66 Mustang Coupe Pro-Touring Project

[xj220]

Long time lurker and dreamer. I'm continually impressed by the work that people do here and it blows my mind how great everyone's projects look. I figured I'd throw my hat into the ring now that I've finally started on my project. The first phase (suspension, brakes, wheels) should be done shortly. Next will be engine and transmission followed by paint and body. The car is very clean and we really lucked out when we bought it nearly 16 years ago. I'll be working on the interior and other accessories sporadically throughout the next couple of years as I save money (and spend it).

My overall goal is pro-touring setup without completely breaking the bank or doing major structural mods. I want to keep a nice balance between the classic feel of the car and personality but enjoy some modern comfort. I appreciate any advice and tips as the project advances. Anyways, enough chat, here's the pics:

[gswartz]

Good looking project. … love that rear end setup

[I_make_oil]

Sounds like you have a sound plan. Looking forward to watching your project progress.

[BigPerm]

Great to see another Mustang project on here. Seems like every time I log back on, there are 20 more Camaro projects, and it hurts my head. And it looks like you went all out with the 6-piston rear calipers; most people just run a 4-piston.

[xj220]

Thanks for the comments, I appreciate it. It is definitely a GM heavy board, but I'm glad to throw my hat into the ring. The first stage is almost done but I'm still waiting on my wheels (HREs) but they keep getting delayed. One of my favorite looks on a car is big wheels with huge brakes and calipers that fill up the wheels. To me, it's a very underrated look. Hopefully, I can post some more pics soon!

[andrewb70]

Thanks for the comments, I appreciate it. It is definitely a GM heavy board, but I'm glad to throw my hat into the ring. The first stage is almost done but I'm still waiting on my wheels (HREs) but they keep getting delayed. One of my favorite looks on a car is big wheels with huge brakes and calipers that fill up the wheels. To me, it's a very underrated look. Hopefully, I can post some more pics soon!

Welcome! Nice build...

We have a lot of Ford builds on this forum if you dig deep.

Andrew

[xj220]

Thank you and I know there's some good Ford builds, I've been enjoying the Cougar build. Sadly, you don't see many of those around but I guess that's part of their charm.

I just want my wheels! I can't do anything without them.

[xj220]

Here's a brief update. The biggest thing I've been waiting on is the for the wheels to be done and they finally are. I should have them soon and the car can finally get on the road again. Only one pic this time.

[Bossed]

Nice project, looking good

[joe28443]

What wheels are those?

[xj220]

They're HRE 563Rs.

[xj220]

Wheels are in! Here's a quick teaser;).

[85coupe50]

Very nice!

[xj220]

It's out of the shop! Here's a good pic of where it sits now. My plan is to let the suspension settle a bit then start working it down so I can get some wheel tuck under the fenders. I also installed some new headlights that I'll post about in another thread.

[I_make_oil]

I'm installing those headlights in my car. Where they difficult to install? Did you have to modify the buckets very much? Are you happy with the performance?

[85coupe50]

What size wheels are those?

That looks great.

[xj220]

The headlights are awesome and installation was super easy. You just unplug the old headlight and plug in the new ones. I was worried I'd have to cut up the bucket but didn't need to do any of that. I did install the CJ Pony Parts relay harness at the same time which required some finagling but wasn't anything terrible. My right headlight adjustment screw broke so the lights were a little cross-eyed but I could tell that they gave off a wide, even light pattern and worked really well. I had seen in pics from Jeep guys that had discoloration and what looked like poor lighting to the side, but I think out mounting height and long hood negate that. All in all, I highly recommend them.

The wheels are 18x8 with a 4.75" BS all four corners. I'm debating if I should have done a 5" BS to get a really good tuck, but I've heard people running into issues with that on the back side of the wheel and rubbing. My fenders are rolled a little already so I think I can get at least another 0.5" or more. Thanks for the comments, this is just the first phase!

[groho]

XJ, you have my attention! I see you didn't tub your rear. Thank you for the pic, helps tremendously to put into perspective. I've been beating myself up regarding 17 vs 18 inch wheels, and 4 piston vs 6 piston brakes for my 66. Did the 18" wheel provide more choices for you, for tires, and brakes? I'm leaning towards Baer vs W.. because its my understanding there's less offset on the rears, is that true? You mentioned your wheel size, but not your tire sizes. Could you provide a pic of the front and rear tire so I can see the clearance inside the wheel wells please?

[xj220]

Yeah, I'd love to go with a Ring Brothers style full on build, but I don't have anywhere near that kind of money. I stretched myself as much as is. I'm doing this in pieces right now and I may tub later but I'm trying to figure out if that's something I want to do or not. Honestly, the 18s don't feel that big and I think they fit the car really well. I went with 6 piston because I wanted to go all out on the brakes and I love the look of massive brakes in open wheels. The 18s definitely allow for bigger brakes and 18" tires are pretty common so they weren't too hard to find. I've heard Wilwoods do stick out a 1/4" more but I just like the look of Baers overall. Tires are 225/40-18 in all four corners. Here's what I could provide pic wise, I'd say its just over and inch of clearance but my front fenders are slightly rolled. The front wheel is slightly turned so that'll affect the view a little bit.

[wfo guy]

Great start!