Project 65 Mustang Resto-Mod

[Black Gold 380R]

Hello All,

Heard about this site from a friend on another forum. I wanted to post up some pics of the project I have been working on for a while now (still not complet).

Here is the link

http://www.fnsweet.com/forums/general-bsn/58124-project-65-a.html OLD

http://www.fnsweet.com/forums/forum/the-blue-tarp/general-bs-n/59574-project-65?page=21 NEW

Take a look and let me know what you guys think.

Keep in mind I'm no expert. Me and my brother basically built this car in his car port, with some help from the machine shop and the paint shop :).

[85coupe50]

Very nice...

[MGCslugger33]

Looks great man. Can't wait to see it all finished up.

[jr4452]

NIce looking car man!

[sixfivepost]

Cool, I like it!

[austin552]

Great job! Can't wait to hear that motor. What are the wheel and tire specs?

[Black Gold 380R]

Great job! Can't wait to hear that motor. What are the wheel and tire specs?

My brother picked up the wheels when the car had drum brakes all the way around. I do know they are 17x8's, but I'm not sure of the back spacing. He also went with 245/45/17 tires. When I put the Cobra brakes on I had to put a 1/4 inch spacer to keep the rim from rubbing the calipers. However, that pushed the wheel out just enough to get fender rub when turning.

I had my body shop guy cut the fender lip and he still had to put a brace from the bumper bracket to the front of the fender to push it out so the wheel would clear. I plan on buying some different wheels with the proper back spacing for disc brakes a little later. Hopefully that will pull the wheel back in line with the fender as I think the front wheels stick out just a tad bit to far with the current set up.

[NOT A TA]

Welcome! Nice looking project!

[Black Gold 380R]

Thank you all for the great compliments. I have to say that there are some awesome cars on this site and some guys with some serious talent for modifying their cars. I do not think my car is a slouch, but it is not in the category of some of the cars on this site. You guys do some real nice work around here. You guys even have celebrity projects here. I’m a very small fish in a huge pond LOL.

Anyway, I uploaded a video of the car being started. If you get a chance head back over and checkout the video on page 3 and let me know what you think.

Very glad to be a member on this site.

[Black Gold 380R]

Ok, did more work. Installed some sound deadener and installed my headliner. It is coming along, but still has a way to go. Check it out if you have time and let me know what you think. Thanks.

[SRD art]

Man you've come a long way! Looks like you took the time to get it right, lookin' good!

[gsxrken]

That's a really nice build you guys have pulled off. I really like the engine look. It's not as easy as people think to get a clean, integrated theme going on an engine, and you have done a great job of it.
Get some of those pictures over here!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/0461-1.jpg

[Black Gold 380R]

Man you've come a long way! Looks like you took the time to get it right, lookin' good!


That's a really nice build you guys have pulled off. I really like the engine look. It's not as easy as people think to get a clean, integrated theme going on an engine, and you have done a great job of it.
Get some of those pictures over here!!

Thank you SRD art and gsxrken. It is very nice to hear positive comments from the guys on this board. As far as getting pictures over here, your wish is my command. How about this? The before, during and after, but still not done......

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/009-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/084-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2011/12/S43000041-1.jpg

[Black Gold 380R]

Ok did more work. Mainly focusing on the interior these days. You can see all the pics on the other site, but here are some as I have been asked to post pics here:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000073-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000032-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000034-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S4300019-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000055-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/65visorsS43000066-1.jpg

[Black Gold 380R]

Also got my glass, Battery hold down and dash pad installed

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000033-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000043-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000083-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000153-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000133-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000114-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000123-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000124-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000134-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000144-1.jpg

[austin552]

Really coming along. Gotta get a bat box for my red top also.

[Black Gold 380R]

OK got my interior in this weekend. Man, I am VERY happy with the way it came out. Now all I need to do is get a new steering wheel, install some headlights and put some mufflers on it with an "H" pipe and it should be road worthy. I still have other things I want to do like upgrade the rearend, but at least I will be able to take it to car shows as it is until I can finish it the way I want it. So what do you guys think?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000047-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000106-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000116-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000182-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/01/S43000155-1.jpg

[Bryce]

nice looking mustang!

[workbenchracer]

Looks real good! Like the special touches you've made.

[sokoloka]

I had the chance to buy a 65 coupe relatively cheap from a co-worker before I bought my Corvette, but I hesitated and it passed. Have somewhat regretted it ever since! Your's looks great!

[Black Gold 380R]

Thanks guys. I beleive getting compliments from you guys on this site means I am doing something right. Still have a little ways to go though. Then again, are they ever done?????

[Dolmaner]

Man this is a sweet car

[Black Gold 380R]

Hey all,

For those who did not make it to the other site here is a vid of my start up. It is not my intial start up as we all now those do not go as planned. Also, the car is currently uncapped. I plan on running Dynamax Bullets. I'm hoping it will sound like the white Mustang in the video below mine:

bm3x0gFmkw4

[Black Gold 380R]

Well, got the car cleaned up this weekend. I found out that I have Boyd Coddington Smoothie II wheels on my car. So, I was able to get the correct center caps for it. The only problem I'm having is getting my valve covers to seal properly. I used the rubber gasket. Then I used the rubber gasket plus sealant. They are still leaking. So, I will go with liberal amounts of sealant only on the next go around and see if that works.

Also, I have my headlights installed now.

Enjoy.......
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/S4300013a-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/S43000098-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/S43000107-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/S43000183-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/S43000202-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/02/S43000156-1.jpg

[Chad-1stGen]

Man that car is sexy! Very nice work!

[1tuff68]

Man, that stang has come a long way! Great job! I noticed a sort of 'dimple' on the passenger side shock tower - is that from the factory or did you dimple it for a reason?

What sort of suspension mods did you do?

[Black Gold 380R]

Man that car is sexy! Very nice work!

Thanks Chad. I appreciate that coming from a Chevy guy.


Man, that stang has come a long way! Great job! I noticed a sort of 'dimple' on the passenger side shock tower - is that from the factory or did you dimple it for a reason?

What sort of suspension mods did you do?

Thank you!!

The dimple is factory. I believe it is there to make room for the battery and the starter solenoid (I moved all that to clean up the engine bay a bit, but did not really spend time smoothing everything out like I should have). Right now the rear suspension is stock. I want to put a 4 link in later. The front is all brand new stock suspension, but I lowered the upper A arm 1 inch (it's called the Shelby drop) and I installed 620 springs which lowers the front another inch to even out the stance.

I had big plans for the car, but like most things in life I had to change the plan a little due to limited funds......

[Black Gold 380R]

Ok, I had a minor set back (well I see it as minor, some may disagree LOL). I was having a wheel rubbing issue and tried to go to a smaller tire, but it still rubbed. I attempted to roll the drivers QTR to make room. My brother originally did the body work and warned me that we might cause more harm than good because he had to use a lot of filler in that area. However, I had no choice as my tire was getting chewed up pretty bad.

Well, my brother was right as I damaged the QTR pretty bad while trying to roll it. Let this be a lesson to those out there that try to do things on the cheap or try to avoid the mock up process. You end up spending more money and time if you try to cut corners.

Here are some pics of the damage and the car “back” at the body shop getting a new outer wheel well and QTR skin. Sucks to do it twice, but at least I know it is done right this time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120129145905-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120129150009-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120403154605-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120403154805-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120403154957-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/04/20120403154856-1.jpg

[gsxrken]

Too bad. By FAR the most expensive things on these cars is doing something twice or more. Happens a lot especially if you change directions or intended use of the car.

[Bryce]

do a fender stretch!

[Black Gold 380R]

Too bad. By FAR the most expensive things on these cars is doing something twice or more. Happens a lot especially if you change directions or intended use of the car.

Kind of what happened here. My brother was going to fix the car on the cheap just to get it going and have some fun with it. Then I stepped in and decided to take it to the next level, but the body work was not readdressed. So, I'm addressing it for the second time unfortunately.


do a fender stretch!

Not sure what that is Bryce. Is it like a flare or a tub? Or do you mean to open the wheel well more? I had only planned to fix the damage and not address the passenger side as there are no issues there and I'm trying to keep the cost down. Also, the QTR on the passenger side has already been replaced. It was so far gone my brother could not fix it on the cheap and had to replace it.

[Black Gold 380R]

OK, got the QTR fixed and took the car to my very first car show. They only gave out cash awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, so I did not place. However, I received a ton of positive feedback on the car. BTW, the 57 next to mine belongs to my Dad.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/S43000251-1.jpg
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/S43000322-1.jpg

[Motown 454]

Nice looking car, I love the color.

[Black Gold 380R]

I had my body shop guy cut the fender lip and he still had to put a brace from the bumper bracket to the front of the fender to push it out so the wheel would clear. I plan on buying some different wheels with the proper back spacing for disc brakes a little later. Hopefully that will pull the wheel back in line with the fender as I think the front wheels stick out just a tad bit to far with the current set up.

I had to do the samething. I did go with a smaller tire and it helped.


Nice looking car, I love the color.

Thanks Motown. I appreciate the feedback.

Here is an update on the project:

My oil pan was leaking and I needed to get it fixed. I did not know if I would be able to drop the pan. With the Damper up front, the tranny in the rear, the starter on the right and the header on the left it was tight. I removed the steering linkage and I was able to drop the pan. It had oil on it and it had over-spray from the paint shop. So, I decided to redo it.

Here you can see my drip pan with oil. After driving the car and letting it sit a few days this is how my drip pan always looked:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0381-1.jpg

Here is the oil pan. Sorry, I forgot to get the before pics, here are the during:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0253-2.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0263-1.jpg

I decided to put some decals on it. I know for the most part they will not be seen, but I though it would add some uniqueness to the project:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0273-1.jpg

Before painting I had to cover the car up:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0243-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0233-2.jpg

And here is the after:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0322-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0312-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0332-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/12/0341-1.jpg

I am currently letting the sealant dry, so I do not know if I was successful yet. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I'm wondering what the consensus is. I'm guessing reactions will be mixed since it looks cool, but you really can't see it LOL. So, I'm wondering who thinks it was a waste of time to put that much effort into a part that 99% of people will never see anyway. I know it's there and I like it, but post up your thoughts fellow Car Enthusiast. Cool or waste of time and effort LOL????

[LowFast]

I like the GT 347 script and trim, not a big fan of the cobra emblem though.

[Black Gold 380R]

You are right, it might have a cleaner look if I only went with the script, but I put the Cobra on as it is a theme throughout the car (i.e. the Cobra is embroidered on my seats, it's on my battery box and it's on my coil). I also wanted something on the front of the oil pan because you can see the oil pan (as shown in a picture from post 24 above) below the car.

Thanks for the feedback LowFast. I appreciate it.

[LowFast]

I am a notorious "de-badger" I pull every emblem off of every car I have as long as there are not alignment holes behind them, and sometimes go the length of filling the holes, it is a sickness I have. :screwy: I do aplaud carrying through on the theme, just be mindfull too much of a good thing can start to degrade the impact of the well placed badging.

[Black Gold 380R]

I hear you and I agree. I noticed Foose is the same way when it comes to de-badging a vehicle. I think it is a good practice to have and if you look at my car it is fairly clean and badge free. Hell, I went as far as to remove the door handles and trunk key hole. I even filled in the bumper bolt holes and removed the running horse from the grill.

So, I'm with you................ And again, the oil pan will not been seen for the most part :).............

[gsxrken]

Just a note about your poly strut bar bushings- they are notorious for putting too much binding on the strut shaft and causing it to snap. At the worst time. I'd advise you go back to rubber or step up to heim-jointed ones from Shaun at street or track.

Nice clean interior!

[Z06killinSBF]

Car looks great. Seems like we have a lot of similar parts and design plans.

[Black Gold 380R]

Just a note about your poly strut bar bushings- they are notorious for putting too much binding on the strut shaft and causing it to snap. At the worst time. I'd advise you go back to rubber or step up to heim-jointed ones from Shaun at street or track.

Nice clean interior!

Thank you and thanks for the heads up. I've purchased parts from Shaun before, so I'll look into his heim joint ones.


Car looks great. Seems like we have a lot of similar parts and design plans.

Thanks. I was looking at your thread the other day. I would love to back half my car and put some serious rubber under the car like you are doing, but my fab skills are nowhere near yours. I had my brother help me with "some" welding on my car as he is a novice. When it came to replacing body panels and such I had to pay someone to do it. So, I can imagine how much someone would charge me to do the kind of work you are doing. Your car is looking great!!!!

[bwkelley76]

Good lookin coupe! The shaved drip rails are a nice touch and I really like the color. That's a shame about the rear quarter and I've been there, you're not alone my friend. Looks like the repair came out really nice though.

[Black Gold 380R]

Thanks BK. I originally did not want the drip rails cut off, but my brother said they were so far gone it would be better just to cut them off. Now, I'm glad we did it. Yes, I was upset when I damaged the QTR, but now it has new metal and is better than before. So, I'm happy with they way it turned out.

[Black Gold 380R]

OK, took the car out for a drive. Car is running great. I went over to my bro's house and had him take a quick video of the car. It's just a first gear take off.

The best parts of the video are at 0:00 and 1:09 (I was driving slow in between because of on coming traffic and then someone came up behind me). Let me know what you guys think about the video..... I know it's short. I'll make a better one later. It's been a little difficult trying to find a spot to tear up the road without pissing someone off and doing it in a kid free environment.

-gN-83mDYBM

[Black Gold 380R]

Okay, got the car on a Dyno. We made an initial run and the car made 330HP (Damn, was that car loud in the building. Notice in the second run the tester rolled up the window LMAO!!!). According to the A/F ratio the car was running rich. So, we down jetted the carb two sizes and tried it again. This time the car made 350HP. That car runs strong and feels good for 350HP, so I'm not sure if a Mustang Dyno reads low or if 350HP feels that strong LOL.

Can't wait to get the nitrous set up and take it down the track with some slicks. My brother’s friend thinks my car is capable of 10.80 if we hook up and run a 150 shot. That would be an awesome time for here in El Paso given our elevation.

First Run:
jw0E1jdf9dg

Second Run:
CuakJEP4bsw

Pic of Dyno sheet (Red is HP and Blue is TRQ):
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/03/DynoSheet_zpsfeed6728-1.jpg

[LowFast]

Nice torque curve, well not so much a curve as a flat line.

[Z06killinSBF]

What's the mod list for the motor?

[Black Gold 380R]

This might be more than you asked for, but I needed to make a list for myself anyway. Thanks.

Engine:

-Stock Ford Block (Roller 302 bored .040 over).
-Coast High Performance 347 kit (10660-SF-F347)
Consisting of:
Probe SRS Forged Flat Top Pistons
Probe Cast Steel Crankshaft
Probe Machined Beam Forged Rods
Moly Rings
CL77 Bearings
-Professional Products Damper 28 oz. (80006)
-AFR Heads (1388)
58 CC Combustion Chamber
2.02 Intake Valve
1.60 Exhaust Valve
-Comp Cam Xtreme Energy (35-426-8)
Hydraulic Roller with 110 degree Lobe Separation
Duration @ .050: 236 Intake; 240 Exhaust
Valve Lift: .555 Intake; .576 Exhaust
-Scorpion 1.6 Roller Rocker Arms (SCP1017BL)
-Edelbrock true roller timing chain set (7811)
-Edelbrock Air gap intake (7521)
-Barry Grant 750 Mighty Demon
-Complete MSD ignition
Pro Billet Distributor (8579)
MSD 6AL box
MSD Blaster 2 coil
-Edelbrock water pump
-Milodon oil pump and pick up
-Moroso 7QT oil pan
-JBA 1 ¾ long tube ceramic coated headers
-3 inch exhaust with H pipe and 18 inch Dynomax Race Bullet Mufflers dumped before axle
-March Serpentine pully kit with power steering.

Transmission:

-Ford C4 with Performance Automatic valve body and Billet Servo.
-Hurst Pro-Matic Shifter (3838500)

Rear End:

-Ford 8 inch with stock axles
-Posi traction unit with 3.80 gears
-Caltrac Bars

[maxamil]

I would think about putting a windage tray with stud girdle in that list of mods. Late model 302 blocks can only take around 400-450 NA HP from my limited experience.

[Black Gold 380R]

Okay, finally got my Ring Brother's fender bolts. I installed the drivers side. I'm actually using the underside of the bolts to secure my wiring, so I need to jack the car, remove the wheels and then remove the wiring in order to replace the bolts. I'll do the passenger side later this week. What do you guys think? Compared to the previous bolts, I think it looks pretty sweet!!!!

Before:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/131_zps03407859-1.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/g89stang/media/65%20Mustang/131_zps03407859.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/132_zps2352e8cd-1.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/g89stang/media/65%20Mustang/132_zps2352e8cd.jpg.html)

After:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/129_zps01ecf143-1.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/g89stang/media/65%20Mustang/129_zps01ecf143.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/128_zps5efed162-1.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/g89stang/media/65%20Mustang/128_zps5efed162.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/133_zpsa3b190b8-1.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/g89stang/media/65%20Mustang/133_zpsa3b190b8.jpg.html)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/05/134_zps96fec237-1.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/g89stang/media/65%20Mustang/134_zps96fec237.jpg.html)

[Black Gold 380R]

Finally got Project 65 to the track. Was able to get a best of 12.56 at 110 MPH. That was foot brake, all motor and street tires set to 18 psi. At our elevation they say the car should run a second faster at sea level.

Qa3DJFjTAHw