Documenting the restoration of my growing collection of classic Mustangs
With the engine back in the garage, I need to start assembling it. I plan on using the original serpentine system, so I have to clean up a bunch of parts and get them back in place. It’s a good thing I took a bunch of pictures, because tearing it down a year ago left a lot of gaps in my memory. I put all the bolts in one bin, but figuring out which is which took a bit of digging through pictures.
Continue reading “Engine assembly – part 1”
After an extended period of time, I was finally able to pick up my engine from the automotive machine shop. Unfortunately, they started backed up when I dropped it off, then the owner (one man shop) had some health issues, backing up everything. He is doing well and finally caught up with some projects. There is always a wait and I was a few months in line before I could drop it off, which I read as a good sign for quality output. Based on the engine in the coupe with no issues, I am 1 for 1, with #2 looking like a win.
Continue reading “331 Stroker Home from the Machine Shop”
I have made some progress after returning from my trip. The most recent objective was to get it back on the ground, and off the jack stands. I will probably need it on them again when I do the fuel and brake lines, but for now, its on the ground.
Continue reading “It’s a Roller”
My original headlight fender extensions were broken. The grille and headlights were included as a complete assembly when I picked it up. There were also replacement headlight fender extensions, but they were also damaged. Since I wanted the GT grille with fog lights, I decided to just rebuild the grille with new parts for things that were broken or didn’t match.
Continue reading “65 Grille Assembly”
Since things escalated with the body work, I embraced it and decided the rest of the work should follow the same level of quality. It started with the Street or Track front coilover system rather than a more stock suspension. One of the key drivers is my dislike of removing front springs to try to find the right stance. Add to that an expectation of improved handling and I was on board.
Continue reading “Street or Track Coilover Front Suspension”
The 65 came home today. Metalwork is done, and it’s time to start test fitting things. I want to do this before any body work is done because some things are going to need some adjusting and if it was painted, it would be ruined. Case in point, Step 1 for installing the Street or Track camber lockout is to grind down metal and weld on the plate. So, the next stage is upon me.
Continue reading “Homecoming”
The 65 is getting some upgrades while I build it. To go along with the new front end, I decided to go with a brake upgrade based on a recommendation from Street or Track. I chose the Street or Track 13×1.25″ 4 piston disc setup. This does commit me to a 17″ wheel, but I think that will work well on this car.
Continue reading “Street or Track 13″ Disc Brakes”
At this point, I have worked on a few different types of spindles. I started the restoration on the 67 coupe with 68 disc style spindles. After some issues, I went back to stock 67 spindles, which is what is on the coupe currently, with Wilwood brakes.
Continue reading “Upgraded 65 spindles”
While I have been fine tuning the 67 and getting my son’s car into a solid, safe place, the fastback has been slowly moving forward. Now that all the big parts are in place, the details are easy to miss since you have to look closer. Of course, when it’s done, these details are going to be what really makes it shine, but going from huge visible progress to tuning feels like things suddenly slowed down.
Continue reading “Forever Body Construction”
I wanted to try to salvage the hood and trunk lids from the original since they look pretty good. Any of the original sheet metal I can keep, I will. So long as keeping it doesn’t mean spending more to repair it than it would cost to replace.
Continue reading “New Year Fastback Update”
Brad Albrecht's Mustang Restoration Projects 