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  1. #1
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default 1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo.

    I'll start an official post on this car so people can see the progress.



    While it was born an '81 Capri RS Turbo, it doesn't exist in that form any longer. The 2 previous owners (the first of whom bought the car new) have both run V8's in place of the turbo 4. While I don't know much about the car when it was a 4 cylinder, I do know that the first V8 to grace it's underhood was a 351 Windsor with approximately 450 - 500hp. It was drag raced for quite a few years in Saskatchewan and Alberta before being parked for approximately the last 12. A good friend of mine managed to contact the owner and bought the chassis as a roller in which he installed a 302 / 4speed combo. My intention will be to keep it a V8 car. The 302 that is currently in it is strong and solid. The 4 speed will be going in favor of a WC T5 or, budget affording, a Tremec. I have recently purchased an '86 RS front bumer and airdam.



    ^^^ is why I want to put the '85 RS nose on my '81. I have it and it's in great condition. The car will eventually be all black w/ copper and gold factory badging and decals. The door moldings will be removed so the mismatched molding is a non-issue.

    I'm hoping that the original owner didn't do too much damage to the dash hull. I haven't gotten to tearing it appart yet, but you can see why I'd like to return it closer to stock. I have the passenger side dash insert already, and a clean black console to replace the "race" gear that the first owner had installed.





    Parts that I have already purchase for the building of this car:
    -1985/86 RS front bumper.
    -1981 RS dash insert.
    -1983 center console (black).
    -2.5" 409 Stainless Flowmaster cat-back.
    -Set of Black Magic front seats.

    Parts that are needed:
    -T5/Tremec 5 speed gearbox.
    -T-top and hatch weatherstripping.
    -95 GT/Cobra 8.8 differential.
    -95 Cobra/Big Brake front spindle 5 lug conversion.
    -BBK longtubes.
    -Hurst shifter and vanity plate.
    -Marchals
    Last edited by Duey782; 07-30-2011 at 04:30 PM.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  2. #2
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default Foxchassis' info

    This is the info that Foxchassis has interpreted for me, ty.

    Quote Originally Posted by FoxChassis View Post
    It's an '81 Turbo RS ordered with the following:

    2.3T engine (standard)
    T-roof
    Polar White w/ Tu-tone lower
    louvers
    lower bodyside protection
    rear defrost
    black rocker moldings
    power windows
    light group
    Black interior

    It was not ordered with power locks or air conditioning.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  3. #3
    FEP Senior Member wannabe82's Avatar
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    Default

    Looks like a plan , keep us up to date with pics.

  4. #4
    Neither here nor there
    Capriman86's Avatar
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    Default

    Is it in your plan to change all the mouldings to 85/6 on the car too? Not just remove them.
    And you will need a 85/6 rear bumper cover from a GT/LX

    It won't look right unless ya do. The 4 side marker mouldings with the lights are a bit tough to find but can be had.
    Last edited by Capriman86; 04-23-2011 at 10:02 AM.

  5. #5
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    Default

    thatswhat I was going to suggest to you too Duane. an 85/6 mustang rear bumper would be just the ticket on there.
    65 fastback blue
    66 gt fastback red
    66 vert red
    84 capri rs t top red
    85 capri rs t top red
    85 capri GS 5.0 the unicorn. lol
    97 cobra vert blown pacific green
    07 shelby gt 500 vert 40th pkg #267 black
    14 gt500. Ingot/ blk. Svtpp glass roof, cover. Getting modded

  6. #6
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default

    Yep, you guys are right that I forgot to add parts needed:

    -1985/86 Mustang GT/LX rear bumper.

    as for the sides, I'll either run w/o or find a small aftermarket moulding that resembles the SVO / Anny. GT350 style.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  7. #7
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Default

    I completely understand the desire for the RS lower spoiler!

    I personally still think the front bumper on your Capri is repairable and this would save you money on the other parts you have to buy to match the new 85/86 bumper cover.

    If you repaired the bumper you could still cut the lower half off it and use the RS spoiler just like the 84 RS too!

    If you haven't repaired a bumper cover yourself you might consider taking it to a body shop and getting an estimate or checking your area for a Keystone Automotive that does the bumper repairs. Many times they can repair the covers for $100-$200.

    If you do the conversion to the 85/86 mouldings. The door mouldings and others are available aftermarket now.

    Its your Capri and you can build it anyway you desire, but my .02 is that the 85/86 don't look right without all the mouldings in place.

    Either way. Cool Capri and good luck with the build!

    Trey

  8. #8
    FEP Super Member DRAGTOP89's Avatar
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    Default

    Why not an 85/6 capri rear cover to go with the front. I agree that the original can be fixed. As the capri in the pick has the 83/4 nose on it.
    putting together a little something special......stay tuned!

    92 notch-WIP
    87GT-S Trim,4:10s,AOD=12.70@107
    89vert-sold
    84SVO-WIP
    84 notch-aka-FREAKSHOW
    85GT shell-for sale
    78 Zephyr-WIP
    86 Capri RS-WIP

    Finally,the list of fox wants is complete!!!

  9. #9
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Default

    The 85/86 Capri rear cover is an option, but then he would also need the tail lights and the hatch to complete the conversion.

    Trey

  10. #10
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default

    That's the thing, I like the louvers and the 3 piece spoiler. If this car were an 84/5/6 with the bubble I would keep it but as it is it's going to stay a flat ass. I like the '81 tailights so an 85/6 Mustang rear bumper would match trim on front to back bumper covers and as stated earlier, I'm gonna delete the door trims. All that I'll need to find are the short moldings between the bumpers and the wheel openings.

    also, the molding is all curled and heat damaged on the drivers side.
    Last edited by Duey782; 04-25-2011 at 09:20 PM. Reason: additional info
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  11. #11
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default

    Thread clean up.
    Last edited by Duey782; 07-30-2011 at 04:32 PM.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  12. #12
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    I completely understand the desire for the RS lower spoiler!

    If you repaired the bumper you could still cut the lower half off it and use the RS spoiler just like the 84 RS too!

    Trey
    I took a close look at the airdam today.. I had no idea that the 86 was a 2 piece unit!! I am going to retain the '81 grill and bumper and just repair it, cut the bottom off and retrofit the airdam, DONE! Repair rear bumper and call it a day.

    The side moldings may still disappear though, I like the clean look of the SVO and GT350. In black with black trim it will look continuous anyway.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  13. #13
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    Default

    see. you should have just taken that other dam I had and fixed it. lol. didnt know you were not aware they were all 2 pieces.
    65 fastback blue
    66 gt fastback red
    66 vert red
    84 capri rs t top red
    85 capri rs t top red
    85 capri GS 5.0 the unicorn. lol
    97 cobra vert blown pacific green
    07 shelby gt 500 vert 40th pkg #267 black
    14 gt500. Ingot/ blk. Svtpp glass roof, cover. Getting modded

  14. #14
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Duey782 View Post
    I took a close look at the airdam today.. I had no idea that the 86 was a 2 piece unit!! I am going to retain the '81 grill and bumper and just repair it, cut the bottom off and retrofit the airdam, DONE! Repair rear bumper and call it a day.

    The side moldings may still disappear though, I like the clean look of the SVO and GT350. In black with black trim it will look continuous anyway.
    How the heck did you not know! Just teasing you!

    Glad to hear you are keeping the stock front and rear bumpers. I think the car will look great with the RS spoiler on it!

    I will reserve judgement on the door mouldings until I see yours. In my mind it might look alright, but I am still not sure. The SVO & the GT350 don't have the lower spoiler and in my mind that changes the side view to me. I am sure it will look great either way, just not sure if it would be my choice.

    Either way cool RS and good luck with your project.

    Trey

  15. #15

    Default

    are you keeping the gauges that are in there or turning it back to a stock cluster?
    Triple white 5.0l GLX convertible.
    -lots of little stuff done to it, just working on making it a nice fun DD for now.

  16. #16
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 83glx5.0 View Post
    are you keeping the gauges that are in there or turning it back to a stock cluster?
    For the moment, yes. I'm going to paint the current faceplate satin black to somewhat match the stock RS passenger side plate that I'll be popping back in.

    I rounded up some new goodies today also. 409 Stainless





    Ipod takes ****ty pictures, sorry.
    Last edited by Duey782; 04-30-2011 at 05:40 PM.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  17. #17
    Neither here nor there
    Capriman86's Avatar
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    What the??? Flowmaster prints their name on the tails now????

  18. #18
    FEP Power Member cjmuscle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Capriman86 View Post
    What the??? Flowmaster prints their name on the tails now????
    Yup! have them on mine.
    Chris
    --------------------------------------------
    1982 GT 347 Kenne Bell 2.2 Supercharged
    1986 GT VERT 306
    2002 GT VERT 4.6 Saleen supercharged (sold)
    1969 Mach I 427 Sideoiler Had 14yrs (sold)
    1968 Cougar GTE 427 Cover of Mustang Unlimited(sold)
    1968 Cougar GT390 (sold)

  19. #19
    Neither here nor there
    Capriman86's Avatar
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    Not sure I like that so much....hrmmm
    Guess I will have to see them in person to make my judgement.
    I don't think I would use them for that reason, there shouldn't be a "brand" into the pipe when visible.

  20. #20
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default Disappointed

    Well, a little disappointed today. This..


    is what I found behind that ugly aluminum console. The original owner had cut the dash to fit the stereo.



    I'll make some kind of faceplate to cover it once I find a head unit to replace the ol' cassette player that was in it.
    Last edited by Duey782; 07-30-2011 at 04:33 PM.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  21. #21
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Capriman86 View Post
    What the??? Flowmaster prints their name on the tails now????
    It's VERY subtle. I had to get just the right angle to capture it with the camera.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  22. #22
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default

    I did a little work to the Capri this afternoon.
    Edit: removed some redundant pics from Photobucket.
    Last edited by Duey782; 04-06-2013 at 11:07 PM.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  23. #23
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default T-top trim

    The trim paint was chipping off of the T-top trim so I used some scotch brite to break up the old paint and applied some Plasti-cote Trim Black. It's temporary, but looks better X100.









    The rest of the window and T-top trim will get done too, but I'm going golfing this afternoon. It's just too nice here.
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

  24. #24

    Default

    nice progress on the "de-butchering" of that car!
    1980 Cobra Project

  25. #25
    FEP Member Duey782's Avatar
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    Default Stockpiling!

    The goodies are building up slowly, both used and new.

    T5 + double hump crossmember.
    Hurst pro-comp shifter (not on yet)
    Centerforce Dual Friction clutch, new realease bearing and steel bearing retainer.

    I also have a question that someone may be able to answer for me,
    I am looking at buying some 17 x 8" wheels with 5 x 114 bolt pattern and a backspacing of +20. Does that offset seem like it will work? I'd like to get 17 x 9.5 - 10" for the back but they are not made in this particular wheel, only 8" width. I will be running stock track on the rear (North Racecars axles and brackets) and SN95 front LCA's and spindles.
    Last edited by Duey782; 07-30-2011 at 04:34 PM. Reason: forgot pic!
    -Duane
    1981 Mercury Capri RS Turbo
    V8 302 5 speed.
    Build Thread http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...=113378&page=1

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