70 Mustang Convertible Restomod

[i1gasts0]

I have had this Mustang for over 30 years and project got stalled when my son was born. He's in college now. It was originally a base yellow 302 automatic. The previous owner painted it red. It had four wheel non assist drum brakes were scary when I brought it home. I installed the Boss 302 Trans Am brake set up in the front and Lincoln Versailles rear end for rear disks. Replaced the auto with 4 speed top loader trans. Switched the 2 something rear end gears to 3:50 with Traction lock. It is my 6th 1970 Mustang, I have had 4 Mach 1's and a Boss 302. All of the Mach 1's were 351 Cleveland powered. It went into the shop recently for paint, suspension, motor, trans, rewiring and more. I will be dropping in on the shop now and then and will post the progress. The suspension Street and Track coilovers in front and Total Control 4 link in the back. Prestige Motorsport Inc. built the 363 Clevor Boss 302 style engine. Interior has been upgraded to Mach 1 / Shelby style. Posting progress so far.

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[i1gasts0]

Humble beginnings. This is the earliest pictures when I was already changing the brakes and trans

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- - - Updated - - -

Front brake set up, similar to Boss 302 Trans Am set up.

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[i1gasts0]

Going with the 70's Trans Am feel I switched out Shelby wheels for Superlites. 17X8 and 17X9.5 4.5 and 5.5 backspace with 245/45R17 and 285/40R17 Continentals.


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[i1gasts0]

Test fitting front and rear suspension Street and Track coilover front and Total Control 4 link rear with Borgeson sterring box

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[i1gasts0]

My engine is completed. 363 Clevor with EFI.

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[jaybee]

How awesome to have so much history with such a cool car. Good for you, and thanks for telling us about it. What's coming u next for the car?

[i1gasts0]

Well had her sand blasted and found all kinds of secrets under the paint. I was planning on replacing the floor pan and both quarter panels. But both doors had to be replaced also.

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[i1gasts0]

Planning on doing the back of the car similar to this car. But with 1970 pieces

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[wfo guy]

Nice project. :)

[i1gasts0]

Thought I would add before pictures of interior. Will add after picture when it gets done. Had the seats redone a few months before car went into shop.

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[i1gasts0]

Thinking of switching the front seats to these. But haven't made up my mind.

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[xrttman]

I have those seats in my '66 Fairlane. They're very comfortable and supportive.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/126669-66-Fairlane-XL?highlight=66+fairlane+xl

[jaybee]

I love these cars, but typical Rustang. It'll all be worth it when you're done.

[i1gasts0]

Some of the metal work has been completed, getting there.

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[i1gasts0]

Metal guy going to try something else with these. Whatever was under the metal was exploding while trying to weld.

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[813Demon340]

Cool build, I looks forward to seeing its progress! You can't go wrong with Superlites on a 70 Mustang.

[i1gasts0]

Yes ever since seeing the 70 Boss 302 Trans Am cars, I have been a fan of this style of wheel.

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[i1gasts0]

Metal guy made progress on Roll Bar.

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[i1gasts0]

Got some more pictures of roll bar. Looks like I'm going to have to send some upholstery back to have it fixed, but generally pleased with outcome. Not worried about window cranks as I'm adding electric windows.

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[i1gasts0]

Off with the old and the magic will begin. I have been cautiously waiting for this part.

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[i1gasts0]

More progress on the fastback quarter.

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[JustJohn]

I've been back and forth about adding a 4 point roll bar to my convertible. Curious what your rationale for it is?

[i1gasts0]

I fell asleep at the wheel several years ago, then rolled a Mustang and it had a roll bar in it, Other than minor cuts I was okay. The convertible top offer no protection in a roll over. Plus it will add addition stiffness to the chassis and convertibles can use all the help they can get. That said I have no intention of getting into a roll over situation again.

[Aficionado]

I fell asleep at the wheel several years ago, then rolled a Mustang and it had a roll bar in it, Other than minor cuts I was okay. The convertible top offer no protection in a foll over. Plus it will add addition stiffness to the chassis and convertibles can use all the help they can get. That said I have no intention of getting into a roll over situation again.

That would do it.

[i1gasts0]

Getting closer to the vision and more issues found after removing quarter panels.

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[Zachalanche]

Man this thing is gonna be cool!

[i1gasts0]

Thank you. I'm with you Ford engines in Ford cars, especially Mustangs.

Steve

[i1gasts0]

More progress on the trunk lid.

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[i1gasts0]

Update from my metal guy it's looking really good.

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[i1gasts0]

I don't know if anybody noticed the 69 Camaro in the background that has a LT5 motor in it. Wish it was mine, but just sharing the shop with my car. I'm big fan of all 69/70 pony cars, but have only owned Mustangs.

[i1gasts0]

The decklid is now completed. Very pleased with results.

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[i1gasts0]

Metal shop done with metal work. Added a little structural support to shock towers. Cleaned up the sheetmetal around them also. Back to Prestiges Motorsports for everything else. Moving forward.

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[i1gasts0]

Today the shop is installing the Total Control sub frame connectors, Then off to get primered and undercoating.

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[i1gasts0]

Well it's been a while but the engine compartment is painted and epoxy primer added to body.

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[i1gasts0]

Got some more pictures as the car is back at shop.

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[i1gasts0]

Four link going in.

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[i1gasts0]

Front suspension going on too! Street or Track Coilovers and Borgeson Steering box.

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[i1gasts0]

More pictures of the 4 link installed. There will be some more painting to be done on the rear end housing.

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[i1gasts0]

New stuff going in, brake booster, master cylinder and drag pack oil cooler.

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[chunger]

Whoa, did not realize the oil coolers are that huge!

[i1gasts0]

That's the stock size for the Drag Pack oil cooler for 69/70 Ford vehicles.

[i1gasts0]

Motor going in and yes it will be farther back when completed.

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[i1gasts0]

I forgot to add this, Borgeson Steering box install before engine was put in.

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Radiator test fitting engine still needs to go back farther. Also Trans getting installed.

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[i1gasts0]

It's amazing how much stuff you don't think about when you start a project. Recently bought a new heater box, heater blower motor, windshield wiper motor, all new chrome pieces for the light switch, windshield wiper switch, Cigarette lighter bezel, cigarette lighter socket, convertible top motor, lines and pistons. I figured at this point may as well have everything new.

[TitanFox]

Nicely done. Why stick with the Steering box over a rack and pinion?

[i1gasts0]

- - - Updated - - -


Nicely done. Why stick with the Steering box over a rack and pinion?

Not a big fan of the rack and pinion. In general they just create issues with stock type suspension. Now if I was eliminating the shock towers that would be a different story. The Borgeson box has a quicker ratio than any stock period correct Ford box so it is an upgrade.

[i1gasts0]

Oil Cooler lines, Throttle body, and vacuum booster installed.

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[i1gasts0]

Got some more pictures from underneath the car. Shows the adjustable motor mounts, better view of trans and gas tank.

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[i1gasts0]

Getting more stuff done, ignition box, EFI controller, some wiring, and drag pack horn set up.

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[i1gasts0]

The shop got some more wiring done this week. Rear electric windows installed. The window cranks are the switches for the windows. Did not want to have switches added to console.

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[i1gasts0]

Well more wiring getting done, radiator hoses hooked up, and dash all hooked up. Doesn't look much different, but getting there.

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[i1gasts0]

Well got some more pictures from the builder. Wiring and fuel lines, slowly becoming a car.

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[thumper877]

Nice. He's doing a very clean job

[wfo guy]

Looking good. :)

[i1gasts0]

Interior lights are working. Strange I put white LEDs in dash but they are glowing blue. I'm okay with that. Additional console gauges are water temp (don't trust the factory gauges) and oil pressure.

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[chunger]

I like the gauges in the console, whose are they?

[i1gasts0]

They are Holley gauges for EFI. Holley EFI Analog Display Gauges
553-128 Gauge, Water Temp, EFI-style, 120-260 Degrees F,
2 1/16 in. Dia., Analog, Full Sweep, Illuminated, for
Electrical Sending Unit, Black Face, Each

[i1gasts0]

Working on ride height and somebody wanted pictures of fuel lines.

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[i1gasts0]

Well they put the top on temporarily to adjust the windows as they install the power windows. Looking more like a car.

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[i1gasts0]

Finally got my Radio back from Joe's Classic Car Radio Co. Only took 6 months. Added new electronics, Bluetooth, Amp Jacks, and USB connection. Looks brand new, really please with it so far.

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[i1gasts0]

Starting on the exhaust. 2 1/2 inch as I don't think 3 inch would fit. Maybe would have worked but it would be close. Also driveshaft installed.

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[Hopperj7]

I am not a Ford guy, but this is going to be a nice build!

[i1gasts0]

Update on exhaust, Getting closer to completion.

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[chunger]

Looking good! Maybe a basic question, did you just butt weld the exhaust tubing together or does one piece slip into the next, then welded? Also, are you going to run this all the way out the back?

[i1gasts0]

Some is welded up, but clamps at mufflers so it can be removed relatively easily. Dumping at the rearend as might be difficult to get around 4 link. Don't like the idea of running under the rearend.

[i1gasts0]

Heard the engine running in the car for the first time, I haven't heard engine since the dyno run back on 10/07/21. Oh does it sound great. Most of the electrical is done. Next step will be panel fitment then off to paint. After that the final build. I may have a car someday after all. Maybe by summer. Short video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-gXtulDJEng

[chunger]

Sounding good! I assume that's the Terminator X package controlling the injection here?

[i1gasts0]

Yes it is. Good call.

[i1gasts0]

Fitting panels and my metal guy was able to get my hinges to work. Unfortunately the hood will not open as far as stock hinges would.

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[JustJohn]

Some is welded up, but clamps at mufflers so it can be removed relatively easily. Dumping at the rearend as might be difficult to get around 4 link. Don't like the idea of running under the rearend.

I meant to ask a few days ago but are you comfortable with the exhaust exiting forward of the rear axle? It would make my life a lot easier not trying to get exhaust tubing around and through but I had some concerns about fumes when the car is sitting at idle.

[i1gasts0]

Had a 70 Mach 1 fastback that had the same set up and it was never an issue. Just have them pointed down and out.

[i1gasts0]

Had to drop off a air cleaner snorkel to be modified to be a block off plate for shaker hood scoop, and the hole for shaker has been added to hood. Also took some before pictures of fender door gaps, so we will have something to copare to the finished product. Also shows the antenna hole has been filled.

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[i1gasts0]

Looks like the my body panels are getting closer to being right.

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[i1gasts0]

Had to go to the shop again today and car was on the ground and the gaps looked even better. Also the shaker was on the car and it is looking great. A spacer between the shaker base and throttle body still need a little adjustment but at least the shaker base did not have to be modified for fuel rail clearance.

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[i1gasts0]

Car going to paint tomorrow. Maybe I will have a car by summer.

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[thumper877]

Cars looking great and good luck with the painter

[i1gasts0]

More picturs of car before being sent out for paint.

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[i1gasts0]

It’s been an interesting past couple of weeks. My son contacted me and said that the body man at his shop decided he did not want to do the car. It would have been nice if he hadn’t waited 5 weeks to tell me. So I have been looking for a new shop to do body work and paint. Ran across a little restoration shop in my home town that was on the internet and had good reviews so I decided to visit today.I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of work in his shop. I explained what I wanted, showed him some pictures of the car and he said that he thought he could get it done in few weeks. Color me surprised. So I had the car moved to his shop that afternoon. After looking it over I could tell he was excited to take on the project. Got to love the enthusiasm. He said that I could visit and take pictures, so you know I will.

[i1gasts0]

Car all taped up for some primer and then some block sanding, He promised to cover the wheels more. Door handles are coming off and the door locks. Just hasn't happened yet. Fenders will be coming off after they skim coated and get things looking good before color goes on.

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[i1gasts0]

More progress on my car.

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[i1gasts0]

Getting some primer before block sanding.

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[i1gasts0]

Primer, guide coat, sand/block, rinse and repeat…

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[i1gasts0]

Finally the paint is going on. Love the color. Ford Kona Blue. The door handles were off.

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[chunger]

Nice color!

[i1gasts0]

Thanks, I'm rather fond of it.

[i1gasts0]

Dropped by my painter today. Small parts getting painted. Hood strip getting done. Color sanding being done. Okay he said it would be done in two weeks but reality is he spent two weeks just block sanding the car. I have no problem with the time he is taking on the car. It's all time well spent.

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[compos mentis]

Great color:twothumbs

[i1gasts0]

Color sanding is done and polishing begins this afternoon.

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[i1gasts0]

Final polishing being completed. Hopefully back to shop for final assembly this Friday.

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[jaybee]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[i1gasts0]

Went by painter today and they are starting to get the car finished so it can be sent back to shop for final assembly. Hopefully Monday or Tuesday.

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[i1gasts0]

Roll Bar is getting painted black. Was thinking of painting it the same color as the car but decided that would be overkill.

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[i1gasts0]

Just a little more work on the paint and hopefully it will move to shop tomorrow. They surprised me and ended up painting the roll bar the same color as the car. They said that they had run out of the blue, so it would be black. I'm good with that. I would have liked it either way.

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[Pedigry]

Wow, that's a pretty color. Nicely done.

[i1gasts0]

Out under the sun and ready to go to the shop for assembly.

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[i1gasts0]

Well come to find out the shop that is building the car doesn't have space for her at the moment, so she is coming home. I'm going to get some of the easily installable parts and install them myself. Tail lights, side markers, hood twist downs, probably the front bumper and turn signals. Probably get the rear side panels and rear seat back and take them to the upholstery shop to be fixed because of the roll bar. Going to find my Ford body assembly manual and see what else I can do. Most likely the grill and surrounding bright work. Depending on how long before the shop can take the car, I may also try and do some of the interior.

[i1gasts0]

Small victory yesterday. Got the tail lights in and the rubber seals behind the end caps. Lots of sweaty finger prints on the end cap. Today was side markers. It's damn hot and humid in NC. So this is going slowly. Passenger side was a hassle due to battery moved to trunk.

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[i1gasts0]

Added gas cap and hold down for twist locks.

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[i1gasts0]

Okay I hate to admit this but took me ten minutes to install one twist down and about six hours over three days to get the other one on. Part of the problem is the hood does not open enough with the billet hinges and the other part is the holes are not exactly where they should be. I don't think will be too much of a issue as there is a lot of adjustment in the plates that they go into. That's the next thing I have to do.

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[i1gasts0]

Today I decided to do something easy. I installed the Shaker Ring. So of course I dropped one of the nuts and it disappeared into the garage floor. I swear it eats nuts and bolts. Off to Lowes tomorrow to get a replacement.

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[i1gasts0]

Great day today! Car going back to the builder to get the final assembly. Hopefully will be done for my birthday in October.

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[Threepointtwo]

Very exciting! That sounds like an incredible birthday present and just in time for Fall cruising.

[i1gasts0]

Car coming together at shop. Slowly but surely it's becoming a car again.

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[i1gasts0]

So they have installed the export brace, Monte Carlo bar, and shaker hood scoop base. They installed the CJ Pony Parts front spoiler. The spoiler does not fit very well and I'm going to pick up a repo front spoiler from NPD to see if it fits any better. They also misplaced the headlight eyebrows and replaced with repos that do not have the argent paint on them. Hoping they find the originals as they fit better and are painted. They moved their shop and maybe they just haven't found them yet.

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[i1gasts0]

So went to builder today to drop off NPD front spoiler and bolts to hold on hood stainless trim. Shaker on engine and convertible top back on car. Still some adjustments have to be done to shaker base to get it fitting correctly. They are working on installing the new motor, lines, and cylinders for the top. Keeps getting closer to being a full car again.

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[compos mentis]

Wow!

[i1gasts0]

Well the NPD spoiler is installed and it fits a world better than the CJ Pony Parts spoiler.

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[Threepointtwo]

I really like the way that looks on there.

[i1gasts0]

Although the car isn't finished wanted to share a view of the rear of the car. Keeping old top for now as it is in fairly good shape. Going to replace the rear window as it zips out.

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[i1gasts0]

Another small victory. I found some struts that let the billet hood hinges open the hood to factory height. The down side is they are rated at only 110 pounds so if there is a small breeze the hood might shut on it's own. Unfortunately the supplier doesn't have anything stronger that will fit. So today I got strut locks from Amazon to keep the hood up to be on the safe side.

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[i1gasts0]

Moving forward, some of the interior is getting done and convertible trim that I had rechromed is installed.

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[i1gasts0]

Finally got the bumper on. It has been narrowed about an inch on both side and the bracket to the car shortened so it tuck up better. Wasn't going for the ultra tucked look just wanted it to look like Ford should have done it in the first place.

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[i1gasts0]

The door panel is on one side as I had to get a replacement for the passenger side window as it was warped.

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[i1gasts0]

Windshield installed and trim around it also installed. Still working on the shaker height.

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[i1gasts0]

They were doing some work inside the shop today so they were working on the car outside. Adjusting the windows and door latch parts.

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[craigF]

Very nice. Love seeing builds come together

[i1gasts0]

Very nice. Love seeing builds come together

Thank you!

[i1gasts0]

The spacer for the shaker is done, I think it turned out great.

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[i1gasts0]

Back to the shop today. They are finishing up the interior and a little more work on the rear power windows.

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[chunger]

Man, that thing is looking SWEEEET!

[i1gasts0]

Got my period correct shifter handle installed. Getting closer my vision of what I want .Unfortunately the tilt down wheel stopped locking into place. Hopefully it is something simple and I don't have to track down a repair kit for the 50 plus year old column.

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[i1gasts0]

Got lucky, there is a pin in the mechanism that got bent and builder was able to straighten it out and now tilt is working again.

[i1gasts0]

Dropped off the last two things to be installed. Breather Cap to Shaker hose and the windshield wipers. Car going to get aligned today and should be coming home tomorrow after it gets cleaned up..

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[chunger]

Wow, that things a beauty. I really hope that doesn't deter you from driving her!

[i1gasts0]

Wow, that things a beauty. I really hope that doesn't deter you from driving her!

No it was built to drive. No garage queens here. Lots of fun roads in North Carolina to enjoy with this.

[i1gasts0]

Some people wanted to see the car with the top down, so here they are. Unfortunately they have some more stuff to do so I'm not getting her back until next Wednesday. Late Christmas present. Hoping for a mild North Carolina winter so I can get some driving in.

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[i1gasts0]

The builder put my car on TikTok, not sure if I should be excited or alarmed.

https://www.tiktok.com/@prestige_moto/video/7315093168494480671?q=70%20mustang%20convertible&t=1703260814239

[i1gasts0]

The Mustang came home today. Unfortunately the brake lights don't work. My wife didn't tell me until I got home. Guess I should have checked before leaving the shop or they should have checked before telling me it was ready. The turn signals worked and tail lights come on. I'm guessing it has something to do with the brake switch.

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[i1gasts0]

I have brake lights again. It was the brake light switch was bad even though it was brand new. Now I can drive it around some.

[i1gasts0]

Well it looks like I will not be able to add resonators to my exhaust system. Looking for a quieter 2 1/2 inch muffler. Anybody have recommendations?

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[i1gasts0]

We are going to change the rear springs to another set up to see if we can the my exhaust to the back of the car. There are three option on the Total Control 4 link. Thinking of moving to the most inner location.

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[i1gasts0]

Replaced my CJ Pony parts Cluster Gauge LED's with HIPO PARTS GARAGE LED's from NPD. Great improvement.

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[Threepointtwo]

This is coming along great!