

Motor.

400ci, 30 over.

Camshaft.
Mancini Racing Purple Shaft Cam & Lifter Kit (Part #MREP4120235) "284/.484" grind,
Advertised Duration: 284° Intake / 284° Exhaust
Valve Lift: .484" Intake / .484" Exhaust
Operating RPM Range: 2,200 to 6,000 RPM
Lobe Separation: 108 Degrees.

Heads.
516, stainless steel valves.
1:8 exh. - 2.14 int.

Crankshaft.
383 steel crank.

Intake.
Weiand 8008

Carb.
Holley 4160 750cfm

Distributor.
proform 66992

Rear end.
Ford 8.8” posi with 3.73 gears.

Transmission.
TF727, 2800 stall.

[Stu Twin]

Sounds like a fun combo in a light car.
Looks a bit tight for changing the plugs

I’ve heard of a few cars from the States missing hand brake hardware. Maybe it’s optional?

[Jeff]

Yes, one or two of the plugs look a little difficult! Will have to spend some time practicing!
Previous owner had a very understanding tester. Unfortunately I don’t, I don’t think. I will talk with him first. I think I have found the hardware I need. Just means axles have to come out. Is what it is I guess.

[mygasser]

Sounds like a fun combo in a light car.
Looks a bit tight for changing the plugs

with the manifold going 'up' it should be ok changing plugs. on my 65 dart with a 440 i used to reach under the (homemade) fendwerwell headers from the front and although tight it was 'easy' to get to all the plugs.and that was with the early 'a' body's narrower engine bay too.
neil.

[Blue]

Get yourself a plug socket with a hex on the end so you can use a spanner on it. Always been my approach with big block A bodies.

[Blue]

Cars often come in from the states without park brake components, clearly it isn’t required in some States. Wipers and washers are also missing sometimes which is a bit more problematic. You need to see what the regs say about a park brake, in the UK it has to be a separate mechanical system so you can’t do it hydralically. My old tester used to say “As long as the back brakes come on when I pull the lever I don’t care how you did it”….

[Jeff]

I’m going to see him today. Unfortunately Ontario have really tightened up on safety inspections. It has to be recorded on video, and sent to the ministry!
Examiners are careful nowadays. Can’t afford to loose their licence! I get it.
Good thing is, only have to do it when you buy the car, no yearly retesting.

[Jeff]

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[Jeff]

Just back from garage that does safety inspection, and service Ontario to register the car. We have to pay tax on all used cars here! Damn money grab!

Anyway, guy that owns the garage is fine with hydraulic emergency brake, which is a relief, easier and cheaper.
I can take it out after.

He finished a build on a ‘63 Polara today, he was waiting to take it out for a test drive.

Anyway onwards and upwards.

[mygasser]

that's a result
neil.

[Jeff]

Today I went to national moparts. It’s only 30mins away.
Got some defrost vent tubes, and some parts for the windshield washers.

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