Beating a dead horse.... My $500 66 Mustang coupe build.

[Blue70]

A little back story.. (or you can skip ahead to the photos)

Back in June I went to look at a 57 Chevy. The car was not what it appeared to be in photos, and at the cost of 57 Chevy parts, required more than I was willing to deal with at the time.

The guy had a few other vehicles in the yard and mentioned that he just listed a Mustang on Craigslist that morning. A 66 coupe, that ran (6cyl) with title for $500
My wife FORCED me to drive to the ATM right then and there before I could really look it over, but I figured for that price, why not.

We trailered it home, but I ended up picking up an old Chevy truck 2 weeks later.. it was pretty much a cab and bed sitting on a 95 S10 frame, held on with ratchet straps.
Anyway, that took priority.. I finally got that running/driving and on the road, and decided to pull the Mustang into the worlds smallest garage and get a good look at it.

Here it is at the previous owners house.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/M1_zps6e7e3f9c-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/M2_zps2253061b-1.jpg

While working on the truck, My 7yr old came and asked if he could help, so I put him to work on the Mustang (that he has previously claimed as his)
He removed all the top fender bolts for me

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/T2_zps2c0c7b54-1.jpg

I was able to find a pair of brand new fenders, backs still as delivered black electro primer stuff, front in regular primer for $125 for the pair.
Then out of the blue one day, I decided to see how much I spend on a set of wheels in the past, and they had the same wheels I had used for sale.. they are 18x9s and usually $179 each, on sale for $69 each with free delivery!! That made my choice in wheels for me, so I ordered up a set of 4.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/Wheel2_zps0a95e7bd-1.jpg

I went and stripped out the engine, transmission and removed the front end sheetmetal that was there and sent it all to the scrap yard.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/FrontStart_zps18d85a80-1.jpg

[Blue70]

This is what I found under the front fender..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/LeftStart_zps60352297-1.jpg

little rough, but once I scraped away all the undercoating, it was actually not too horrible..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/LeftClean_zpsb3dcd0cb-1.jpg

The whole time I had been trying to decide what to do for brakes.. I thought about just rebuilding the stock front end and adding a disk kit,
but the problem was most kits required the use of 65-66 V8 spindles, they seemed a bit hard to find, and expensive.. then I would still have the 6cyl tiny steering components etc.. and to top it all off, with the stock front end, it looked like most people said a 7" wide wheel was all that would fit, so I bit the bullet and went with a Mustang II style front end. I am on a tight budget, but I figured this was the cheapest way to get new suspension, rack and pinion steering, disk brakes, and hopefully make room for the wheels..

I went ahead and started piecing together the parts to get the front end in.. In the mean time, there was a few rust spots on the frame, big spot was where the bumper brackets bolted to the front of the frame rail, so I cut those sections out and replaced, then mounted the Mustang II cross member.. the cross member came with boxing plates for the frame, and I may have went overboard, but I decided to continue on with that theme and boxed the whole front "frame" in.
I also rough cut some shock tower fillers.. (I am working with basic hand tools here) and shot it all with fresh black undercoating.

Trial fit the new brakes, spindles, springs and arms

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/LeftSide_zps3f701297-1.jpg

then couldn't help but stick a wheel on

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/LeftWheel_zps79d4f12b-1.jpg

and then rest the fender in place

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/LeftWheel1_zpsbe5916cd-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/LeftWheel2_zps990a7e6d-1.jpg

And this brings us up to date..

I need to finish up a few things on the right side to get it to this point. Then I can mount the rack, and measure for tie rod ends.
I also need to get some tires and get them mounted to check for clearance.

Then I think it's on to the back end so I can get this thing on the ground..
In the back I think I am going with a cut down Explorer 8.8, with links instead of leafs, and a mini tub. I think based on cost, I will probably run a 275 in the rear.

No clue on engine or transmission yet, that is a long way off.

[Blue70]

If anyone is interested, here is the truck that took priority over the Mustang.. and No, it's not getting painted.. lol

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/FrontGlass1_zps712a80f2-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/FrontGlass2_zpsd2d57530-1.jpg

[Josh@Ridetech]

Very cool, that will be a very nice father/son project! It looks like it's coming along good, I'm digging the wheels that you picked out! They're one of my favorite designs.

[85coupe50]

Like the looks of the Mustang and the truck...

[Blue70]

Thanks guys..

I was finally able to finish the right side frame rail, and mount the suspension on that side, along with the rack and pinion..

Fenders are just resting there, next up is cleaning the firewall, and the dreaded Mustang cowl repair

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/Nose20Durring_zpszni7gvy4-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/66Bay_zpsj0fba4b2-1.jpg

[wfo guy]

Good progress. In case you don't know, the explorer rear has a lot of pinion offset.

[Blue70]

Good progress. In case you don't know, the explorer rear has a lot of pinion offset.

Thank you,

On the rear, from what I understand, if you use 2 short side axles, and cut the long side tube down to match the short side, you will of course center the rear, but more importantly, it cuts it down to the proper width for a 66 Mustang since it is way too wide stock.

[Blue70]

Nothing too exciting, but got my tie rod ends delivered. I was also able to pick up an Explorer 8.8 with limited slip, and 3.73s Sunday. Hope to order my link material later this week so I can get it under there. Then of course the minitub too so I can get this thing back on the ground.

[jaybee]

Great start, and I like the way you're approaching this build.

[Blue70]

Ok,

Got some tires delivered and mounted
So today I narrowed my rack, mounted up the front tires, and pushed her out of the garage, and spun her around so that I can start work hanging the new rear end.

Once the rear is hung, I will work on firewall and cowl.. then I can do floors and start assembling this thing..

Hard to see without the proper stance, but should look good

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/TiresSide_zps3yxpodmg-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/TiresFt_zps33qiszhp-1.jpg

[Dave B]

Nice! That car is pretty deceiving, looked pretty rough in the first pictures, but the inner fenders cleaned up nicely.

[lucky13firebird]

i've used the explorer swap on my 68 coupe with good results. bolts right in with a few minor mods. your build reminds me of the $350 mustang i picked up not too long ago. Also a 6 cyl so I'm debating on what do do about the spindle and steering component situation... is the track width on the mustang II stuff wider or did you use spacers/adapters on those wheels? they look like late model wheels with quite a bit of offset... my guess is around 35mm... ?

[Justin@EntropyRad]

You have a powerplant in mind yet?

[Blue70]

Thanks guys.

Not sure on drivetrain yet, have to see what I can find/afford once I get to that point.

Very good guess on the wheels. They are 18x9s with a listed Offset: +30mm (1.2") and Back Spacing: 6.18" (157mm)
It would have been a perfect fit, but I ended up getting some 5/8" narrower control arms, and used a 5/8 spacer..
The issue was the center cap would not fit with the dust cover on the spindle..

[lucky13firebird]

Ah, i see. Yeah center caps don't really matter, but they complete the look i guess. Yeah i can eyeball offset because i've been sesrching high and low for years for affordable wheels for different projects. So regular size control arms are then a wider track width... might be something for me to look into and then do a 2" wider resr end too, (a 68 for example) and then just use late model mustang wheels and brakes.... ;-) thanks for the heads up man.

[Blue70]

OK.

Only had 3 hours today to work on the car.

I was able to rip out the old 6cyl rear end, and wheel the new 8.8 under it.

Looks like I might have lucked out. I was expecting to be a hair too wide, and was planning on slitting the rear quarter flare and pulling it out an inch. Looks like I might get away with rolling the lips (after installing the new quarters of course)

Anyway, I know a thread is worthless without pics, so here we go.

Old rear coming out. Right side front leaf spring eye snapped off when removing the bolt through it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/Rear20Old_zpslvqnya35-1.jpg

Old and New (new will be painted before I am done of course)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/Rear20Old20N20New_zpsjvlcctkh-1.jpg

Trial fit

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/Rear20New_zpskqw9ygff-1.jpg

Apparently a full width Explorer 8.8, 18x9 wheels with 6.18" Back space (30mm offset) and 275/35/18's is almost a perfect fit on a 66 Mustang

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/Rear20Side_zpse9lpc0gh-1.jpg

[lucky13firebird]

Thats what i was saying.... ;-) if only you have regular width control arms, then no more spacers...

[Jetfixr320]

How is the Pinion offset? I know on the Falcons the explorer 8.8" places the driveshaft to close to the tunnel. Unless you shorten one side.

[81sleepinOLDS]

I don't really like Fords, but this is going to be a good build! The progression is moving super fast. I'm subscribing!

[Blue70]

Thanks guys.

Jetfixr320

I had planned on cutting down the long side axle tube and using a short side axle in it, but with these wheels the width is perfect without cutting.
I am not sure if I will have clearance issues or not until I pick a drive train and see where the transmission tail shaft ends up.
I know I will have to remove the E brake cable brackets in the tunnel since they are sticking in too far from the sides,
but I have the E brake cable and Y off the Explorer which run down the drivers side of the car rather than down the driveshaft tunnel,
so I wont be needing the stock ones anyway.

I don't know what I am doing for a drivetrain yet, but am expecting some transmission tunnel modifications anyway so adding a bit
of clearance under the seat at the back corner of the tunnel will not be an issue if it is needed, and I think all the work should be under the rear seat.

If I was feeling frisky I could do the following to center the pinion and keep same width without having to buy anything..
Not going to worry about it until I know if it is an issue yet.



Since the stock Explorer passenger side tube is about 3" shorter than the driver side, we cut the housing ends off of each side....about 3" more from the driver than the passenger. Then we swapped the ends from one side to the other and welded them back on. When you do that, you move the pinion back to center (or very close to it) and then you can take the axles themselves and swap them from one side to the other.

Here's the logic (and some math):

Driver stock tube=20.281 (20 9/32)
Pass stock tube=17.312 (17 10/32)

Driver axle stock=29.656 (29 21/32)
Pass axle stock=26.75 (26 24/32)

After modification by removing a difference of 2.937" from each side respectively

Driver tube: 20.281-2.937=17.344
Pass tube: 17.312+2.937=20.249

So after the modification, the dimensions are basically swapped from side to side. When you're done, take your driver side axle and put it in the passenger side of the housing and vice versa

[bryant]

Thanks guys.

Jetfixr320

I had planned on cutting down the long side axle tube and using a short side axle in it, but with these wheels the width is perfect without cutting.
I am not sure if I will have clearance issues or not until I pick a drive train and see where the transmission tail shaft ends up.
I know I will have to remove the E brake cable brackets in the tunnel since they are sticking in too far from the sides,
but I have the E brake cable and Y off the Explorer which run down the drivers side of the car rather than down the driveshaft tunnel,
so I wont be needing the stock ones anyway.

I don't know what I am doing for a drivetrain yet, but am expecting some transmission tunnel modifications anyway so adding a bit
of clearance under the seat at the back corner of the tunnel will not be an issue if it is needed, and I think all the work should be under the rear seat.

If I was feeling frisky I could do the following to center the pinion and keep same width without having to buy anything..
Not going to worry about it until I know if it is an issue yet.

that wont center the pinion. that moves the pinion offset from the passenger side to the drivers side. the ford 8.8. pinion is centered with the cross shaft pin. that means to be pinion centered, both axles have to be the same length.

[Blue70]

that wont center the pinion. that moves the pinion offset from the passenger side to the drivers side. the ford 8.8. pinion is centered with the cross shaft pin. that means to be pinion centered, both axles have to be the same length.

The pinion is offset in the housing towards the short side axle, so it made sense that putting the long side on the side the pinion is offset would work..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/a_zpsxqvusnsd-1.jpg

I have not done it myself, I just quoted someone that did it in his 56.

I really have no plans to do it since I will have the floors removed anyway, I'll just work the tunnel if needed.

Thanks for the heads up

[lucky13firebird]

he's right, that won't work... BUT here's what will work, buy another passenger side axle ($120) and shorten the long side and only that side... this will not only center the pinion but will also make your rear end the exact width of a factory 66 mustang rear end (cept stronger)...

the only real reason i would consider that over a few good whacks of a hammer is that if you ever decided to get a set of zero offset wheels this would then eliminate your spacers up front and open you up for any wheels that fit a stock 66 mustang... (this may not be your cup of tea anyway)

not touching the rear and using late model fitment mustang wheels on the other hand (and then swapping in regular width control arms) would open you up for a wider and much cheaper market should you want several sets of wheels for track days and mounting slicks to and so on ;-)

either way man, cool mustang and digging how much work you've done

[Blue70]

Ya, that was the original plan, 2 short side axles, but I would rather keep it full width and use late model wheels.
Like you said, plenty of cheap ones to pick from..

Man.. A sane person would have scrapped this thing..

Tonight I started cutting out some rusty frame rails.
Last foot and a half or so were bad, so I took it all the way back to about the axle centerline.
That way I can also tie the new rail into the crossmember that the shocks mount to.
Figure it can't hurt to try to strengthen it up a bit..

Long way to go, but hopefully this weekend it will have a solid foundation, and back on the ground...
Then its onto floors, quarters, cowl, doors... after that I think the rust will FINALLY be gone!

Rusty rail

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/Rusty20Rail_zpsm5l2atbw-1.jpg

made a new rail

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/03/Rail20New_zps19yvw1gk-1.jpg

[I_make_oil]

Looking good. I'd go ahead and narrow the rear. If you need to you can run spacers on the rear. Having the differential offset would be a massive PITA to me.

[Blue70]

Ok, been traveling a lot for work, then got sick, but back at it..

Not much, but here's the updates from the last few weeks..

Trunk rough cut back to clean steel. Won't be carrying much in the way of groceries like this..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/TrunkHole_zpsv2eyaq5n-1.jpg

Made a cradle

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/T1_zpsckix264t-1.jpg

test fit

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/T2_zpskd3dwast-1.jpg

and view from rear

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/T3_zpslxfecfnh-1.jpg

Then I got some new parts delivered here at work :)

a pair of quarters, pair of trunk extensions, a front valance, and a rear valance..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/Parts_zpsqzgwyub1-1.jpg

and that brings us to this weekend.
I got to work for few hours Sunday..

I was able to tack down the center of the trunk floor, an fit and tack one trunk extension..

There was multiple repairs of layers of metal riveted over rotted metal, screen in other spots, all then smoothed over with bondo..
All getting cut away..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/T4_zpssmx9akw2-1.jpg

Still have to tack the trim pieces on the rear, and make a small patch where I cut the floor a bit longer than the patch panel
(should have waited for it to get here before cutting, lol) but it's progress..

Once it's all welded I will probably do a roll on bedliner coating on the floor like I did in my Roadrunner.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/T5_zpsvx77p4te-1.jpg

Next up, I hope to fit the right side trunk extension tonight, then start on the rear quarters this weekend.

[Blue70]

I got a little bit of garage time again today..
Got a quarter cut off, and the new one fit.
I need to order some outer wheelhouses, wire brush the surface rust behind the quarter, and get some POR to paint it with.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/RC2_zpslttuly9v-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/RC1_zpszgcswgia-1.jpg

But I did test fit the quarter... going to be MUCH better :)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/RC3_zps9x0jwm3u-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/RC4_zpsphhybvw5-1.jpg

[randywyatt2000]

very nice work and nice mustang

[lucky13firebird]

Good progress.

[Blue70]

Thanks guys..

Every time I take another load of metal/rust that I have cut out to the dumpster I have to laugh to myself.

I received a few more parts this week.

Got some new tail lights (lenses, buckets, bezel, all the screws, etc) new fuel filler (with gasket and screws) new gas cap, and not shown, but got new reverse lights (bezel, gasket, lens, etc) that will go into the new rear valance. I also got the new outer wheelhouses yesterday.

Later I am going to see if I can make a new top for the fuel cell so I can attach it to the stock fuel filler..

I think once I get a trunk lid, and rear bumper, everything behind the doors will be rust free..
Then I have hours of welding to fully weld everything out.

Still have to do cowl and floors before I can say I am done with rust.... I can't wait!!

Anyway, couldn't resist a little test fit of lights, and fuel filler/cap

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/test_zpskwxfootq-1.jpg

Decided last night to get a jump on the weekend and starting to fit the wheel house.
Lower part of trunk extension needs to be trimmed once quarter is fit,
you can see white line in lower left corner of picture where I started to mark it.
At least they mentioned that trimming is required in the part description.
(it is listed for a 1965-1970 Mustang, and we all know the body style changed in 67)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/31_zps1cqli9ip-1.jpg

[groho]

I don't see you mentioning mini-tub, this is good time to do it. Doesn't need to be crazy, just a 1/2, 3/4 inch or so will give you a ton of room.

[Blue70]

groho,

I had to move the inner wheel well a bit towards the frame rail to make room towards the front of the car.
Got room now :)


Ok.. remember the Blah?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/RC2_zpslttuly9v-1.jpg

New wheel house, lots of welding, wire brushing, grinding, some POR, and Tada!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/RtRep_zpsqf5ze10p-1.jpg

Now it's on to the other side... Ugh

[1968CamaroSS_Sam]

It is looking good. I know the work seems to go forever. Keep at it and it will be rewarding.

[Crestronwizard]

groho,

I had to move the inner wheel well a bit towards the frame rail to make room towards the front of the car.
Got room now :)


Ok.. remember the Blah?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/04/RC2_zpslttuly9v-1.jpg

New wheel house, lots of welding, wire brushing, grinding, some POR, and Tada!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/05/RtRep_zpsqf5ze10p-1.jpg

Now it's on to the other side... Ugh

The "tada!" cracked me up :). If only we could wave the magic wand!!! Looking great.

[Blue70]

Ok, been doing a TON of welding in the trunk, wheel wells, got both quarters tacked on,
rear end finally bolted in.. Pushed it out to clean the garage, and snapped a few pics.. Finally looking like I am getting somewhere.

Need a bumper and trunk lid and the back will be about done!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Quarter20Closer202_zpsdimzu9rz-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Quarter20Closer_zpslqtluqjn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Rear20Closer_zpstexcxtsl-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Front20Closer_zpsnrz0zcif-1.jpg

and a quick photoshop where I would like it to sit once the engine and interior are in it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/SideCloser1_zpszxkpihtx-1.jpg

[rohrt]

I'm digging the flat black look.

[Lesrace82]

Which wheels are those?

[cbpldc]

Coming along nicely! Any ideas for powertrain? While the LS is a natural choice for almost any car, I've really been into the stroked 351's. Something like a 392 would look nice and OEM (most people don't notice the extra 2 in of deck height) and a TBI style injection system would ensure reliability.

Chris

[Blue70]

Ok..... It's been a year and a half since I have touched this. Needed the space in the garage for a handful of other builds.

Just got the garage opened up again, and am thinking of pushing this one back in and seeing how it everything held up being outside under the cover.. Might get rolling on it again next.

[joe28443]

Great! I need to come by and get some motivation

[chunger]

Great to see this project is still alive!

[DrFraZZy]

Subscribing! I plan on picking up a coupe sometime soon.

[wyattroa]

Which wheels are those?


I am wondering the same thing.. love them and a good price...Due spill the beans

[Blue70]

I am wondering the same thing.. love them and a good price...Due spill the beans

These are the wheels.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/charcoal-amr-18x9-0512.html

Just checked my order history.
It was a heck of a deal

AMR Charcoal Wheel - 18x9 (05-14 All)
$69.99
4
$279.96
Shipped

[Blue70]

Ok, back in the garage..

When I look at the floors of the Mustang,
I can't help but recall the lyrics...

"Lets ride with the family down the street
Through the courtesy of Fred's two feet"

Yabba Dabba Doo anyone?

Anyway, My name is not Fred, and these floors have to go...
(Have I mentioned that this car should have been scrapped?)
Ordered 2 full sides today. Stay tuned.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/FloorsB4_zpskgbecl0i-1.jpg

[Godbolt]

Nah, she's not dead, just pining for the fjords! (Sorry, Monty Python reference for the uninitiated).

New floors will sort that right out. Like this build.

[NOT A TA]

Good to see you're back at it! Coming along nicely.

[Blue70]

While waiting on my floors, I worked on the trunk floor a little more, almost finished there, and tacked the top seam of one of the rear quarters.
going to see if I can get both these quarters buttoned up before the floors get here. I also ordered a spotweld cutter so I can remove the cowl and clean up under there.

Not much, but it is progress.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/Quarter1_zpsxvy9tma1-1.jpg

[Blue70]

Ran home at lunch and finished up this side.
Need to run out and grab some little 2" and 3" disks and knock this weld down and blend it. Then it's on to the other side.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/Quarter2_zpsykyngrfj-1.jpg

[48prerunner]

Can't wait to see how you make out with the rear. Im still on the fence about going explorer rear or adding 05 mustang rear discs to mine.

[joe28443]

I like how you did the quarters on top, I have to get mine done soon

[Blue70]

Both quarters are fully welded now and I worked on the Mustang a bit today.

Got the trunk done finally, just need to put on some seam sealer and I can finish it off.

After that I started on the drivers side floor. Just started rough cutting and used up my last cut off wheel.
Guess that is a good place to stop for the day. Stuck the new floor over the hole.. going to be so much better!!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DFloor1_zpshpwg8yko-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DFloor2_zpsarur48xq-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/DFloor3_zpsjugb77v9-1.jpg

[Dave B]

Nice work!

[chunger]

Question for you - when putting in new floor pans like this - do you cut the old ones so you end up butt welding all the way around the new pan, or are the new pans slightly larger than the cut away portion, so there's some overlap (which would easier to weld, I'm guessing)?

[Blue70]

Question for you - when putting in new floor pans like this - do you cut the old ones so you end up butt welding all the way around the new pan, or are the new pans slightly larger than the cut away portion, so there's some overlap (which would easier to weld, I'm guessing)?

I was wondering the same thing, and have been doing a lot of reading on this subject.

From what I have read...

Seems the overlap is a bit stronger and definitely easier, but you have to do everything you can to keep moisture out of the overlap, if not rust will form in that area.
Butt welding is cleaner, and would look better if someone was crawling around under the car, but if you grind your welds down smooth you would lose considerable strength.

I am not sure which way I am going quite yet, I am just roughing up the opening right now while I read a bit more and try to decide.

There are lots of overlapped welds from the factory which have lasted 50 years now, so I might take the easy way.
Coat everything I can, seam seal both sides, and coat it some more... I don't know.

Maybe someone that has done it both ways is reading this and can weigh in and say which way they preferred and why

[JayinMI]

Could you use weld through primer on the overlapping edges, and then seam seal it top and bottom? I will probably butt weld so it looks better from underneath...if I weld on top I won't have to grind much. I'll keep an eye on this thread for replies as well.

Jay

[Blue70]

This is past weekends score.. Went for an engine and transmission.

Guy threw in the torque converter, the starter, a stock shifter, a second intake, a second carb, an alternator, an aluminum radiator, a new gas cap, a pair of front turn signals, a brand new fan, 2 air cleaners, and probably more I am forgetting..

This was a major missing piece of the Mustang puzzle.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/EngineTrans_zpsh7ivvpcb-1.jpg

Cracked open the valve covers on the new engine.
It's friggen spotless in there. That's a good sign.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/289Valvetrain_zpskqh4sxiq-1.jpg

Also started fitting the passenger side floor

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/Floors_zpspj3xaxky-1.jpg

I also found a pair of front seats.. these wrap up the last pieces of the puzzle that I needed.
Everything else that is missing I will get new.

[Restomod]

As said above use weld primer and do a overlap then go underneath and trim back as much as you can up to the new pan/weld. That will be less over hang to catch moisture and easier to paint or under coat.
Great job so far!

[Blue70]

Thanks restomod, that is the method I chose

So. Got the floor finished up, seat pans welded back in.. Just waiting on some Raptor Liner to show up so that I can coat it all.
While waiting on that, I decided to tackle the last bit of rust on the car.. The Cowl...

As bad as the rest of the car was, I knew this would be no different, and was not disappointed, lol.

Drivers Side

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/Cowl1_zpsw2r0u2qu-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/Cowl2_zpspwdohyet-1.jpg

Passenger side

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/PassCowl1_zps29j1eya1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/PassCowl2_zpss9ddtzrj-1.jpg

Not a great pic, but passenger side rough cut, and drivers side is patched, doing away with the top hats all together, that's what windows are for...
Also after this pic was taken I cut the front 1.5" or so all the way across the front of the cowl as it was rusted too.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/Cowl_zpsqbuj4aos-1.jpg

Might not be perfect 100 point concours restoration, but it will at least be a solid car when I am done, lol

[Bossed]

Unbelievable amount of work accomplished in short time. Great job, keep us posted.

[Blue70]

Long time no update.. Got the cowl sealed up and back together, got the floors done then Raptor Lined it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/FloorsLined_zpsnfnoo5rw-1.jpg

Now I am finally almost finished with the engine bay, need one more silicone 90 for the upper radiator hose, run my fuel line, throw on an alternator and belt, and she might be about ready to fire for the first time since 1993!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/Bay1_zpsjqfnsdsl-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/Bay2_zpsb6enigzo-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/Bay3_zpsyafucgqu-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/Bay4_zpshx8wwhch-1.jpg

I also enlarged the radiator opening, and put in a bigger radiator. Probably not needed, but can't hurt.

Stock size in enlarged hole.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/Stock20Size_zpsr9nabigk-1.jpg

New one

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/Larger20Size_zpskgkxgcoc-1.jpg

[rhurley]

Hows the wheel and tire fitment on the rear??

[Blue70]

Hows the wheel and tire fitment on the rear??

I really couldn't have asked for better if I planned it..
Full width 8.8, and 05-14 Wheels, no changes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Rear20Closer_zpstexcxtsl-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Quarter20Closer_zpslqtluqjn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Front20Closer_zpsnrz0zcif-1.jpg

[SIK02SS]

Awesome progress and great work! Want to come to South GA and help re-body/floor my 66 LeMans? LOL

Side note, those wheels look killer on the Mustang, nice choice!

[rhurley]

I really couldn't have asked for better if I planned it..
Full width 8.8, and 05-14 Wheels, no changes.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Rear20Closer_zpstexcxtsl-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Quarter20Closer_zpslqtluqjn-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/06/Front20Closer_zpsnrz0zcif-1.jpg

May have to copy you on the wheels......... if you dont mind........ they look good and are cheap!

[Michaels 69]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2015/01/Wheel2_zps0a95e7bd-1.jpg[/img]

[/IMG]

Great price on those wheels!

[Blue70]

Getting a little bit closer every week..

Got the ride height squared away I think..

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/1Side_zpsfzvfh9ru-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/2SideRear_zpsr9t9vdvg-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/3Engine_zpsryinudqo-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/4Front_zps10enndxy-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/5Rear_zpsohgtcqbp-1.jpg