68 Mustang Vert - Scarlet

[my68vert]

I've always been a modern performance guy but have ALWAYS wanted to do a restoration (I'm a mustang guy and have had tons of fox bodies) My wife's family has a long history with Ford and her father being employeed by them for 30+ yrs so she's always wanted a mid 60's mustang convertible.

I decided to find a wreck :) and take on a monster of a job to do it the way I wanted to do it, while still being budget conscience as I want to get myself a toy soon too. Found a 68 vert locally (midwest) so it's safe to assume the salt demon worked the car over for 40+yrs.


Suspension
Grab-a-trak 4.5 mideye leafs/lowering blocks (kyb shocks)
620 springs/UCA drop/ Opentracker roller perches (not sure if I'm going to cut 1/4 or 1/2 yet)
1" sway bar
custom subframe connectors

Wheels
FR500 anthracite
18x9 rears
18x8 fronts (narrowed)


Got the car home and started tearing it apart.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/rightside-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/floor1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/rocker1-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/exteriorapart-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/0011-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/003-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/0061-1.jpg

[my68vert]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/91709_2-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/91709_1-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/0012-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8405-1.jpg


Time to move on to the rest of the car :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_7629-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_7630-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_7839-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_7850-1.jpg

[my68vert]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_7721-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_79561-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8167-1.jpg

the way ford should have done the cowl
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8411-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8405-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/scarlet-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8428-1.jpg

Scarlet red is the name of the paint color, so I figured it would be a good name for the car/project.

[my68vert]

finishing up the rear section

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8329-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8331-1.jpg

time to make a rotisserie for proper finishing of the underbody
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8446-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8453-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8461-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8458-1.jpg

SPI epoxy primer goes on
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8504-1.jpg

bc/cc and my custom subframe connectors
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8593-1.jpg

Wheels
fr500's
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8601-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8597-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8594-1.jpg

How she sits as of today!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/10/IMG_8627-1.jpg

[DynoDon]

Holy cow that's some mad work going on there! Nice job.
So what dig you save from the original body? Looks like the windshield frame, Cowl and panel above the truck lid!

[Bryce]

Any updates on this?

[hangten]

great pics!

[droptop73]

Cool

[my68vert]

been awhile since I had posted progress, but in between my family and work travel, I've spent some late nights out in the garage :)

she is on the ground.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/122210-1.jpg
I did get some fatmat sound deadener in and did the transtar rubberized coating in the trunk area.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9071-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9074-1.jpg

installed the Aeroform rack & pinion last night, good fit and quality. i got it with a chrome ididit column, now just trying to pick a steering wheel for it :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9076-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9316-1.jpg
FMIC mounted, and Radiator mounted too.

Fuel system
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9332-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9330-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9353-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9354-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9356-1.jpg

[my68vert]

This is probably the point that I will turn off a number of followers of my project, I had gone back and forth on power plants for a year now. Well, over the last 4mo I went ahead and pulled the trigger on what I had at sitting in my garage from my last project.

I guess all I can say, it came from ford with an inline 6 and it still has an inline 6 (just not a ford) ;) I have a TSI TH400 for it, and a 67 billet turbo. HP will be around 550-600rwhp on e85 mild boost. If I ever have the boost that high!
The other rationale I went with, the car is nothing original so it's only value is what I place on it to my own personal enjoyment. It will be a blast of a cruiser.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/2E678B33orig-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/d4fca057-1.jpg
Trans is an over built turbo 400 :) to handle 900hp. Fits in there perfectly!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9428-1.jpg

Coming together
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/IMG_9436-1.jpg

mocked up the B&M shifter
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/A3D307A2orig-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/640B39CCorig-1.jpg

Downpipe fits nicely
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/117F771Corig-1.jpg

Wire harness threw up
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/72F77562orig-1.jpg


Flex fuel sensor so I can run E85 if I want
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/751FEE8Aorig-1.jpg

Got the trans crossmember fab'd up and I'm happy with it (used some nice little clevis ends and welded tabs to the frame rails)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/2B4EAC02-1.jpg

Feed/return oil lines done, dp made up (getting coated), elbow on compressor cover for ic piping.
Next up wiring!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/B4547356-1.jpg

more to come.

I am on the basic side of things with suspension, however these projects are always "works in progress" :) so I have plans down the road for that aspect of the car.
Chris

[muthstryker]

Cool update! Looks like you've been busy! Cool Toyota motor by the way ;) way to be different.

[Zanie]

Looking thru the photos I thought this was gonna be a boring resto with a 5.0 and a 5 speed. until I saw the rack & the intercooler.

Turbo Toyota and a T400!! Cool!

No wonder you are posting here, this is one of the few forums where people will appreciate it!! Nice work.

[craigs73]

cool build!! all these early stangs are growing on me here lately... and im a chevy guy :machine: hmmmmmmm maybe one day

[rickpaw]

Nice build. Kind of cool with a toyota motor. I like it. Can't wait to see it done.

[DrFraZZy]

A die hard mustang fan. Bit used to v8 but liking how it turns out and very curious about future plans.. SUBSCRIBING!

[Tango68SS]

AWESOME!! Way to think "Outta-the-box". Truly a weird and wild combo! You can take it to ricer events and blow their mind as well as going to "American Muscle" events and do the same! I LOVE IT!

[bonecrrusher]

xKXZT70gwNg

Awesome engine selection!

[Tealm0nsta]

awesome.
seems like the 67/68 are the next new thing in crossbreed swaps.

[my68vert]

thanks much guys, I figured most here would appreciate it. Certainly not everyones cup o' tea.

I had also contemplated the LSx stuff since I've built a couple iron block/l96 turbo cars and they are NASTY setups for a reasonable cost. However, I know the supra motor inside and out since I've built them for the last 8 or so years and the setup/wiring,etc.. is pretty straight forward.

Going to take the harness off the motor and do up the wiriing in the next couple of weeks and try to have her started by christmas :)

[muthstryker]

I was just looking at your pictures again, it looks like your rear wheels are on the wrong sides..

[CruizinKev]

oh cool awesome build! can't wait to see it running! keep up good work! :twothumbs

[my68vert]

I was just looking at your pictures again, it looks like your rear wheels are on the wrong sides..

Holy crap Matt!!! LOL, I can honestly say I didn't even catch that, I was in such a rush back then to get it off the rotisseri that I just blindly tossed the wheels on quickly and never even payed attention. I have to swap those and thanks for the attention to detail!

Chris

[muthstryker]

Haha, no problem! I was looking at the undercarriage pictures and it looked funky.

[GT500KR_Vert]

Nice job.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Holy crap that is b!tchin..

[Wesley J]

Very cool. Nothing wrong with putting modern horsepower in an old machine. Thats a lot of power for an original leaf rear, any plans for that?

[my68vert]

Hey Wes, yeah, I am looking at getting rid of that setup but haven't decided on anything yet. Any suggestions for a reasonable price point you can recommend? I've been following your project and love the direction you've gone with the Coyote motor. If I hadn't already done new shock towers etc.. I would have love to have gone that route!

I can't say how much I'm looking forward to running e85, especially seeing that a new station a block from my house has it at $2.xx a gal :) I started to strip the factory harness to begin wiring up the flying lead harness to the proefi. The goal is to have it started by Christmas, that would be enough of a present for me.

Chris

[my68vert]

doing the wiring the last couple of days, fun stuff lol
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

Also mounted up my iboost controller for the ProEFI and some extra switches for accessories.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/11/2134EA21-1.jpg

Still waiting on the converter, and should have that next week. I'm hoping to be done with the wiring by the weekend and start to button up everything to maybe get fluids in there for a test fire up!!! Hope I can video the start up soon.

Chris

[my68vert]

got about 95% of the wiring done and hopefully I can find the time in the next couple weeks to finish up to get it filled with some fluids and try to fire her up.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/D86C3BF3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/FDE80B30-1.jpg

[r.a.w.rods]

Very Nice!! I love mustangs pluse Im a supra TT owner too. So all I can say is the best of both worlds.

[absintheisfun]

Like the hybrid! It's always good to see a unique build to create some originality! Can't wait to see this one moving!

[my68vert]

Finally had some time to work on her in the last few weeks
Picked the seats for it, Procar Elite seats, great fit and comfortable. my future co-pilot likes them as well :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/2676490F-1.jpg

Got the driveshaft done and in
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/063AAD93-1.jpg

Now have to finish up the brake lines next week and also start working on the exhaust setup.

Worked out some bugs with the wiring and she is now running :D very happy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdmNXLPVMRU

Chris

[xsuperjoex]

Awesome build!!! Love it. Where are you going to mount the boost gauge?

[my68vert]

great question :) I have no idea. I was still debating on what guages to go with for tach/speedo etc.. and thought for now maybe on the steering column.

[xsuperjoex]

These guys can make you custom gauges. I would keep your dash as sleeper as possible.

http://stores.newvintageusa-store.com

[my68vert]

awesome!!! Thank you for the link.

[chunger]

Dude, Great build, but you should really open the garage door when the car is running.

Be safe!

[my68vert]

I have 2 seperate doors and the other one was open :) I had a fan pushing in front of the car to the garage door. Just looked like I was trying to suffocate myself lol

[cheapthrillz]

Screw all the purist haters.... I dig the hell out of this car!

[my68vert]

Thanks much!!!

I was debating how to fab up my exhaust and wanted to minimize how much turning etc.. I had to do. I found a local supplier that makes these cool 4" OD tubing to 4" oval tubing transitions. This will give me the ground clearance I need and not have to run it really close in the tunnel to the driveshaft. The car isn't slammed right now but eventually it will get even lower so the clearance will be needed. I'll have this setup 4" back to the axle and then split to the dual exhaust.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/7AFBD08D-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/F3D74B72-1.jpg

Chris

[GT500KR_Vert]

any updates?

[my68vert]

whoa, it's been a bit on providing an update. Car has been in "paint jail" for the last 6+ months. I took a promotion a year ago and that has left me on a plane 2-3 weeks out of the month :( so at least the bodywork and paint is in the hands of a friend and his shop. I figured it was best to outsource that piece given the time needed to do it right. It's close to being finished after lots of bodywork (panel adjusting, etc..) but coming out awesome.

Here are some previous updates before it made it to paint

She runs like a champ, trans is working, no leaks etc.. I have some cams to put in there now to give it some lope :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVQnKsUog1U&feature=share&list=UUMOsADBmQVxh84y0eM05FlA

recirc of the wastegate to avoid the WOT noise :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/1747A6F0-1.jpg

little 4" magnaflow muffler that I made a dual 3" Y after that will go to a dual setup I'm going to make
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/ACA0B5D4-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/IMG_0584-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/4320CAE9-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/B1F25942-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/8C46898CB7C841ACB8D6A81DC8A0BCFC53020000-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/768F77A9156C43A6866176B82A625CC348560000-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/B482855CEB624A3BAFE778C4290CDDA330116000-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/4A74BEACF5A64AA4902F3B68EBFEDA2530116000-1.jpg

Car as of yesterday :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/88813C225A324A9196D48C590101092B14738000-1.jpg

Once I get it back in the garage I can start wiring up the led sequential tail lights, headlights, put all the weatherstripping on, interior etc.. I can taste it! Getting closer.

Chris

[my68vert]

couple more
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/029DD23A6652498FACD07A4F341DA5D216955000-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/01/6CEEBC050FFF439294A03D1306176DEA16955000-1.jpg

Looking back I'm kind of regretting my suspension selection, but I suppose I can always make those changes along the way, I'd like to do the 4 link in the back with some coilovers all around as the next mod. I also have a nicely built 9" coming for the car in a couple months to hold the power.

[my68vert]

well, I'm happy to say she's back home and I'm working on reassembling. Paint came out fantastic!!!

Little wet sanding action
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/B6B26C3B5B0E480BA90716466CE1CC4713700000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/B6B26C3B-5B0E-480B-A907-16466CE1CC47-13700-000002C6A2160808_zps09b63335.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/DD29507FF3B4432E9FBB39A71BDB3C1715713000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/DD29507F-F3B4-432E-9FBB-39A71BDB3C17-15713-0000033B8B1F6B62_zps08bfbb7a.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/B85CA2CA08A7410593EB16BA7FBF9C5715713000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/B85CA2CA-08A7-4105-93EB-16BA7FBF9C57-15713-0000033B5DF6039B_zpsfe1ae928.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/F7DFF2BF130C4164B9FF85E43BB0EF3D15713000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/F7DFF2BF-130C-4164-B9FF-85E43BB0EF3D-15713-0000033B9E45B451_zpsb172d7fb.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/C6F4310C603C40E89EA9E3E93250483616180000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/C6F4310C-603C-40E8-9EA9-E3E932504836-1618-000000515B3356AB_zpse8d4fd04.jpg.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/F9371CF8F605411CA13B84998BD10F7B16180000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/F9371CF8-F605-411C-A13B-84998BD10F7B-1618-000000516358ADCB_zpsf8209641.jpg.html)

Chrome parts are going on nicely, needed to source some items I pitched 4yrs ago that they don't make repros for but found them today at a mustang salvage yard online. They'll need to be touched up and polished (top windshield molding of the header (exterior pieces).

Once I get some of the other wiring done I'll get it to my buddies and have it tuned. Getting closer to a summer cruise every day!

Chris

[my68vert]

Making some progress, fabbed up a 4" single to dual 3" exhaust for it, getting glass back in, seats, trim etc...

Need to finish up the wiring for the headlights, tails, brakes, etc.. as well as tune it for e85.

Here is a little walk around idling (a tad high). but DAMN that magnafuel is loud lol :)

http://youtu.be/BcakGfrJ17g

[MSTSFabbed]

Haha! Man that is just a weird sound to go with that picture.
My ears and my eyes are arguing!

Looks great! Keep us posted!

[67_coupe]

Car looks great!! What size tires do you have front and back??

Do you have a pic of the front wheel? I think I've got the same brakes as you on my 67 and wanted to see what 18" wheels look like.

[my68vert]

I have 275's on the back.

Here is a pic of the wheel up front with the tire off. I had it narrowed 1" to clear the suspension
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/06/finishedbay1-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/finishedbay1.jpg.html)



Quick trip around the block, need to get some wiring done and get her on the dyne to tune.

http://youtu.be/fDkri2xK4Rs

[67_coupe]

Do you have a shot of the front wheel showing the disc brakes?

[69SSLS1]

This has got to be the coolest build I have EVER seen!

[my68vert]

I've been contemplating selling her and trying to gauge where the price should be set. Still needs some final work but it's VERY close to being done.
Wiring for headlights,tails, markers
Source rear lower seat, I have a non coupe one from the previous owner that I didn't catch until after I had the car, it just needs the lower frame and foam as I have a newer lower cover.
Tune for pump and e85
Also, it needs a convertible top assembly too.

Any thoughts as to a fair price to sell it for in it's current state? With work it has been difficult for me to get time to finish, and the kids are so busy when I am home.

Some current pics
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/A59821E0CA9147E99E06B30C04D3CDCF15620000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/A59821E0-CA91-47E9-9E06-B30C04D3CDCF-15620-0000042EE9A7387D_zpsdadeb5ba.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/746A52D66D8E436C903CE811EAA1FAB215620000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/746A52D6-6D8E-436C-903C-E811EAA1FAB2-15620-000003B0BA453CCA_zps1bef13dd.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/38A2A4D4244E4F3F8683EB4A11345EB615620000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/38A2A4D4-244E-4F3F-8683-EB4A11345EB6-15620-000003B0B52866FE_zps49440a8a.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/07/9C213C3E4E704AB69291513BE1509E6315620000-1.jpg (http://s897.photobucket.com/user/quikturbo/media/68%20Mustang/9C213C3E-4E70-4AB6-9291-513BE1509E63-15620-000003B099DAB510_zps8c5072a5.jpg.html)

around the block
http://youtu.be/fDkri2xK4Rs

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Chris

[my68vert]

well, calmed down after some frustration and gathered my marbles. Took part of the day off to work on the car, did valve stem seals, springs and some 272 cams.

Has a nicer note to it now with some lope.
http://youtu.be/G3UWXQ01UBY

[my68vert]

Decided to put in a fully built 9" and caltrac's to help me hook up without breaking. Lots of little stuff my buddy at SP did, redid a bunch of my wiring :) among some other button up stuff. Got it on the dyno today after a day of drivability/power tuning and tried to turn up the boost a bit. Base boost of 15psi it put down 443rwhp, however when we start upping the boost the fuel pressure is dropping. Added some thicker gauge wiring to the pump, but we suspect the battery may be bad. I'm going to get it home and get some of the left over wiring done (headlights, tails, etc..) and get it back over to the dyno to turn up the boost.
The car only has about 37% ethanol content (since I had some pump in there before putting in 5gal of e85), but I'll be running on e85 100%.


http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItxGQMuwcME