A few more updates.

I decided to change out the points, condenser and rotor a while back, nothing wrong with them just figured since I didn't know how old they were, I would change them. I had considered changing over to the Pertronix (electronic) ignition but thought I would save a few bucks (mistake on my part). Anyway about 2 weeks after I switched, I was taking a short trip around the neighborhood and suddenly the engine started to mis. Nothing bad just a slight mis, however it kept getting worse until it got to the point I wasn't sure I would make it home. I struggled and finally made the driveway. It felt like the car was running out of fuel, so I decided to change the fuel pump as again it was looking like it may have been the original 75 pump. I ordered one along with a new 'clear' fuel filter to prefilter the pump. Those got here in a few days and I swapped them out. I tried to start the car and it would turn over and try to run but then stop. I was getting fuel but still wouldn't start. No backfire just wouldn't run. I had rebuilt the carburetor a while but but I wasn't really happy with the end result. The Carter YFA that was on the engine was the original carb and was set up for 1975 standards. (smog stuff). I did some searching on-line and located a 'factory rebuilt' YFA for $85.00 (good price!) on ebay. I ordered it and got it about a week later. Nice carb! rebuilt in about 1985 or so and still in the vacuum sealed package. I installed it but the car still wouldn't run! I came back in and did some searching on the internet, I finally found a "model A" forum and a member was describing the same symptoms I had with my engine. He fixed his by replacing the 'condenser'. Since I had kept my old ones I went out and swapped the 'new' condenser and put the old one back in. She fired right up!!!! I came back inside and ordered the Pertronix ignition system. About a week later I got it installed and now everything runs great! No misses, no stumbles, smooth idle, choke works great, no EGR port on the front of the carb, (that was left open and was always a concern!).

I also ordered a new set of motor mounts. They should be here next week. I am still getting my 2500 and up RPM vibration. Based on the squished appearance of the old ones my guess is, again these are original parts that have never been replaced.

Quick update

Just a quick update.

I need to take some photos to update some of the things I've done lately.

1. added a snap tonneau cover. (the car had the snaps and this just helps cover them up as there is no way to remove them without leaving holes.) I made this myself with tonneau material I found on the internet and snaps. It came out better than I expected.

2. finished up the door panels (they look great!)

3. changed out the exhaust manifold gasket. Broke one of the bolts but there was enough sticking out I could use vise grips to remove it. There was virtually nothing left of the old gasket. I replaced all of the bolts with grade 8 bolts and internal tooth lock washers. The new gasket got rid of most of my 2000 / 2500 rpm vibration! And the engine idles smoother. No exhaust smell in the passenger area either.

New door panels

My old "tuck and roll" door panels were starting to look pretty sad. The PO had removed the 'plastic liner' from the door when they installed the panels and the rain got to the fiber board pretty bad. They kinda sagged in the middle and were really looking ragged. I had read an article on replacing the door panels. LINK

I purchase some 'white board' from Lowes, the kind of stuff they use to make marker boards with and turned the 'white' side towards the outside to help with moisture control. Then I made the trip to Joannes. They had the 'head liner foam' in stock and so I started looking for some vinyl to cover them with. I stumbled across some 'costume' material that just 'said' USE ME !! So I bought a couple yards and went to work.

Here's some pictures of the 'white board' and the finished panel. I will take some of it installed and post later.

I had some time last weekend to pull the tailshaft extension housing off the C4 automatic. I knew the bushing was bad as the drive shaft had some play on the transmission end. It really wasn't that big of a deal. About 2 1/2 hours for everything. The old bearing did show wear so it was about time. I also changed the seal (again). While I had the cross member out I modified the 'homemade' C4 adapter that the PO had made for the trans. This involved griding down what was left of the downward facing angle iron that was put there to 'strengthen' the mount. It wasn't really necessary as the plate portion was quite strong. It just hungdown and looked ugly. Anyway all back together and it appears it fixed a slight 'cluck' I was hearing when I shifted from reverse to drive.

Replaced the carburetor to manifold gasket yesterday and also changed the mounting bolts as I got the feeling they were a bit too short. It appears to have helped fix the 'missing' at idle. The engine now purrs like a kitten!

Still chasing the 2000 + vibration problem. I did some reading and it appears that there is a bushing in the C4 transmission extension housing that the driveshaft yoke rides in. Thinking back to when I changed the seal (which is still seeping by the way.) that there was some play in the shaft. I ordered a new bushing and seal today (12.00 or so including shipping.) and will change it out. Looks like I will have to pull the trans extension housing to get to it. Hopefully not that big of a deal.

We shall see.

Well a few more additions:

I installed a pair of Monroe air lift shocks on the back. I did this for two reasons. 1. the old shocks were worn out and needed replacement anyways, and 2. I could raise the rear just a bit to give the car a bit of a 'rake'. It looks much better and rides much nicer.

I installed a voltmeter and also got the oil pressure gauge hooked up. The car originally only had 'idiot' lights for both so at least now I can see what is really going on.

I also developed a slight leak in the passenger side rear axle. So I found a new seal on ebay and bought it. Should have it this week so will tackle that problem next.

I still have a slight vibration at around 2000 rpm. It appeared the tail shaft on the trans could have been hitting the cross member so I put a couple spacers under the mount to raise the trans. It helped but I'm still feeling the vibration. Will have to try to figure that problem out.

I've accomplished a few things over the last few days.

I got the grill and bumper re-installed after replacing the harmonic balancer and electric fan. New fan works great runs at about 1/4 of the temp gauge all the time now. No overflow or leaks from the radiator.

I also got the roof painted so now the car is all one color!

I re-installed the chrome bed trim around the rear window so all of my trim is now in place

Once the paint is fully dry (normally takes 24 hours) I will wash the whole car and start work on the bed. I did get the first aluminum cross support installed the other day (the rear most one). Now I need to pop rivet it in place. Also got to try out the rust eliminator paint. It appears to have worked but will know more when I prime the spots I tried it on.