1968 mustang Fastback (U.K. project)

[staffy]

Hi everyone, I’ve been lurking for some time on here looking at all of those cool projects, whilst trying to learn as much as I can.


I’m based in the U.K. and into all US muscle cars, old and new.
I have to confess like my mustangs as I have 1968 and 1969 fastbacks, with a supercharged 2005 S197.


I bought a ‘68 fastback project some 2 years ago, whilst I was finishing off my latest project, a ‘69 fastback restomod. The first picture is the ‘69 which I’ve just managed to get on the road in the last 2 weeks, with the 68 in the background. At the time I was in the process of moving the ‘68 into my main workshop as I haven’t touched in 2yrs since I bought it.


There are not many Gen 1 mustangs in the U.K., even less rpro-touring or full blown restomods In the U.K. , though folks over here love US muscle cars.


On the ‘68 project which I’m just about to get into , I have no history whatsoever on the car, but what I do know is that:
1-It’s an ex West Coast car, I bought it via a trader in FL
2-It had some type of MII hybrid front end, shock towers cut out, looking a bit “heath robinson” as we say here in the U.K.
looks like someone started to do some bodywork but decided to stop for whatever reason.
3-Its generally a solid car but will need some welding part floor and some work on the rear tail panel (see more detail as below)
4-I suspect given its set up., mods and oversize rear and small fronts, it’s an ex drag car, but I can’t prove it one way or the other


I’m not sure yet how far down the pro-touring or full restomod route I’m going, but given the old MII front end I already have in the car, I’m going to rip it out and start with some form of “modern” front end setup.


I’m looking for a really good setup for a fast road driver car as we have some great roads down here on the coast here in Sussex. I won’t auto cross it or race/track it.


On the front end/suspension etc., I’m trying to work out best option in terms of ride/use, value, ease of use and tech support . There are just so many types and it driving me mad, trying to work out the best way forward.


Any steers on best manufacturer and why would be helpful.


Drivetrain and engine options are still to be decided, either way I’m going for at least 500BHP with modern suspension, steering and brakes etc.


I fancy a modern/modular 4V type engine just for ease of turn of key, future power adder options, but in the U.K. you have to be careful on how far you mod your classic to keep it within historic status.
No real difference in price from what I can see/know of conventional push rod versus modern/Modular engine. I really need to decide on this before much longer.


Being in the U.K. means that parts or tech support are not easy to come by and they are expensive eg add circa 30% min over $dollar prices for taxes, shipping duties etc. Everything has to be shipped over from US, it can take up 3 months, so planning in advance is a bit like planning a military op!


Just started a full strip down and have ripped out the rear leaf spring and front suspension.


Bodywork is not too bad, by first look I reckon will need to replace; rear lower trunk brace, trunk corners, cowl, full floor, radiator support, lower RHD 1/4 +trunk drop off.

I plan to do most of the work myself incl. welding, wiring, engine fit etc, bar final bodywork and paint, for which a trusted painter will be used.


The colour is originally gulfstream aqua, which you can see in some of the pictures. I quite like it., but that choice is some time away….


I’ll update as I go along and any helpful hints, advice etc is most welcome.


Thanks for reading.
Chris

[staffy]

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[andrewb70]

Looks like a really clean starting point! It also looks like someone already modified the front suspension with a Mustang 2 front end. If you want to keep it all Ford, a Coyote or Godzilla would be great. There is also the LS swap option...

Here is someone doing a Godzilla into a 66:

https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/the-swap-no-one-asked-for-godzilla-in-a-66-coupe.1210298/page-4#post-10773279

Andrew

[cyclonescott]

I would stay away from the generic Mustang ii style front kits. The 2 best kits out there are either the Cortex or Mike Maier Mod 2.


Ford also has the new 7.3L crate motor.

[staffy]

Looks like a really clean starting point! It also looks like someone already modified the front suspension with a Mustang 2 front end. If you want to keep it all Ford, a Coyote or Godzilla would be great. There is also the LS swap option...

Here is someone doing a Godzilla into a 66:

https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/the-swap-no-one-asked-for-godzilla-in-a-66-coupe.1210298/page-4#post-10773279

Andrew
Andrew,
many thanks for the reply, yes she is a good starting point . I’ll look at the link you gave me, going to do some bodywork whilst researching.
Chris

[staffy]

I would stay away from the generic Mustang ii style front kits. The 2 best kits out there are either the Cortex or Mike Maier Mod 2.


Ford also has the new 7.3L crate motor.
Thanks for the reply. Given the shock towers are already cut out, no way I’m going back standard so it’s either a full frame or MII type front clip
chris

[andrewb70]

Thanks for the reply. Given the shock towers are already cut out, no way I’m going back standard so it’s either a full frame or MII type front clip
chris

Roadster Shop has a full frame...

Andrew

[69stang]

Watching this
I'm considering the front suspension setup from Martz Chassis for my 69. http://martzchassis.net/

How about more pics of the 69?

[staffy]

Roadster Shop has a full frame...

Andrew
Andrew, yes I’m aware, as do Schwartz, works out about 20K USD for the spec I want
lot of money but less hassle and both look good - I’d have to sell the ‘69 though, tough decisions either way

[staffy]

Watching this
I'm considering the front suspension setup from Martz Chassis for my 69. http://martzchassis.net/

How about more pics of the 69?
Hi Roger
thanks for the link, I’ll take a look at.
not really had a 205941205940205939205938205937205936205935chance to use the 69 yet, but here some pics of it on my drive.
wil be putting some mikes on it over next few weeks to bed her in

chris

[69stang]

That's Sharp!

[Motorcitydak]

What about putting in some sort of your domestic engines? We’ve all seen every possible Ford engine in a mustang. They own Land Rover, Aston Martin and Jaguar anyway. How would the costs go for having something from them? A vantage v8 or even the v12 would be wild! I’m enjoying the build so far, keep it up!

[staffy]

That's Sharp!

Thanks, took me longer then I wanted , but more or less there now

[staffy]

What about putting in some sort of your domestic engines? We’ve all seen every possible Ford engine in a mustang. They own Land Rover, Aston Martin and Jaguar anyway. How would the costs go for having something from them? A vantage v8 or even the v12 would be wild! I’m enjoying the build so far, keep it up!

Thank you and Good question.
Engine for any Aston car, the prices are mental and not worth it TBH.
As for Jag, price compared to say Coyote is no better and some of the V8’s suffered poor reliability. The newer V6 engine is a good one, but only a V6, so no thanks.
Chris

[sparklug]

Hi Chris,

Great looking cars. Nice to see someone else building a pro-touring set up here in the UK.

I am in York and have been building my 69 Camaro since 2018, if you happen to be on instagram, i am on there with my build (jzward_1). I went down the route of Detroit Speed front to rear and changed the BigBlock out for a Gen5 LT4. I believe DSE do a front clip for your 68, the quality is second to none and tested too boot. My only advice for you like you have already said, complete your orders well in advance of when you need them and get quite a few parts at one time to keep you going rather than smaller orders here and there.

I use Kim @ Matts Classic Bowties / Dale @ Pro Touring Store for all my parts who are great to deal with and vendors on all the pro touring parts you are after, their prices are top notch and ship straight to STS Imports in Florida and 4-6wks laters they end up in Dagenham, Essex - Ron is a great guy to deal with.

Keep at it!
Jake

[staffy]

Hi Chris,

Great looking cars. Nice to see someone else building a pro-touring set up here in the UK.

I am in York and have been building my 69 Camaro since 2018, if you happen to be on instagram, i am on there with my build (jzward_1). I went down the route of Detroit Speed front to rear and changed the BigBlock out for a Gen5 LT4. I believe DSE do a front clip for your 68, the quality is second to none and tested too boot. My only advice for you like you have already said, complete your orders well in advance of when you need them and get quite a few parts at one time to keep you going rather than smaller orders here and there.

I use Kim @ Matts Classic Bowties / Dale @ Pro Touring Store for all my parts who are great to deal with and vendors on all the pro touring parts you are after, their prices are top notch and ship straight to STS Imports in Florida and 4-6wks laters they end up in Dagenham, Essex - Ron is a great guy to deal with.

Keep at it!
Jake

Hi Jake,

many thanks for you reply.
great to see another guy in the U.K. doing a cool build, I’ll check you out on instagram, I’m on there we well, but don’t post too often to my honest.

Can reply with you build thread in here please, be cool to have a look.

I’ve used Ron @ STS for well over 10yrs with all the mustangs I’ve had over the years, so we’re both in good hands there.

Thanks for the tip on Dale I’ll check him out.


Cheers Chris

[staffy]

Strip down nearly done; all front and rear suspension and rear axle is of now and it’s on my false axles to push it around the shop..

Those side windows and main door glass are a pain in the ass to get out. Not looking forward to putting that back together in a few years when the car is done.
Just took out rear screen, I wanted to save it as an original Carlite one which looks in decent condition.

Next 1/2 weeks I’ll assess what’s needed and start ordering the main parts.
I’m going the “whole hog” on a restomod so going to be a long project.
I have a week off at the end of the month so I’ll look to to start to replace the floor section then.

#builtnotbought #68restomodmustang

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[Aussie]

I assume you looked at the Detroit Speed Aluma-Frame Front Suspension System

https://www.detroitspeed.com/products/suspension_and_chassis/subframe_assemblies/aluma-frame/parts/032050DS

[staffy]

Apologies, it’s been a quite a time since I last posted - I’ve been busy finishing off my 69 fastback restomod and trying to enjoy what we have of summer we have over here in the U.K.

Progress has therefore been a bit slow on the ‘68 fastback.
surprise,surprise on a mustang, I found a bit more rust than I was expecting; floor pan, bulkhead/firewall and lower cowl plus some other stuff, so much for buying a West Coast car, lol. Had to get the stuff via US which has caused a delay.

Now starting to make progress; bulkhead/firewall completed and full floor and cowl test fitted and ready to install.
Hopefully pics will load.

Chris209773

[staffy]

Photos of progress209774209778209775209776209777

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[craigF]

Hi Chris.
I have had a look through your project build and you are at a good stating point in my opinion. There is so many product you can by for these cars all within an internet connection away. My build started out a a quick tidy up for a summer cruiser but after driving an original car i want something that handled and stopped.
I hent with the Chassis-works rear suspension and Total Cost involved front end. Detroit speed min-tubs enabled me to fit 305 rear tyres with no outer body mods or frame cutting. Australian mod laws are very restrictive also. I chose a 427 Windsor Dart block engine to keep the electronics down but have the Holley sniper EFI running it all. I'm aiming for 5oo RWHP which for these small cars is ample. I do have a thought that keeps nagging me about a twin turbo set up down the line but that's another story.
I grew up in the Midlands and love the country roads down there.
Most of all have fun, take your time and build it how you want to.
If you have any questions I can help with just drop me a line.

Craig.

[cookie]

Looking good Chris, watching with interest to see the direction you take with your '68.

[staffy]

Hi Craig,


Thanks for the reply.
Yours sounds like a cool build, I’d like to know more, so will send you a message

BTW I lives in Staffordshire for 40yrs before moving down to the South East coast, small world indeed.
Chris



Hi Chris.
I have had a look through your project build and you are at a good stating point in my opinion. There is so many product you can by for these cars all within an internet connection away. My build started out a a quick tidy up for a summer cruiser but after driving an original car i want something that handled and stopped.
I hent with the Chassis-works rear suspension and Total Cost involved front end. Detroit speed min-tubs enabled me to fit 305 rear tyres with no outer body mods or frame cutting. Australian mod laws are very restrictive also. I chose a 427 Windsor Dart block engine to keep the electronics down but have the Holley sniper EFI running it all. I'm aiming for 5oo RWHP which for these small cars is ample. I do have a thought that keeps nagging me about a twin turbo set up down the line but that's another story.
I grew up in the Midlands and love the country roads down there.
Most of all have fun, take your time and build it how you want to.
If you have any questions I can help with just drop me a line.

Craig.

[staffy]

Looking good Chris, watching with interest to see the direction you take with your '68.

Can only be you Matt, I presume ?!

I’ll keep you the progress updates coming.

Chris

[LazyMod]

Mike Maier Inc has my favorite mustang suspension options, check out his rear torque arm setup with the rocker arm coilovers. You are at a good point to add convertible rockers and floor pan, I am doing this to mine at the moment

[staffy]

Been a long time since I posted, apologies.
Been busy on welding, body etc and its been away for last 6 months in body/paint shop.

I got her back today in the later dark highland green colur, very pleased with how its come out.

I’m due surgery soon on a joint fusion, so won’t be immediately back on in till later on winter, but then I finish work at the end of this year , so will be back on it full time then. Onwards and upwards

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