Need help in creating Body FAQs and How-Tos

[evlgt85]

Since we're losing all the old posts on the previous board, I am trying to go through and archive posts as well as create FAQs for use here.

The FAQs would be along the lines of finding body parts for the cars, what can be swapped with which, what styling cues were changed what years, etc.

Any members that would like to write up tech articles on things like applying 85-86 GT stripes (heck, I might write that up myself if I get a chance), proper detailing techniques, prepping for paint, etc. please feel free to submit what you'd like.

Let's hear what FAQs we should try to address!

[Jamie5ltr]

Well I think the preping for painting one may be a bit involved and can vary depending on what condition the cars finish is in. If the paint is just dead and isn't cracking or peeling then you can get away with a scuff and repaint. If the paint is too thick then you need to strip the existing finish. How do you want to strip the existing finish. YOu can paint strippers, grind, sand, sand blast, or other blasting media's. If there is any body damage. What would be a better way to go about repairing it. Fill the dent with a glazing putty if it is shallow enough. Metal working maybe needed and that is a skill that takes some time and practice and special tools not just a claw hammer and a mad man :D .

Also how you go about applying your primers to build up. Like using an etch primer over the bare metal spots, then going on to use a primer to build up and low spots from feather edging a scratch out to filling in sand scratches. Also using sealers to prevent paint bleed through or to help in color hold out.

Was I any help Skye?

[evlgt85]

Okay, how about more specific things, like prepping and painting minor parts of the car, like body trim. That's something I can do in an afternoon, especially if the trim is flat black. God bless the flat black.

I'm just throwing out ideas, and giving an opportunity for those who want to try to write some tech stuff to do so as well as looking for things to add to an FAQ.

[Jamie5ltr]

I would help but I am still taking care of things at home on the farm while looking for a job.

[evlgt85]

No problemo. I just think it's cool you're stopping by when you can.

[ViRuS]

I might be able to write a lil somethin up for you now that school's out, let me know if there is anything in particular you need

[Hissing Cobra]

Skye, would it be alright if I was able to write something up on reconditioning the side molding for the '79-'84 Mustangs and Capri's? Since we can't find it in aftermarket form, I'm sure that there would be a lot of people interested in saving their original pieces. Let me know.

[evlgt85]

Go for it. Try to take as many large and quality pics as you can. I think it'd be a great idea if you're able to do it without messing up the trim. Lord knows I wish the person who did the R&R on my RS's moulding would have known how to do that...

[Hissing Cobra]

Thanks, as soon as I can go to the junkyard and score a bunch of pieces, I'll get to work. By the way, I can do it without messing up the trim. I've done mine, and it looks just like it did when it rolled off the assembly line (not wavy at all).

[TangStang]

Quater window molding on the '87-93 - A lot of us switch to that window setup, and get windows from the junk yard. As we know, the molding usually looks like a dog chewed on them. Here is a way to make them as good as new.


Take them off the car - Mask them off.

DA Sand the molding with 300grit to take out the major pits

Da Sand with 600grit

Apply Expoy Primer

Wet Sand Epoxy to a smooth finish

Apply your final paint - I used a basecoat clear coat for an added look!


You can fill Major pits with a flexible filler before you prime. Looks better than lose cheesy snap on covers!

[Zap's 85 GT]

Here's what I learned from replacing my roof.

Its a ton of work. I repaced the sunroof top with a non sunroof'd one because of rust from the inside out and I didnt want the sunroof hastles any longer.

The things that need to come off the car are:
-hatch
-windshield
-quarter glass
-headliner
-All inner panels and associated trim
-the doors too unless you constantly want to work around them.

You'll now need to use a propane torch and a wire brush to melt out the lead from the a-pillers and quarter supports. The seams are about 3-4 inches down the pillers from the roof. You can ususlly spot the area by the slight distortion in the paintwork where the lead has shifted over the years.

After that you need to drill out about 100-150 spot welds that retain the roof skin to the body. Once thats done there is a weld at each corner of the roof skin that was hidden under the leaded seams that'll need to be cut in order to remove the roof. The car wont collapse because there is a support structure under the roof skin. The roof skin is just a big piece of sheetmetal placed over the top of it all.

When thats all done you'll need to get a donor roof section from a junker. I paid $75 for mine. Then the process of drilling and removing lead begins again to remove the donor roof skin.

If you've got this far you should know what it takes to install the new skin onto your car and weld and fill in the seams with a high strength, zero shrinkage fiberglass filler. Its an incredible ammount of work and would probably cost you near $2000 for a shop to do it for you. It was my excuse to the wife to buy a welder and an air compressor with tools so I could do the job myself.

[SVO1]

Skye- In my limited time between work, and the family I will see what I can do to help.
I am probably going to be starting the body on my cobra tomorrow, and it is getting a lot done, and a complete repaint (and some flames :) )
I will try to document as much as I can and get lots of pics during this and try to do a writeup for you.
If I have enough time, I will try to break it down into little articles (like re-welding the common 79 style door hinges that crack and replacing the pin/bushing) to some rust repair, and the prep/paint, and laying of flames.
We will see how it goes :)

[v8only]

my brother and I have been going through the VERY long process of converting our 86 gt's to black interior. I have an 86 gt vert, he has an 86 gt t top

The goal was to convert to black using as LITTLE to NONE of the black interior pieces from 90-93.

We so far have successfully adapted the door sill runners, kick panels, entire black dash, piller trim, and entire center console (using the later style red warning display instead of the early white style) etc from the early 79-83 black interior cars.

We are in the process of finding which rear interior panels work, and which style door panels look best.

It has been a challange finding and mating all the parts up properly, because not everything fits right.

If you are interested, we could write up a tech article of how to upgrade your 84-86 mustang to original four eyed black interior.

[Johncr85GT]

I think a FAQ section would be a great idea, to include several mechanical mods. Like Fog light relay,(to come on with the parking lights) also There seems to be some confusion (mainly on my part) about the complete 5lug conversion. Axles, spindles, seals, fender lip rolling. There seem to be several knowledgeable individuals on here that have the whole idea well versed. A complete write up on these subjects would definately help me, and I'm sure others.


John

[cobraman1994]

i will be making a page of tech articles with pics in a few months when im done. it will include:

single turbo install
quarter panel window swap
6pt roll bar install (wolfe racecraft bar)
87-93 dash swap for a 4eye (last thing im doing)
5 lug conversion

ill think of a few more as im going and take pictures along with notes

[BAD5oh]

This is another suggestion but I personally don't know how but someone on this board does but I forgot who. Making repairs to the dash pad. The covers I find are an eyesore and I purchased a new repro pad from Texas Mustang and its flimsy and doesn't fit as well as an original. I have 4 originals with holes I'm saving because I think they can be fixed somehow and would be great resto pieces

I made a set of SVO rear lenses with pin striping. I see that a lot if that may be an interest

how to modify the stock trans cross member for a Tremec

How to repair broken driver seats

[85 Notchback]

Skye, here's a link to my Prep&Paint write-up. It's a 9 Page word document and should cover pretty much any questions on the subject. :)

http://www.foureyedpride.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=17040

Calon