This is topic Looong shot....looking for my old 5.0 92 LX Hatch, 5 spd ...UPDATE: Found it! in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Hey dudes-
Been a while and I'm feeling a bit nostalgic and maybe a little optimistic, looking for my first Mustang. I have moved out of state but according to carfax the car is still in NorCal, in the bay area as of last year anyway.

1FACP41E7NF146013
Lic plate: 3TSA021
White 1992 5.0 LX Hatch 5spd, grey cloth interior. Stock ponies. Pretty clean when I sold it.
BBK shorties, catless H-pipe and Flows, 3.73s, K&N panel filter, Pro 5.0 shifter. Pioneer deck. Otherwise stock.

I sold it in 2007 with 238k and a salvage title (theft recovery). Carfax mileage gets weird with the 5 digit odo, looks to have about 340k on it now. Has been sold a bunch of times, but remained in the bay area.

Carfax shows:
2008 Vallejo/San Francisco
2011 San Bruno
2013 Sunnyvale
2015 Oakland
2016 Murphys
2017 San Jose, South San Fran

Just thought I'd throw this out there in case anyone is familiar with it. Would love to talk to the current owner.

Thanks,
Justin
jroberts427@gmail.com


With Cobras about a year before I sold it:
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[ 2018-12-31, 08:36 AM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Holy crap I found it!! It's way different than when I sold it. Has had several owners in the past 11 years but I got it back last night. Crazy luck that I started looking for it 2 weeks ago and it popped on up CL. It's definitely going to be a project to get it close to how I had it but it's gonna be awesome.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK8AsU9CceQ [patriot]
 
Posted by fredfifty (Member # 10320) on :
 
Fate. Congrats on finding her.
 
Posted by 86 T TOPS (Member # 8855) on :
 
Wow congrats man hope you bring her back to her glory days !!
 
Posted by i (Member # 12534) on :
 
That’s crazy as hell you manage to find it back in one piece.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Definitely needs a lot of love. Still totally jazzed to have found it and to be rebuilding it. [patriot]


Skip to 3:07 to see the car. I will be posting more videos as I rebuild.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGs4zskD3Hs


Moral of the story, if you have a clean fox never sell it!

Justin
 
Posted by SIC9250 (Member # 8216) on :
 
Man you must some have deep love for this car because it turned into a typical Bay Area foxbody lol holy hell that thing is whooped [Eek!] good luck with the rebuild my friend,I can say when you have that connection for a car it’s almost unbreakable,sounds like she’s back in good hands..You gotta new sub on youtube, I’d like to see how this car turns out, Fyi that hood definitely flew up causing the cowl and roof damage [Frown]

[ 2018-12-31, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: SIC9250 ]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by SIC9250:
Man you must some have deep love for this car because it turned into a typical Bay Area foxbody lol holy hell that thing is whooped [Eek!] good luck with the rebuild my friend,I can say when you have that connection for a car it’s almost unbreakable,sounds like she’s back in good hands..You gotta new sub on youtube, I’d like to see how this car turns out, Fyi that hood definitely flew up causing the cowl and roof damage [Frown]

Yeah dude it was so clean when I sold it, pretty jacked now but I've seen worse. No question the hood flew up. Someone probably forgot the hood pins. Oh well, I have another hood already and I'm starting to collect parts. It's gonna be nice when I'm done with it, never to be sold again.
 
Posted by i (Member # 12534) on :
 
Well now I know someone’s New Years resolution.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Finally got it home. Time to get to work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V70CmiS5w6U
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
Fun story to follow!
 
Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 
I love this! When shopping for mine about 9 years ago, I saw a bunch of these thrashed foxes. Good to see someone showing one some love. Keep up the good work. [worship]
 
Posted by moeofit32 (Member # 10393) on :
 
i actually saw this car on craigslist

[ 2019-01-17, 12:23 PM: Message edited by: moeofit32 ]
 
Posted by wilit (Member # 3367) on :
 
Wow, that's so awesome you found it. I've heard stories like that taking years to find a car. Crazy you found it in a few weeks. Congrats.
 
Posted by Rigo5.0 (Member # 5247) on :
 
Very cool story.

Keep us updated on your progress.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Quick review of the donor car. [patriot]


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRj1jL-V9f0
 
Posted by Rigo5.0 (Member # 5247) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
Quick review of the donor car. [patriot]


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRj1jL-V9f0

Lol.. nice!

It does seem like everything works on that thing. Does the ashtray door work as well??

[ 2019-01-20, 01:02 PM: Message edited by: Rigo5.0 ]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
The drivers seat is pushed up against the console but the ashtray door appears to be intact and functional. It was a nice car before it was wrecked.

[ 2019-01-21, 04:48 AM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :
 
This is a great story. How much did the donor car cost you?
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Martinna:
This is a great story. How much did the donor car cost you?

Too much, kind of. The auction selling price was $2050, then about $500 in fees and $100 for the broker, so about $2600 total. On the bidding I was competing with someone in Georgia who wanted it nearly as bad as I did. Drove the price up but I got it.

I was hoping to get it much cheaper than that but considering it's pretty clean and basically all stock, it's like having an OEM Ford parts department right there in my garage. Every correct nut and bolt is there which is great because there are so many parts missing from my 92. Beats scouring junkyards and ebay. I'll be able to sell what I don't use as well.

Justin

[ 2019-01-22, 06:57 AM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :
 
$2600 is not bad. You can quickly make a third or more of it back selling what you're never going to use. The ninnies that trashed your car did too much damage. It would have taken too long to find everything you need online and in junk yards. You're doing good. Keep this thread updated with your progress. Everyone wants to see your project succeed.
 
Posted by i (Member # 12534) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Martinna:
$2600 is not bad. You can quickly make a third or more of it back selling what you're never going to use. The ninnies that trashed your car did too much damage. It would have taken too long to find everything you need online and in junk yards. You're doing good. Keep this thread updated with your progress. Everyone wants to see your project succeed.

X2
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Martinna:
Keep this thread updated with your progress. Everyone wants to see your project succeed.

Will do. I plan to video progress of the whole build so I'll keep this thread going.

Justin [burnout]
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
That sucks for the red hatch looks like it was well taken care of before the hit. Hope you can bring your white hatch back to her glory days! BTW is that a leather wrapped 90-93 steering wheel? Wanna sell? The one on my convertible has a tear in it and drives me crazy.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
BTW is that a leather wrapped 90-93 steering wheel? Wanna sell? The one on my convertible has a tear in it and drives me crazy.

I will be selling a ton of stuff in time. The steering wheel in the red car has a cut on it (maybe from the glass breaking from the hit?) so I'm not sure if I will use it or not. I know how annoying that can be.

Last night I discovered that the headlights on the white car have bluetooth RGB LEDs in them. My kids had fun changing the colors and seeing the strobe function. [Cool]
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
BTW is that a leather wrapped 90-93 steering wheel? Wanna sell? The one on my convertible has a tear in it and drives me crazy.

I will be selling a ton of stuff in time. The steering wheel in the red car has a cut on it (maybe from the glass breaking from the hit?) so I'm not sure if I will use it or not. I know how annoying that can be.

Last night I discovered that the headlights on the white car have bluetooth RGB LEDs in them. My kids had fun changing the colors and seeing the strobe function. [Cool]

Well honestly the one on my drop is more than a tear. It was originally a tear but the owner before me thought he could just yank the little piece off and ended up taking a chunk off the leather. I've been trying to look for a NOS one or a very lightly used one but most leathers seem to be ripped or cracked bad.
 
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :
 
Can you super glue another piece of leather in its place and sand it flush? Cover the original leather with tape so the sand paper won't touch it.
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Martinna:
Can you super glue another piece of leather in its place and sand it flush? Cover the original leather with tape so the sand paper won't touch it.

Maybe? I rather not and just replace the steering wheel. Eventually I'll find a really nice one for a decent price.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Quick update on the project car. I swapped in the good tranny, BH, etc from the donor car, found out that the PO put in a bell housing and clutch fork from a 94 so the geometry was all wrong, no wonder it wouldn't shift right and the clutch fork came off. Cleaned up and installed the junkyard hood. Installed the donor headlights. Cleaned the plastidip off the rims. Was finally able to get all 4 types of lugnuts off the rims, lol.

The car shifts fine now, motor pulls strong but I'm still gonna yank it out. This car will get completely gutted and then I'll focus on body and paint.

Making progress little by little, and still having fun with it. With the mild HCI and 4.10s it will fishtail 2nd gear quite nicely. [burnout]


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[ 2019-02-04, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 
[worship]

Great progress. Keep the updates coming!! [burnout]

It's amazing the crap people do to these cars. [Mad]

[ 2019-02-04, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: Marks93 ]
 
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :
 
The input shaft from a 94 95 T5 is a different length. I am not sure a pre 94 T5 would have bolted up to that 94 bell housing you had. Drive shaft length would probably be an issue too.
Plan to put Cobra R wheels back on?
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
I need to post up another video soon.

Correct, as the 94/95 bellhousing is deeper, the input shaft length is about 3/4 inch longer. The trans that was in the car is from a 92 (bolted up fine) but it is likely that the input shaft wasn't even touching the pilot bearing. And then the clutch fork was about 2 inches too long as well. Oh well, shifts great now. So glad I bought a donor car. As it was said before in this thread, this thing is whooped. [dance]

Edit: Yes I am planning on silver 5 lug Cobra Rs. They look kinda dated now but they were awesome back in the day.

[ 2019-02-04, 06:18 PM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Quick video, cleaning plastidip off the wheels and fun with mismatched lugnuts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E1OKoQR5Os&t=
 
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :
 
The input shaft bearings of the 92 T5 could have gotten damaged if it was wobbling around with the fly wheel on its tip and no pilot bearing. Remove the throw out bearing retainer to take off the input shaft and inspect its bearing. It is not hard to remove and replace the input shaft bearing on T5 and T45 transmissions. If the splines on the input shaft are starting to twist like a screw you'll need to replace the input shaft to get back good smooth clutch control.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Martinna:
The input shaft bearings of the 92 T5 could have gotten damaged if it was wobbling around with the fly wheel on its tip and no pilot bearing. Remove the throw out bearing retainer to take off the input shaft and inspect its bearing. It is not hard to remove and replace the input shaft bearing on T5 and T45 transmissions. If the splines on the input shaft are starting to twist like a screw you'll need to replace the input shaft to get back good smooth clutch control.

Agreed. That trans was pretty noisy all around so it is due for a full rebuild. Luckily the trans from the donor car is smooth and quiet.
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
I kinda like the wheel setup on the white hatch now. What kind of wheels are those?
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
I kinda like the wheel setup on the white hatch now. What kind of wheels are those?

They are Niche 18s. Model is Niche M131 Targa Silver with machined face.

They do look kinda cool from 20 feet but up close they are oxidized a fair bit. I may actually do plastidip on them again, like an anthracite color with glossifier. Could look nice if done right. Either way they will ultimately be sold.

Hey Neight did you see this:
https://lmr.com/item/LRS-3600-GT350/mustang-sve-fr350-steering-wheel-90-93

Or they have the regular black one for $199.
 
Posted by i (Member # 12534) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
I kinda like the wheel setup on the white hatch now. What kind of wheels are those?

They are Niche 18s. Model is Niche M131 Targa Silver with machined face.

They do look kinda cool from 20 feet but up close they are oxidized a fair bit. I may actually do plastidip on them again, like an anthracite color with glossifier. Could look nice if done right. Either way they will ultimately be sold.

Hey Neight did you see this:
https://lmr.com/item/LRS-3600-GT350/mustang-sve-fr350-steering-wheel-90-93

Or they have the regular black one for $199.

I would buy it if it was 85-86 svo wheel 3 spoke.

Nice update on the car looks way better.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Tranny swap vid, out of order a bit...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcP66L4ICYU&t=

Next vid will be gutting the interior. [Cool]
 
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :
 
Coming together nice. Finding a clean donor car was the best thing you did. If you can feel the ridges on the throw out bearing retainer with your fingernails, use medium grit emery cloth to sand it down until it's smooth. If it's aluminum, it's worth the $50 to get a steel retainer and never have to hassle with it again.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Martinna:
Finding a clean donor car was the best thing you did.

Truer words were never spoken my friend. I would be so hosed without the donor car. Gutting the 92 this week I have found so much stuff, wiring going nowhere, homemade brackets, more stuff missing or not connected. I think the door lock actuators are from the HELP section at Oreilly's or maybe from Harbor Freight, they're definitely not factory. I just shake my head all day long. The donor car is what will make this build possible while keeping my sanity lol.

Good call on the emery cloth. When I do the final reassembly I think I'll just throw a new steel unit on there and forget about it.

More to come...
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
fwiw, I have had better luck with aftermarket door lock actuators that don't mount or look like the original ford ones. All the replacement stock ones I tried from 50resto and foxresto have been junk, maybe my door lock stuff is gummy and has extra resistance but I couldn't consistently get them to lock/unlock, which is a PITA since I have been working on putting in an RFID passive keyless system (just walk up to it like a modern car with key in pocket and the car unlocks, walk away and it locks).

I switched to a super powerful one that just clamps onto the lock rod and although a lot louder, it works every damn time!
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
This is what is in my 92 right now:

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Door-Lock-Actuator-Motor/dp/B00V7BFHIG

One of them used the included bracket and the other has one screw and is just dangling more or less. Quality my brothers... lol.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Junkyard hood polished up nicely. I used a magic eraser to get the paint pen off, then did clay bar, 2 steps of machine polishing and some wax. Plenty of deep scratches in it but got some of the shine back. Still may run the cowl hood from the donor car but I wanted to get this one cleaned up anyway.


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-Kv9jekxCE

[ 2019-03-07, 11:30 PM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
This is what is in my 92 right now:

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Door-Lock-Actuator-Motor/dp/B00V7BFHIG

One of them used the included bracket and the other has one screw and is just dangling more or less. Quality my brothers... lol.

yep that's the style I have in one of my doors which has worked flawless for 9 years, where-as the replacement ford OE one lasted less than 6 months before I tried it. If it were me, I'd just make sure they are mounted securely and they don't interfere with window track/glass or door panel. The ford ones are f'ing junk and a joke in terms of reliability, IMO.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Good to know. If they work maybe I'll just hook them up right and run em. Thanks for the info.
 
Posted by Robb (Member # 9444) on :
 
Crazy to see how beat down that car became over the course of 10 years. Its no wonder why clean examples of Fox bodies are bringing so much money these now.

[ 2019-03-09, 02:50 PM: Message edited by: Robb ]
 
Posted by Martinna (Member # 12493) on :
 
Ford used the same lock actuator on a lot of different cars. They only changed the shaft length. If the rubber boot over the boot wears out, moisture and dirt wears out grease and kills the mechanics. Grease up the shaft, all the joints and replace worn boots.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Car is basically gutted. Getting ready to start body work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpVQYZPSLBM&t
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
Nice, keep up the work! I like seeing cars getting stripped down and built back up.
 
Posted by NorCalRydaz (Member # 3233) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
Nice, keep up the work! I like seeing cars getting stripped down and built back up.

+1. Nice video. You got your gloves on while your wifey just jumps right in bare handed. Sweet! [patriot]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Ha ha true! She's a trooper. [Smile]
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
Any updates?
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
I am just getting started on body work at this point, still getting the final tools and supplies together, as well as working up the courage to attempt it myself. I did the body work on my FFR Cobra years ago but that was fiberglass, no dents to deal with. Never done a steel car before. I had my neighbor (a body and paint guy) come over and give me some direction, now I just need to get going.

I will be sure to post some progress pics. [patriot]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Stripping paint off the fender, partial timelapse:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykygHKAHx0g
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Using a stud welder and slide hammer to pull out the dented cowl. [patriot]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEUkvUOMIIk&t=
 
Posted by 68dustin (Member # 5388) on :
 
coming along nicely !!! keep up the great work
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Cowl hood fitted. Working on panel gaps.

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Posted by Black 02 SS (Member # 5939) on :
 
Any updates from the past month?
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Sorry guys I broke my hand and didn't touch it for about 5 weeks. I have the cast off now and have started to work on it again. Still in the middle of body work at this point. Hope to have it in primer and have the motor pulled in the next few weeks.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Finally got an update. Got the dented cowl and roof pulled, filled, blocked and into primer. It was dented up pretty bad from the hood flying up on the previous owner. Turned out ok for a first timer with no clue lol.

Next step is to get the rest of the car addressed as far as body work and get the whole thing into primer.

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[ 2019-07-22, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by 68dustin (Member # 5388) on :
 
LOOKING GOOD!
 
Posted by wilit (Member # 3367) on :
 
Looks great!
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
Hell yeah!
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Thanks guys, I'll keep at it. [patriot]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Engine is out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6oWwv7ihm4
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Making some progress. After pulling the engine we removed the wiring and dash, pressure washed the engine bay, then removed everything else on the front end. 27 years of oil and grease had to be cleaned up. Welded up some steel plate for the clutch cable entrance that was cracked and partly missing. It's very solid now. Also removed the rear end and fuel tank to get that all cleaned up. Scraped and pressure washed the underside of the car as well. A prior failed pinion seal had made quite a mess back there.

At this point the engine bay is in primer. Need to finish up the rest of the body work (bumpers, block the hood, address some dings) and get the whole car in primer and blocked. Hoping to have it in paint in the next few weeks before the weather cools down too much.

Once it is painted, the rest is just cleaning up/purchasing parts and re-assembly.

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Missing bits of the firewall from PO using the wrong bell housing and clutch fork. Way too much pressure here.
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Bought the world's smallest welder and got some work done
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Not pretty but solid. The rough areas that you can see are seam sealer.
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K-member out
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Cleaned, primed and slid back under the car
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Engine bay primed
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Fuel tank and rear end pressure washed
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This was nasty before! Hasn't been this clean since 1992.
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Garage buddy, one of many helpers in my house.
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Won't be long 'til paint. More to come.

[ 2019-09-08, 01:29 PM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by NorCalRydaz (Member # 3233) on :
 
Great progress. What color are you thinking to paint it?
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Thanks. It will be Oxford White which is the original color. It will also get all new interior in Titanium Gray. [patriot]
 
Posted by SLOWSN95 (Member # 8269) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
Thanks. It will be Oxford White which is the original color. It will also get all new interior in Titanium Gray. [patriot]

Loving the updates. Great work BTW. Can’t wait to see continued progress [patriot]
 
Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 
Amazing work! [worship]
 
Posted by 9cobrasnake9 (Member # 575) on :
 
Looks great!! Keep the updates coming!
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
how blasted with grease and mud did you get from pressure washing the underside of the body? lol!

I have a pinion leak right now and can only imagine how crazy it would be to pressure wash under there right now.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Blind:
how blasted with grease and mud did you get from pressure washing the underside of the body? lol!

I have a pinion leak right now and can only imagine how crazy it would be to pressure wash under there right now.

LOL...it was nasty to say the least. In the rear end area it was so thick that we used a plastic scraper to get most of it off first and then hit it with degreaser and the pressure washer. Amazing what 3100psi can do. Definitely had to do some laundry after though.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
I bought all of the paint for the car and got a few more parts in primer (front and rear bumper covers and the spoiler.) The rear bumper cover didn't need much work but the front took some time. It is original to the car, still has the VIN sticker, and as far as I can gather has about 348,000 miles on it. It had several chips, scrapes and gouges, and had been rattle canned black and white at some point. I spent the better part of Saturday cleaning, filling, sanding, trying to repair it as best I could. Still not perfect but looking much better now in primer. Inching closer to paint...

This is from a few months ago before tear down began. Lots of rattle can on the front of the car.
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After several hours...
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Looking better. Need to address a few things and block it before paint.
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Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Ok my turn...WE GOT PAINT!

I tried my best with what I had. The base went down perfect which I was really happy about. The clear...not so much. Hopefully I will be able to cut and buff out the imperfections. If I really need to I can take it to a real paint booth and have a pro lay down a few coats of clear for me. So I still have some options to get the clear looking better. Anyway, nice to be done with bodywork and to be close on the paint. Will be ordering brakes and suspension soon.


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[ 2019-09-27, 07:36 AM: Message edited by: the walrus ]
 
Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 
[worship]
 
Posted by NorCalRydaz (Member # 3233) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Marks93:
[worship]

+1
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
ha ha thanks guys. Can't wait to start reassembly.
 
Posted by 68dustin (Member # 5388) on :
 
looks great bud!!
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
It’s definitely coming along! Cars looking really good so far
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Thank goodness for cut and buff! As stated previously, much of the clear didn't go down so well due mostly to lack of skill, insufficient CFM, spraying in a garage, phase of the moon, etc....

Luckily wetsanding and polishing works and it looks like I will be able to salvage the paint job.

I loosely mounted up the hood and bumpers so they were out of the way and didn't get knocked over in the garage. Nice to have the area cleaned up a bit after being in full body shop mode. I'll deal with panel gaps when I'm ready to bolt things on for good.
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So yeah...some of the clear not looking too hot. See list of excuses above... [Razz]
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After wetsanding and polishing. Now this I can live with, even if it is a bit wavy in places.
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50/50 shot, fender to hood
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For those wondering, I am doing 1500 grit wet, 2000 grit wet, 3000 grit wet, then polishing compound on a foam pad with a rotary polisher, followed by swirl remover on a lighter foam pad. At this point the plan is to go panel by panel and try to get the whole car looking good in clear.

Justin
 
Posted by 68dustin (Member # 5388) on :
 
looks good to me... what clear did you end up going with? i can never get a perfect glass finish, i always have to cut and buff. So i usually put down 4 coats of clear
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 68dustin:
looks good to me... what clear did you end up going with? i can never get a perfect glass finish, i always have to cut and buff. So i usually put down 4 coats of clear

Thanks. I used True 7400v. Probably a good enough product if I were set up better to spray it.

What gun and compressor do you use?
 
Posted by 68dustin (Member # 5388) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
quote:
Originally posted by 68dustin:
looks good to me... what clear did you end up going with? i can never get a perfect glass finish, i always have to cut and buff. So i usually put down 4 coats of clear

Thanks. I used True 7400v. Probably a good enough product if I were set up better to spray it.

What gun and compressor do you use?

I use a cheap gun (Tcp Global) and a 5hp/30gal craftsman 240v compressor. Setting up the gun takes a bit of practice. One day i'll buy an expensive gun, most the time the paint looks like glass for the first day then shrinks (orange peel). I think a lot has to do with it's still just a garage paint job. But i've seen my 600$ paint job look better than most $6k jobs.
 
Posted by 68dustin (Member # 5388) on :
 
I did this re-paint one month after the cougar. Not bad for 600 bucks. This is my brothers car..
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Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 68dustin:
[QB] I did this re-paint one month after the cougar. Not bad for 600 bucks. This is my brothers car..

Man that looks amazing. Next time I'll have to fly you out to my house to put down the base and clear. [patriot]
 
Posted by SLOWSN95 (Member # 8269) on :
 
Fortunately, white is very forgiving. Either way, you're doing a great job and love to see the updates that you are providing us. I love it even more that you are conquering everything on your own [worship]

Awesome job [patriot]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Still at it. I had a mobile painter come out and do a bit of a re-spray focusing mostly on the top of the car where I had a bunch of fisheyes that I had to sand down. He got that part of it looking better. I then spent about 20 hours over two days wet sanding and polishing to cut down some of the orange peel, etc. Darn near sanded my fingerprints off! Still need to do a final polish but I will likely wait for warmer weather to do that. Painted and attached the side moldings and front spats. Cleaned and painted the rear end, front control arms and spindles.

Starting some re-assembly now. I went with Power Stop 13 inch brakes for a 2003 Cobra since I already had SN95 spindles. I also ordered some Cobra decals from ebay. They're a little cheesy but whatever, the powder coating on the calipers looks great and it's a nice functional upgrade over stock. Using KYB shocks and struts, Eibach springs, and UPR rear control arms. Got a bunch of stuff from Prothane for the front as well. I painted one wheel a gunmetal color as a test. I think we'll run that for a while.

The rear end will get new axle bearings and seals and I installed new Ford bushings as well.

Starting to come together a bit. I am hoping to have the car back on 4 wheels by the end of the week. [Smile]


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Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Still working on the car and slowly making progress. The garage isn’t quite as inviting during winter but I have a small heater that helps a bit. At this point the suspension is done, wheels are on, fuel tank is in, and much of the engine bay is in place. I will have engine bay wiring done soon and dash wiring soon after that.

I figured out that the engine that came with the car is a 1989 block so it has forged pistons. I will do new bearings, rings, gaskets, and get it cleaned up and painted. Then I‘ll move over the timing cover and accessories from the 93 engine, while adding the 130amp alternator. With a fresh rebuild and the basic HCI upgrades it should be a nice runner.

I found a NOS heater core for sale locally and it sure was easy to install with the HVAC unit on a table. 😉 Still need to make some brackets for the G37S seats but now that I know the seats fit in the car, the brackets shouldn’t be too complicated.

My goal is to have the engine done and installed in the next few weeks. I want to be cruising this summer. 😊

I made a couple of quick update videos. Just remember what we started with!

Part 12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wviJQemQQMU

Part 13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u29PiIbHJP0
 
Posted by i (Member # 12534) on :
 
You have done more work in a couple of months than I did in 6 years of my coupe. Bodywork is one of those things i really don’t find fun at all. Congrats, on the progress I don’t know how people can do body work all day nothing but dust all over the place and body filler/primer/pudding glaze etc.

P.S Just did 3 hours of bodywork because of your build.
 
Posted by fiftwyz (Member # 8351) on :
 
Looks good bud!!!
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Thanks guys. Can't wait to get the motor together and dropped into the car! [patriot]
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
That car looks hella good. Pays off having ocd huh
 
Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
That car looks hella good. Pays off having ocd huh

LMAO!!

That looks awesome. Very nice work. [worship]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Ha ha thanks. Still at it, little by little. I want to be cruising this summer!
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Engine is done! Will be installing next week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkdQLv2aNuM&
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
Engine is done! Will be installing next week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkdQLv2aNuM&

Hell yeah! Looks super clean. I’m itching to see that thing in action.
 
Posted by 97cobra209 (Member # 11376) on :
 
Looking good. I found it easier to drop motor in with clutch and all install then raise the T5 into place. I too was working alone on my swap so it just felt easy that way.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by 97cobra209:
Looking good. I found it easier to drop motor in with clutch and all install then raise the T5 into place. I too was working alone on my swap so it just felt easy that way.

Thanks for the tip. That's exactly what we ended up doing last night. Bolted on the FW, clutch assy and bellhousing and dropped it all in from the front of the car. Went in nice and easy without having to fight the tranny. Will bolt up the trans and driveshaft tonight.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NEIGHT:
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
Engine is done! Will be installing next week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkdQLv2aNuM&

Hell yeah! Looks super clean. I’m itching to see that thing in action.
Yes Sir! Soon, very soon. [patriot]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Guys, she's done.


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Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
The Prodigal Mustang. Took just over a year and now we can finally go cruising. Got a few small adjustments to make and I'll do a full polish once the weather warms up but it's basically done. Nice solid interior, engine sounds good and pulls nicely. It was a project but a worthy one. Just remember what we started with! Thanks for the encouragement along the way. Time to make some more memories with the family. [burnout]

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Posted by SLOWSN95 (Member # 8269) on :
 
[worship] [worship] [worship]

Amazing job man.. I’ve been following your build since you began. You did an AWESOME job.
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by SLOWSN95:
[worship] [worship] [worship]

Amazing job man.. I’ve been following your build since you began. You did an AWESOME job.

Thanks brother. Still got a few things to adjust but at least it is on the road. [patriot]
 
Posted by stangin' (Member # 514) on :
 
Fantastic job!
 
Posted by Blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
Love it! I'm glad to see you got it out on the road already!
 
Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 
Well done! Amazing the transformation. [worship]
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
Hell yeah! That thing looks great!
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Our local news ran a story on the car. Pretty cool!

https://www.ksl.com/article/46782464/after-more-than-a-decade-saratoga-springs-family-finds-their-mustang-that-got-away
 
Posted by NorCalRydaz (Member # 3233) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by the walrus:
Our local news ran a story on the car. Pretty cool!

https://www.ksl.com/article/46782464/after-more-than-a-decade-saratoga-springs-family-finds-their-mustang-that-got-away

[Big Grin]
 
Posted by 68gtscode (Member # 8679) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by NorCalRydaz:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by the walrus:
[qb] Our local news ran a story on the car. Pretty cool!

https://www.ksl.com/article/46782464/after-more-than-a-decade-saratoga-springs-family-finds-their-mustang-that-got-away

Congratulations on the project and feature- great story and read. Thanks for sharing!

[ 2020-08-11, 07:31 AM: Message edited by: 68gtscode ]
 
Posted by JohnCM (Member # 1076) on :
 
That's awesome man, looks fantastic!
 
Posted by Marks93 (Member # 11130) on :
 
Wow! Haven't checked in for a while and great to see the finished product. Great writeup as well. [worship]
 
Posted by the walrus (Member # 6010) on :
 
Finally put together the reveal video for those interested:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMzs2WUJ3is

Justin [patriot]
 
Posted by NEIGHT (Member # 8741) on :
 
That car is so damn clean! Great job on bringing it back
 




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