Return of The Jedi: Foxbody Build Thread - Northern California Ford Owners

This is topic Return of The Jedi: Foxbody Build Thread in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners .

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Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

I find myself plagued by this constant desire and urge to build a Fox body. Having started several projects in the past but never seeing them through to fruition, I decided to right that wrong. My love for the Mustang platform runs deep, and I would be remiss to forget about those models that came before. The Fox Body is one platform that we all have love for, and building a set of 4-lug wheels to showcase what can be done only seemed right.

The car was a simple craigslist find. Bone stock with tons of documentation, surviving paint, and a 4x4 ride height. A little persistence and patience got me the car for $5500. My goal with this car is build it to be a baby GT350R if you will. Following an OEM+ design philosophy I want to modernize the car into something streetable and trackable like the GT350R. Experiencing what a car that is a complete package with a synergistic relationship amongst the components has changed what I want out of a car.

Along with the fully forged Signature Wheels I have plans to give the car a full treatment with components from Griggs Racing, Baer Brakes, Carters Customs, Steeda, MGW, Trackspec and a few others. Hope to bring some write ups, reviews, installation tips, and comparisons against the GT350R along the way.

Here are a few pictures to get the ball rolling.

Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :

Great find. Looking forward to your build updates.

Posted by Eddie510- (Member # 2354) on :

Nice man ! Keep us updated!

Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :

Nice rides! Your hatch reminds me of the dude who has the t-boned one.

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

The fox has some really good qualities about it. One of them being the surviving paint job that it has now. The body itself is very straight with only a few minor scratches and dents. The worst paint area on the car was the aftermarket hood. For some reason the previous owner decided to spray the cowl vent and windshield wipers to match the car. One of the first things I plan to change.

I bought the car at night and then stored it at my brother’s house. By the time I saw it again in the daylight it was filthy. Decided to drop the car off at Imperial Works in Sacramento to see what they can do with it. They did all the outstanding detail work on my GT350R. Told them to get to it whenever and see if it can be brought back to life. Got the call to pick the car up after a few weeks and check it out. I can say that It was definitely a happy experience. The factory paint job cleaned up extremely well for some polishing and paint correction. Ceramic coating will come later and I look forward to those results.

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

In order to make the Fox worthy of track use I know there are a plethora of areas to be addressed. In my experience it is better to learn on a slow car with a sorted suspension, than a fast car with a suspension system that is out of whack. This will be handled thanks to Griggs Racing.

While those Griggs components are being built, I am going to work on some aero, aesthetics, and reduction of heat. One of the first parts to get installed will be a Trackspec Motorsports hood vent. As seen with other Mustang models and aerodynamic testing the best location for the vent is directly behind the radiator. This helps to pull hot air up, through, and out of the radiator. At speed it will also help to prevent lift by reducing under hood pressure. I looked over some installation tips from FJD Performance about using tape to locate the spot directly behind the shroud. After some quick measurements with the template from Trackspec it was time to get cutting.

Used a Ryobi angle grinder with a cutting wheel and some prayer to get this done. A file came in handy for those corners where you did not want to run to far. Some work with a rivet gun and the deed was done. The first cut is definitely the hardest, but once you realize you cant go back it gets easier. This hood vent is made for the S550 and based on the GT4 car. The supplied rivets are too short to go through my aftermarket hood so some longer ones had to be sourced. Looks good though.

Working for a wheel company and playing around on track have taught me the importance of lightweight wheels to reduce unspring weight. Having a setup that is strong, stiff, provides adequate caliper clearance, has proper fitment, and leaves you with enough threads for your lug nuts is tough to find. Not to mention the lack of available wheels for the 4-lug platform. To start I will build the new Signature Wheel Reserved SV902 in a 4 lug for the car. Eventually the car will see a 5-lug swap due to my desire to run the Griggs SLA up front, but for those with no need to swap we will have some excellent custom-built options. Here is a peek at what is coming. You will notice the front is not concave due to the amount of protrusion from the front hub/bearing. A concave wheel will not allow the front center cap to fit, which always drive me insane with I see it. These will be a direct bolt on to any 4-lug car, will not require any modification, and the front center cap will fit. Not to mention weighing only 20-22lbs in an 18x9 / 18x10.

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

The Fox is not an inherently aerodynamic vehicle. Inbound to help with some of those issues are components from Carters Customs. The owner Adam Carter is an engineer by trade and does an excellent job making all of these parts himself. Install on these cannot come soon enough. The car will see his front splitter, fender vents, rear diffuser, side skirts (once developed) and a Steeda Aero Spoiler.

On the subject of aerodynamics I also was able to get a set of custom LED intake lights made courtesy of Stuart Gaskins of Premium Fuel Mag. These were created and developed as an idea to get more air flow into the radiator and liven up the front end of the car. They are out of production but some persuasion made it possible to get another set built for my car. They operate a white LED during normal operation and flash orange like a turn signal. Cant wait to get them. Part of my plan to build the car as a complete package is modernization of the systems.

Posted by 351w (Member # 11875) on :

I sent that guy a message regarding those lights and didn’t press the issue, what did it take to get him to make you a set?

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 351w:
I sent that guy a message regarding those lights and didn’t press the issue, what did it take to get him to make you a set?

It took a lot of persuasion brother. Not an easy task. He built a run for consumers and decided to leave it alone after that. I can say that the concept itself is very cool.

Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :

I've been wanting to make my own signal lights like those, and install a similar hood vent, but as my car is parked outside a lot I've worried about water intrusion and junk from trees and plants blowing in and fouling stuff up, ugh.

Checkout the stifflers transmount + driveshaft loop system, it really made a huge difference stiffening up my car and is a recent addition to the fox market [Cool]

Posted by 351w (Member # 11875) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
I've been wanting to make my own signal lights like those, and install a similar hood vent, but as my car is parked outside a lot I've worried about water intrusion and junk from trees and plants blowing in and fouling stuff up, ugh.

Checkout the stifflers transmount + driveshaft loop system, it really made a huge difference stiffening up my car and is a recent addition to the fox market

I have the Stifflers Crossmember and Driveshaft Loop, both are very solid pieces, can’t say I could tell a before and after because I changed all kinds of stuff at the time.

On another note, I had a few sets of spare lights laying around and decided I would try and make the lights myself, I was able to cut the holes in the front and rear of the lights very easily with a dremel. I ordered some LED’s that I’m going to test fit when they show up, should be able to mimic exactly what he was doing, if I could source only the inner lights I’d consider making them to sell, wouldn’t want the hassle of worrying about ruining someone’s lights.

The lights trim piece was broken prior to cutting on it, just using it to test fit everything.

<img src="https://cafords.com/album/00011875/3F8F3C222FF84DA6A50E1ED6433011FA.jpeg" style="max-width: 640px" alt=" - " />

[ 2019-03-20, 06:28 PM: Message edited by: 351w ]

Posted by 351w (Member # 11875) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 351w:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Blind:
[qb] I've been wanting to make my own signal lights like those, and install a similar hood vent, but as my car is parked outside a lot I've worried about water intrusion and junk from trees and plants blowing in and fouling stuff up, ugh.

Checkout the stifflers transmount + driveshaft loop system, it really made a huge difference stiffening up my car and is a recent addition to the fox market

Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :

Can we get a close up picture of what the LEDs Stuart Gaskins used look like?

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Making some progress with the suspension install. Took a trip up to Sonoma to meet the man Bruce Griggs himself. Pretty cool experience to wander around the shop a bit. Had some good conversation, learned a lot about the science behind the suspension components, and then headed back home. Lots of goodies

I spent a little time assembling the coil over kit on the Griggs Racing Varishock. Also did the install on the rear bump stops.

I found a good deal on some Koni yellow double adjustable struts locally and they will be used for the front coil over kit. Not going overboard on the front as an SLA is in the future. I will say that I miss the days you could find anything you needed for a Foxbody build on Craigslist for pennies on the dollar and at a moments notice.

New 18” Signature Wheel Reserved SV902 came in. These are an 18x9 / 18x10 4-lug direct bolt on to any Foxbody. Designed to fit with only removal of the rear quad shock while sporting 255/35/18 & 285/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Got the tires mounted thanks to Premier Mobile tire that came to the house. Then I did some test fitting and love the look. Weights came in at 20/22 lbs which will be great for track use and an overall more enjoyable and nimble car.

I also built a set of Signature Wheel Flagship Series FOUR for my brothers 86 coupe build. He will have an IRS setup and narrower front fenders so these are an 18x8.5 / 18x9.5. Weighing in at 22lbs each they will be an excellent lightweight wheel for street/track use.

Had to do a quick test fit so I could sleep that night.

I wanted to update the car to modern standards so I ordered some Redline Hood/Hatch Struts. These little things go a long way

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
I've been wanting to make my own signal lights like those, and install a similar hood vent, but as my car is parked outside a lot I've worried about water intrusion and junk from trees and plants blowing in and fouling stuff up, ugh.

Checkout the stifflers transmount + driveshaft loop system, it really made a huge difference stiffening up my car and is a recent addition to the fox market

Done and done [Big Grin]

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 351w:

quote:
Originally posted by 351w:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Blind:
[qb] I've been wanting to make my own signal lights like those, and install a similar hood vent, but as my car is parked outside a lot I've worried about water intrusion and junk from trees and plants blowing in and fouling stuff up, ugh.

Checkout the stifflers transmount + driveshaft loop system, it really made a huge difference stiffening up my car and is a recent addition to the fox market
I have the Stifflers Crossmember and Driveshaft Loop, both are very solid pieces, can’t say I could tell a before and after because I changed all kinds of stuff at the time.

On another note, I had a few sets of spare lights laying around and decided I would try and make the lights myself, I was able to cut the holes in the front and rear of the lights very easily with a dremel. I ordered some LED’s that I’m going to test fit when they show up, should be able to mimic exactly what he was doing, if I could source only the inner lights I’d consider making them to sell, wouldn’t want the hassle of worrying about ruining someone’s lights.

The lights trim piece was broken prior to cutting on it, just using it to test fit everything.

<img src="https://cafords.com/album/00011875/3F8F3C222FF84DA6A50E1ED6433011FA.jpeg" style="max-width: 640px" alt=" - " />

Good work. Some practice and sourcing the right parts would lead to some great execution.

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Next up was to get the suspension setup ready for install. On the rear you will find the Griggs Racing setup is very well constructed. I upgraded the lower shock mounts to accommodate the added load being placed on them. This required enlarging the bolt holes to fit the larger grade 8 hardware from Griggs.

The upper shock mount comes with a custom perch to mount the spherical shock bearing too. This allows for more movement and less bind. Some simple trimming with some snips gives you the room needed to get it installed.

Snuck out to get the Carters Customs rear diffuser mounted. Easy enough task and really like the rivnuts. Although I spent almost 2 hours trying to figure out how to properly use the rivnut gun that I bought.

Can’t have the rear diffuser without a matching Carters Customs front splitter…

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Over the course of time spent on the rear suspension the new Baer brakes arrived. This is the 13” 6-piston front setup and 13” 4-piston rear with internal parking brake. Slotted rotors were selected to hold up to track use. I selected Baer as they are one of the only manufacturers to have a 4-lug brake upgrade. I have also had a hard on for their Arizona copper caliper color for years.

This brake setup comes on a custom spindle that is beefier than the OEM piece. You can also select to have the spindle assembled with a larger hub bearing to withstand the abuse of track time. Naturally I went for that option.

BAER

OEM

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Since the rear axles had to be removed to dump the OEM brakes I went ahead and bought the Ford Performance carbon fiber clutch packs to rebuild the posi unit. This was my first time rebuilding a posi unit on my own, and thankfully it was a rather smooth process. Basic hand tools, a mallet, and some YouTube videos gave some tips on how to complete the process and get the S-spring back in. Compressing the spring with vice grips and then using a small wrench to prevent them from expanding was cool.

Went ahead and upgraded the wheel studs to ensure they would be strong enough for track use. ARP units were selected for the task and the finish. I found that trying to press in the studs using an impact gun damages the finish. Ended up buying a press from harbor freight and doing it that way. If I end up buying components new again I will spend the extra money to have the manufacturer press them in.

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Finally got all the components installed and time for fluid to be put back in the system. New Griggs Racing rear diff cover, torque arm plate, and redline fluid are set. Decided to upgrade the transmission mount as well with a Stifflers piece.

The brake install ended up being a total pain the ass. The Baer components went on just fine, but the car fought me along the way. Both the front brake hard lines were adamant about staying with the OEM brake lines. Stripped both the front hard lines trying to get the off. Several days of trying to cut and flare my own lines were time wasted. Initially I talked myself out of buying new pre-bent front hard lines, and that was a mistake. Went ahead and spent the money for new ones and within 2 hours I was done. Highly recommend that for anyone who finds themselves in the same boat. Chose to use the 1” Baer remaster and keep the OEM booster. Installation was pretty straight forward but still used the MM adapters for the 3-2 port conversion. The maximum motorsports pieces aren’t designed for the Remaster so I still needed to custom bend some lines. I may end up doing some custom stainless-steel braided lines from the master cylinder in the future.

Got the car out to the alignment shop on its maiden voyage. In some ways I don’t miss the uneasy feeling of taking a Foxbody out on the street for the first time after working on it. However, the feeling of building something with your own hands is rewarding.

I still have some brake bleeding and adjustments to make but here are some pictures of how it sits now. Really pleased with the Carters Customs LX Street front splitter and rear diffuser. Looking forward to the side splitters he is developing and should be out soon.

And of course, what is a hatchback Foxbody without the Steeda Aero spoiler….

If you like the wheel/tire setup let me know. Now that I have accomplished the goal of building this all around 4-lug setup I am likely going to build a maximum fitment one. Good time to jump in on these if you want. More to come in the future. Forgive any pics oriented the wrong way. This free pic uploader is well…… free….

Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :

Looks good, can you show more of how the rear diffuser mounts?

Interesting choice sticking with 4 lug, when it looks like it was the same amount of work as going 5 lug (spindles, axles out, etc).

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
Looks good, can you show more of how the rear diffuser mounts?

Interesting choice sticking with 4 lug, when it looks like it was the same amount of work as going 5 lug (spindles, axles out, etc).

I will grab some pics next time I am under the car, which is likely to be soon. The rivnut goes into the tank cover, and screws go into the existing rear bumper.

Staying 4-lug is tow fold. First it showcases that this would be a direct bolt on for anyone that has a 4-lug car. No need to swap brakes, axles, etc if you have no need for the added braking capacity. The wheel market is pretty slim for all the 4-lug owners.

Second I wanted to compare tracking the car in its original 4-lug configuration to how it will be when going 5-lug. In my case I also wanted to showcase the 4-lug Baer setup for track use, and did the work all at once.

Posted by H8RPWRD (Member # 12588) on :

That’s is one sick ride man. I like what you did with the headlights and the color of the calipers are sick [worship]

Posted by *SlipNslide281* (Member # 622) on :

Looks awesome. Love the seeing the process from start to finish.

Posted by *BlownMach1*- TRMYN8R (Member # 5400) on :

Damn I ain’t been on this site in a long time and now I come back to this. Wow. This is dope bro. So is the gt350. Hey T, I think the number I have for you is super old. Can you PM your number. I had a few questions. Kinda why I found a way to log back in this site. Nice to see Atleast a couple people are still taking care of the foxbodya on here.

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

quote:
Originally posted by *BlownMach1*- TRMYN8R:
Damn I ain’t been on this site in a long time and now I come back to this. Wow. This is dope bro. So is the gt350. Hey T, I think the number I have for you is super old. Can you PM your number. I had a few questions. Kinda why I found a way to log back in this site. Nice to see Atleast a couple people are still taking care of the foxbodya on here.

Good to see you still around man. PM inbound

Posted by fredfifty (Member # 10320) on :

part number or link for that front and rear baer 4 lug brake kit? i cant seem to find it

Posted by 88DroptopGT (Member # 2535) on :

What company did you buy the pre made hard brake lines for? Summit or Baer? Looking to buy a set for my rear Baer 5-lug conversion.

Using an 86 SVO MC btw.

Sick mods! [patriot]

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Its been a bit since the last update. Been fighting some small issues with leaks, and that is a big pet peeve of mine. So much so that I ended up tearing out the transmission, clutch, and driveline to solve a rear main seal leak.

Car is back together and on all 4's. Aluminum flywheel, king cobra clutch, high torque mini starter, aluminum driveshaft, and MGW shifter installed. Still sorting out some stuff with the brakes, but got it out to Sonomoa for the Shelby Mini-Nats. Feels so much better with the MGW.

Car is currently at Griggs Racing to finish the Watts Link, through the floor sub frames, torque arm, and some other items. I will update when she comes back home.

Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :

Damn that hatch looks real good

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
Damn that hatch looks real good

Thanks brother!

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

quote:
Originally posted by *BlownMach1*- TRMYN8R:
Damn I ain’t been on this site in a long time and now I come back to this. Wow. This is dope bro. So is the gt350. Hey T, I think the number I have for you is super old. Can you PM your number. I had a few questions. Kinda why I found a way to log back in this site. Nice to see Atleast a couple people are still taking care of the foxbodya on here.

Looks like your box is full man. Can’t get a hold of ya.

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Recently got my Foxbody project back from Griggs Racing. Still a ton to do to this car, but a lot has happened so far. Griggs Watts link, coil overs, and rear GRV shocks are in. Awaiting the new torque arm to tie the rear setup together. The new Baer Brakes stop well, but still need more pressure to get them to feel like a modern pedal. Quite possible a hydro boost swap will be added. I could go on for days, but for now here are some pics snapped with my Nikon D750.

4-lug son!

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :

Very nice! [patriot]

Posted by i (Member # 12534) on :

Beautiful Car!

Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :

[worship]

Fantastic Fox!

Posted by Boss 327 (Member # 9143) on :

Not sure how i missed this post. This fox is absolutely beautiful. Great job [patriot]

Posted by NorCalRydaz (Member # 3233) on :

Not sure about those headlights but besides that I bet it kills it on the tracks

Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on :

That fox looks great!
I'm envious of the fox project for these times of quarantine [patriot]

Posted by PWR HNGRY 302 (Member # 6000) on :

Excellent Build man.

[ 2020-04-28, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: PWR HNGRY 302 ]

Posted by 85staNg302 (Member # 9450) on :

damn that car looks good. good job bro

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Foxbody shit never ends,,,,,

Posted by NorCalRydaz (Member # 3233) on :

quote:
Originally posted by 50 Deep:
Foxbody shit never ends,,,,,

<img src="https://cafords.com/album//00006216/59A0B13A77A1420BB159E0C803E6124D.jpeg" style="max-width: 640px" alt=" - " />

Looks way better!

Posted by 50 Deep (Member # 6216) on :

Trying to finalize the interior on the fox. Recently installed the Florida 5.0 gauge cluster. Fairly easy, but time consuming. Got everything to work but my electronic speedometer. Waiting on a new vehicle speed sensor since it appears to be the problem. My cruise control was not working before the install, and usually that is a tale tale sign. Anyone else have this setup and been through this?

I found heel toe downshifts almost impossible with the stock pedals, so I installed these Steeda ones I had on hand. Hopefully they provide a better feel. An SRP heel guard should prevent me from grenading the floor mats. Along with a custom Signature Wheel coined short throw shifter from MGW. Seats are Corbeau front and rear, which I enjoy the bolstering much more compared to sliding all around in the stock ones.

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