Project 78 Cobra

[cobragt]

Sadly no. It still has the original 2.3 (auto tranny). I bought it from a friend of mine. He had the engine torn down and sleeved as soon as he bought it. Between that and the overall excellent condition of the car I'm having trouble bringing myself to modify it. Of course, being somewhat lazy might have something to do with it too.
Cool story about finding your MII. They are harder to find around here than the Vegas.

Ken

I can't remember the last time I saw a Vega around here, or a Monza for that matter. I do know where a Pinto is sitting but the guy won't sell it.

[opnwide]

I'd like someone to do a t-top king cobra with a coyote 5.0 and maybe some repro 17s. What's the curb weight on those things-2800 lbs?

[cobragt]

I'd like someone to do a t-top king cobra with a coyote 5.0 and maybe some repro 17s. What's the curb weight on those things-2800 lbs?

Some where around that weight, You'll need to do some chassis stiffening with the T-tops.

[mrbigblock]

yep,quiet a bit of stiffening,but once it's done,at 2800lbs,can you say riding on rails.

[cobragt]

I've been in Arizona for the last week and stopped at Desert Valley Auto Parts and picked up a used set of heater/ ac controls. Now I just need to get them on the airplane with me.

[NJSPEEDER]

As maligned as that generation of Mustang is I have always wanted one. Where I go running I pass one that has been sitting for at least 10 years that I know of, such a temptation to just knock on the door and see if they want to get rid of it.

-Tim

[mrbigblock]

once you do it,your in for a surprise, your appreciation will grow for the ii's

[cobragt]

As maligned as that generation of Mustang is I have always wanted one. Where I go running I pass one that has been sitting for at least 10 years that I know of, such a temptation to just knock on the door and see if they want to get rid of it.

-Tim

go for it!

[castine917]

Some where around that weight, You'll need to do some chassis stiffening with the T-tops.

This is the 3rd hatch that has been on this car, I'm hoping it will be the last. The inside of this one has Zeibart or Rusty Jones or something in it. So maybe it won't rot away like the other 2.



Welded up the emblem holes and drilled out the holes for the spoiler and way more bondo work than I wanted. I think the media blaster may have warped it.

This I put off for a while. But wasn't as hard to repair as I thought.







New pieces that I made.







after bondo work and stripping the old seam sealer and paint I got it in primer. Still not sure why that side rusted but the other side didn't. Next step will be sanding seam sealing and getting the hatch and jamb painted so I can glue the new weather strip in and install the hatch and glass.

that chassis flex is present in the hatch version also and causes these issues. when the engine revs. the hatch is twisted and rubs that area inside hatch to deform. do you find stress cracks on passenger side between hatch and rear quarter window? my 78 was cracked there and i was told it was very common.

[srh3trinity]

I have never noticed it, but I really like the look of those tail lights.

[avewhtboy]

Cool project, I live in Tucker, so not too far away, maybe I will get to see this in person at RTTH? or even Peach state?

[cobragt]

I have never noticed it, but I really like the look of those tail lights.

I made those. Lot of cutting and glueing and rewiring. Lot's of fun!

[cobragt]

Cool project, I live in Tucker, so not too far away, maybe I will get to see this in person at RTTH? or even Peach state?

Hopefully I will be able to bring it to the Peach state. Lots to do on it.

[cobragt]

that chassis flex is present in the hatch version also and causes these issues. when the engine revs. the hatch is twisted and rubs that area inside hatch to deform. do you find stress cracks on passenger side between hatch and rear quarter window? my 78 was cracked there and i was told it was very common.

Yeah, even my 87 started cracking there. Best thing to do would be to grind out the body solder and weld the seam. That should cure most of the problem. Adding a cage would help more.

[cobragt]

So I figured out that the Factory Cobra sway bars are as big as they get. Anything aftermarket are just replicating the Heavy Duty Cobra sway bars. I really think it needs something bigger than 1" in the front. And no not all the V8 cars came with the HD suspension. It was an option on anything but the Cobra. So I guess they will just come off and get powdercoated along with the strut rods. I also have the T-top bars for under the hood. I'll get them done at the same time. I'm probably going to Mustangs Unlimited this weekend to pick up the "c" kit springs. I will be ordering the upper and lower control arms from Hiedts. And Summit has Wilwood spindles for the Mustang 11 that are taller for better geometry but not dropped like the Hiedts ones. Then I need to take some measurements and pictures and get that over to Traction Master so they can make me some Traction bars. Lots to do!

[cobragt]

Really! Every time I go over to Mustangs Unlimited they are out of stock on what I need at that point in time. Last time it was the new 5spd. Had to drive 45min. to Summit to get it. Then they have to order the headers I want and now the spring kit had to be ordered. So those are on order they said up to 2 weeks to get them. I guess it's not to big of a deal because I have ordered the control arms yet.

[cobragt]

I ordered the upper and lower control arms from Hiedts today.

[cobragt]

Got my new control arms the other day

Still haven't gotten the springs yet, Next I need to get the new shocks and spindles ordered.

[joemac]

There is a mustang forum with a guy who ports those intakes, they can get pretty good gains when ported. Enough to support a mild build anyway. Seems to me his user name might be TMOSS but I can't remember the name of the forum.

[cobragt]

Got my Spindles last week, still no springs.