Preparing for Ford Nationals - AC Part 1 - Compressor Install

Today, I started work on installing the Classic Auto Air system beginning with the compressor.

In advance of today, I painted the compressor mounting brackets and the spacers for their installation.  I painted them with a remaining can of the Semi-Flat Black Krylon that matches the under hood paint I did years ago.  

The first bracket I installed was the mount which attaches to the engine head.  The bolts included in the kit were not long enough (1" rather than 1.25").  Additionally, they were 7/16" bolts when I needed 1/2" bolts.  Before installing the first bolt, I already had to run to the store for more parts.

Once that was installed, I gathered the parts to install the front bracket for the compressor.  This requires removal of the water pump pulley, alternator, alternator bracket, and several water pump bolts.  I also drained the anti-freeze so it would not start leaking as I removed the various bolts holding everything in place.

Once I had those items removed, I decided to go ahead and remove the water pump.  The retaining bolts have been leaking and the gasket is likely no good.  This will give me an opportunity to pick up a new gasket and replace it.  I can also touch up some of the engine paint which was discolored by leaking anti-freeze.

Since I have everything out, I cleaned up the water pump pulley, alternator bracket, and the water pump and touched them up with another coat of paint.  I'll let them dry and pick up a water pump gasket before moving forward.

Preparing for Ford Nationals - Clutch Pedal Rattle

I've tried to figure out the rattle I hear down near the clutch pedal area for a while now.  The noise actually started when I was on my way back from the Goodguys show two years ago.

As I was thinking about it, I considered it might be the lower bolt which holds the bottom of the driver fender.  It was a little lose so I tightened it but doubted it was the cause.  I put my hand on the top of the fender to get up and heard it make a similar noise as the fender was not tight.  If I lightly pushed up an down on it, I could replicate the rattle/squeak noise I've been hearing.  

I searched looking around and realized I never reinstalled the bracket which accepts a fender bolt through the door opening.  I searched the attic and found that I took them off, never cleaned them up, and just threw them in a box.  I stripped them two weeks ago and painted them black.  This is one of them...

The bracket mounts as shown below.  Then a bolt runs through the square hole at the top into a J-clip on a matching bracket which is part of the fender.  This then holds the fender tight so it does not rub or tap against the molding around the windshield which is near touching the fender.  

I've not driven the car again yet to confirm but I'm quite sure now that this was the rattle/squeak noise that I would hear.