Just got a '86 Merkur

Documenting your big project with photos/videos? Have photos/videos to share of anything Merkur related? Place your links to photos and videos here. Please - Merkurs and Merkur-related pictures only. Cosworths welcome!!
Carlisle and event related pictures are to be placed in the relevant section under 'Events'.
Merkur Club web site
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by Turbo »

looking good!
Tremec TKX, QuickTime V8 Bell
Tremec TKX, QuickTime V8 Bell
tkxwithbell.jpg (133.75 KiB) Viewed 9878 times
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by Turbo »

Another setback, I just discovered today that a Hays 82-103 hydraulic throwout bearing is not compatible with a Spec SF481 clutch :cry:
The Hays bearing has a sleeve that goes past the pressure plate fingers and it can't on the Spec.
Anyone need a Hays 82-103, hit me up.
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by Turbo »

I have another issue, the QuickTime bellhousing contacts the stabilizer bar, I was hoping once tranny angle was adjusted it'd be ok, but no,
the bellhousing is not putting much pressure on the stabilizer.
I'm certain I can add a spacer behind the stabilizer U brackets, likely .125" would be sufficient, but I'm wondering how much this might throw off the front alignment? I think this would move the front wheels forward about .06".
I guess I could revert back to the original stabilizer, that might be enough, or not worry about it and drive it like it is, I'm sure it won't hurt anything, maybe just rattle occasionally.
Attachments
stabilizerbellcontact.jpg
stabilizerbellcontact.jpg (158.5 KiB) Viewed 9669 times
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
User avatar
andyofcolumbusmerkur
Level 7
Level 7
Posts: 1864
Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2013 7:58 pm
Location: NE Ohio

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by andyofcolumbusmerkur »

Are those the thicker Cosworth sway bars? What about putting a relief in the bellhousing for some clearance? Doesn't seem like you'd need much.
The best way to keep your Kia from being stolen is to not have a Kia.
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by Turbo »

andyofcolumbusmerkur wrote: Tue May 17, 2022 8:38 am Are those the thicker Cosworth sway bars?

They are Rapido 28.5mm, I guess going stock would only gain a little over 1 mm additional clearance.
I'd hate to grind into the new bellhousing, but an idea, I think the bellhousing wall thickness is .125" or a bit less.
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by Turbo »

Just thought of a easier solution... I can raise the engine and tranny! I'm gonna try this :D
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by Turbo »

I needed to get the input shaft out to have it turned down, complete disassembly is required! Wasn't too bad, I'd do it again, it was nice that it was brand new though :wink:
Attachments
This is what a new Tremec TKX looks like
This is what a new Tremec TKX looks like
tkxdisassembled.jpg (312.58 KiB) Viewed 8874 times
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

Have a '86 Merkur XR

Post by Turbo »

I think I'm done with the Auto Meter dash mod, I think it looks pretty good.
I designed all the parts needed to install the gauges with no screws or glue needed,
you just need to do some cutting on the dash to make room for the gauges and idiot lights, I used a dremel.
Once assembled you can't see any cuts.
Attachments
XR4TI dash rear view
XR4TI dash rear view
rearview.jpg (353 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
XR4TI dash front showing cuts... not pretty but doesn't need to be.
XR4TI dash front showing cuts... not pretty but doesn't need to be.
cutupdash1.jpg (341.97 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
XR4TI dash modified with autometer gauges
XR4TI dash modified with autometer gauges
frontview.jpg (340.97 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

I have got a '86 Merkur XR4TI

Post by Turbo »

Here's a pic of the parts needed, I'll upload them to Thingiverse.
You may have noticed I spaced the 2 upper small gauges out,
I did this to help fit the gauges closer together, so the lower gauge is less buried.
I haven't actually tried to fit this in the car yet, but I'm sure it will.
I got the idiot lights off Ebay.
Attachments
XR4TI right side gauge cluster
XR4TI right side gauge cluster
rightside.jpg (358.84 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
XR4TI 3D printed parts
XR4TI 3D printed parts
allparts.jpg (475.27 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
XR4TI rear view showing grinding
XR4TI rear view showing grinding
cutupdash2.jpg (337.11 KiB) Viewed 4888 times
'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
Turbo
Level 2
Level 2
Posts: 127
Joined: Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:38 am
Location: Springfield, Ohio

'86 Merkur Dash

Post by Turbo »

'86 Merkur XR4TI
'05 SRT-4
'08 Hemi Ram
User avatar
brokencase
Level 7
Level 7
Posts: 1603
Joined: Sun Dec 06, 2015 12:18 pm
Location: PA

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by brokencase »

Super awesome. Nice job, Fully impressed and can can fully relate.
I uploaded this to thingiverse in October..

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6303111

3d are printers awesome?

FWIW, Look at my link, Notice the 2d bar code and request for a tip.

Set yourself up with a paypal tip page. You'd be surprised. It's not overwhelming but it is nice once in a while when folks tip you from time to time.
The way I look at it is I'm doing this for myself regardless for my own restorations. I'll post it for others and if they can benefit then maybe they can contribute.

Also it is important to make sure folks look at you other models on thingiverse, so make a url easily available that points to your other models on thingiverse.

Naturally, if there are those interested to ask you here on this forum through private messaging if you can print them set then consider your effort and time accordingly and set your price accordingly.

I think I sold three sets of my rear suspension rebounds to fellow forum Scorpio members. Heck it's a limited market! But it helped me and it helped them.

So...In the end you are helping everybody in this hobby.
Specialization is for Insects
Ed Lijewski
Level 8
Posts: 8416
Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2003 5:53 pm
Location: The Belly of The Beast

Re: Just got a '86 Merkur

Post by Ed Lijewski »

Rear suspension rebound cone purchaser/installer here🙋‍♂️👍

YMMV
Descartes: "Cogito Ergo Sum"
Lijewski: "Sum Ergo Drive-O. Mucho!
Post Reply