66 Fastback Mustang Pro-Touring Build

[jeffery]

A year has past since I bought a 1966 Fastback Mustang. I sadly discovered multiple hack repairs, hidden bondo, rust, and really pathetic sheet metal body work. Over the years there must of been numerous repairs with reckless disregard to quality and i can only suspect parts and panels are patches from scrap metal and wrecked donors.


Turns out to be a perfect gem for a Pro-Touring rebirth — my bucket list car with extreme performance while maintaining vintage classic style.


We have worked the chassis which is basically embedded in the lower rockers, front and rear frame rails, support hoops, cowl / firewall reinforcement, monte carlo type bars, lateral supports, front sway bar, roll bar, etc..


The rear-end is taking shape that will have a three link suspension, coil overs, and watts link. We are still working out the front cantilever suspension design. Rims and tires are not settled yet. The Detroit Speed mini-tubs have been modified and can easily handle a 13 inch tire width. Since the weather is getting better, i rolled the car outside last weekend to start sandblasting - its going slow though.


If you find this build interesting, let me know. i can post other picts and updates on our progress.

[blade]

Nice work! More pics for sure!

[Adam Smith]

Very Cool! Keep The pics coming!

[windows]

Very nice. I really like the quality.

[xsboost90]

interesting yes!! makes me feel like a slacker!

[Crestronwizard]

Nice! Need Moar Pics! :)

[Mach1_Ron]

Nice! Need Moar Pics! :)

x2 What He Said....

[Josh@Ridetech]

Nice! Keep it up! :D

[funbnme]

Would love to see a lot more pictures....I'm working on a 65 fastback right now.

[69stang]

I'm liking where you're going with this, looks real good!

[Dave B]

Man, that is sweet!

[wfo guy]

I'm interested!

[jeffery]

The rear end has taken on a life of its own and getting complicated. Got an unexpected turn - calling it a reverse 3 link vs. running toward a front crossmember. The acton is excellent and the overall geometry looks good. The undercarriage will have a clean look too not having long those long rods. Anyone done this or seen this before?

[jeffery]

I am so done with sand blasting. Took over 10 x 100 ib bags. Hope to epoxy coat this week end.

[funbnme]

10 bags...imagine how much you would have needed if you had a whole car there. :)

[jeffery]

Coil-overs are now installed and we have started to the fit the wheel wells.

[Z06killinSBF]

This is going to be awesome when done.

[jeffery]

We have a rear clip now - need to find a rotisserie or build one.

[jeffery]

This is a hard post for me but i did not want to leave this thread hanging. The genius behind this project passed away in his sleep. I have lost a good friend and someone I shared a vision that would rival the ultimate super car. Nathan was just 35 years old survived by his 6 year old daughter. He was a master fabricator, outstanding welder, and a world class chassis builder. Yes, i know he would want me to continue and finish the project but frankly i feel a bit lost. RIP my friend.

[RMMiller]

Man, sorry to hear that. Never a good thing to lose a young, talented person.

[Dave B]

Wow...Sorry for your loss.

[Motown 454]

jeffery, sorry to hear about your friend Nathan, It's so tought to loose someone you've been so close to and with all the time.

[wfo guy]

My sympathies to all involved.

[NOT A TA]

Jeffery, sorry you lost your bud Nathan.

[HotRod47]

so sorry to hear of your loss

[andrewb70]

Sorry for your loss. Hopefully you will continue the project in his memory...

Andrew

[jeffery]

Its been over a year since Nathan passed and so it's on. The car is now in the hands of expert Cup chassis and suspension builders - helps to live in NASCAR country. They tell me the car will be on the flat plate in 2 weeks or so. We will check out the chassis alignment and decide the ride height.

The rear-end is assembled - thank you Mike! Below is the build if ur interested:
- Yukon Zip Locker YDGF9-31-SM, clutch pack, street posi
- Nodular Iron Case, HD, Center Section YPDOF9-2-306
- Daytona support bearing kit YK F9HDC-SP-C
- Yukon 3.70 Ring Pinion YG F9-370
- Forged Pinion Yoke 3150, 28 Spline YY F900662
- Moser Axles, 31 Spline, 27/24 lengths, 47 in end-to-end
- Big Ford Bearings and Torino Housing ends
- Willwood 12" Rotors and 4 Piston Brakes 140-2114-BD

Looking at transmissions - favoring the Tremec TKO.

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[Build-It-Break-It]

Glad to see you back at it. This is such a cool build.

[jeffery]

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The ride height is settled for now (6" front and 7" rear), there is plenty of adjustment with 11" rear coil-overs and the front cantilever should provide a about 2" height range without a manual link adjustment.
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Discovered the front clip frame rails were just to high for the ride height and the width between the frame rails was to wide to fit the tire / control arms. Front clip needs rework & I need to get an engine block to make sure there is room for the headers.
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Really struggling deciding on tire size. These are F: 245/40/17 and R: 295/35/18. I am looking for the right balance with the tires and rims.
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[HotRod47]

Glad to see an update on this build, its gonna be really nice when done!!! I love the stance!

[jeffery]

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Still setting up the reared and making ajustments to the links.

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Picked up a 351c today. DOAE-J Feb 10, 1970, 2 bolt, 2V heads, and a CS Shelby manifold.

[jeffery]

Decided to keep the sail vents but could not help myself; changed out the aluminum vent screens with a darker screen. hope this is ok -- gives so much more contrast. Used a metal gutter guard found at the local hardware store.

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The body panels & doors are tight. Really look good beyond my expectations.

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BTW: I will have some great pics of the front suspension development to share on my next post. Not sure if anyone has done this before; but we are looking to build out a cantilever front suspension.

[langleylad]

looking awesome !

[wfo guy]

What's the plan for the 351? I'm curious about your front end . :)

[jeffery]

What's the plan for the 351? I'm curious about your front end . :)

Thanks for the replies!!

I wanted a vintage motor so a 351c seems appropriate. Still researching but thinking a mild stroker kit, proper oiling system updates, Milodon rear sump, modern heads, and using the Shelby intake with a carb.

Will get some front end pics my next shop visit...

[jeffery]

The control arm supports are tacked in place just incase some adjustments are needed for the steering rack and sway bar. We will be using a rear sump oil pan.​​

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Working engine mounts now to set the motor block and transition then resolve any issues. At some point finish the welds and fabricate new control arms.

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Below is kind of the initial coil over placement idea for the cantilever suspension.

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There are more pics on the project web site (http://hausler.net) if ur interested.

[jeffery]

Finally made a decision on the front nose section, lower valance, and purchased the transmission.

Just had to have the Eleanor style and the product line from Maier Racing (https://www.maierracing.com/product-category/fiberglass/fiberglass-individual-parts/65-66-mustang/) is an outstanding addition to the build. Will need to save up and buy the other parts later.

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Now have a sweet Tremec TKO600 5 Spd from Silver Sport Transmissions - SST (https://shiftsst.com) with the Stage II Performance Enhancement Upgrade and picked up a Quick Time SFI Bell housing.

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[OctaneRiot]

This is going to be brilliant, loving the suspension ideas. Rear end looks seriously heavy duty. Love it.

[jeffery]

We had a set back and trying to recover. Sadly discovered multiple cracks in the 351 Cleveland block I bought - water jacket areas mostly.

So we are going Coyote. Picked up a 2013 5.0L Coyote w/ 52K miles pulled from a Mustang GT. William at (Wade MotorSports (https://www.facebook.com/WadesMotorsports/)) helped us out.

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The Coyote engine is enormous compared to the Cleveland. This has caused rework - bascally had to remove the entire front clip, firewall, and the floor pan to fit this engine. Now we can determine the right position and height to place the motor and build around it. First time dealing with a Coyote, so we'll see how this goes.

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Happy New Year!

[slimjim]

wow, it really does look bigger, I never realized the size difference. By 'nascar country' I assume you mean Mooresville?

[chiva]

Them NASCAR boys don’t mess around. Git R Dunn!

[injcted]

Great build cant wait to see more updates!

[jeffery]

wow, it really does look bigger, I never realized the size difference. By 'nascar country' I assume you mean Mooresville?

Yes - we are near Mooresville in Concord NC.

[slimjim]

Yes - we are near Mooresville in Concord NC.

fantastic, I'm just over in huntersville, can't wait to see your car (and mine) finished

[jeffery]

fantastic, I'm just over in huntersville, can't wait to see your car (and mine) finished

Your project is awesome. Good Job. I might have mine on the ground and rolling when u get back. :)

[latoracing]

Glad to see a fellow Mustang person doing something out of the norm. I like the direction this build is taking.

[jeffery]

Thought i would share the latest progress on building out the frame rails and floor pan. You can see we now have the frame running along each side of the engine and the support structure for the floor pan.

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[Project Bike Truck]

Thought i would share the latest progress on building out the frame rails and floor pan. You can see we now have the frame running along each side of the engine and the support structure for the floor pan.

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I love your frame work! super legit.

[jeffery]

Found some time to work my favorite project. Picked out the Rocket Attack (http://www.rocketracingwheels.com/rocket-attack/c331) rims and went with NITTO (https://www.nittotire.com/passenger-tires/nt555-g2-ultra-high-performance-tire/) tires. Finished up the tunnel, set the driver seat, and found a spot for the Vintage Air Box. Column is the collapsable Ididit (https://www.ididitinc.com/c-1310139-universal-columns-collapsible-floor-shift.html) and pedals are Tilton (https://tiltonracing.com/product/600-series-firewall-mount-aluminum-pedal-assembly/). Settled on the the pattern layout for the back tub area; now using the pattern to build out for real. The Aeromotive Gen II Stealth gas tank (https://aeromotiveinc.com/product/stealth-gen-2-fuel-tank-universal-64-68-ford-mustang/)(340lph) finally arrived.


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[slimjim]

great progress. Looks like it'll be low!

[Cop Magnet]

Awesome build! Love the chassis work and level of detail!

[jeffery]

It's been well over a year since the last update what have we done ....



Added rear running roll bars

Built out gas tank edge shoulder bracing

Recessed battery boxes located in trunk

Finished trunk to cab separation wall

Welded up the 3-link rear-end torque bracket​​
Seem weld rear quarter panels and tail panel
Set the lower rear valance

Boxed and mounted bumper center piece
Adding tail panel shirt and tail light bezel wrap

Shaping bumper and tucking end caps



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[funbnme]

That's incredible work. Love the battery box...such a good use of wasted space.

[69stang]

Loving the fabrication work. :twothumbs

[jeffery]

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[Threepointtwo]

Wow! Absolutely amazing work.

[jschmidt97306]

Top Notch Fabrication. Doesn't get any better than that!

[jeffery]

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[Threepointtwo]

Those bumpers are amazing. I am a little anxious about cutting mine up but it looks so satisfying getting them lined up like that.

[JRANGER]

man this build is awesome

[jeffery]

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[jeffery]

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[jeffery]

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[Dave Pratt]

Jefferey that's an amazing build you have going on.Love the 66 fastback! Keep it going

[jeffery]

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[jeffery]

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[jeffery]

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[ryeguy2006a]

Amazing build!!

[NCSU68]

Nice work! Can't wait to see it Finished!

[jeffery]

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[jeffery]

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[guys64impala]

insane build, attention to detail is insane. You will look at the finish product and feel your friend when you finally have the satisfaction of driving what he started. Im not a ford guy. But i am very impressed with this build. Cant wait to see the finished product.

[jeffery]

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[jeffery]

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