02fordsvt Build/Mod/Random Thread

[02fordsvt]

And a couple pictures I took today. It was the first good little snow this year so I could resist doing a little photo shut in the snow.

[02fordsvt]

A quick update of my latest project. I'll post more when it's finished.

[02fordsvt]

I'm just going to back track a little here and show a bit more about the antenna delete. First, a bit of background. I chopped down the original antenna last summer which really took away a lot of reception (I live 30 + miles from most radio stations with a lot of hills between so any change is very noticeable on the dial). Then, the addition of the new headunit took most of the rest away so I was down to one station that I actually listened two and a few country stations which I can't stand. Given that I can now use the Ipod hooked directly to the headunit, it doesn't bother me that I can't get much on the radio so I figured why not just get rid of the antenna completely.

Basically for the outside of the car, all that needed to be done was removing the antenna and filing in the whole with body filler. The body filler is then covered over by the "black top".



In order to still get reception for the radio, I strung 75 ohm cable (I used the copper wire from some old tv antenna cables I had sitting around). The pictures show the rest.





One last thing that I couldn't get a good picture of. For some reason, if I have the part where the original headunit plug and the converter plug together laying on the frame of the car next to the glove box, my reception almost doubles. I cant explain it but for some reason it works; however, only if you still have all the wires hooked in the headliner and mirror.

As far as reception goes, it is way better than what I was getting from my old setup. I can now get a few more stations that I previously could not and the ones I was getting come in better. It's still not as good as the original headunit and long antenna but it's an improvement and looks a lot better.

[02fordsvt]

Trying this out for size. It's a really nice Yakima Q roof rack that some of my relatives are willing to give me for minimal cost, but unfortunately, I need a stretch kit before it can really go on the car (the back rack is just sitting on the car).

[AvieF]

Looks good. :)

[focusboy5]

You NEED to do something with that sub box....Not trying to be rude, just helping but the correct wood for a sub box would be 1/2" - 3/4" MDF. And throw on some carpet to cover the wood or spray it black even.

Car looks great tho!

[02fordsvt]

Thank you both.

Originally Posted by focusboy5

You NEED to do something with that sub box....Not trying to be rude, just helping but the correct wood for a sub box would be 1/2" - 3/4" MDF. And throw on some carpet to cover the wood or spray it black even.

3/4" MDF is almost the best wood to make a box out of but 3/4" Birch board (what I used in the end) is actually better. As for carpeting or quick spraying it black, I'd rather do it once and do it right. The reason it's taking so long to get the sub trimmed in is because the whole inside of the car is being built around the box so only one section can be done at a time. I expect it will take all winter before the whole thing is done but with the amount of work I'm putting into this when I have time, I'd rather take slow and plan it carefully than rush through it all.

[02fordsvt]

Quick update.

I've been doing a little work on the intake and here are the results so far. I'm also getting a new filter today so hopefully I can get some improvement in performance and, most importantly, mpg's.




And an interior shot.

[sleepyboy]

What did you do to the radiator shroud cover thingy? I see a scoop where there was none before. Do you have any more pics of this mod and what you did to it?

[02fordsvt]

Just ordered the new filter to go in the stock air box and a timing belt.

I'll get more pictures and do a little right up on the grill intake as soon as I get a chance.