Project Hitman, because it's 'for hire'!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Hello everyone, I figured I'd start a thread as I've passed a point of no return in a new project. I've been wanting to do another project and finally saw my opportunity. My dad is finishing his 77 corvette with a 6.0 LS based engine and built 4l80e; Im nearly where I want to be with my demon and wanted to start a project with a modern drivetrain. I don't have room to start a collection of cars however, so this build is meant to be sold when it's finished (hopefully for a 'profit').


My heart is with GM, I love the LS's, but at the time a 2002 4.6 2v and 5spd manual came up for sale that I couldn't pass. so now I'm looking for a ford to put this in, whatever I get I plan to put an IRS into it and probably will supercharge this engine with a cobra supercharger

...I'm looking at a 60's mustang coupe, a ford pickup, or a mid 60's thunderbird-what do you guys think I should hone in on?? I really need a direction now!


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/0440361C748C4F6EB0E5A43C9A3BF300_zpstiii-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/0440361C-748C-4F6E-B0E5-A43C9A3BF300_zpstiiieips.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/D6220E42B0AA457ABBDABC3A75F120BD_zps4uc9-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/D6220E42-B0AA-457A-BBDA-BC3A75F120BD_zps4uc90bla.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I may be celebrating a bit too early, but I found a great deal on a thunderbird, I've made arrangements to pick it up Friday...I'm pretty sure nobody's ever put a 5spd, a modular ford motor, IRS, and 335 wide rear tires on one of these before! The biggest struggle will be getting it to lose weight, looks like it weighs 4400lbs with the big block.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/6BDA8808F73D4986BB2B59190CBCC78E_zpsip8o-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/6BDA8808-F73D-4986-BB2B-59190CBCC78E_zpsip8onclt.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/E5DEC6EADB9D4C199280D7E00CFFDBDD_zpsnatw-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/E5DEC6EA-DB9D-4C19-9280-D7E00CFFDBDD_zpsnatw33qw.jpg.html)

[Crestronwizard]

I didnt realize they were that heavy! Looks like fun

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Me either! I was hoping they were closer in weight to a modern mustang, but it's 1000lbs heavier according to the googles. One good note is that I think the 4.6 should be ~200-300lbs lighter than the 390 it comes with. I'm hoping that if I carve the trunk floor out to make room for a fuel cell I can knock a few more lbs off, we shall see

[migg400]

That is pretty heavy, BUT that's gonna make a killer project!! I think some of the weight is just in the structure itself? Still cool though!! Once my Fastback is done, I was gonna rip my 2v out of my 04 coupe and put it in my wife's 62 Falcon, but we ended up selling it.
I'm gonna keep my eye on this build!

[DrFraZZy]

That will be pretty cool. Like you and everyone mention. Thats pretty heavy. If you can shave a thousand pound off then its going to be a killer project especially with the 335 in the rear. I think, that will be badass!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks guys! Anything with wide tires and a low stance is going to be badass haha! My only hope is to cut a bunch of non critical bracing out to lose he weight. I want to keep the interior as whole as possible because, let's face it, it's going to be more of a cruiser than a track car.

I've been tearing into the engine and doing research on the power the 4.6 can make on a stock long block. The general consensus is that the stock internals are living on borrowed time above ~450hp, so I'll make it live just below that. I was going to drop a cobra supercharger on it, but it looks like the manifold will be difficult/'expensive' to get, so I'm going to fab a set of stainless turbo headers and use a 70mm turbo.
First step is to pull the old out and start shaving things off the engine bay though, starting Saturday!

[migg400]

My buddy is running a Boosted 2v in his 98 vert laying down some good numbers with a stock crank. Check out SVTPerformance.com when you have time. You can learn a lot about boosted stangs!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

It's been a crazy 48hrs, but everything fell into place. I drove 8hrs round trip to pick the thunderbird up, it's about what I thought it would be. Subframe is in a bit worse shape than I thought in the rear, but the front makes up for it. We've had a rats nest in almost every car we started out with, but this is the first one to have a live rat!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/41080218498049E6BC3CC818DCFF4C3B_zpspuut-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/41080218-4980-49E6-BC3C-C818DCFF4C3B_zpspuut7w0o.jpg.html)

Today we pulled the front clip and doors off and pulled the differential. the pass leaf spring was snapped off, so it was hard to roll around, I'd like to put an IRS under it before any other drivetrain work or rust repair so it can at least be rolled around.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/372C245B3EFC47ADA65A44A9B65337F5_zpsy8yq-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/372C245B-3EFC-47AD-A65A-44A9B65337F5_zpsy8yqblbc.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/BEB893552AE349FD86741928C0587309_zps4raw-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/BEB89355-2AE3-49FD-8674-1928C0587309_zps4raweb6e.jpg.html)

I also don't see how the car weighs 4400 lbs, it has a lot of interior comforts like 4 power windows and a power drivers seat, but things just don't add up for me after lifting off the whole front clip and doors.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

One more piece off the list, now I can start playing with some metal. this is an 8.8 IRS out of a Lincoln Mark 8, I think very very similar to the 03/04 cobra. I'm toying with the idea now of putting an air ride for the suspension of the car, anyone think that's a wise investment for resale purposes, or would a low stance be just the same??
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/C9D64CBA0E5340038E91CE1E04448F80_zps2k1r-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/C9D64CBA-0E53-4003-8E91-CE1E04448F80_zps2k1rw5le.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

My dad sent me this picture from two weeks ago when we picked the car up, it's never a good sign when the fork lift comes out to move the car, but it was a huge help.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/B7D4D305C976430EB9EDA48A21A82DCD_zpsi8rh-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/B7D4D305-C976-430E-B9ED-A48A21A82DCD_zpsi8rhn2ma.jpg.html)

I got the seats and carpet out of the car. The seats were full of rats nests (I caught 6 rats last week, I hope that's all of them). The factory insulation held moisture really well which has made the floors paper thin, there isn't an 8" section that doesn't have a hole in it, except for under the rear seat and the trans tunnel.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/0BFDB432E3D24F9E8AFD7539E8AA9B43_zpsyi0d-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/0BFDB432-E3D2-4F9E-8AFD-7539E8AA9B43_zpsyi0dhyxe.jpg.html)

Tomorrow I'm going to cut almost 100% of the trunk out, or what's left of it to start installing the IRS and eventually fuel cell. In the meantime I slid the IRS under the car to start envisioning where the mounts need to go, it doesn't look too bad yet
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/EE133EE0C05F445D9BE69DD08C023812_zpsm2fs-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/EE133EE0-C05F-445D-9BE6-9DD08C023812_zpsm2fsfgyo.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/93E36E49A8B447258590100873C91E35_zpssvp4-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/93E36E49-A8B4-4725-8590-100873C91E35_zpssvp4hztb.jpg.html)

[ryeguy2006a]

Wow, that's an awesome start to a project!

[Ben@SpeedTech]

Cool Project!!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks guys! One more pic for a bit, I got the floor out to give myself more room working on the IRS. It looks like the front mounts are in the middle of the cars subframe, so I'll have to do a lot of hacking, maybe removing that entire portion of frame rail and relocating it to the interior underneath the rear seat.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/63CFD71A720B4BC6ABB61698056B2238_zpsomvf-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/63CFD71A-720B-4BC6-ABB6-1698056B2238_zpsomvf6095.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I started cutting the subframe apart to be able to fit the IRS under the car. The best plan I could figure was to stick a piece of 2x6 tubing beneath the rear seat and poke it through the floor. The area under the rear seat is very structural, this part of the subframe/crossmember is where the leaf spring mount was.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/E31093973E764E10A433B8A163FCD0CE_zpstyhl-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/E3109397-3E76-4E10-A433-B8A163FCD0CE_zpstyhlsitu.jpg.html)

Once I have it welded in I'm going to cut the frame rail out below this tubing to accommodate the stock IRS cradle...I'll also gusset everything in before moving to the rear mounts and spring perches/pockets. The rear will also be interesting, the cradle is several inches wider than the frame rails.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/D1FB5219B67140798CC9DC31075FA3DE_zpsj2vz-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/D1FB5219-B671-4079-8CC9-DC31075FA3DE_zpsj2vzm98b.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Just one more quick pic, so far things are going to plan.im hoping to have the suspension mounted in the car in a week from now, then move to the front.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/03/47BF7462AC254AC9BBF0C7C62DA64363_zpsvv5l-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/47BF7462-AC25-4AC9-BBF0-C7C62DA64363_zpsvv5lqmhb.jpg.html)

[Z06killinSBF]

Very cool build, tuned in!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks for the complement!

The rear end still looks the same as before, but progress is being made, I welded perches to the car for the rear mounts on the IRS subframe. I still need to weld in a crossmember and drill some holes to bolt the subframe to...

This weekend we took the engine and trans out of the thunderbird in record time, 2hrs including assembling the engine lift. After I have the rear end tacked in I'm going to pull a crown Vic front k member and start cutting the old suspension out, I'm hoping to start hitting some type of a stride in the time I'm putting into this thing.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/C1B84F8BA19E40F2B45F8CC595939127_zpsuric-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/C1B84F8B-A19E-40F2-B45F-8CC595939127_zpsuricdo9i.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/1C4FD49BAA5349E3BDD65EF729BFAA12_zps6dil-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/1C4FD49B-AA53-49E3-BDD6-5EF729BFAA12_zps6diltvc9.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I moved to the back end again, I have all of the tubing welded for the IRS, I should be ready to let it sit on its own weight, i still want to gusset some areas and make spring perches before being completely done though.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/6E74F77450334389B02D4DDB15514E1A_zpslqtp-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/6E74F774-5033-4389-B02D-4DDB15514E1A_zpslqtpxh3m.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/04/80306C84C254450DB5F91C55692FD738_zpsvyan-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/80306C84-C254-450D-B5F9-1C55692FD738_zpsvyanzma2.jpg.html)

[Protour_Pinto]

Wow, looks more like a Michigan car than a Florida car. Must have spent some time on the beach driving through the ocean.

Its going to be nice when its running all the newer drivetrain and suspension.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

There's a lot of rust, but I think it's just because the sound deadener held moisture in and rotted the floors, the front subframe is in great shape and none of the bolts are seized.

I'll have to take it back down to finish welding and to gusset the pads, but I was too anxious to see the IRS in the car without a jack holding it up.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/1D29B8B267EA42DD8AFBA96CC0DF06C7_zpsqpg8-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/1D29B8B2-67EA-42DD-8AFB-A96CC0DF06C7_zpsqpg8m3on.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/F18F097CF15F4E17A8C9BF4EA19DB494_zpsxhcm-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/F18F097C-F15F-4E17-A8C9-BF4EA19DB494_zpsxhcmhcwm.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/87E087CDE15D4971A9F4D2672A83EFD6_zpssmmo-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/87E087CD-E15D-4971-A9F4-D2672A83EFD6_zpssmmocim0.jpg.html)

[migg400]

Looks like a plan coming together!!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Looks like a plan coming together!!

So far so good! I'm just hoping to keep the momentum and stay in budget (I want to be ready to sell by November and so far my total budget is only $1000 over what I was hoping)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I picked this IFS up from an 80k mile old town car, it should fit very well. The old suspension is out, so now I just need to cut the old crossmember out

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/7D27EB40F7C24469B594E3F0E3302523_zpstbwu-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/7D27EB40-F7C2-4469-B594-E3F0E3302523_zpstbwuunqm.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/C0733428C7E5439FB8F0A3D467FF62FC_zpseur8-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/C0733428-C7E5-439F-B8F0-A3D467FF62FC_zpseur8ptjn.jpg.html)

[dangina]

very cool build! subscribed.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks!

Got the original crossmember plasma cut out, I need to cut some of the pinch weld out for the rear mounts of the lower A arms to get the assembly high enough up and back. I also need to weld something in to make a flat area on the subframe to mount this thing but I'm very happy how it fits, I can also reuse the factory motor mounts.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/A14514DBD54042C7B5578C06648FFF2B_zpsxemf-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/A14514DB-D540-42C7-B557-8C06648FFF2B_zpsxemfpm3w.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I moved back over to the rear end to try and get the spring mounts tacked in. I still need to fish-mouth the tubing and fit it better, but at least you can see the concept...I'm optimistically hoping by the end of the week everything will be welded in for the rear, then I need to find springs and hope they're close to the right length.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/05/A0ABC9D2184B412FA320EE93263F414B_zpsvk8j-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/A0ABC9D2-184B-412F-A320-EE93263F414B_zpsvk8j6mbw.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Today I replaced one frame rail and am hoping to get the second one done in the next couple days...I had a cutoff disk get away from me on the last part (13 stitches but no permanent damage) so I may put the cutoff disk down for a bit and pick the plasma up to cut the wheel wells out to mini-tub this week while I'm waiting for metal for the front suspension (I'm looking to run at least a 275 wide tire all around).

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/14084E64D6B94D0FAD5A6AF8FEB0F6E1_zpsjcns-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/14084E64-D6B9-4D0F-AD5A-6AF8FEB0F6E1_zpsjcnsw4kl.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/2CFA03EB80D14BE8BF396AA98B8AAB14_zpsfu69-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/2CFA03EB-80D1-4BE8-BF39-6AA98B8AAB14_zpsfu69cqog.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/5C1AC5C1B22D4749A717DA66E3172599_zps7j0q-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/5C1AC5C1-B22D-4749-A717-DA66E3172599_zps7j0q5usj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/E33FAA409E9E482B95D08D309F31D1C8_zpswvxl-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/E33FAA40-9E9E-482B-95D0-8D309F31D1C8_zpswvxlbgfn.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I'm picking some wheels up from Craigslist, hopefully it works out and they fit. All four wheels are 10.5 wide with 275 tires.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/1B6B5A693C4B45C0A49CF7DC9F3AB088_zpshgdg-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/1B6B5A69-3C4B-45C0-A49C-F7DC9F3AB088_zpshgdgb0fx.jpg.html)

Short term goals are to have the front suspension tacked in this weekend and to cut ALL of the rusted floor pans out- front to back.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Nothing picture worthy on the suspension yet, but I did prop the wheels up to get. A better idea of how they'll look and fit. Planning on mocking the engine into the car next weekend while I finish up the front suspension mounting during the week.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/35CE663A7DC4459DA28DBE4A84C0109E_zpschzr-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/35CE663A-7DC4-459D-A28D-BE4A84C0109E_zpschzrac8t.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/9E5DF9299C8C4884A6E459B09B0D9FD1_zpsmwwj-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/9E5DF929-9C8C-4884-A6E4-59B09B0D9FD1_zpsmwwj67ln.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

It's been 8 days and I'm really happy with the progress, even though the tops of the frame rails were more involved than I thought. I welded in tubes for the bolts to go through the frame rails and cut and angled the inner vertical part of the c channels for a better fit. According to my measurements I'm within 1/16" centered in all directions.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/4B2ED840E4324FAB8ACBED4781576CBC_zpselcx-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/4B2ED840-E432-4FAB-8ACB-ED4781576CBC_zpselcx8iz4.jpg.html)

I am going to cut the old shock towers out before installing the engine to mock it up even though I don't need the space for the engine it will help for access to the exhaust

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/C31D91955B874437ABCA465B3D3BBEF4_zps6hij-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/C31D9195-5B87-4437-ABCA-465B3D3BBEF4_zps6hijqcak.jpg.html)

I'm also really happy with the wheels, I turned them lock to lock and there are miles of clearance behind them, I'll just have to keep an eye on the fender/ fender lip once it has some weight on it.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/EC01A05D158A4F0285E73DDD62C6C366_zpsmyjd-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/EC01A05D-158A-4F02-85E7-3DDD62C6C366_zpsmyjdhvpj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/835743CF93EA427BA09B2708B2E2A8F1_zpseq0q-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/835743CF-93EA-427B-A09B-2708B2E2A8F1_zpseq0qluzz.jpg.html)

So far I'm right on budget - I'm all in at $2900 for the project so far with obviously a good chunk still to go.

[DrFraZZy]

It is coming along nicely! I am always checking out this project! Keep it up!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks for following along DrFraZZy! My goal is 1-2hrs of work on it a day. I'm 4 months into the project with 5 to go on my initial timeline (I wanted to be able to drive it to the Daytona turkey rod run and put it in the for sale car corral) I'm somewhat skeptical, but we'll see.

The engine is in with no drama, except for me spilling transmission fluid everywhere when I angled it w/o the shifter...I just need to modify the transmission mount to work with the 5spd's mount. It's laying just as I had measured, I have about 3-4" between it and the firewall.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/4A60CE932E2545B7B970D17EB3761DBF_zpsvict-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/4A60CE93-2E25-45B7-B970-D17EB3761DBF_zpsvict15ko.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/06/17596B0795ED4D95BFBE67989E22F691_zpshyeq-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/17596B07-95ED-4D95-BFBE-67989E22F691_zpshyeqwpmn.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Rewelded three of the four hydra boost mounts so I can fit a stock astovan booster. I also had to weld some pieces of tubing to accommodate the pedal Assy.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/E2DA5676F31249D983B892234E5752AA_zpsbbga-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/E2DA5676-F312-49D9-83B8-92234E5752AA_zpsbbgaac2x.jpg.html)
I also cut the floor hole out for the shifter and cut some floor pans out
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/5C19EE12F8C14528A7923AE3B73CA376_zpsin8u-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/5C19EE12-F8C1-4528-A792-3AE3B73CA376_zpsin8u0phn.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I removed the dash, it was simpler than I thought...I need to figure out what to do for the dash pad, I'd like to Replace it with a new stock one, but I hear they're expensive and take some time to get done. The pedals need to be tweaked a bit but the mount is in the right spot
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/29A550B858AF449E904B2299502093B0_zps4gjl-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/29A550B8-58AF-449E-904B-2299502093B0_zps4gjl9xox.jpg.html)

My only concern now with the Astro van hydraboost is the hood clearance, but hopefully it should be fine.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/07/BD11D8DE5CB74FFCB1BA9E97AB3D7C35_zps0xfe-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/BD11D8DE-5CB7-4FFC-B1BA-9E97AB3D7C35_zps0xfeypdu.jpg.html)

[JayinMI]

What year did your Astro van hydroboost come out of? I hear the earlier ones have less of an angle.

Jay

[ALLstrokedOUT]

What year did your Astro van hydroboost come out of? I hear the earlier ones have less of an angle.

Jay

I'm not sure, there were 6 vans there in the junkyard I was looking at, I think it was an early 90's. I need to replace it anyways the 'accumulator can' is loose, I'm just using it for mockup of the firewall for now, I'll keep that in mind though as long as the bolt pattern stays the same.

[abdelillo]

Pardon my lack of knowledge is the astrovan hydro boost a major upgrade??? I'm sure it's to run the 4 disc but I'm just wondering if there is anything other than that? I like the project your approach and the information that's been shared so far. God bless and I can't wait to see more.

[JayinMI]

I find it amusing that the "old Town car" front suspension seems to have come with slotted and drilled rotors. lol

Jay

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Pardon my lack of knowledge is the astrovan hydro boost a major upgrade??? I'm sure it's to run the 4 disc but I'm just wondering if there is anything other than that? I like the project your approach and the information that's been shared so far. God bless and I can't wait to see more.

Thanks for the compliments! I wouldn't say it's an upgrade since the car came with power brakes, but for me I like the hydraboost because it is more compact than vacuum assisted brakes, so I'll have more room around the valve covers. Since it uses the hydraulic pump from the power steering I don't need any other supporting hardware. I've never dealt with the newer electric brakes, but I'm sure this project couldn't afford them anyways.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I've been less devoted to the project than I've been hoping now that I won't be reaching my 'deadline', however, I've started back up and am looking at body work now. I have the firewall almost completely shaved. Tomorrow I'll be welding a floor pan in and working on the cowl area.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/B980891A72A448EDA7A7D4EF70492027_zpssja8-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/B980891A-72A4-48ED-A7A7-D4EF70492027_zpssja8dpvj.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/2DEFE7FD587F467AB6046180C887C3CA_zps4y6w-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/2DEFE7FD-587F-467A-B604-6180C887C3CA_zps4y6wxi2b.jpg.html)

Im trying to figure out paint color before I get to painting the engine compartment, what do you guys think, blue or silver?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/EE4EEE91BF9448E18AA5C1B4F9AC4E54_zpsoji1-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/EE4EEE91-BF94-48E1-8AA5-C1B4F9AC4E54_zpsoji1ockg.jpg.html)

[68Formula]

Blue

[DrFraZZy]

Silver!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

2 floors 95% installed, Just have to make a couple small patch panels, seam seal the edges.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/09/CDD4C30958624F65B75A544E27B30125_zpsauwx-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/CDD4C309-5862-4F65-B75A-544E27B30125_zpsauwxf02m.jpg.html)

[ManwithNoName]

Another vote for blue! Looks like it's coming along nice.

[KB Camaro]

silver

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Not exciting, but progress is progress. Work and life got in the way last month, I only put 20hrs into the car then but I put 10hrs in it just yesterday and today for this month. I have the cowl area all welded up and I'm seam sealing it and the floor pans now.

Bottom plate in:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/F6683A267901423685E1C62DEA788F71_zpsx8ee-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/F6683A26-7901-4236-85E1-C62DEA788F71_zpsx8eeywbn.jpg.html)

Then the side and seam seal:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/912A95CDFFEE4718A27A1CC6C87DEE3D_zpsn0xw-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/912A95CD-FFEE-4718-A27A-1CC6C87DEE3D_zpsn0xwbazm.jpg.html)

...I think I'm leaning towards silver, but still have about a month before I buy the paint

[migg400]

Blue!

[AU Doc]

Blue :)

[classiccarnut]

I may be celebrating a bit too early, but I found a great deal on a thunderbird, I've made arrangements to pick it up Friday...I'm pretty sure nobody's ever put a 5spd, a modular ford motor, IRS, and 335 wide rear tires on one of these before! The biggest struggle will be getting it to lose weight, looks like it weighs 4400lbs with the big block.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/6BDA8808F73D4986BB2B59190CBCC78E_zpsip8o-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/6BDA8808-F73D-4986-BB2B-59190CBCC78E_zpsip8onclt.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/02/E5DEC6EADB9D4C199280D7E00CFFDBDD_zpsnatw-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/E5DEC6EA-DB9D-4C19-9280-D7E00CFFDBDD_zpsnatw33qw.jpg.html)

There was a fella up here that had a supercharged 351W stroker in one with a 6 spd out of a viper (if I remember correctly) and 9 inch. Lowered but not slammed, was one hell of a car. sold it dirt cheap a few years ago... something like 9-10k

[Crestronwizard]

I am partial to silver :). I want to build one of these one day

[nathankershaw]

Awesome car!

Definitely my kinda build.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks guys! I'm envisioning this car as a comfortable cruiser, decent mileage and a good ride. I'm a little discouraged by the $9-10k figure you mentioned classiccarnut but my goal is a sell price of $14k-ish at the current budget I have...id rather put in a supercharged 32v or something along those lines, but it should be a good platform overall and I recognize these tbirds don't usually draw in he big prices like other 'muscle cars'. We'll see how it goes when I get it all done!

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Today marks the first day that there are no holes in the floor pans big enough for your foot to go through! The seams are sealed and everything is ready for paint/POR15/ sound deadener. I also welded in a bracket for the gas pedal and dropped the front suspension out to gusset some areas and get it out of the way for paint in the coming weeks.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/D95B82E1B1554B9D8E9983748564DA71_zpsiqnr-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/D95B82E1-B155-4B9D-8E99-83748564DA71_zpsiqnrtaav.jpg.html)

Bondo has begun, hoping to put some kind of paint on the engine compartment within a month.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/10/A26B8C26027848AE8C99B3F24884C792_zps0nhw-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/A26B8C26-0278-48AE-8C99-B3F24884C792_zps0nhwok9o.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

It's at least all on color now with POR15, I have a bit of sanding left but am hoping to raptor bed line the firewall and frame outside.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/B40697E5AA6C4870B6AF46C203E386E0_zpsffpx-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/B40697E5-AA6C-4870-B6AF-46C203E386E0_zpsffpxu7o4.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Getting close to painting the firewall and frame, probably a couple more coats of primer and few more hours of sanding. While I've been waiting for paint to dry I've been turning may attentions to other bodywork and disassembling the doors. Hopefully I can buy some big ticket items in the next month like ac, wiring harness, paint, gauges, etc... And things can start to fall into place (hah!).
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/F988C950D6AC400F8B35EB708AB5769B_zpshdin-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/F988C950-D6AC-400F-8B35-EB708AB5769B_zpshdinj62b.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

So surprisingly i found some more rust on this car that someone bondo'd over! I'm getting the car down to bare metal so there aren't any hidden secrets left behind.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/BBEE8EBFFCA141B0900F4C73691D5261_zpsdxvh-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/BBEE8EBF-FCA1-41B0-900F-4C73691D5261_zpsdxvhelvs.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/11/2582558C07704ED689825B7826C4934B_zpszqsh-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/2582558C-0770-4ED6-8982-5B7826C4934B_zpszqshzcyi.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Some more rust repair, and more to go...probably no more (relatively boring) progress updates until a side is all in one piece or in one color.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/986BB15A22FF4850A45F57ABFBB15981_zpsb9cs-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/986BB15A-22FF-4850-A45F-57ABFBB15981_zpsb9csnouj.jpg.html)

Going to shave the fuel filler while I'm at it too
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/ACC5B4ABE1614A57BC1241AD9000BBEE_zpsjyts-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/ACC5B4AB-E161-4A57-BC12-41AD9000BBEE_zpsjytseglf.jpg.html)

[udloze]

love the build my buddy recently finished his 63 Thunderbird convertible resto with 390 triple duece carb, and a five speed. painted it the original silver mink color it looks amazing. he was able to retain all the factoryx interior and center console.

[rohrt]

subscribing

[udloze]

134983134982

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Very clean, something to aim for! The packaging issue I'm having/had was that the 64 has a swiveling steering column to assist in exiting the car, so I had to move the pedals around. I'm also going to try and put in some new gauges where the stocks were (for me it's just easier to retrofit than it would be to get them rebuild and adapted to whatever signal the new sender sends).

[udloze]

same for him he got his from Faria and they even come as a four in one with a very similar Thunderbird logo I will get you the exact info tomorrow. he also maintained the swing out steering column but converted it to work with electric solinoid, the silver push button was put on the side of the driver's seat, you would never know it was there,

[udloze]

Sorry, gauges came from classic industries.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Tried stripping the paint off the quarter panel, but the grinder took it down better, there was a lot of bondo in there for no reason at all that I could tell. I welded up the big hole by the roof panel, but uncovered a couple smaller ones while I was sanding the paint off

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/4DC3F3B05E4040BE9D2BC26BA71FD92A_zpsempy-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/4DC3F3B0-5E40-40BE-9D2B-C26BA71FD92A_zpsempyrt3q.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/77310815451C40BEAD1E69C52BDC1B01_zpsx1sh-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/77310815-451C-40BE-AD1E-69C52BDC1B01_zpsx1shbhws.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Not sure if his was a sound decision, but I bought another engine...this project started around the drivetrain out of an 02 mustang GT, but after looking at other builds and threads if become more interested in the DOHC motors. This is from a 98 mark viii, so it should be a 'Teksid' block and ran when I pulled it, I think it'll look a lot better in the engine compartment than the SOHC and will be a better platform for any future mods. my goal is to have the underbody painted this week, order the body paint, and have the new engine installed for good by the end of the month.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/AB54E1DF7D0F4C29822269A6408A77D7_zpsfmzc-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/AB54E1DF-7D0F-4C29-8222-69A6408A77D7_zpsfmzcyemr.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/593A17B385BF42DE8494034663A65F85_zpsglt3-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/593A17B3-85BF-42DE-8494-034663A65F85_zpsglt3brci.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Things look better when they're painted all the same color! Still a lot of work to do, I've already sanded these panels since the pics, I'm hoping to paint the frame rails and firewall black this week. I ordered the paint for the body-it's going to be 'Arctic blue'!

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/70CDA01C6C474E6E8E19FFF9292FCDE9_zpstxcl-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/70CDA01C-6C47-4E6E-8E19-FFF9292FCDE9_zpstxclihum.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/85B1B9B2B2AA42E9B52BAD6A882747A9_zps8wbn-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/85B1B9B2-B2AA-42E9-B52B-AD6A882747A9_zps8wbno9fx.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

It's hard to get a good picture of the black, but the frame rails, underbody, and firewall are painted with raptor bedliner, I'm really happy with how it's turned out. It's texture is very fine and has a satin finish (we've used it a couple other times on underbodies and stuff...). The rest of the engine compartment will be body color after a couple weeks of sanding.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/A25876647A4A413AACF4E53C159CC577_zpswiyb-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/A2587664-7A4A-413A-ACF4-E53C159CC577_zpswiybjli9.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2016/12/D14998C018E24A17B21FBF2DDBBB0A23_zpsgbjd-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/D14998C0-18E2-4A17-B21F-BF2DDBBB0A23_zpsgbjd7hhm.jpg.html)

[meatonastick]

This thing is going to be beautiful

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks!

Finally got to open the paint can and see what this paint looks like on the car. I've never sprayed anything other than primer before (my dads painted at least a dozen cars, so I never had to worry about it before), so I've learned a few things about what not to do next time...when I was spraying the base coat I realized that in the front corners I was blowing dried paint chunks off of the masking and into the paint. But overall I'm very happy with how things turned out

Next up is to change some seals on the engine, paint it, and hopefully install it in the car for good next weekend...I still need to decide on what to paint the valve covers though: ford racing blue, body color metallic, or crinkle black...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/BBDA7B4B3B844CB4B3639688FA5EF488_zpsxvsf-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/BBDA7B4B-3B84-4CB4-B363-9688FA5EF488_zpsxvsfrcne.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/E7FA63ED4AAD4110BB48B9E84DC1CC3B_zpshhwn-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/E7FA63ED-4AAD-4110-BB48-B9E84DC1CC3B_zpshhwndjh1.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/5B0565FA46D44DD28FC3F115C534A098_zpsozax-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/5B0565FA-46D4-4DD2-8FC3-F115C534A098_zpsozaxie4v.jpg.html)

[ryeguy2006a]

That looks great! Keep the updates coming!

[MonzaRacer]

I would definitely swap in Air ride. My buddy used same rear and swapped in Ridetech 9100s in back. Handles great. Now what he used was an old GM height sensor and compressor, he just plumbed in a couple small sulfur hexafloride bottles that were in scrap pile from old x ray machine that was junked as a small air tank for each axle. While the small compressor was slow it worked fine and he wired it so it ran like older GM cars. He then use old NOS solenoids to "blow the bags" to slam it. He made small pads for it to "lay on", they had check ball retention like a socket extension and snapped into corresponding holes in frame.
And when slammed with bump stops out it was never getting towed away as you couldnt slide a dollar bill under it hardly.
I was planning air ride on my Monza but now think about Ridetech coil overs. But my idea was to use a NOS bottle as an air tank. If it holds 1000psi on hot day 150-200 psi in air should be fine.
The part he liked was the GM compressor had fill and vent valves all in one package.
Oh and rides and handles better than you can believe. He did put check valves in line so no trading air from side to side either.
Good luck

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Very interesting about the air ride, Ill keep that in mind, I 've put all thoughts of that on hold until I get it on the ground though...in the meantime I'm hoping to put the drivetrain in the car this weekend
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/0B2F2A034A1A43F48FA284CAA12CF512_zpsajqi-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/0B2F2A03-4A1A-43F4-8FA2-84CAA12CF512_zpsajqildbg.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I think that this was the most gratifying day of this build yet. I replaced the rear main seal, oil pan gasket and installed new motor mounts and a new stock clutch before getting to see the transmission bolted to the DOHC engine for the first time. The engines finally installed, hopefully for good, now I have more space in the garage and can (re)turn my attentions to bodywork.

The engine looked clean inside when I took the oil pan off; I also had sent an oil sample out to get analyzed.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/7D192429DBA74F6F8BFAD5CFC83E59B3_zpscngb-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/7D192429-DBA7-4F6F-8BFA-D5CFC83E59B3_zpscngbnnrw.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/C3D255E9F0654E51AF38C65A1796EF1A_zpshkja-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/C3D255E9-F065-4E51-AF38-C65A1796EF1A_zpshkjajlvv.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/7B1CE6011F704346BE30698F0816BE7D_zps2sod-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/7B1CE601-1F70-4346-BE30-698F0816BE7D_zps2sodkmyd.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/01/69EA3FB32F0444C6A86F77333E22E309_zpsce8p-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/69EA3FB3-2F04-44C6-A86F-77333E22E309_zpsce8pjcpc.jpg.html)

[ryeguy2006a]

The motor looks great installed. I will be honest, there is a lot more room for headers/manifolds than I thought there would be. Looks great, keep up the progress.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

The motor looks great installed. I will be honest, there is a lot more room for headers/manifolds than I thought there would be. Looks great, keep up the progress.

Thanks! I was going to wait to put the exhaust manifolds on before installing the engine but I'm holding out on finding a good craigslist deal on some headers...I only have one exhaust manifold bc the engine's seller wanted to keep the drivers side since the mark viii manifold is integral to that sides catylitic converter. With the engine in I feel better about the space I have to play with

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Not much new, just boring bodywork except I found a good deal on a set of headers, should be a good improvement over the stock logs...I also got an H pipe, an electric fan and underdrive pulley setup for a chunk less than a new set of headers
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/02/4EA8402EA0E04062926957F0D4BA6C01_zpsdgsn-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/4EA8402E-A0E0-4062-9269-57F0D4BA6C01_zpsdgsnpaqh.jpg.html)

[DrFraZZy]

This thread is screaming for an update!

[meatonastick]

I second that

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks guys, I really wish I could post some worthy pics! I did take some time off to camp out at the 12hrs of Sebring last weekend - always a great experience. I've also spent the weekdays trying to install a new o2 sensor and tune the demon a bit better. But the tbirds just been boring bodywork, cutting through 1/8" of paint and bondo (primer, white, red, yellow, red). I'm hoping to take a couple fenders and a door to work over this weekend and use our sandblast cabinet to dust the panels a bit.
I sent the valve covers and headers off to a friend that does powder and ceramic coatings, the next update will probably be those pieces bolted to the engine.

Once I get all of the drivers side in primer and decently straight (hoping next week or so) I'm going to drop it on the ground and rotate the car so it's backed in and I can get to the rear more comfortably.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

So here are the updates so far, I think I took, 3-5lbs of paint and bondo off of the front fender, patched a few places last weekend. Hoping I can bondo and prime it and the door this weekend.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/3501F96863F14A88B3771FBDDF11CCEA_zpshilk-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/3501F968-63F1-4A88-B377-1FBDDF11CCEA_zpshilk9fje.jpg.html)

I also have some fun pics of the engine and the headers while I'm waiting for the powder coating to come back to me.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/614EE101628B4F85B3B54CE4DD9CAD11_zps7waw-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/614EE101-628B-4F85-B3B5-4CE4DD9CAD11_zps7wawzr7l.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/03/FF0501074E1B4997B42EE8ED02620DF9_zpsnps3-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/FF050107-4E1B-4997-B42E-E8ED02620DF9_zpsnps36ulu.jpg.html)

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Slower progress than I was hoping, but I got my parts back from powdercoating/ ceramic coating
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/E1E39CADFA934EE5A934BF707FD55185_zpsdosn-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/E1E39CAD-FA93-4EE5-A934-BF707FD55185_zpsdosnqc02.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/04/68A829740F374B228A63371EA5958049_zpsxpfn-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/68A82974-0F37-4B22-8A63-371EA5958049_zpsxpfnvvb5.jpg.html)

Next big move is to turn the car around in the garage so I can do rust repair on the passenger side. Planning a trip to the junkyard so I can get some rear springs and brake master parts too.

[DionR]

Sweet build!

My Dad was a big Thunderbird guy for years and he bought a '64 to be my first car. Don't remember why but it got sold before I was even close to driving. This build makes me wonder what could have been if I had gotten it.

[ALLstrokedOUT]

Thanks DionR!

I Finally got the car on the ground and backed it into the garage to keep the fun going. I need to find a source for coils to replace the front springs to a way lower print rate and to lower the front end by at least 2"

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/FF733427BED44A5BBA3BDE10466A59DF_zpsxau0-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/FF733427-BED4-4A5B-BA3B-DE10466A59DF_zpsxau0kzag.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/E37D386FA6F64D6EA90E034E928D307E_zpsdovf-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/E37D386F-A6F6-4D6E-A90E-034E928D307E_zpsdovfdigf.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/17DB09D1B2874630B6FD6DBD8F10368F_zpsdo06-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/17DB09D1-B287-4630-B6FD-6DBD8F10368F_zpsdo06yukm.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2017/05/F5A9F28A7CC4429CB3E94E7776BA2B71_zps0urn-1.jpg (http://s179.photobucket.com/user/63vette77/media/thunderbird/F5A9F28A-7CC4-429C-B3E9-4E7776BA2B71_zps0urnxdsr.jpg.html)

[wally_245]

Very nice build, subscribed.

[galaxie460]

any update on the bird?

[ALLstrokedOUT]

I have a decent amount of new progress, but I need to figure my photobucket account out...I have the trunk floor 100% in and have a cradle for the fuel tank roughed in. I have a different 'direction' that I'll be going on this project: I was originally going to to all of the dirty bodywork before trying to get the thing to run, but I can't wait that long.

After I paint the rest of the underbody I'll be focusing on wiring, fuel systems, etc...to try to start the engine again (it was running before pulled from the donor). Since the dash will need to be in for good I've turned my attention to that. I've seen a post or two of guys fiberglassing the old vinyl dash panel instead of spending several hundred dollars on a new cap, so I'm part way into that process now too...

[meatonastick]

Did anything ever happen with this? This build is one I watched closely when it was getting updates and always wanted to see the finished car.

[DrFraZZy]

^^^^I was watching this build closely, too. I would like to know what happened to this car.