Merc's next mod

[merc]

This years winter project has been interesting and costly. I am moving one step closer to a full out race car. The interior has been removed and new Corbeau CR-1 Wide race seat have been added and the roll bar gets installed this week.

AR Fab in Winchester VA is doing most of the work. They fabricated new bushing and connecters for my Q-A1 shocks which have been a problem for some time. I sent my control arms back to Metco Motorsports to have Delrin bushing installed. Rear axles are being wielded and supports fabricated. Hopefully everything will be completed by next week so I can hand the car over to Chris Vinning to finish the fuel system and add front new rotors.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/IMG_0030/web.jpg?ver=12698199930001

Corbeau CR1 Seat - Black Mircrosuede

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/IMG_0031/web.jpg?ver=12698199950001

The AR Fab way. Hand made 4340 chromoly bushings / 1/2" grade 8 nut & bolt

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/QA-1-20fab/web.jpg?ver=12698226630001

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/IMG_0037/web.jpg?ver=12698200030001

Five point CAM lock Corbeau belt

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/Q-A1/web.jpg?ver=12698223800001

Q-A1 Shock with new fittings

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/bearing/web.jpg?ver=12698237540001

Spherical bearings to replace the rubber bushings for the rear shock mounting

[FordNut]

And how about the performance mods? I haven't heard anything about that since we talked on the phone awhile back...

[merc]

And how about the performance mods? I haven't heard anything about that since we talked on the phone awhile back...

Chris and I have been talking about power adders for the last couple of months. We have tossed around a few costly ideas, but because of budget issues a 75 shot of NOS will have to due for this year. Which would put us in the high 10's. AR Fab wants to install two Turbonetics T3 Series turbos but that's a little out of my budget for now.

[MarauderTJA]

Will be cool to follow your race car conversion Mark with your Marauder. Looks like you are off to a great start. When is the roll bar going in?

[TooManyFords]

Nice job Merc! I look forward to seeing it.

;)

[justbob]

Can't wait for some good photo's of the cage!

[merc]

The roll bars are made chrome moly tubing. I will not have pictures till Monday or Tuesday night. The rear bars will pass between the seats into the frame.

Passenger main hoop base plate prior to welding.
http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/bar-20base.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12698259920001

This is what the plate looks like wielded in place.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/base/web.jpg?ver=12698261960001

Custom Sub. Belt access. Factory installed.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/cr-1-20sub/web.jpg?ver=12698267260001

[FordNut]

The roll bars are make chrome moly tubing. I will not have pictures till Monday or Tuesday night. The rear bars will pass between the seats into the frame.

That's what I want to see... Sounds like a roll bar design instead of a cage. If I can get something like that worked out and make it bolt-in removeable, then I might shoot for 10's... or quicker?

[MarauderTJA]

That's what I want to see... Sounds like a roll bar design instead of a cage. If I can get something like that worked out and make it bolt-in removeable, then I might shoot for 10's... or quicker?

Brian, did you get a chance to see my roll bar set up at Atlanta two years ago? Complete access to the back seats with no problems, removable drivers side bar for racing and overall looks factory. Good good for 10.0 et.

Mark, are you going to set the cage up for below 10.0 et? Major changes required.

[Ladyhawke]

This years winter project has been interesting and costly. I am moving one step closer to a full out race car. The interior has been removed and new Corbeau CR-1 Wide race seat have been added and the roll bar gets installed this week.

Corbeau CR1 Seat - Black Mircrosuede

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/IMG_0031/web.jpg?ver=12698199950001



Where's Pam going to sit?

:dunno:

[merc]

Where's Pam going to sit?

:dunno:

She has a seat, but not yet installed. She is not happy about the changes. :bigcry:

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/IMG_0035/web.jpg?ver=12698200010001

[merc]

Brian, did you get a chance to see my roll bar set up at Atlanta two years ago? Complete access to the back seats with no problems, removable drivers side bar for racing and overall looks factory. Good good for 10.0 et.

Mark, are you going to set the cage up for below 10.0 et? Major changes required.

Not looking to go faster then 9.99 unless I have Martyo money or stimulus funds from my Uncle.

[FordNut]

... stimulus funds from my Uncle.

Plenty of that flowing, but probably not to us. We'll get to pay it back though.

[FordNut]

Brian, did you get a chance to see my roll bar set up at Atlanta two years ago? Complete access to the back seats with no problems, removable drivers side bar for racing and overall looks factory. Good good for 10.0 et.

Mark, are you going to set the cage up for below 10.0 et? Major changes required.

Yep, I've seen yours, Marty's, Steve's, Sherm's. I still want a bolt-in bar because I only go to the track a couple of times a year, mostly drive it on the street. I figure my roll bar ought to be like my drag radials, taking up garage space most of the time but handy when I need them.

And like you said, the cages I've seen so far aren't good below 10 flat and a 5-point roll bar is good enough for that.

[merc]

Will be cool to follow your race car conversion Mark with your Marauder. Looks like you are off to a great start. When is the roll bar going in?

The bar will be installed Monday and Tuesday. The interior will be re-installed and cleaned Wednesday. Chris will add the padding to the bar next week.

[FordNut]

She has a seat, but not yet installed. She is not happy about the changes. :bigcry:


I hear that...

Nancy would kill me.

[MarauderTJA]

Yep, I've seen yours, Marty's, Steve's, Sherm's. I still want a bolt-in bar because I only go to the track a couple of times a year, mostly drive it on the street. I figure my roll bar ought to be like my drag radials, taking up garage space most of the time but handy when I need them.

And like you said, the cages I've seen so far aren't good below 10 flat and a 5-point roll bar is good enough for that.

Is a totally bolt-in bar track legal?

[FordNut]

Is a totally bolt-in bar track legal?

Yes. For our cars it's more difficult than for a unibody, a full frame car requires the bar to be bolted or welded directly to the frame. That means access holes and cover plates for when it's not installed. Probably some mods to carpeting (flaps or something, maybe velcro'd in) and a modified rear seat for the rear supports (or just remove the seat but I'd rather have a modified spare so it looks better).

[Glenn]

Mark:

A very nice setup - great job. Good luck this year on the track. :banana2:

I'm going to have to pass this year except for SSHS10 and a special meet with Dave for Pinks. :eek: I think #19 will be safe for awhile.

Glenn Ford :burnout:

[MarauderTJA]

That is very interesting to know. I would have figured our cars would be easier than a unibody car. I am presently building an 08 Bullitt. Don't plan to drag race it, but if I do, I would have to look into a bolt-in bar for it. Will be a challenge, I'm sure. I have only raced my Marauder once or twice a year now as well. Bolted the drivers bar in four times since installed. Been real happy with it. Race Car Builders in Vero Beach made a template for our cars if you need it. John Nero is going to put the same on in his car I believe.

[merc]

Nice job Merc! I look forward to seeing it.

;)

John it's a long ways from challenging the level of effort you put into your car. Next year I need C-Clip eliminators and custom rear axles. I will be look for expertise from others on there experiences. Marty, I really really like the idea of having a TH400 trans with overdrive. Let's see how the current trans is going to hold up.

[FordNut]

That is very interesting to know. I would have figured our cars would be easier than a unibody car. I am presently building an 08 Bullitt. Don't plan to drag race it, but if I do, I would have to look into a bolt-in bar for it. Will be a challenge, I'm sure. I have only raced my Marauder once or twice a year now as well. Bolted the drivers bar in four times since installed. Been real happy with it. Race Car Builders in Vero Beach made a template for our cars if you need it. John Nero is going to put the same on in his car I believe.

Unibody cars are easier because you can weld a plate to the floor pan, then weld a matching plate to the bar and bolt the plates together. Or just weld the bar to the plate that is welded to the floor pan if you don't want a removeable bar.

Full frame cars require attachment to the frame.

[Ladyhawke]

She has a seat, but not yet installed. She is not happy about the changes. :bigcry:

I'm glad she has a seat too. You had me worried that she might get left at home. ;) Hopefully after it is all installed she will be okay with it and find it exciting too.

[FordNut]

Marty, I really really like the idea of have a TH400 trans with overdrive. Let's see how the current trans is going to hold up.

If you're changing over to a full race or semi-race car, the TH400 is the way to go. My 4R100 works great but it's a difficult, expensive, heavy conversion. Good luck with your current trans.

[Zack]

It kills me to see a MM hacked up :bigcry:

...thats what MUSTANGS are for :D

[TooManyFords]

It kills me to see a MM hacked up :bigcry:


It makes the ones we own that are *not* hacked up that much more valuable!
:P

[martyo]

Not looking to go faster then 9.99 unless I have Martyo money or stimulus funds from my Uncle.

I wqish I had MartyO money too!

Meanwhile, type less and post more pictures!!!

[martyo]

Marty, I really really like the idea of have a TH400 trans with overdrive. Let's see how the current trans is going to hold up.

The 400 is under-utilized in my car. I like it that way. Less scattered parts!

[Joe Walsh]

Holy hole shots Batman!....Merc is on the loose!
OK...OK...so Sherm beat you on 'PastTime' and now you are after him!?
Love the seats Mark. Are you going to street drive it, or will it trailered to the track only?
Maybe I can catch up with you at one of the local tracks when you run that beast. I'd love to see all the mods in person.

*I haven't raced in almost 2 years...:(

[Haggis]

Merc, my one and only question is; Why?

[merc]

Holy hole shots Batman!....Merc is on the loose!
OK...OK...so Sherm beat you on 'PastTime' and now you are after him!?
Love the seats Mark. Are you going to street drive it, or will it trailered to the track only?
Maybe I can catch up with you at one of the local tracks when you run that beast. I'd love to see all the mods in person.

*I haven't raced in almost 2 years...:(

It will be years before I dominate the old man at the track. He has other tricks up his sleeve. This is a five year progressive plan. I am maintaining the factory interior for the most part this year. It's still going to be a street car until the project is complete. Making this car run consistent is the name of the game. That spells mo money. I am in the first stage of converting to full race.

[merc]

Merc, my one and only question is; Why?

Why not. I have been racing this car every year. The bug started in 2002 at Hagerstown Maryland. If you love the sport then this is a natural progression. You will understand after it's all done. Don't worry be happy.:beer:

[CBT]

Don't worry be happy.:beer:
I still love you :hug2:Post up some pics when the cage goes in.

[MrBluGruv]

it kills me to see a mm hacked up :bigcry:

...thats what mustangs are for :d


+1........

[Haggis]

Why not. I have been racing this car every year. The bug started in 2002 at Hagerstown Maryland. If you love the sport then this is a natural progression. You will understand after it's all done. Don't worry be happy.:beer:

I agree with Pam, what a waste. :dunno:

[martyo]

Why not. I have been racing this car every year. The bug started in 2002 at Hagerstown Maryland. If you love the sport then this is a natural progression. You will understand after it's all done. Don't worry be happy.:beer:

Werd!

........

[merc]

Seat in full laid back position

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/rollbar-20install/web.jpg?ver=12699948620001

Door bar mockup 1
http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/door-20bar-20mackup1/web.jpg?ver=12699953790001

[FordNut]

That bar is what I've been thinking about for awhile. Looks to me like you could slide the seats all the way forward, then tilt the bar forward and work it out to one side. The hardest part would be fastening it to the frame. Then cover the access holes with some plates cut from junkyard CV/GM floor pans... Velcro some carpet flaps and there ya go!

[TooManyFords]

If you want to see what my 12-point looks like, let me know Merc. I would say from the above picture that the front door bar is too low and may not pass. I might suggest raising it more straight and have them removable with pins. That passes and you can leave them out when cruising.

[Glenn]

Merc, my one and only question is; Why?

Hard to understand a question like this - especially if you have never really committed yourself to the 1/4 mile. It is a very difficult, complex and skilled sport and yes - expensive. I commend Mark for his drive to the lower ets. It is a sport that truly requires a great deal of committment and work. The casual runners down the 1/4 mile or bleacher spectators probably just do not understand. Good luck Mark and I'm in your corner - go for it and GOOD LUCK. :beer:

Glenn Ford :burnout:

[FordNut]

If you want to see what my 12-point looks like, let me know Merc. I would say from the above picture that the front door bar is too low and may not pass. I might suggest raising it more straight and have them removable with pins. That passes and you can leave them out when cruising.

I agree. Removeable instead of bent.

[merc]

If you want to see what my 12-point looks like, let me know Merc. I would say from the above picture that the front door bar is too low and may not pass. I might suggest raising it more straight and have them removable with pins. That passes and you can leave them out when cruising.

John I asked for roll bar pictures a couple of months ago and you didn't respond, but no big deal. I would love to see your pictures anyway.

Drivers side door bar mockup

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/mockup2/web.jpg?ver=12699964080001

Pins are being installed, but not in this version of the mockup.

Side-bar must be included on driver's side and must pass the driver at a point midway between the shoulder and elbow. Swing-out sidebar permitted. All roll bars must have in their construction a cross bar for seat bracing and as the shoulder harness attachment point. Cross bar must be installed no more than 4" below, and not above, the driver's shoulders or to the side bar.

http://www.skyroadster.com/forums/attachments/f40/30943d1234877186-nhra-rules-roll-cages-nhra-rollbar.gif

Here is another look with the door closed.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/doorbar-202/web.jpg?ver=12699969450001

[merc]

The last part of the project was to weld the axle tubes.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/axles-20tubes.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12699976680001

[CBT]

Here is another look with the door closed.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/doorbar-202/web.jpg?ver=12699969450001
Looks like it will blend right in when painted/covered.:beer:

[TooManyFords]

John I asked for roll bar pictures a couple of months ago and you didn't respond, but no big deal. I would love to see your pictures anyway.

My apologies for the delay. I will get you fresh pictures of mine tomorrow in the beautiful 70* sunny day. :D

[merc]

Hard to understand a question like this - especially if you have never really committed yourself to the 1/4 mile. It is a very difficult, complex and skilled sport and yes - expensive. I commend Mark for his drive to the lower ets. It is a sport that truly requires a great deal of committment and work. The casual runners down the 1/4 mile or bleacher spectators probably just do not understand. Good luck Mark and I'm in your corner - go for it and GOOD LUCK. :beer:

Glenn Ford :burnout:

Thanks Glenn for the support. Roll Bar inspection is a hit or miss affair. Most tracks don't care as long as you have a bar of some type. We wanted to stay as close to the rule books as possible while maintaining a full interior. Some of my friend hate me because I am destroying the car. That's far from the truth I will be able to re-install the factory seats when needed and the only down side is the lack of room for rear passengers.

[Joe Walsh]

The last part of the project was to weld the axle tubes.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/axles-20tubes.jpg?derivative=medium&source=web.jpg&type=medium&ver=12699976680001

Sweet...Welded axle tubes!

That is something that I plan on doing whenever I get around to upgrading my rear axle with all the goodies I have sitting in boxes...:o

BTW: Mark, I've been looking at a bolt-on axle brace for a Mustang 8.8" rear. It looks simple, yet effective.
I don't know if they would fit our Marauder rear axles, but for under $200.00 bucks it might be worth it.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/swarr-bar-88-rear-86-04.html

Install article:
http://www.mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/m5lp_0801_swarr_bar_inspection/index.html

If I ever get back to drag racing regularly, I will probably buy one of these braces.
(I've got an '85 5.0 Mustang with an 8.8" rear as a back-up car to use the brace on if it doesn't work on my Marauder!)

[ImpalaSlayer]

looks awesome Merc, hope i see it down cam land some day!

[merc]

looks awesome Merc, hope i see it down cam land some day!

I am sure you will see it in CAM land. I should have the car Saturday. It will not be faster then before because no go fast parts have been added yet.

Thanks for the link Joe. Howard Anderson of AR Fab was talking about fabricating a 8.8 brace for my car but the labor hours would make it costly. Your idea seems more affordable and effective.


Sweet...Welded axle tubes!

That is something that I plan on doing whenever I get around to upgrading my rear axle with all the goodies I have sitting in boxes...:o

BTW: Mark, I've been looking at a bolt-on axle brace for a Mustang 8.8" rear. It looks simple, yet effective.
I don't know if they would fit our Marauder rear axles, but for under $200.00 bucks it might be worth it.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/swarr-bar-88-rear-86-04.html

Install article:
http://www.mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/m5lp_0801_swarr_bar_inspection/index.html

If I ever get back to drag racing regularly, I will probably buy one of these braces.
(I've got an '85 5.0 Mustang with an 8.8" rear as a back-up car to use the brace on if it doesn't work on my Marauder!)

[merc]

Metco control arms were re-installed with the new Delrin bushings.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/control-20arms/web.jpg?ver=12700029490001

[merc]

The rear seats are in

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/rear-20seat-20are-20in/web.jpg?ver=12700722890001

Who said the back seat can't be used! I see room for groceries between the two of them!

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/two-20can-20fit/web.jpg?ver=12700725310001


I agree. Removeable instead of bent.
It's removable and bent. The best of both worlds.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/drivers-20side-20bar/web.jpg?ver=12700728580001

[TooManyFords]

That is really coming together nicely. :banana:

[GAMike]

Thats the real deal right there..... Interested to here your thoughts on the difference the bushings make....... Scott @ Team Toyland has said to me numerous times to install these bushing when I do my Metco's.

Metco control arms were re-installed with the new Delrin bushings.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/control-20arms/web.jpg?ver=12700029490001

[merc]

OEM drivers seat test fit

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/OEM-20Seats/web.jpg?ver=12701645090001

Door bar end

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/door-20bar-20weld/web.jpg?ver=12701647760001

Fits like a glove

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/like-20a-20glove/web.jpg?ver=12701649870001

[martyo]

Mark I am sure you are waiting for more opinions, so here is mine.

Have them make you another dooor bar that is straight -- it may just come in handy at tech.

I have some nifty pins around. They were pricey but they are cool. Keep in mind that a tech inspector may require grade 8 bolts instead of pins.

[merc]

Mark I am sure you are waiting for more opinions, so here is mine.

Have them make you another dooor bar that is straight -- it may just come in handy at tech.

I have some nifty pins around. They were pricey but they are cool. Keep in mind that a tech inspector may require grade 8 bolts instead of pins.

I will ask them to do so. The real challenge is having to work around the interior. With the race sets installed it's not as big of a deal. Thanks for the info Marty.

[martyo]

I will ask them to do so. The real challenge is having to work around the interior. With the race sets installed it's not as big of a deal. Thanks for the info Marty.

I will post pics of the pins over the weekend.

[TooManyFords]

I'll get you a shot of my side bars tomorrow. Mine did cert to 8.5 and the bars are removable like yours.

[merc]

It's done and I picked up the car today. :banana2:

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/Seat-20view-201/web.jpg?ver=12702463110001

Seat view 2

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/seat-20view-202/web.jpg?ver=12702463650001

Bar view 1

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/bar-20view-201/web.jpg?ver=12702464000001

Bar view 2

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/bar-20view-202/web.jpg?ver=12702464010001

Window view

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/window-20view/web.jpg?ver=12702468940001

[DEFYANT]

Nicely done Merc! You have an awesome blend of superior performance, function and safety!!

[ImpalaSlayer]

those seats look awesome

[merc]

Nicely done Merc! You have an awesome blend of superior performance, function and safety!!

You know I have to thank you for getting the ball started and pointing me in the right direction. It been a remarkable journey and this is not the end. I still have flash backs of late night Pink Floyd and 3 days of turning wenches and sleeping on the couch with a great dane. I need to find my way back to Northern Maryland. Pam says hello.


those seats look awesome

Thanks dave. They are pretty pricey when you add install labor, seat brackets, sliders, harness, and shipping.

[stryker]

:cool4: COOL MODS MANG.

[FordNut]

Looks really good. Got a cost breakdown on just the roll bar?

[merc]

Looks really good. Got a cost breakdown on just the roll bar?

Are you talking about parts and labors or total price? Send me a P.M. with your request details.

[LeoVampire]

If it wasn't for the seats most would not think anything out of the ordinary is going on with it from that angle you took the outside shot from.

Looks great! :coolman:

[martyo]

lOOKS GOOD!

[merc]

For those looking for a solution to there Naake Q-A1 shock mounts AF Fab has all the answers. Hand made 4340 chromoly bushings 1/2" grade 8 nut & bolt.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/QA-1-20final/web.jpg?ver=12702669490001

This what's supplied by Naake. Notice the rubber 2 piece fittings.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/3/8/naakeshocks.jpg

I purchased brass supports to help stabilize the rubber inserts as a work around

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/3/8/naakewasher.jpg

[martyo]

For those looking for a solution to there Naake Q-A1 shock mounts AF Fab has all the answers. Hand made 4340 chromoly bushings 1/2" grade 8 nut & bolt.

http://gallery.me.com/mwhite26/100465/QA-1-20final/web.jpg?ver=12702669490001

This what's supplied by Naake. Notice the rubber 2 piece fittings.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/3/8/naakeshocks.jpg

I purchased brass supports to help stabilize the rubber inserts as a work around

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/3/8/naakewasher.jpg

Your dentist is gonna love them!!!! :P:P