Documenting the restoration of my growing collection of classic Mustangs
Most of the external parts are removed, leaving the power train and the suspension. Once I get that removed, I will need to figure out how to get it on the body cart without a lift. It turns out a body cart is kind of tall compared to where the body sits on its own suspension.
Continue reading “On the Body Cart”
As I continue my dismantling, I have found a theme from the previous owner who clearly slapped it together to unload on to some unsuspecting sucker: Hand Tight. I didn’t find many parts that needed convincing to be removed. In some cases, like the shocks, one bolt was tight, the other was half on. This takes dedication to do it that poorly as they are lock nuts and the harder of the two to reach was done right.
Continue reading “Theme: Hand Tight or Not At All”
Several months ago, my daughter sent me a picture of a Playboy Pink 66 coupe, saying she thought it looked beautiful and she would drive a mustang if it looked like that. Now, I have had my coupe since before she was born, and while it didn’t always run (it mostly didn’t run), it’s always been around, taking up space somewhere, but she was never really interested in it. When her younger brother started high school, he said it would be cool if he could drive it to prom if we got it fixed up, and I was on it. Even through all that, she was never really interested. She did appreciate how it was looking nice as I was putting it together, but not really into it. So when she sent that picture, I saw my opening.
Continue reading “A Princess in Frog Form”
My list of big projects to get Derek’s coupe back on the road is getting short. I think most of the engine work is done, but I wont start it without an exhaust. With a flat tappet cam, it requires a 20-30 minute break in on first start, which I wont be doing without exhaust. With that, I took it to the local exhaust and welding shop to have his exhaust kit installed.
Continue reading “Exhaust for Derek’s Coupe”
Derek’s 67 is close to done, but I haven’t been home to work in the shop for quite a while. I would like to get it back on the road so I can free up some shop space to ultimately get back to focusing on the 65. Currently, he needs the clutch connected to the pedal, a new driveline, and an exhaust. At that point, it should be ready to start and figure out what needs attention to make it road worthy. Starting from the front, I decided to get the clutch working first.
Continue reading “Modern Driveline Cable Clutch Kit”
I made some progress and have had pictures sitting on my drive, but didn’t make a post before I retired in July and got distracted with an assortment of other life goals I couldn’t do while working. Winter has settled in, so I need to get back out to the shop and get this motor in the convertible while weather is keeping it in the shop.
Continue reading “289 Little Details”
After a break waiting for the push rods and other various parts, its time to make some more progress and actually finish the long block by setting the valves.
Continue reading “289 Assembly – Part 3: Accessories”
Picking up where I left off with a short block, the next step is to get the heads attached and continue to assemble the front dressing and various accessories.
Continue reading “289 Assembly – Step 2: Long Block”
After tearing down the 302 and realizing it was a 79 block dressed up with 68 parts, I found an original early 68 289 block that will fit the period correct requirement for the 67. I switched gears mid stream and had the machine shop stop on the 302 and finish the 289 for this project. Well, they are done and I have the block and heads, plus all the various parts back at the house.
Continue reading “289 Ready for Assembly – Step 1: Short Block”
This week I learned that reclocking an alternator is a thing. It solved a long standing problem I have had and have been worried about since I put the 3G in the coupe. Evidently, its a simple procedure to change the orientation of the terminals on the back vs the mount points on the front. The more you know.
Continue reading “Reclocking the Alternator”