DeTomaso Mailing List: April 2001, Message #231

>>> Kurt Byrnes <kdb@espotmarket.com> 04/06/01 03:48PM >>>
I'm planning on digging into my new '73 this weekend and doing the
standard tuneup.

Also, how do you get the firewall/access panel thing off to get to the
front of the motor?

***This part is pretty easy. Easier if your seat tilts forward, in my '72 I have to take a seat out in order to get the panel out, which is a moderate inconvenience, to put it mildly. 

The bolts that attach the seat belts to the firewall also double to hold the cover on. Take those two bolts out, and you may have a couple small screws along the bottom of the panel as well. Depending on your interior, you may need to take out the spare-change holder, behind the gearshift. It just lifts straight out. 

You can now tilt the seats forward and just lift out the bulkhead cover. Underneath, you'll see a metal cover held in place by a billion little screws.  Well maybe twenty anyway. Pull those screws, out comes the cover, and you now have access to the front of the motor. 

After doing it once or twice it's a 10 minute job. Now you have access to the belts, distributor, etc. 

Spark plugs - Motorcraft AF42. If you want, you can search the archives and read all the bad things that happen if you use certain brands. Based on testimonials from people on the list, I would avoid Bosch at all costs. May be fine for other cars, but not on the Cleveland. People had good things to say about the Motorcraft.

Wires - just make sure they'll work with your distributor. Either do it yourself, or Hall Pantera has a rotor, cap, and wires for about $70? I don't remember the exact price. 

Oil - you'll get as many suggestions as people you ask. Use what you like. 

Oil for ZF - a 75W-90, a lot  of people like synthetic, but a large number do NOT. Synthetic tends to aggravate any tiny leaks  in the seals, and previously tight ZF's begin to seep. I'd rather the extra protection, so I run synthetic and have no leaking. 

Don't forget belts as long as you have the front cover off. I'd check your timing while you are up there, as timing chains tend to stretch a little. 

Other than that, welcome and have fun!

Charlie McCall
1972 DeTomaso Pantera #3847 (for sale)
1985 DeTomaso Pantera GT5-S #9375
"Raising Pantera Awareness across Europe"
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/gt5s_1985