Those of you retoring Foxes, how far will you "Melvin&q

[rnjstel]

I was reading Mustang Monthly a while ago, and came across the article on correct valve stem caps and wheel weights for the 64.5-73.

For me that is a touch over the top. On my 84.5 AE, I am doing things to make it look as "1984" from a distance but close up you can tell. For instance, from the dual exhaust conversion I am using a 87-up GT exhaust tip very high behind the bumper valance on the right and use the correct twin tip on the left. But, the system still is the later shorty headers W/H pipe and flow 40's.

I converted to a manual ckoke Holley from the Motorcraft/Holley and have the cable knob in the spot under the dash where the "amplifier on" chrome knob was. The summit manual cable is a very close match to the amp knob, and when I find the placard for the knob I will add it.

I was able to get an OEM radio body for the car and I am having the guts changed to a modern digital and will a have a six-disc buried behind the dash.

Other things though, like the thermactor, EGR, 7.5 rear etc I have ditched and care not about.

What about you all?

[negusm]

I was reading Mustang Monthly a while ago, and came across the article on correct valve stem caps and wheel weights for the 64.5-73.

I'm starting to wrestle with that kind stuff right now.

asc Used "flat topped" lug nuts on their wheels and I have been trying to find somebody with some original ones to at least see what they look like.

A few other things perplex me. I have two kinds of rear hatch rubber bumpers. Some are round and some are hex shape. I need to figure out which is correct for my car.

I need to get some correctly dated spark plug wires.

I'm worried that the radiator that I had replaced back in 93 is not an oem Ford one. I think I will need to have it replaced again then.

I just picked up the last correct NOS windshield wiper motor I could find with the gold casing as the replacement ones are all painted black. That is a big load off my mind!

I painted the brackets that hold on the rear hatch shocks to the body. When I did it, I replaced the screws and painted them too. I think I should have left them natural (silver). If so I need to take those off and replace them again.

Am I boring you yet?

-Mike

[evlgt85]

I'll let you know when we dig deeper into the 5.0 RS here. The TRX wheels just arrived...

Mike wants to make this car a stocker just like his RS of old, but he seems a little less willing to obsess over making it correct than me. I'd like to see this thing get as correct as possible. We'll see what happens.

[rnjstel]

I was reading Mustang Monthly a while ago, and came across the article on correct valve stem caps and wheel weights for the 64.5-73.

I'm starting to wrestle with that kind stuff right now.

asc Used "flat topped" lug nuts on their wheels and I have been trying to find somebody with some original ones to at least see what they look like.

A few other things perplex me. I have two kinds of rear hatch rubber bumpers. Some are round and some are hex shape. I need to figure out which is correct for my car.

I need to get some correctly dated spark plug wires.

I'm worried that the radiator that I had replaced back in 93 is not an oem Ford one. I think I will need to have it replaced again then.

I just picked up the last correct NOS windshield wiper motor I could find with the gold casing as the replacement ones are all painted black. That is a big load off my mind!

I painted the brackets that hold on the rear hatch shocks to the body. When I did it, I replaced the screws and painted them too. I think I should have left them natural (silver). If so I need to take those off and replace them again.

Am I boring you yet?

-Mike

No, not boring at all.

I am intersted to see what the "vanguard" of Fox restorers do?

I just personally think some of the MCA gold standard judging stuff for the early ones is out of control. They are still Mustangs and not Duesenbergs.

[negusm]

I like your attempt at a new stereo system from an old radio. Keep us posted on that one. If the MCA judges don't see it, they don't take off points :-)

Most of my passion comes from just wanting to know everything about my car.

I've had it here in NC for at least a year and a half...and haven't registered it or driven it....just fiddled with this or that or the other thing. I never seem to get closer to getting it registered.

-Mike

[rnjstel]

I'll let you know when we dig deeper into the 5.0 RS here. The TRX wheels just arrived...

Mike wants to make this car a stocker just like his RS of old, but he seems a little less willing to obsess over making it correct than me. I'd like to see this thing get as correct as possible. We'll see what happens.

Speaking of TRX, did you see these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/TRX-tires-wheels-4-lug-ford-mustang_W0QQitemZ4579809865QQcategoryZ34209QQssPag eNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My brother in law is a Ford guy in Michigan and I am going to see if he can get them for me, the guy wont ship.

I would use these for a "show" situation and have the other TRX set I have converted to 15's

[rnjstel]

I like your attempt at a new stereo system from an old radio. Keep us posted on that one. If the MCA judges don't see it, they don't take off points :-)

Most of my passion comes from just wanting to know everything about my car.

I've had it here in NC for at least a year and a half...and haven't registered it or driven it....just fiddled with this or that or the other thing. I never seem to get closer to getting it registered.

-Mike

I will have it back from the guy next year. It is the first "newer" one he has done. The casette will not be functional though. It is quite common now for the older 50's and 60's to get the digital tuners and stuff for the guts but the outside is still the same. They add RCA jacks so I can use the hidden CD changer. It runs about 200-400 depending on what you want done.

[evlgt85]

I just pulled one of the TRXs out of the box...I kinda think Mike coulda done better, but that's just me. Not impressed with the condition, and I hope the other centercaps are in better shape. May have to locate a set of caps cos these have been pried on in ways they shouldn't. Hm.

Those wheels are LIGHT! Holy cow!

[negusm]

I just pulled one of the TRXs out of the box...I kinda think Mike coulda done better, but that's just me. Not impressed with the condition, and I hope the other centercaps are in better shape. May have to locate a set of caps cos these have been pried on in ways they shouldn't. Hm.

Those wheels are LIGHT! Holy cow!

Refresh me....were they sent out to be redone? Who did them? The place that did my wheels removed all curb rash, etc and they are show car wheels!

-Mike

[evlgt85]

Nah, this is our first look at these things, they were bought used off of Ebay. I'm sure these will take a trip to Tucson for refurbing. Mike's used this place before and had good luck with them.

[anthonydalrymple]

My take on this is simple......

Do what you want to do; period. As long as you truely will enjoy or appreciate what you did? Who cares what other's think! It's your car & you have to live with it. You only live once & now is not the time to get "prissy".

You have something you don't want to mod because it may become a collector car in the future? Buy a common 'stang like mine & have all the fun modd'in it you want! Keep the "collector" in the garage where it belongs, polish the fenders on occasion, & show it off to friends on occasional beer & BBQ days in your backyard.....

The line becomes a bit more blurry when it comes to mod's, tasteful or not, that cannot be reversed.... Like roll cages for instance. This is a functional or tasteful mod in my opinion & does not detract from value. A purist may dissagree..... it'll be a touch decision. But again; do not restrict you "fun" & enjoyment of the hobby. Build a heap like I did to get 'yer rocks off if nessissary & live to the utmost of your potential....;)

[gregpro50]

I like to restore the body and interior to look just like factory. As far as the wheels, engine, tranny, rear, exhaust...etc, I just do whatever I feel like. I especially like dual exhaust. I just have fun with them. They are kinda like Tinkertoys for grown-ups.

I have a friend of mine that is restoring a red '82 GT to the exact factory specifications. Right down to every wire, nut, and bolt. It is costing him a fortune and he will have more money tied up into that car than I will have in four of mine. He is not reusing any parts on the car except the unit-body itself. Everything else he has gotten new or NOS. I have never seen someone go to this length to restore a Fox, but I'm sure it will become more common in the years to come.

[Capri50]

I just picked up the last correct NOS windshield wiper motor I could find with the gold casing as the replacement ones are all painted black. That is a big load off my mind!



I just found one of these on ebay 2 weeks ago. Been looking for a long time. I already have it taped up to be clearcoated with the Easton Satin Clear. I want that color to stay for a while.

http://www.capri50.com/temp234/wiper.jpg

[negusm]

I just picked up the last correct NOS windshield wiper motor I could find with the gold casing as the replacement ones are all painted black. That is a big load off my mind!



I just found one of these on ebay 2 weeks ago. Been looking for a long time. I already have it taped up to be clearcoated with the Easton Satin Clear. I want that color to stay for a while.

http://www.capri50.com/temp234/wiper.jpg

Was it this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8001024883

I tried to get it but since I already had one, I figured I didn't need to go crazy. I spent $125 for the one I have.

-Mike

[Capri50]

Was it this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8001024883

I tried to get it but since I already had one, I figured I didn't need to go crazy. I spent $125 for the one I have.



that's the one mike. looks like we both paid about the same price for an NOS piece. These are a real eye-sore when they get ratty looking.

Do you plan on clearcoating it to protect it? I've had great luck with the satin clearcoat from Eastwood. Goes on so easy, and when it dries, nearly impossible to see it.

[negusm]

that's the one mike. looks like we both paid about the same price for an NOS piece. These are a real eye-sore when they get ratty looking.

Do you plan on clearcoating it to protect it? I've had great luck with the satin clearcoat from Eastwood. Goes on so easy, and when it dries, nearly impossible to see it.

The only reason we paid nearly the same is I didn't want to pay much over what I paid for mine. If I wasn't bidding, I'd hate to think how cheap it would have gone!

Yeah, I was thinking about it. I am really tempted to use some vaseline or silicone grease (the kind plumbers use). They are both ultra clear and you can put them on and lightly buff it off and the part won't feel greasy but have a slight protectant coating.

Sandy Block does this on his 570 mile ascMcLaren and claims that there has NEVER been any bit of rust show up on any of his metal parts.

I also have one that cleaned up really well. I am thinking of taking the housing off and send it for plating....but that would probably be too expensive.

-Mike

[frankiesaysrelax]

I like to restore the body and interior to look just like factory. As far as the wheels, engine, tranny, rear, exhaust...etc, I just do whatever I feel like. I especially like dual exhaust. I just have fun with them. They are kinda like Tinkertoys for grown-ups.

I have a friend of mine that is restoring a red '82 GT to the exact factory specifications. Right down to every wire, nut, and bolt. It is costing him a fortune and he will have more money tied up into that car than I will have in four of mine. He is not reusing any parts on the car except the unit-body itself. Everything else he has gotten new or NOS. I have never seen someone go to this length to restore a Fox, but I'm sure it will become more common in the years to come.

I'm with Greg on this one.

I know a guy with a concours correct '57 T-bird. He restored it himself, it is absolutely perfect, and HE HATES IT. It just sits in his garage under a cover. He laments that if he were to drive it around the block it would lose $20,000 of it's value. When he bought it it was a very nice driver, like a #2 car. Now, after all that time and money spent, he wishes he had just left the car alone. At least that way he could enjoy it.

Cars were made to be driven.

The best part about the hobby for me is that I get to make the car the way I want. Pick a body you like and go to town on the rest. For me, it would be like walking into a dealership in 1985 and ordering a brand-new Jalapena Red '85 GT convertible with a black top and a gray interior, with the improved alloy gearset T5 that wasn't available until 1990, the SEFI 5.0 engine & true dual exhausts that weren't available until 1986, The 8.8 axle which wasn't available until 1986, the updated K-frame that became available in 1990, Front spindles and brakes that weren't available until 1994, rear brakes that were only available on the SVO model, wheels that were only available on the SVO model, intake manifold that was only available on the 1993 Cobra model, FRPP headers, 2 1/2" dual exhaust, ported heads, roller rockers, and a custom cam.

Why make it original when you can make it better? Keep the stock look and update everything else. Like the 6 million dollar man, stronger than before, faster than before. :twisted:

[Zap's 85 GT]

I think modifications are a fact of life for some cars and as long as the "Spirit" of the car is retained in a tasteful manner than its all good. Like keeping the cars identity for the year make and model.

Low mileage cars I would class a bit differently because we all know that a car is only new once and measures should be taken to preserve them.

Rare cars should be trated with restraint towards irreversable modifications IMHO. One sure way to devalue a good car (just to name an example) is to weld a 8-pt cage into a 2000 Cobra R. I've seen it in Albuquerque. No other mods. The owner just wanted a cage. Then the car was sold 3x in one year and was going for only $25k in the summer of 2002. From a +$40K car to only $25k In <2 years. Sad.

People who own cars with little colectable value (unless its a low mileage original) shoule feel free to make modifications or create clones to their hearts content.

But to each his own. This is just my opinion.

[84GT Ragtop]

I'm totally re-doing my mostly-original 84 GT 'vert by shaping wet pine boards into a hardtop, then mounting a ricer ironing board type rear wing. Then putting big horns on the front like a Caddie and heading to the Dodge dealer for the same wood siding they put on PT Cruisers. Hell yeah. :twisted:

Seriously though, I feel the same way about this as most people -- keep beautifully crafted and great performing cars close to, or exactly the way they came off the line. That's what made them desirable in the first place.

Low mileage cars are nice too, but somehow a nice car kept in the garage with a cover all it's life just doesn't seem right. What I really appreciate are cars that in past lives had been ridden hard and put away wet, then restored to their former glory. Maybe it's the work put into it.

But I would likely hate having a concours car just sitting there in the garage, in the trailer, or at the show, like the 57 T-bird a couple posts back. With a concours car, I might even go nuts worrying about damage or incorrect markings, or turn into someone like the obsessive/compulsive guy on that kids' gameshow a few years back that was always on his hands and knees in the living room straightening the frills on his rug.

Maybe I'd change my opinion if I had a beautiful 1968 GT500KR Convertible, in red, with black interior and tan top. Anyone want to give me one so I can find out? I'll straighten your rugs out for you.

rob

[f4fntm]

Sheesh. Gentlemen, the solution is simple: GET TWO CARS! Stroke one with your OEM hand, the other with your Mad Max hand, and... reap the rewards of both worlds. I'm pretty sure there are enough four-eyes for all of us to have a couple, and God knows they're cheap enough. :D

[Roy_86_GT]

I just joined this site and I thought this might be a good topic to post my $0.02.... The best thing about the mustang hobby is the diversity and individuality. Seems like everyone likes to do a little personalizing to their stangs - especially the "newer" ones like ours. I do agree that rare and valuable fox models would be best restored to factory, but the vast majority of the Foxes are not rare or special - at least not in the car world as a whole. I struggled with this for about - oh 10 minutes - back in March when I started planing my 86 GT vert's restoration. I settled for "original appearing" as opposed to "factory original". Cost and parts availability (and sanity!) were major considerations. Also personal taste factored in. I chose a non-original color - 2005 Legend Lime, A small, factory-looking spoiler (does anybody really LIKE that luggage rack??), SVO tail lights (love them stripes!) and the powered "flag" mirrors from '88-'93. The mirrors were a neccessity because the doors came off an '88 vert, but I do like the thought of power mirrors. My exterior is 99% done. Interior is another story! I'm swapping my leather for custom-upholstered factory-look cloth/velour. Got a great deal on em from wrecked stang. Best part is I got the complete seats. So, without boring anybody further or repeating what was already said, I say we just go forward and enjoy our cars each to our own liking and remember what you might not like on someone's car might be something that really turns their crank!

Roy

[evlgt85]

Welcome aboard, Roy!

Guys, I think this thread has gone way off track.

This isn't so much about opinions on what folks should do with their cars, or why you're doing what you're doing with your own. I believe the intent of the thread was to see for those who were taking the restoration route, how far would you be willing to go to chase down every little bit and piece, or what sort of compromises in the restoration would you be willing to make (like hoses, batteries, tires, stuff like that and more)

Restoration is a word that is misused in the Mustang world. Fixing a car up is NOT the same as restoration. Restoration - to restore, meaning to put it back the way it once was, not modify it.

My intent in this post is not to tell you you should fix your car up. Heaven knows NONE of the Foxes here at our place are pristine and perfect, and the most stock of them all are also the most abused and beaten (we're working on that) and the ones in the best shape are hardly stock.

We have one car that WILL be restored, the 5.0 84 RS. Another would be a great candidate if it ever becomes 'ours' instead of just parked here, and that's an 82 Black Magic. Both of these cars are relatively stock, but have been beaten and neglected severely.

However, my 85 GT, my 84 Turbo RS, Mike's 79 Capri and 85.5 SVO and the 85 GT vert here are all variances of not-stock and aren't going to ever really be again. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.

So...let's get this thread, and forum, back on track and discuss actual restoration issues. :)

[rnjstel]

Going to the million dollar question,

Do you guys think that it will get silly (like oem valve stem caps on the 64.5's-73) on Foxes or, will it be different.

I know of the responses so far here that state, yes we are going that route and others are not.

I just spent a ton of money for some Marchal covers and NOS fender ponies so, I think im going Melvin.

[PetesPonies]

nothing new going on here...people have wrestled with the same thing with other cars for years and years. When a modifcation is better and can be appreciated ( major point as many people can't appreciate a mod) but doesn't change of hurt the integrity of the car...is it OK to do? I say yes, but that is your choice. Most people abide by the rule that is it can be easy switched back...then it is an OK mod. Dual exhaust is a good mod..easy to see the advantage and easy to switch back. If duals do nothing for you in any way...you can't appreciate them, then don't do it. I must admit a small chuckle when I read about the thread starter hiding the second pipe...wow.

[rnjstel]

nothing new going on here...people have wrestled with the same thing with other cars for years and years. When a modifcation is better and can be appreciated ( major point as many people can't appreciate a mod) but doesn't change of hurt the integrity of the car...is it OK to do? I say yes, but that is your choice. Most people abide by the rule that is it can be easy switched back...then it is an OK mod. Dual exhaust is a good mod..easy to see the advantage and easy to switch back. If duals do nothing for you in any way...you can't appreciate them, then don't do it. I must admit a small chuckle when I read about the thread starter hiding the second pipe...wow.

Hi,

That would be me :D I love the twin tip look of the pre-85's but, need the true duals.

[GT500KR]

I've been reading and I have to jump in. I have been doing hot rod mustangs since I was 16. I like stock appearance and not stock performance. I had a GT500kr for years that looked stock but had long tube headers and ladder bars that were installed in 68 or 69. I ported the heads, 10 inch converter, cam, rockers, carb flowing and had every last part to put it back to stock. It really looked stock but tweaked tastefully. I drove it, in the rain. I have had two garage queens with low miles and hated them. Didn't drive in the rain, rarely had the car with me when I was "in the mood" for speed. Sold em'. I traded a Boss 351 in Jan '81 for a new on the showroom floor '82GT. IT is the most fun car I have ever had. I didn't want to be the one who sold my '55 Bel Air purchased new so I kept it. This '82 had a four barrel at 12,020 miles, long tube headers at 15k, and was in dozens of races, cruises, dates, and on and on. I kept all the parts. Yep, a 12k 2bbl intake and carb. All the vacuum lines. Now it has 99,600 miles, generally not friendly ones. So, what am I doing now? It is time to make 'er new again(and she has never been wrecked and the interior is excellent). The interior is stock medium red cloth, exterior medium red with black sails stock except for 10 holes. I kept the dual tip exhaust, but, had a custom rod shop put a dual system on but tucked the right pipe up completely out of sight. Completely. The whole car was built before the 5 liter bolt on craze. So I have about decided to put in a 427 windsor with all the emissions stuff, stock air cleaner, QUIET exhaust with the dual left tip and cats, tremec but with long shifter and stock 4 speed srod shift knob. The car has an 8.8 with 3.73's (the 7.5 never blew nor has the srod), koni's, etc. What is screwing me up are wheels. I would put big brakes on it but the '82 is easily screwed up with other than 10 holes or TRX (in my opinion). But TRX equal pure wheel spin and 10 holes limit big brakes. If I could get by with it, assuming someone repops 10 holes or trx in 17 inch, is to put no logo calipers with 13 inch rotors and disc rear, a griggs modified stock K frame with 94 spindles, bilsteins (never cared for any of my koni's too much), headers but with heat riser shields brazed on and coated, stock looking aftermarket radiator. Would love a panhard bar but won't. Almost have to put on frame stiffners, torque boxes, seat reinforcements. Not beyond a powdercoated 2pt or 4pt bar. If I could pull off the repoped wheels, I could fool a few innocent bystanders. So that is my long winded thought on the stock vs not. After playing with Shelby's for awhile, I decided a couple of things. If you've seen one, you've seen them all...unless they are tastefully personalized. In my case, stock but not when you look close. Two, it's about the people. Gotta love 'em. Keeps me in it. So the project is underway, the restoration parts I need are mostly bought. Just need to decide about a few mechanicals I can "get by with." Jim