My 1965 Mustang Coupe (Project Thunder)

[72mach1]

So here's the starting point on my new project car.



First step is rust repair, changing the color to the new sterling grey with black shelby stripes, removing the luggage rack (so not cool), putting on a new low rise hood and wheel flairs.

It's in for paint now, then it'll be time to start the fun stuff, performance upgrades!

[72mach1]

Here are a couple in progress pics from the body work.





I'm looking for some suggestions on power adders and suspension if anyone has any thoughts. Already have the usual suspects planned, carb, cam, intake manifold, headers, 2 1/2" exhaust, electronic ignition.......

Brian

[joe5.8]

Find a wrecked 03-04 cobra and use all the parts

depending how much u want to spend i would even use the IRS with some Fab work

[srh3trinity]

Where did the flares come from? They look great, do you have some for the front too?

[72mach1]

Thanks. The flairs are front and back and they are from mustang depot. They're actually made to use with the side skirts from their E2 kit, but I just want the flairs so I'm trying to make them work, we'll see.

[Wesley J]

Rear Suspension: I cant help with the rear as I didnt think any of the setups on the market in my price range were very well designed so I built my own. You can check out by build (link in my sig) for ideas though

Front Suspension: I went with the Fatman Strut IFS kit. Again, you can check it out in my build. Quite happy with it on the road. Installation and overall design is below par for the cost. I'll have a full review with details in the suspension subforum one of these days.

Cheers,

Wes

[72mach1]

The body work and paint are supposed to be done on Wednesday, then it's getting the new cam, carb, intake, distributor, headers and exhaust. Can't wait to see what it looks like with the new sterling gray!

[72mach1]

Here are the wheels that are going on it. Just arrived today.

[72mach1]

Just finished with paint. Sterling grey with black shelby strips. Also has the low rise hood and wheel flairs installed. What do you guys think?

[John Wright]

I love the smell of fresh paint in the morning...looks great...nice and shiny.

[fordrule]

looks awesome

[67 ls1 vert]

hey brian, did you paint inside the trunk area too? car looks much better now. good job.

[72mach1]

Yes, the underneath of the trunk lid got base and clear, the trunk floor got just base. Also under the new fiberglass hood, the finished edges got clear, unfinished got just base. I'll be taking a couple more pics over the weekend and posting them.

Question, I have a 3 spd manual trans and I'm guessing the 8" 2:80 open rear end. How can I confirm? Assuming that is correct, at highway speeds the engine sounds like it's redlining at about 60mph. Whats a better gear ratio for performance off the line but good freeway cruising also? Any feedback on the trans? Is it worth swapping out, what are the pros and cons and what should I go with if I do?

Thanks. Brian

[blown9746]

definitely swap out the trans. If you are on a budget you could find a t5 out of a 5.0 mustang cheap. That will drop your cruising rpm a lot and then you could go up to a 3.55 or 3.73 posi rear. Would make a huge difference off the line and cruising too

[srh3trinity]

I like the color combo. With the old hubcaps on, the car looks like it still has some manners. With the new wheels and tires, it is going to be a whole different beast.

[MSTSFabbed]

Get rid of that 3 speed if you can. Mine was straight junk. I'm running a 93 T5 (for the record the 83 to 92s IIRC bolt right up to a 289 NOT the 93 :( ) I have a 3.00 rear gear and it now pulls 70 at 2000 RPM in 5th. Massive massive difference plus a much deeper 1st. I'm planning to upgrade to 3.80s because its now too low haha.

Check your id tag on your axle and I'm sure you can google it and find whats in it, if you don't have a manual or something. Car looks good!!

[67cougnut]

Get rid of that 3 speed if you can. Mine was straight junk. I'm running a 93 T5 (for the record the 83 to 92s IIRC bolt right up to a 289 NOT the 93 :( ) I have a 3.00 rear gear and it now pulls 70 at 2000 RPM in 5th. Massive massive difference plus a much deeper 1st. I'm planning to upgrade to 3.80s because its now too low haha.

Check your id tag on your axle and I'm sure you can google it and find whats in it, if you don't have a manual or something. Car looks good!!

why wont 93 t-5's bolt up to a 289? as long as its a 6 bolt 289 then any t-5 should work as long as your using the correct bell housing or the stock bell housing with an adapter. the 94-95 t-5's had longer input shafts and you need to use caution when using those. ive seen guys use the standard t-5 adapter on there old 4spd bell housing and then they cant figure out why the gear box wont bolt all the way on.

[Bryce]

for front suspension ideas check out my thread in my signature.

Car is looking good. I always like seeing another ford.

[MSTSFabbed]

67cougnut- The 93s also have the longer input shaft I believe. Its quite possible I have my years wrong as its been a while since I did my research. I was told mine was a late 80s, put it in and it bottomed out in the pilot bearing with about a half inch left. Im running the adapter on it now and it works fine.

[67cougnut]

Here are the wheels that are going on it. Just arrived today.

are those the torque thrust m wheels?