My new Cobra

[89 AZ SSP]

DUW



I just signed up again on the site. I purchased this Cobra week.

Was sold in Switzerland and now I have it in Germany.
Was origianally the copper color but someone did put a bad black paint job on it. I will get better pics later when I get time.

I am having problems figuring out why the headlights don't work. The lights themselves are good but I am not getting any power to the front connector.
I didn't see a fuse in the fuse box either:?:

Turbo with 71KM on the clock.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_406_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_407_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_408_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_410_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_411_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_412_full.jpg

Someone started sanding the finish off the P/S

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_413_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_414_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_415_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_416_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_417_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_424_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_426_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_427_full.jpg


D/S Door Tag

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_418_full.jpg

Title and Emission Book

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_419_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_420_full.jpg

[79notchback]

Very nice.

[tvan1988]

That is a very beutiful car!!!! congrats

[Hissing Cobra]

Welcome to the site. It looks to be in very nice shape! I love the speedometer. It's measured in MPH to 180! I've never seen one of those before. I also like the rear window wiper. Those aren't seen too often either. I'm assuming that it's an '80 or an '81?

[myler]

haha i love the starting instructions!! i miss the days when you had to have instructions for things we take for granted now. i didn't even know it but i use those instructions everytime i get in my car. Been sitting for a while, two pumps and starts right up, been driven lately once to the floor slow up and starts right up. Although my motor is far from stock...must be a carb thing.

[cobrstang]

Welcome back. Car looks pretty good with some awesome documentation.

[89 AZ SSP]

Welcome to the site. It looks to be in very nice shape! I love the speedometer. It's measured in MPH to 180! I've never seen one of those before. I also like the rear window wiper. Those aren't seen too often either. I'm assuming that it's an '80 or an '81?

Thanks or the compliments.
It's a 1980 and it was made for Switzerland so it has a KPH speedometer that goes to 180:p The MPH is listed in Green.
I hope to get a tune up on it sometime this week. I am waiting for all of my parts to get here. It doesn't run to well currently but I think the tune up will help the most. I need to get the lights fixed too!! From what I have read it looks like many people have problems with them.
Will be posting the progress.

Cheers!

[Hissing Cobra]

Doh! I should have looked a little closer. It's still a cool looking speedometer.

[tman1257]

Looks good. Is that the switch for the rear window wiper on the bottom of the dash?

[Zap's 85 GT]

Is that the one that was on eBay a little while back? I knew a guy who was bidding on it who is stationed over there.

I'd get a new headlight switch for the car and see if that fixes your problem.

[89 AZ SSP]

Looks good. Is that the switch for the rear window wiper on the bottom of the dash?


Yeah, bottom right by the radio.

Is that the one that was on eBay a little while back? I knew a guy who was bidding on it who is stationed over there.

I'd get a new headlight switch for the car and see if that fixes your problem.

Yeah I won it the 2nd time it was listed. When the guy delivered it to the house I was disappointed so he took 500. Euro off the price.
Definately getting a new switch and thanks for the help.

[tman1257]

I don't know how many had the rear window wiper option, but from what has been talked about on here it doesn't sound like too many.

[89 AZ SSP]

I don't know how many had the rear window wiper option, but from what has been talked about on here it doesn't sound like too many.

Cool, It actually still works. I just need a new blade for it. The painted over the door tag so I can't see all the specifics about the car:mad:
I tried using some paint thinnner to remove the paint but had no luck.:confused:

[89 AZ SSP]

Well I started cleaning up the engine bay. I didn't get too far since its pretty grimey.

Before

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_427_full.jpg

After and in progress.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_429_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_432_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_433_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_434_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_436_full.jpg

You can actually see the smog pump now

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_437_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_438_full.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_442_full.jpg

After removing the old cap and wires I cleaned them up and found the original plug wires only 28 yrs old:eek:

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_444_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_445_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/468000-468999/468472_446_full.jpg

[black1980fiveoh]

I'm assuming that it's an '80 or an '81?

The interior door panels give it up as an 80. The door lock are in the arm rests, there is cobra badging and the panels are plastic.

Great looking car, it must be rare and a little exotic on that side of the ocean.

[Zap's 85 GT]

A good tune up should do the car good. Original belts and all. When I bought my GT in 2000 in England it was original down to the plug wires as well. Valve guide oil seals will go a long way toward making it run like new. I've never seen one that old not blow blue smoke on startup.

[89 AZ SSP]

A good tune up should do the car good. Original belts and all. When I bought my GT in 2000 in England it was original down to the plug wires as well. Valve guide oil seals will go a long way toward making it run like new. I've never seen one that old not blow blue smoke on startup.

I ordered quite a bit of stuff last week so it should be here anytime now. I need to get all the fluids changed and put some new gaskets on it.
I am not sure how to do guide seals but maybe I will have to learn.

I decided that I am going to order a new carb for it as soon as I can track one down.

[tripice351]

Great find! I wonder if the Marti report info for 79 shows export DSO totals, and once he gets to the 1980 cars (eventually, 79's took forever), you may be able to get some good info on it.

[89 AZ SSP]

Great find! I wonder if the Marti report info for 79 shows export DSO totals, and once he gets to the 1980 cars (eventually, 79's took forever), you may be able to get some good info on it.

I can't wait!! They painted over my door sticker so I can' see any of it:mad:

[89 AZ SSP]

I did some more work the last week on getting this thing tuned/cleaned up.

Here the European headlights with a extra parking light built into the headlight.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2770.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2767.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2760.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2762.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2759.jpg

Why they probably don't work

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2752.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2751.jpg

Found the warranty card under the seat.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2775.jpg

Still has the ford tape and zip ties installed

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2707.jpg

I will get some more updated photo's later tonight.

[Sellis1012]

I ordered quite a bit of stuff last week so it should be here anytime now. I need to get all the fluids changed and put some new gaskets on it.
I am not sure how to do guide seals but maybe I will have to learn.

I decided that I am going to order a new carb for it as soon as I can track one down.


A rebuild kit would be cheaper and more reliable than buying a used/remanned carb. It is an easy carb to rebuild.

[89 AZ SSP]

A rebuild kit would be cheaper and more reliable than buying a used/remanned carb. It is an easy carb to rebuild.

I will have to give it a try. thanks

[89 AZ SSP]

Some updated pics.I did a lot of cleaning and changed:

Fuel filter
Air filter
Carb gasket
Valve cover gasket
I am planning on doing the oil pan gasket tonight.

Some before/after photo's

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2860.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2861.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2864.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2866.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2867.jpg

I had to use some electrical tape to fix the air inlet. I wasn't sure if I could buy a new one so I did what I could.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2852.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2842.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2891.jpg

Cleaned up the air cleaner

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2850-1.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2855.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2692-1.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2881.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2656.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2892.jpg

I checked out the spare tire area and its still brand new.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2896.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2895.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2900.jpg

interesting tread

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2904.jpg

I had a sunroof cover laying around so I finally found a use for it.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2906.jpg

This switch got pretty hot at one point in time! :eek:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2901.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2903.jpg

[Sellis1012]

Are you military or do you live over there permanent like?

[89 AZ SSP]

Are you military or do you live over there permanent like?

I am in the Air Force. I left the States in 2003 and have lived in Korea,Italy and now Germany.

[Sellis1012]

I am in the Air Force. I left the States in 2003 and have lived in Korea,Italy and now Germany.

I just got back from Eglin on tdy. Check out this thread. You might be able to get a carb.
http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?t=56635

[89 AZ SSP]

Cool, Thanks!

Where are you at?

[Boss 429]

I would like to say:thats Just A Great car!!! Glad to see a good car guy buy it!! and to bring it back to Shape again. As You Probably Know you have A Dearborn,Mi. You have A Early 1980 Cobra, Which would have a:Late 1979 Build date, (Nov,or Dec. 1979) Again,Thanks for The great Photo Updates, Gregg M. Dayton,Ohio

[Sellis1012]

Cool, Thanks!

Where are you at?

Wright Patt. Yes, very cool Cobra by the way. Look forward to you bringing it back to the states. Maybe all us Cobra owners can have a party!

[89 AZ SSP]

I would like to say:thats Just A Great car!!! Glad to see a good car guy buy it!! and to bring it back to Shape again. As You Probably Know you have A Dearborn,Mi. You have A Early 1980 Cobra, Which would have a:Late 1979 Build date, (Nov,or Dec. 1979) Again,Thanks for The great Photo Updates, Gregg M. Dayton,Ohio

I knew it was a Dearborn car, but how do you tell if its a early one?
My door tag is painted over so if anyone can tell me how to safely remove the paint I will.

Wright Patt. Yes, very cool Cobra by the way. Look forward to you bringing it back to the states. Maybe all us Cobra owners can have a party!

Sounds like a plan. I live 5hrs away in N. Indiana and I plan on coming to W.Pat next time I am home on leave.

[89 AZ SSP]

I got some more work done.

I changed out the oil pan gasket, huge PITA!! I am going to try and find a rubber one next time.

I had a alum. D/S laying around from my SSP so I installed that.

Put in my new headlight switch but they still don't work:mad::mad:
Everything comes on but the headlights

Swapped out the worn out shocks.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2934.jpg

Replaced the coil and cleaned up the starter.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2919.jpg

Got rid of this. I am doing a flush as soon as its running again.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2933.jpg

a few pics of the undercarriage.
I need to swap out the rear fluid and change the gasket and seal. They both appear to be leaking.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2932.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2926.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2923.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2924.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2915.jpg

[tman1257]

About the only way to get the production info would be to order a Marti report. You can order them with door tags like Pete(Hissing Cobra) did so that you would have them. I don't have time to post the link since I am at work but if you look in the Cobra and Production number sections you will find the threads about them or go to www.martiauto.com. I ordered one without the tags (deluxe report) and it was $46 shipped.

[89 AZ SSP]

About the only way to get the production info would be to order a Marti report. You can order them with door tags like Pete(Hissing Cobra) did so that you would have them. I don't have time to post the link since I am at work but if you look in the Cobra and Production number sections you will find the threads about them or go to www.martiauto.com. I ordered one without the tags (deluxe report) and it was $46 shipped.


Thanks for the info. Looks like I will have to wait until he does 1980. Looks like a bunch of cool info.

[Sellis1012]

I knew it was a Dearborn car, but how do you tell if its a early one?
My door tag is painted over so if anyone can tell me how to safely remove the paint I will.



Sounds like a plan. I live 5hrs away in N. Indiana and I plan on coming to W.Pat next time I am home on leave.

Well there are a couple of us Cobra owners right here in town. Gregg being the other. He has the sweet white 80 Cobra.

[89 AZ SSP]

Well there are a couple of us Cobra owners right here in town. Gregg being the other. He has the sweet white 80 Cobra.

Would be cool to check them out and get some photo's. I want to bring my nephews to the base museum when I come home this year.
BTW have you ever checked out
www.militarystangs.com

[89 AZ SSP]

I removed my buc tag so it doesn't end up getting broke off like my SSP. I noticed a 37 stamped backwards into it. It's by the 4 and 5.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2958.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2959.jpg

[gregpro50]

That looks like a great find. Seems to be alot of these cars coming to the surface lately.

[FoxChassis]

VERY interesting that the VIN has an "A" engine code and the Body/Buck Tag has a "T" engine code.

VIN
0 = 1980 model year
F = Dearborn, MI assembly plant (DAP)
03 = three-door hatchback
A = turbocharged 2.3L engine
173049 = production sequence number (73,049th '80 Mustang assigned a VIN at DAP)

Body/Buck Tag
MUSTANG = model line
173049 = production sequence number
61R = three-door hatchback
T = turbocharged 2.3L engine
MO = moonroof
0421
8W = Chamois Metallic Glow exterior paint color
DF
TT = Lower Tu-Tone Paint Treatment (black)
ST
RW = rear wiper
06
HB = heated back glass
EX = export model
CBR = Cobra option/package
MBW = manual Borg Warner transmission
09 = full-length rear-facing hood scoop
V
2 = White/Carmel interior trim color
4
5
DCR
III

The "18" and "37" were stampings done by assembly plant workers as QC.

[89 AZ SSP]

VERY interesting that the VIN has an "A" engine code and the Body/Buck Tag has a "T" engine code.


Thanks for decoding that. My book is buried in some box since I just moved.

Does the T for the V-8?

It is interesting though.

[FoxChassis]

Does the T for the V-8?
Nope, the "T" engine code is for the turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder.

[89 AZ SSP]

Nope, the "T" engine code is for the turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder.

oh, I see it now :fried:

[429bigblock]

Thats a sweet looking cobra. Neat that it has the "T" and "A". "A" was just for the 4cyl right? I think we've seen this on other turbo cars. Cool that it has the rear wiper as well.

[89 AZ SSP]

I decided to rip the interior out yesterday and see what the damage was.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2979.jpg


Besides the carpet being old it wasn't too bad as far as dirty goes. It is old and brittle so it has started to rip apart.

They don't make the original color for this so I think I will replace it with black to offset the color a little more.

I took it down to the car wash and power cleaned it. Still drying so no photos of the finished product.



I am guessing this is for the high tech 1980 stereo.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2969.jpg


When I took the console out I was amazed that all the latches and the plastic were still perfect.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2971.jpg



The carpet back then was actually screwed down and then the door seals were installed on top of them.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2978.jpg

The ash tray was actually used, thankfully I didn't see any cig burns.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2975.jpg



I am not sure what this does yet. I know it goes to my rear brakes. It sits under the rear P/S seat.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2976.jpg


I found the original key tag

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2973.jpg

[89 AZ SSP]

The floor pans

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2981.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2982.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2983.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2984.jpg


Here is the damaged caused by a leaking sunroof. I cleaned it up the best I could and sprayed some paint on it to slow it down until I can get it in for proper repair.

Front P/S:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2987.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2993.jpg

Rear P/S

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2988.jpg

Rear D/S

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2990.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2994.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2998.jpg


Front D/S

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2996.jpg

All the crap that I removed and its only the deadner that was in the way.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_2999.jpg

[shelbyeuropa]

You'll probably find more turbo'd Cobra's in Europe then you'll find in the US.
Especially Belgium has quite a few, this is because they pay tax to engine size.
Do a search on www.kapaza.be or www.advertentiezoeker.nl , often there a a few available.

It's a shame someone painted your Cobra black, I like the gold color.

[shelbyeuropa]

btw, a good place to buy parts for your Cobra is http://www.mico.net/partsearch_open.html
The prices that you see is waht you pay in Euro's excluding shipping from the Netherlands to Germany.

[89 AZ SSP]

btw, a good place to buy parts for your Cobra is http://www.mico.net/partsearch_open.html
The prices that you see is waht you pay in Euro's excluding shipping from the Netherlands to Germany.

Thanks for the info. I will be checking them out shortly.

Have any photos of the rest of the cars that you own? Very nice collection!!

[lilbush]

just curious but what is that thing under rear seat? looks like brake lines going to it. nice car by the way.

[89 AZ SSP]

just curious but what is that thing under rear seat? looks like brake lines going to it. nice car by the way.

It is for the rear brake lines. I am just not sure what it does???:(

thanks for the compliment.

[tman1257]

Is it some kind of a proportioning valve?

[89 AZ SSP]

Is it some kind of a proportioning valve?

Thats what I am starting to think. I put a thread in the other forum for someone to identify it. It looks to me a old school adjuster. I have no idea why its under the rear seat though??

[shelbyeuropa]

to: 89 AZ SSP
"Have any photos of the rest of the cars that you own? Very nice collection!!"

What cars are you interested in?
Most of them are into restauration or in need of.

[Hissing Cobra]

It is for the rear brake lines. I am just not sure what it does???:(

thanks for the compliment.

It's definitely a brake line, as both my '79 and my '81 had it going through the interior too. However, neither one of mine had that piece. Weird things from Ford back then.

[89 AZ SSP]

It's definitely a brake line, as both my '79 and my '81 had it going through the interior too. However, neither one of mine had that piece. Weird things from Ford back then.

I will see if I can find a part number on it.

What cars are you interested in?
Most of them are into restauration or in need of.

The typhoon and all the fox bodies. What town do live in. Maybe you aren't too far from me in Spangdahlem. We could possible meet up this summer.

Not sure if you heard of this site for European Mustangs www.mightymustangs.net

[shelbyeuropa]

The typhoon and all the fox bodies. What town do live in. Maybe you aren't too far from me in Spangdahlem. We could possible meet up this summer.

Not sure if you heard of this site for European Mustangs www.mightymustangs.net

Pm me your mail address and I'll get you some pics.
I live about 3 hours away from you but sometimes I visit club meetings in Germany.
I'll have a look on that site, never heard of it.

[89 AZ SSP]

It's been a while so I need to update this thing.

I got the car running again after I cleaned everything up. In the engine bay I changed:

Valve cover gasket
Oil pan gasket
plug wires
cap/rotor
Carb gasket
Battery

So I get it running and I start to flush the radiator since the water was a muddy color. After about 5 minutes the car just shuts off. No sputtering or gasping just running perfect and bam it shuts off.
I did some research and it seems that the ignition boxes are junk on these cars. So I ordered a new one and a ignition pick up that goes in the distributor. While I was flushing it I also noticed that the radiator has a few leaks it so I ordered a new one of those.
This all took place a week or so ago and I am now just getting my parts in.
I got the radiator installed tonight and changed the rear end fluid.
I have most of the interior back in after cleaning it.
I hope to have the ignition parts installed tomorrow night.
I have to swap out those edelbrock shocks I installed since they aren't made for this old of a foxbody. I should get that done tomorrow night too.

I am still waiting on more hoses since these on the car seem to be the original.

My camera is on the fritz so this is the only pic that I have. This is after I took it to the car wash.
You can see that its ripped in the bottom left corner. This stuff is really brittle since its so old. With the weight of the water in it I had to be careful when I picked it up. It was already ripped when I got it but now its worse. I have Matt at www.foxmustangrestoration looking for some correct carpet for me.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG_3041-1.jpg

[Sellis1012]

Could be the ignition module. Is that the brain box? The pin on my distributor sheered, that's what killed mine once. I had a brain box go bad on my old Cobra but it dies a slow sputtering death.

[Zap's 85 GT]

Can you get ahold of the brackets off a newer axle to mount the Edelbrock shocks? My Buddy's 79 used to break lower shock bolts all the time.

Try the ignition box first. Was it still Duraspark for the 2.3t's? The PIP in the distributor is a pain to change as you need to remove the distributor, then press off the gear and pull it apart that way.

[89 AZ SSP]

Can you get ahold of the brackets off a newer axle to mount the Edelbrock shocks? My Buddy's 79 used to break lower shock bolts all the time.

Try the ignition box first. Was it still Duraspark for the 2.3t's? The PIP in the distributor is a pain to change as you need to remove the distributor, then press off the gear and pull it apart that way.

I already bought the correct shocks, but I do have another axle laying around I will have to check on the mounts.
It does have the duraspark so I guess I will try that first since the module inside the distributor sounds a PITA to change.

Thanks for heads up guys.

[89 AZ SSP]

I installed the new radiator,correct shocks,hatch shocks and the new ignition box last night.

I got her running good now.;) Thanks to the help of everyone on the board!

I got her down off jackstands. I just need to complete the flush and put some new anti freeze in. Finish re-installing the interior.
Next week I plan on getting my plates and start detailing the exterior.

[tman1257]

Sounds like its coming along pretty good.

[Sellis1012]

Good news.

[89 AZ SSP]

It was nice last weekend after I got it running well I pulled it outside to wash it for the first time. The paint needs a lot of work but not sure how well it will turn out. It isn't that nice of a paint job at all but I will polish this turd the best I can.:)

After getting done I noticed how bad the sunroof leaks. Bad enough I can't drive it:mad:
I ordered new seals and I am going to change out the drain hoses since 2 of them are kinked closed. I also noticed that Ford had a great idea to make the front one run up hill before doing a 180* turn.

Here are a few pics. The dog decided she wanted to pose in a couple of them:)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/DSC_0041.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/DSC_0040.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/DSC_0038.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/DSC_0036.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/DSC_0034.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG013.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/IMG009.jpg

[Hissing Cobra]

The interior looks like it came out really nice! Before replacing the rubber drain lines for the sunroof, try rerouting them to eliminate the kinks and blow them out with compressed air (that tactic may unclog them and save you from taking everything apart).

[pro321a]

Nice looking car! Looks like your project is coming along nicely.

[89 AZ SSP]

ok I finally replaced the drain lines. They were too old and hard to get the kinks out.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0044.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0043.jpg

These are the new ones that I installed. Even with new hoses the poor design makes the front not want to drain properly.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0019.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0018.jpg

I RTV'd the hardware to prevent further leaks. I have the weather stripping to install later today.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0015.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0016.jpg

The rear tore apart for access

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0034.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0033.jpg

The damaged headliner

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0021.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0020.jpg

[89 AZ SSP]

The original exterior color.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0045.jpg

Export fuel filler

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0040.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0039.jpg

Looks like I will be running racing fuel! :D

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0042.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0041.jpg

I was hoping to find a build sheet. I was out of luck when it came to that but I did find something unique.

A 1968 coin (Dinar) from a communist country. Yugoslavia

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0036.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/Cologne/DSC_0037.jpg

[tman1257]

That reminds me of when I had to take my interior out for the drain lines. This should definitely help you out.

[89 AZ SSP]

Well this past week I had to do some more work on the old stang.

Changed out the heater core,struts,tranny mount and then started the motor mounts and that started being a PITA and I was at the base hobby shop so I said screw it and I will do it in my garage.



I put in a order from 50RESTO.
ordered:
- weather strip kit for the doors,hatch, and window channel.
- emblems since they were all removed when they did this paint job.
- Cobra floor mats
- hatch bumpers
- antenna kit since they tried installing a custom one and didn't finish.

Soon I will be upgrading from a crappy aftermarket non working cassette deck to a stock vintage 8 track player
Also need to get a rebuild kit of the carb. It just doesn't run quite right yet.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG058.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG038.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG037.jpg

The bad heater core

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG007.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG006.jpg

[Sellis1012]

Before you do your headliner, definitely do a search here for headliner replacement. You will save yourself mucho time and money.

[89 AZ SSP]

Before you do your headliner, definitely do a search here for headliner replacement. You will save yourself mucho time and money.


Thanks for the tip. I am going to have to do that soon since its pretty unsightly w/o one. Probably check with FMR.

[429bigblock]

Did you're cobra come stock with an 8-track?

[89 AZ SSP]

Did you're cobra come stock with an 8-track?

I am not sure. They painted over the door tag. I doubt it did since its pretty much a no option Cobra. I just want something different to go with it.

[negusm]

You seriously need to get that car back to its original color. That "gold" or whatever looks like an awesome color!

[89 AZ SSP]

You seriously need to get that car back to its original color. That "gold" or whatever looks like an awesome color!

I would love to but it is my daily driver and while it is that it wont get painted. Besides paying someone here with the Euro would kill me. One of these days though when this car makes it back to the states:cool:

[89 AZ SSP]

Worked on the Cobra yesterday. I started with buffing/waxing. It turned out better than what I thought (pics later). I still need to install the new emblems that I got in the mail.

After that I installed the antenna kit that I got. Someone tried installing a power one and Failed at it When I went to install the new cable I found out the grommet that the cable goes through had no hole. That got me thinking and I decided to recover the door tag. It turns out this Cobra was radio delete.

Then I started replacing all the weather stripping. I only have the trunk and door opening done now. Still need to do the window channels and the P/S.

Junk antenna

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG001-1.jpg

Grommet that the antenna cable goes through

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG043.jpg

New antenna coming through.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG044.jpg

I was hoping this paint remover would do the trick without damaging the label. Turned out perfect. Now I can decode the label. With nothing under the R I am assuming its radio delete.



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG035.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG037-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG038-1.jpg

New weatherstripping and door strikers.


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG051.jpg

You notice the extra weather strip that goes inbetween the frame and door. Never noticed this before on other foxes. You can also notice the correct paint in the door jam with the old weather strip removed.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG050.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG049.jpg

[89 AZ SSP]

I had a little helper all day too.:)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG002-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG003-1.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG025.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG032.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG041.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG053.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG054.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/IMG058-1.jpg

[Hissing Cobra]

It looks like it's turning out real nice. I'm not used to seeing the handles on the sides of your seats. Is that something that was installed on the foreign cars only?

Oh, your dog looks so cute with his head resting on the armrest.

[89 AZ SSP]

It looks like it's turning out real nice. I'm not used to seeing the handles on the sides of your seats. Is that something that was installed on the foreign cars only?

Oh, your dog looks so cute with his head resting on the armrest.

Thanks for the compliments,I have no idea about the seats. This is the first mustang that I have seen with the levers there. I don't have much experience with the 4 eyes though.

I think the front seats of the mustang are her safe place. When she was a pup I picked her up in the SSP. She sat in the front seat the whole way home.

[89 AZ SSP]

Well I finished polishing this turd today. I drove out to the old Bitburg AB.
Enjoy:pimp:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/37.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/39.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/40.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/41.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/43.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/27.jpg

[89 AZ SSP]

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/29.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/20.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/19.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/22.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/23.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/42.jpg

[myler]

i love weimaraners

[tman1257]

Looks good.

[xbgt]

Brian,

you know, you have done an awesome job with the car! Congrats. Heck, you got me all excited, I gotta get onto shipping that radio to you! Man, I cannot wait to see it in the car!
Chris

[02Z06]

Great photos!!!!!!

[86GT2go]

Good looking Cobra......but I think it needs just a splash of another color to break it up (I would drive the wheels off it as it sits now with an unwipable sh**eating grin on my face)

[89 AZ SSP]

Thanks guys! I do enjoy driving around in it since its a old piece of history. I am so excited about getting a 8 track player installed just to live out the good old days.

[unit175]

It looks like it's turning out real nice. I'm not used to seeing the handles on the sides of your seats. Is that something that was installed on the foreign cars only?


That's typical european I suppose, the ones Ive seen over here have that except those who came straight from North America.

[unit175]

BTW great looking pics 89 AZ SSP, saved them on my PC

[89 AZ SSP]

I have been having a lot of driveability issues lately. I decided to try my luck at my first carb rebuild. It didn't go too bad. The car runs a little better but it is still dying after it get warmed up.

Photo's of the carb rebuild.



Before:



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/14-1.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/124.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/125.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/20.jpg



The intake and turbo



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/16.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/17.jpg



Torn apart



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/24.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/21.jpg



All the crud in there



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/22.jpg



Put back together:



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/126.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/27.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/30.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/26.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/32.jpg



http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/33.jpg

[Black 79 Cobra]

Wow, thats a really nice car you've got.

[tripice351]

Your last picture shows a broken vacuum line (red line, in about the center-to-lower-right area), if that half of the broken line (or the other half0 is still hooked to vacuum, you have a leak, and definitely isn't helping.

[89 AZ SSP]

Your last picture shows a broken vacuum line (red line, in about the center-to-lower-right area), if that half of the broken line (or the other half0 is still hooked to vacuum, you have a leak, and definitely isn't helping.

That line isn't broke. It comes out everytime I pull the lid off the carb. Once I put it back in the original location it stays put. Thanks though.;)

Wow, thats a really nice car you've got.

Thanks!

Well after the carb rebuild it definately runs better! I still had the stalling out problem though.:mad: Well after talking with Zap I decided to change out the electronics in the distributor. Well when I was prying the reluctor off like the Ford Manual says it snapped in half. So I ordered a new distributor.

I got that installed last week and took it for a spin. Man does it run a lot better now. It revs a lot smoother and easier now. During the test drive I did find another problem :( My right front brake is hanging up and by the time I get down the road this thing is smoking hot :eek:

So I have another caliper on order. I am also going to change out the brake fluid since its probably the original stuff like the plug wires.

I have a few other things on order. I sent a bunch of money to Matt at FoxMustangResto. I will be getting new carpet front/rear and a new headliner since the original was damaged from the leaking sunroof.

One of the members here is helping me out with the resto too. He hooked me up with some old vintage fog lights and 8 track player. Now I need to get on ebay and find me some 8 tracks! :woowoo: :evl:

[79_stang]

Wow that is a nice cobra. You are really tearing into it and making good progress. Does it have much power?

[Blainer]

Awesome work!...I as well would like to see that chamois glow paint back on.

[89 AZ SSP]

Wow that is a nice cobra. You are really tearing into it and making good progress. Does it have much power?

Awesome work!...I as well would like to see that chamois glow paint back on.

Thanks, if I keep it long enough it will get the original color put back on it.


Thanks, it is quite slow, but when I get into my SSP after driving the Cobra all week the SSP feels like the fastest thing on earth.

[89 AZ SSP]

Well I got my new caliper installed and just drove it down the road for about 20 miles. It is now running the best it ever has. I swapped out all the old nasty brake fluid with some fresh stuff.
I also reglued the carpet on the bottom of the door so it doesn't look so bad now.
I am still waiting on all my stuff from fox mustang resto. It should be here in a week or so. Then I can get ready for the carpet and headliner install.
Before I install the new carpet I am going to have a friend of mine fix the floors where the sunroof ruined the floor pan.
I can finally start driving it daily now and give the SSP a break from it's daily duty.
I am going start collecting everything to do the 87-93 brake upgrade.I think I have everything but I need to check before I tear it all apart. I will be changing out the spindles,a-arms,rotors,steel lines,and calipers.

[89 AZ SSP]

I did the 87-93 brake upgrade in the last couple weeks. This is all the factory stuff off the SSP. I had new bushing in the A arms so I did the whole swap. I also installed the braided brake lines that I had left over from the SSP.

Stock brakes on the left and SSP on the right.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0621.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0620.jpg

Cleaning up the SSP calipers

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0606.jpg

Spring refurbished, I kept the factory stripe intact.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0783.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0785.jpg

I am going to try to explain how to change this out.

First remove caliper bolts and brake line to it.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0610.jpg

Next remove tie rod end nut. I always leave the nut barely on (so you don't mark up the threads) and beat it with a hammer until it knocks loose.
I do it this way since I don't have the proper tool

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0611.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0614.jpg

Remove the sway bar end link.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0613.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0615.jpg

Place jack under A arm to support it up. Secure the spring with a chain or strap to the K member for safety since it is under load and it is possible for it to fly out and destroy things including yourself.

Then remove 2 strut bolts

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0616.jpg

Slowly lower jack to lower A arm. This will release the tension on the spring so you can remove it.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0617.jpg

Once it is all the way down you should be able to pull the spring out. Sometimes it takes some help with a pry bar.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0618.jpg

Next is the 2 A arm bolts. Forward and aft. This is the forward one.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0619.jpg

You will have to wiggle the hell out of the A arm to get it to slip out of the K member.

Do the reverse to re-install. You will need to lubricate the A arm bushings before installation and a spring compressor to get the spring back in there.
Also I had to install washers inbetween the strut and spindle and round out the strut bolt holes to get everything lined up.


http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0622.jpg

Before and After

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0608.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh111/89azssp/my%20mustang/DSC_0786.jpg

[89 AZ SSP]

I changed out the rack last night since I broke it during the A arm install



I am going to take it into the shop for a alignment. While its in there I am going to have Mark fix the floor and have him knock the paint off the roof to stop the rust around the sunroof. Also there is a slight exhaust leak that I am going to have him fix. It's been driving me crazy and I really don't have the tools to work on them old rusty bolts.



When I get it back it will be ready for the new carpet/headliner install. It should be really nice when its finished!

[tman1257]

Looks like you are doing pretty good with it.