The Fordubishi

[Fordubishi]

Here we go the first bike is all painted up and sitting in the bed ready for the show season.

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All painted

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ready for show

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Kind of funny.

[parrell456]

The pocket bike in the bed is so amazing, what a fantastic idea for shows. Great stuff!

-RHP

[BradMph]

Purple? and no Metal flake? I want to see that red, white and blue paint scheme you had planned.
I luv these bikes, don't get me wrong...every time I see someone riding one of these miniature pocket bikes it brings me back to my childhood at the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Baily Circus. Except at circus they had a big old honking horn attached to it and a little mini-car with like 10 clowns inside chasing it all over the place, lol.:lmao:

[Fordubishi]

Ordering a body for the second on and it got broken somehow, then I'll paint it in the red/white/blue and have 2 bikes for next years shows.

[Fordubishi]

Went to a Sport truck and Compact car show today, there was about 150 registered. I won second place in my class out of 7. Here a few picks of the event.

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some of the trucks
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Truck Limbo
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D-50 and the trophy

[Fordubishi]

Slowly getting my fuel mileage up, getting 17mpg in the city and 22mph on the highway. Should be able to get into the low to mid 20's in the city when I change out the 28 year old carb with the MSD Atomic EFI.It really sucks having over 300hp and having such crappy fuel mileage :P

[BradMph]

Way to go Fordubishi, Your in the books now. Your gas mileage is looking great too. You can definitely see when you do something good to a vehicle by how the fuel mileage gets better. Though this don't count if your testing downhill in both directions. :)
In such an extreme case of engine and horsepower as you have, I imagine that air density can have an effect on mileage at times. I bet your mileage will even increase more when weather gets cooler.

Congradulations :clap:

[86goldmightymax]

Great build! I would really like too see 1/4 mile times and total weight of the truck :)

Thanks

Mike

[Fordubishi]

2358 lbs over the scale (Full tank and my fat ass outside), rough caculation with the HP and gears I have the truck should be able to run very high 11's very low 12's but as the track here was closed 2 years ago I'm not sure. I figure at this altatude (3600+ ft) the truck should run into the low to mid 13's. Played with some if the high 12 to mid 13 sec cars last summer and either stayed beside them or pulled slightly ahead.

[Fordubishi]

Thought you might enjoy this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoxWcimrMPk&feature=player_detailpage

[BradMph]

The truck sounds great FB. Strange to watch the video because the sound it is making is not what it came with, You expect to hear the twang of a 4 cylinder, but it's a beefy V8 sound. Almost like there was another vehicle off camera used for a sound dub, lol.
Effortless also, doesn't even sound like your turning 2500 rpm during the burn.

[Malaking_TT]

Those door panels are awesome, did you make them yourself? Is that a vinyl piece going over the top between the inner scraper? I would love to see some more detailed pictures of the door panels.

[Fordubishi]

I just stripped the old fabric off the panels and used the cardboard to make templates using hardboard (1/8" thick). Then used spray contact cement to glue the top fabric on,cut it straight and removed the excess. Next I used black speaker cloth and did from the bottom up to the gray and cut that to blend together.Mom found some edging at the fabric store and I glued it between the upper and lower part of the door giving it a break between the 2 colors. The top of the door is the interior paint color but instead of spraying it in gloss clear I sprayed it in a semi-gloss.

[Fordubishi]

Got some parts finally for the POS. and a new toy for the shop.

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2200 stall Torque converter

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MSD Atomic EFI

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Sandblasting Cabinet

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Cleaning an old intake

[pennyman1]

glad to see you're still out there - haven't seen you much here lately...

[Fordubishi]

Yeah been stupid busy with projects this year. So far did the 08 Mustang with a Coyote 5.0 XS swap, 97 Mustang with a supercharge 4.2L V-6, 87 Supra with an 7M that's built to handle 750hp, Engine replacement and mods on a 03 350Z, and just got in a 68 Mustang GT/CS for electrical, engine rebuild and a bunch of small stuff. Still have to drop a KA24det in a Chevette and a 302/T5 into an 92 Nissan Hardbody.

[pennyman1]

got to pay the bills somehow...

[BradMph]

My brother had a GT Cal Special Mustang with the 302. Green with black vinyl top and the scoops on the sides. Script signature brand on sides and trunk lid spoiler extension, Shelby style gas cap.

You going to run an auxillary trany cooler with that 2200?

[Fordubishi]

Already have a cooler installed as I already have a B&M 2200-2400 Stall in it that is a pile of crap. Thing is unbalanced and shimmy's when it's locked up in 4th gear that's why I'm replacing it.Also it keeps oveling the input seal hence all the oil all over the frame.

[Fordubishi]

Got the MSD Atomic EFI installed and WOW what a huge difference over the carb. Instant throttle response and it starts right away when cold. will find out about gas mileage when I'm able to take it for a good drive.

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Pretty new shinny parts.

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now nice and stealth

[BradMph]

I was checking out these Atomic EFI's and they aren't cheap either. Well, maybe someday I can pick one up. Better yet, I'll take a short drive up to no mans land (Canada)and steal yours. :grin:

[DroppedMitsu]

Awesome, I always thought that efi setup was preety cool, just a little exp. Glad to hear that it works pretty good. HHope your mph goes up.

[Fordubishi]

Get it right that's SNOWMAN'S Land. Yeah it was a little pricey but I've been after the set up for 2 years and kept putting a little aside each month.The speed shop I get my parts from had an after X-mas sale and it was 10% off plus MSD had a $200 mail in rebate. So got a good deal.

[DroppedMitsu]

Yea can't beat that, thats how I do my big purchases too.Let us know how it works

[BradMph]

EFI is worth more then the truck now, lol. I'm still jealous!

[Fordubishi]

Small update.... Got the torque converter replaced last night and took it for a good drive....... NO LEAKS. Only thing left to do now is replace the Air pressure sensors for my air ride with better ones from VDO,Should have them in next week.

As it's been cold or snowing for the last 5-6 weeks I've only put 300 miles on the truck so the EFI is still learning but looks like the gas mileage has go up a little.

[Fordubishi]

Holy puck my air ride controller bit the big one and I had to get a new one from a different company. DO NOT BUY AN AUTOLOC AIR GENIE they are crap, the thing has had a number of problems since the day I originally installed it. Went with a slam specialites air switch pad and 3 digital air pressure gauges (will be installing tomorrow so no pic's yet) Had to rewire some of the system and add some wires so was out in the shop for around 6hr's doing it. have another 4 or so hrs to get the gauges installed as I have to redo my center console (pic's to come).

[DroppedMitsu]

Which digital gauges did you go with? I want to get some digital but don't really want to cough up the dough right now, just want to get my truck driving again, so I'll probably just get some analog gauges for the time being.

[Fordubishi]

Went with Glowshift for my bags and Racetech for the tank.
http://www.glowshiftdirect.com/images/products/display/13_GS_B7_Dual_Digital_Air_Suspension_Gauge_Main.jp g

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/0lEAAOxyPc5SDDTP/$(KGrHqF,!ncFH105MFgoBSDDTPD8Og~~60_35.JPG

[Fordubishi]

New system is in and working, just waiting on tank gauge to show up.

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[Fordubishi]

Was visiting a friend in the city 3hrs north of me to go to a show on Sunday and he had some fun with my truck while I was washing all the bugs off and getting it ready for the show.

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He had some LED strips left over from a job so.............

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Their kind of fuzzy buy you get the point.

[tink]

Just had the experience of spending hours looking through one thread and making your to-do list a mile long ... and all I was looking for was fuse box info to switch over the glass fuses to new and add another circuit to dedicate to gauges ! haha at me!!! Excellent inspirational thread. :) beautiful stuff all around

[Fordubishi]

That's kind of funny as I'm doing a rewire on a 75 Datsun 280Z right and changing over from glass to the ATO's with the same set up I used in my truck. The 4 fuse blocks are around $6.00 and can be stacked so I'm putting in 4 blocks to give him 16 fuses.

[Fordubishi]

Been out of the loop for a while. Thought I would pop in while I have the chance....... been nuts in the shop for the last 6-7 months.Did a few things to the truck that needed to be looked after. Replaced and old Weiand Duel plain intake for a low profile single intake as it's better for the EFI set up. I figure I gained another 20hp and a few ft/lbs of torque. Replaced the oil pan gasket as its been weeping for the last 2 years.

Other projects (Customers Cars) I've been working on: 1992 Tercel with a 240hp (rough est.) 1.5L twin cam turbo. Took the best parts from the 3EFE,4EFTE and 5EFE to build it.

1989 Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo. Just a basic rebuild with the turbo parts and a turbo off a eclipse.Still have to do some custom piping to set up a small front mount intercooler.

1976 280Z with a L28T out of a 280zx. Just have some sheet metal work to finish then it goes for storage until he has it shipped out to where he moved to.

240sx with an RB20DETT swap done to it. I have a bunch of crap to fix that was Micky moused together by the guy that did the swap.

90 300ZX that I did a TT swap to (NEVER DO THIS WITH OUT A DONER CAR!!!!!!!) I was given the engine, Turbo piping, and ECU so had to build a crap load of brackets and stuff.

I Hope it slows down a little and I can have some fun this summer and hop in on a more regular basis.

[Fordubishi]

News Flash !!!! I'm Still Alive and Kicking. Did a crap load of work on the truck this winter. New power steering system (Pump and Box),replaced the Oil pan as the chrome one was bent at the flange and wouldn't stop leaking.Cleaned and repainted the engine and brackets.and last but not least..........GOT PAINT FOR THE TRUCK!!!!!!. The crew that I have show up at the shop are all coming over next weekend to help strip down the truck so I can do the last of the body work and put it in paint FINALLY. Did and experiment on my spare rim, painted the center black the put some purple pearl in the clear and it came out a anodized purple (Will get a pic).

Other then that just finishing up a paint job on a 92 RX7.Rebuilt the braking system on my motercycle,and a crap load of other stuff. Whats this crap about an economic down turn I havn't stopped working for the last 5 months with customers cars/trucks.

[geezer101]

Awaiting pic updates eagerly :)) Being busy is one thing, but turning it into disposable coin is another...

[Fordubishi]

Here's a quick pic of how the rim turned out.
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[Fordubishi]

Well the truck is stripped down and I'm just finishing up some small body work to set it in paint. Fixed a few leaks in my air ride, Got a new dipstick for the trans(Old one was broken at the flange and leaked),Found a small leak in the rad so it's getting sent out to get fixed next week.Should be painted by Tuesday or Wednesday next week, then put back together that weekend just in time for the big Mini Truck and Sport Compact show I go to every year that I have won second place twice in 5 years.

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Getting ready for paint

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Finishing up bed repairs

Will have update pic's as I get it in paint

[geezer101]

Fingers crossed you pull a 1st this year! I just realised I have the knock off version of your wheels on my hung dog wagon (mine are look alike one piece alloy wheels) What colour are you getting it hit in? (unless it's a surprise)

[Fordubishi]

Painting it 1993 Ford Iris Mist Metallic (Paint Code GC) from the F-150 Stepside. Same as under the hood.

[Fordubishi]

Ok was a week from hell. First the Air ride compressor crapped out so had to get a new one........ $349...... Next the rad had a small leak so took it in to be repaired and found out the core was cracked. New core and rebuild.......... $579.......... Got the air ride working just to find out my check valve was stuck open and had to replace it... $29... Now the good news ...... TRUCK WILL BE PAINTED TONIGHT !!!!!!!!

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Box all masked

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Cab ready for spray

[geezer101]

Ouch. An expensive week dude. BUT it'll be rock solid now and the emperor is getting a new suit to match. Hopefully you'll have decent weather and the air will be dry and warm. Can't wait to see you your paint job turns out :thumbup:

[Fordubishi]

So had a good weekend... Got the truck painted and together by Friday. Headed to a friends place Saturday to go to the show today in the City 3 hrs away. Great show they changed the class's for the truck and I ended up winning 2nd place out of 21 trucks in Mini Truck Mild.

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First Show in Paint And yes it's PINK

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My prize

[tortron]

Looks great

[geezer101]

Truck looks awesome! Good work on grabbing a trophy too :clap:

[crvtec90]

More pics pleaze!

[Fordubishi]

Ask and you shall receive........
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Some more pic's for you

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Had my friend make this up for a laugh

[Fordubishi]

Headed to the mini truck/Sport compact show again and guess what...........

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I got First place after going to the show for the last 7 years.

[geezer101]

Well done! :clap: It was well earned (it also helps if the judges have taste :)))

[tortron]

Nice job mate, shes a beaut ute

[xboxrox]

Don't sell it :rolleyes: say, is that a real motorcycle in the back (looks small) ?
Awesome Win :thumbup:

[Fordubishi]

The "Bike" is a 49cc mid-bike that I got 14 or so years ago to put in the bed as a joke. Kids LOVE it and the thing will do 35kph (20mph) with my fat ass on it.

[xboxrox]

COOL, ya got me optically illusion'd Fordubishi -- fooled me good coz my two bicycles take up almost the whole length of the long bed..!

[geezer101]

Those pocket bikes aren't even legal in Oz. I've heard tales of them from Japan where a bunch of people would use them to commute to work and it sounds like a swarm of wasps lol. We're getting Honda Groms road legal now (still can't believe they've passed them...) It's a uber cool prop to use on the truck too :thumbup:

[Fordubishi]

Now all I need is a Mini boat to tow behind and I'm set :lmao:

[Fordubishi]

This years update..... Had a diff cover leak,Replaced the gasket and no more leak. Replaced the Ford Escort GT seats with a Set of Mazda 3 sport seats (Track heavily modified). Found a small coolant leak between the timing cover and the block (have gasket). Replaced the 20year old air manifolds with the new stile that don't leak. Found a small rust spot on the box in a area that was a bugger to get to, so I must have missed it when I rebuilt the box the first time. Will be repainting the whole truck to fix all the mistakes I made with the first spray as I was in a hurry.Rebuilding my 4 link with all new bushings and rod ends(Original were cheap Chinese garbage)Other then that I'll have the thing all done for the end of May but with the C19 Crap most of the shows have been canceled:yellow1:

[Fordubishi]

Woot..... Killed the engine last year.... Bad machining but new one is all rebuilt and balanced to with in a tenth of a gram. So it good for 8000rpm this time around.

[TintedRam50]

Interesting build, funny that ive got a ranger. Swapped with 5.0, converted to 650 summit carb, c4 trans, motorsport b cam, explorer radiator, 373 gears. still got it but sits as it had cold shifting into gear problems (could be just linkage adjustment, leaking around linkage though) and usual leaking rear main. Just lost interest, but trying to get back around to it. Been awhile so ive forgotten all details. ive thought about pulling motor and putting it in the ram but unsure about that. ill post pics when i get around to it.

nice build, and good luck this time with the 5.0