Documenting the restoration of my growing collection of classic Mustangs
I don’t have much time left this year to work on Princess since I will be heading out to spend the holidays with the kids and working on other projects. My last big step this year is going to be the torque boxes. I already installed the back plate, so this is just sealing that up, and getting the front plate installed.
Continue reading “Installing Torque Boxes”
With the firewall in place, the next step is the frame rails. These are the rails that the engine compartment is built on. Ideally, I would do this with a frame jig, so I just bolt them to the jig and drop them in place and I have them exactly where they should be. I don’t have a jig, so I need to do a little more work. Fortunately, Jo Daddy’s Garage Youtube channel has some great videos on how to do this.
Continue reading “Frame Rails”
My original plan was to move over the whole front of the car in one piece. The issue was in how to replace the firewall if I didn’t separate the engine bay from the dash and cowl. Ultimately, I decided to separate the engine bay and do it in 2 moves. Once I got the frame rails off, I saw why it was welded along the seam and not plug welds, which changed all my plans. I was still on track to move the dash, cowl, and A pillars as a unit, so I got to work.
Continue reading “Transferring the Dash and Cowl”
With the roof well in place, the next piece is the back seat support. Included with it is the side mounting points for the roof top and power pistons. Before I did that though, I needed to seam seal the areas I wont have access to later. While it was out, I also filled some holes left as part of the removal.
Continue reading “Transferring the Back Seat Support”
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”
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”
It’s finally sunny here in Washington. With the new power steering installed, the roads are calling. Top down, practicing social distancing to the sound of the engine. But the cover to the top (the boot) won’t fit. This is harshing my buzz.
Continue reading “Convertible Boot Woes”