1978 Mustang II King Cobra: revisited 10 years later,going back retro

[ModedCB2]

Hey all. Been lurkingfor quite a bit since all the projects have been on hold till the kids got oldenough to help. So I thought I would introduce the King Cobra and tell a littleof the story and then give some hints of the resurrection.


Ibought this
as a63,000 mile, mostly original KC as my wedding present to myself with the firstwife. Its been through various stages, as we all understand owning a car forgoing on 20+ years. In 2001 I married my now wife and began a full on update.the pics included are the last build and is pretty much how the car sits now,in storage. Run down of the parts
currentlyalready done, and then I will post the "as is/are" pics and thenoutline the plans for my oldest son (11yo) and I to get it ready for him todrive.

Body:
90% original sheet metal
Fiberglass Front &Rear Bumpers
’83 Mustang GT rearfacing scoop
Original KC Air Dam, RearSpats, 3-pc Rear spoiler & Side & Rear Window Louvers
Ultra Rare KC brakecooling ducts intact

Suspension/Chassis/Brakes:
Custom Sub-frameconnectors with front and rear seat mount cross ties and rocker lipreinforcements similar to Fox-body Special Service and convertibles
Custom MII T-top bracingsystem from cowl to outer engine compartment inner fenders
Competition Engineering4-point Roll Bar tied to subframes
Heidt’s Tubular Uppersand Triangulated Tubular lower control arms w/ custom rear mount
Addco 1 1/8” Front and15/16” Rear sway bars, custom urethane bushings& brackets
QA-1 coil-overconversion with 12-way adjustable shocks Front, and QA-1 12-way adjustable rearshocks
Detroit-EatonMach-1/CBII/KC Competition Package spec HD leaf springs
South Side Machine MIIspecific traction aid, preloaded to Passenger side
Custom Hand turnedProthane front and rear leaf spring eye bushings from a 70’s Bronco kit
Custom SVO/SVT 15:1power Rack-n-Pinion with Flaming River/Borgeson solid shaft and u-joints.Custom length shaft and Ididit tilt column
AGR Quick Ratio P/S Pump(late Fox serpentine)
Baer 12.5” Front/ 12.0”Rear Street Sport Brake Kit, fed by custom S/S braided lines and Wilwood proportioning/biasvalve

Engine:
Ford RHO (Remanufactured High Output) 306, balanced and blueprinted
E7TE late 5.0L HO heads, ported by Aerohead Services with1.90/1.60 valves, CNC ported, hand gasket matched.
Crane 2031 (’93 Cobra Cam +), Crane 1.7 roller rockers, Crane hardenedpushrods
Ford SEFI, EEC-IV ’93 Cobra ECM
Edelbrock EFI intake (now Explorer/’93 Cobra) intake portedand gasket matched, 3/8” Phenolic spacer
FMS 24# injectors and Vortech/C&L 73mm MAF
MAC fox body inner -fender Cold Air with custom ducting fromthe stock KC brake ducts in the front air dam.
MSD Pro-billet Distributor, TFI Blaster Coil, hidden 6-AL box , Taylor 8.8 custom color wires
Custom plumbed OE V-8 tank with auxiliary tank, in-tank255lph Walbro pump, Aeromotive inline filter, -8AN Aeroquip feed and -6ANPush-Loc return lines, Kirban Adustable Fuel Pressure regulator
Exhaust:
OE Mustang II cast iron exhaust manifolds, cut, ported,polished, gasket matched, Extrude honed. Outlets opened to 2.3”, Coated insideand out
2.5” custom, 3-piece H-pipe, feeding Edelbrock RPM Mufflers and 2.5” tailpipes dumping behind eachrear tire
Drivetrain:
FMS/ WC T-5 5-speed, Custom ratio built by Scheele & Son’sSt. Louis Mo
Centerforce Dual Friction clutch & T/O bearing
Pioneer MII V-6 Clutch cable with custom billet Cable-to-Firewallretainer/adjuster
Reinforced OE MII clutch fork
Modified pedal assembly to spread foot spacing
Ford 8” Rear end, Moser case, Aubrun Pro Diff, 4.11 gears
Custom transmission cross member
FMS Fox-Body aluminum Driveshaft & safety loop

Wheels/Tires:
’94-95 17” 17” x 9.5 split-three-bar wheels with 245/40/17front and 265/40/17 rear with full sizematching spare and 245/40/17 tire

Interior:
None

So that's where it sits now. a few pics in a few minutes and the new plan later tonight....

[ModedCB2]

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[ModedCB2]

92325

[69SSLS1]

Wow! That is awesome! Nice job on the engine too.

[ModedCB2]

thanks... I had all kinds of ideas to finish that plan, including matching the tu-tone inside, on the interior etc.

The Tu-tone was just breaking at the time I built the car "that time"... but work transfers from St. Louis to Dallas for my wife and I, 2 kids along the way etc, the car sat unfinished with the rest of the projects.

Fast forward to 2014, things have leveled off and there is some time to get started. So, time to accumulate parts and blow her apart and go a totally different direction (ie 180*) .

So its back to stock "look" with some subtle tweaks and very modern proclivities.

So Silver Metallic paint, Red leather interior, red/black/gold stock-ish graphics with modern twists, like Year One did with the New Bandit "Thunder Chicken" and wheels...

So this redo is 90% body/cosmetics and finishing the original build.

My "Need to buy list" is surprisingly short this time.. LOL..

Updating things like Electric Life power window units with switches disguised as stock window crank looks. One piece molded headliner in ultra suede, Roll bar hidden into the B-pillar and molded trim panels. Sequential tail lights. Going to an AOD or AODE/4R70W (again). '08-'13 Challenger outside power/heated/signal mirrors. Auto-Dim, compass, Home Link interior mirror. Molded third-brake light with back-up camera. Replacing the traditional hand-parking brake with a hidden, linear actuator driven park-brake. Convenience and modern touches with a classic "red-headed Step child/Charlie's Angel's" Flair.

I've already totally smoothed & wire/hose tucked the engine compartment, so its simply strip and repaint in original color scheme. Southern Air A/C system etc is all there.

Full OE-look interior with modern materials and flair. I have a mint Am/FM/8-track Philco Radio that has been updated with a modern tuner and pre-outs so the 8-track will play through a full audio system that will be hidden.

Need to finalize the following:

I need a BBS/Lacey style wheel like the OE 13" KC wheel in 17" x 9.5" (front) and 17" x 10" rear without paying $1,500-$2,000 ea for one-off custom pieces I just want to retain the feel of the machined face/lip with the red painted inner edges of the stock 13" wheels.

I need to decide on seats and an upholstery shop for working with leather/leather-ette

And lastly figure out exactly what Audio pieces I want and where I am going to stash them.

The goal now is to get fresh fuel in her, get the rear quarter lips cut and rolled, sort out a couple gremlins and get her on the road and then shake her down. then tear her completely apart for the cosmetics. I've sold off a bunch of pieces while she sat. So, getting her alive and rolling is first. then final plans and dive in.

[ModedCB2]

92333


here is a pic off ebay of the OE 13" wheels. notice the 3/8" wide and 1/4" wide groves along the lip.

that's the issue replicating the wheel.

But any flat-faced, lacey-spoke style wheel for a 94-98 Mustang offset would work.

Seats I am all over the place. I am going next week 'car shopping" to try seats... LOL

[ModedCB2]

ignore... got pic above to work.

[Red67Mustang]

Cool build! I had a '76 Cobra II in high school and always thought the car was a blast to drive. I had gone through / modified the engine but the suspension was essentially stock. The only problems I recall with the overall formula was the short wheelbase made it a little twitchy at high speed and it was so nose heavy rear traction was an issue. I've always toyed with the idea of building one to address those challenges though. They're fun cars.

[ModedCB2]

92410

that pic is from Graphic-express who sells the KC decal kit and is EXACTLY as my KC was delivered, down to the the Deluxe Red Interior. Since I have the '83 GT rear facing scoop, which is essentially a CBII/KC hood scoop X3 size wise, the Hood Cobra decal won't work.

Like Year One did with the Bandit Trans Am's started with:

92411

ended with:
92412

also I want to take the "5.0L" on the hood scoop and "King Cobra" on the doors and add a slant or "motion" to them instead of hard 90* lettering. Same font, just "skewed" giving the illusion of speed.

Also, wanting to find a local metal craftsman to replicate the OE plastic 3=piece rear spoiler in a more swept design, again like Bandit and a few others in PHR recently.

Its the final finishing details that are going to be the pain in the tush.

Called Classic Tube and have custom 1/2" feed and 3/8" return Stainless fuel lines, Stainless brake lines, and Stainless Trans lines on the way in a few days.

As soon as I get the car out of the garage and over to my shop space I will take a bunch of pics of "as is" underneath. Get her running and shook down, then it gets blown apart, since I've basically done the mock-up and such already.

I'm spending this afternoon looking for an artist to do a couple renderings and graphic ideas inside and out.

Anyone have recommendations for an affordable rendering artist?

thanks,
-R.

[tflyboy77]

I don't intend to offend anyone but I love it when someone takes an unloved car model, or in this case, the step child of the mustang world and turns it into something truly awesome. Many cars didn't get their true respect until big time builders showed the general public their true potential. Great job!! I hope to see you on the autocross circuit showing up the mainstream cars.

[ModedCB2]

thanks. My first car, 1975 Mustang II coupe, v-8/C-4 (which I still have) and the KC are 2 of the five (5) Mustang II's I own. I've always had a slant for the odd. HATE seeing myself at an intersection. LOL.

Back in the 80's in HS, all my friends had classic Mustangs & F-bodies or Mommy+ Daddy bought them new Foxes or F-Bodies. Nothing was more satisfying back then as building a lil MII coupe with a very healthy 302 and whooping butt on lil rich boys... LOL

This KC will be my oldest Son's car. My youngest (8yo) is 2 years behind and he has to decide what he wants. I'm building for them now instead of me.

I REALLY want to do an Ford Eco-Boost 3.5L V-6, but stuck with a mild 302 for now, because I know I can de-tune it and let the oldest learn to drive. Keeping the 5-speed set up for future swap back in, incase he decides he wants to row-gears.

the intent is a well engineered and planned Father/Son project which I can turn up the wick on weekend events and de-tune for him to drive to school junior & Senior year in HS.

The fact that there are less than a dozen decent MII's in Dallas/FT. Worth, is icing on the cake.

I'm lucky I was building back when Pro-touring was just getting off the ground and have always built to that level anyway.

Again, thanks for the kind words and support.

-Rob

[ModedCB2]

Any one in Tx know of top notch metal work? I have minimal work, but specific needs... any recommendations? Im in DFW but have no issue taking the project elsewhere...

thanks.

-Rob

[78CobraII]

Rob,

Great to see the KC getting some love!

What mods are you going to do to get the 10" wheel out back? What kind offset and backspacing are you looking at?

I keep my eyes open for custom wheels thinking one day I'll get some made with the stock bolt pattern, and came across these:
http://www.guerillaracing.com/m-technica-wheels/

I don't know anything about them, but they are a reasonably priced 3-piece, and they have a mesh design (the Monza). Maybe you can have the KC grooves cut on the outer shell.

I bought a set of the old 15" Enkei 91 mesh wheels and had them refinished for my Ghia,, but still don't have the car drivable. A set of 17's would look even better, but I would consider raising the wheel well flare to get a more aggressive look, at least on the front.

Watching this project!

[cobragt]

Been building a 78 Cobra myself here is the link to my thread. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/78346-Project-78-Cobra?highlight=

[alcino]

How did you get a 1 1/8 sway bar from addco? I think they only list 1" which is what my car came with(76 cobra)? Special order? part number? Awesome to see more M2s getting love. keep up the good work.

[garickman]

92410

that pic is from Graphic-express who sells the KC decal kit and is EXACTLY as my KC was delivered, down to the the Deluxe Red Interior. Since I have the '83 GT rear facing scoop, which is essentially a CBII/KC hood scoop X3 size wise, the Hood Cobra decal won't work.

Like Year One did with the Bandit Trans Am's started with:

92411

ended with:
92412

also I want to take the "5.0L" on the hood scoop and "King Cobra" on the doors and add a slant or "motion" to them instead of hard 90* lettering. Same font, just "skewed" giving the illusion of speed.

Also, wanting to find a local metal craftsman to replicate the OE plastic 3=piece rear spoiler in a more swept design, again like Bandit and a few others in PHR recently.

Its the final finishing details that are going to be the pain in the tush.

Called Classic Tube and have custom 1/2" feed and 3/8" return Stainless fuel lines, Stainless brake lines, and Stainless Trans lines on the way in a few days.

As soon as I get the car out of the garage and over to my shop space I will take a bunch of pics of "as is" underneath. Get her running and shook down, then it gets blown apart, since I've basically done the mock-up and such already.

I'm spending this afternoon looking for an artist to do a couple renderings and graphic ideas inside and out.

Anyone have recommendations for an affordable rendering artist?

thanks,
-R.

Have you ever seen this rendering and build??

http://www.mustangandfords.com/news/1308-hot-off-the-press-august-2013/

[feeble]

The finished car for those that are interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGoZlICY_6Q

[Red67Mustang]

Wow... I watched the video. The car is awesome. I always thought moving the front wheels forward would do that car a lot of favors; Improving weight distribution, improving handling, improving the looks.. All from what is essentially one (fairly involved) modification (though I realize that specific car is 100% custom).

Now you've got me daydreaming (again) about building up a Mustang II the way I think Ford should have!

[ModedCB2]

thanks for the link to the one. I had seen the redering in PHR but didn't know someone had already built it. its wicked.

My front bar is either Addco or Quickor, I honestly don't remember. I actually bought it in like 1991-2. I have looked since to get another and, like was said., I can only find the stock v-8 1" bars now. Now that I think about it I am pretty sure I ordered it from JC Whitney. I've been reading up on splined sway bars and might move this 1 1/8" bar to my eventual coupe build. just have to see how the budget and things end up in the KC.

on the car now are the obvious 94-95 Mustang GT 17" x 9.5" split three spokes in the pics on the first page. Iam running a 67-70 Mustang 8" housing which is 2" wider overall than the stock MII & 65-66 mustangs. I don't remember the exact offset/backspace but there are no mods to the inner fenders, they clear the HD Leaf springs, and I used stock rear leaf shackles. The inner quarter lips have been trimmed and folded and the only time I got to drive it back when I quilt it last, I only got fender contact on a REALLY hard off handed turn and with the QA-1's on full soft.

Rob

[ModedCB2]

thanks!!! the M Technica was the wheel I was trying to remember. and now they have 2 different possibilities

@ $500/wheel that's more manageable then $5000+ for sure.

Rob