Engine Detailing - How To: Detail A 289 Engine

4 Mounting our reproduction yellow-top coil was simple with a new coil bracket, coil detail sticker, and engine calibration sticker, all from NPD.

5 For the front engine dress, we called upon Classic Auto Air for the correct brackets, water pump, crankshaft pulleys, and so on to mount a concours A/C system. We sent some used brackets to CAA as cores to get these nicely painted and inspected ones in return. The included hardware works fine; but because we're perfectionists, the brackets were installed with AMK hardware from NPD.

6 The correct power-steering-pump mounting bracket is hard to find. We scored ours from our favorite used-parts vendor, Metro Mustang. After a thorough bead-blasting and a coat of paint, it was ready for installation on our 289. She was starting to look the part.

7 We've seen mounting bolts and studs for the power-steering pump and A/C-compressor mounting-bracket attachment. We thought it was safe to assume bolts were used for power steering only, and the studs with lock nuts were used when factory A/C was ordered. Either way, AMK has the right hardware kits with the proper bracket spacers.

8 For our power-steering pump needs, we picked up a core pump from Metro Mustang and a reproduction power-steering reservoir (for A/C-equipped Mustangs) from Classic Auto Air. We sent it all to Alamo Classic Mustang for a rebuild and assembly (along with our other power-steering parts, as detailed in our February '04 issue).

9 Classic Auto Air's rebuilt compressors come with new seals, valves, brushes, and clutch assembly installed and ready to go. The hardware to mount the A/C compressor to the mounting bracket was a bit of a chore to install, but was manageable with the right wrenches.

10 The dogleg bracket, which was loosely installed earlier, was positioned against the compressor, and the retaining hardware installed and tightened.

11 The alternator is a standout item that needs the right detailing. Hanging off the side of the V-8 all by its lonesome, it needs a few concours bits to look right. We used an AMK detailed alternator from NPD with the proper case markings and ink stamps. We added the correct zinc fan, single-groove pulley, lock washer, and retaining nut to the alternator. Finally, the alternator was secured in its brackets with AMK hardware, including the proper aluminum spacer in gold anodizing, all from NPD. Hard to see, but on the rear is an alternator pigtail harness from NPD.

12 These ink-stamped reproduction fan belts from NPD are a nice detailing touch. They are brand new Ford Motorcraft service belts stamped with the proper logo and part number for your application. We ordered the three belts, and all of them fit right the first time (sometimes, when mixing pulleys, the original belt length will no longer work, which is out of NPD's control).