Mustang
In 2005, I purchased a 1968 Ford Mustang for $100. Needless to say, it was a project car, but it started up! I put off working on the Stang for a long time, mostly due to a lack of money (and motivation). Summer 2009, though, I finally got around to working on it.
I'm posting updates on my progress to my blog so you can follow along.
A total of about $2,590.47 has been invested into the Mustang, including a gift certificate for the auto parts store and the generosity of my grandfather.
Drivetrain
The Mustang sports a 289 V8 engine and a C4 automatic transmission.
There's several things I still need to tweak:
- Timing
- Carb tune-up
- Transmission band adjustment
- New oil pan
- Switch from automatic to manual choke
Upgrades
Down the line when I have more time and especially money, I'd like to do some upgrades on the engine and transmission.
- Pertronix Ignitor III and Flame-Thrower III
- Edelbrock 4bbl carb and intake manifold
- Dual exhaust with Tri-Y headers, X-pipe or H-pipe, and Flowmaster Original 40 Series mufflers
And if I'm really feeling up to a challenge, this could be lots of fun:
- Switch to a 351 V8 engine
- Switch to a 4-speed Toploader manual transmission
Lights & Electrical
Forty-year-old wiring can sometimes be a pain to work with. I had to replace the turn signal switch because my left brake light wasn't working! And that's not all that needs fixing:
- Replace side markers
- Replace backup lamps
- New headlamps
- New turn signal switch
- Installed backup lamps
Upgrades
- Halogen headlamps
- LED sequential turn signals / brake lamps
- All new wiring harnesses
Body & Chassis
So far everything I've done on the body has been assembly. The previous owner had done on some body work, but I think I'd rather pay someone to finish it, and stick to mechanical work myself.
- Replace tie rods
- Replace driver headlamp bucket
- Replace front and rear bumpers and guards
- Replace front and rear valances
- Bondo work
- Paint
- Moulding
- Installed driver headlamp bucket
- Installed valances and bumpers
- Replaced rear driver quarter panel extension
Upgrades
- New suspension
- Front and rear disc brakes
Windows
I haven't done anything with the windows. The glass all seems good, but the quarter windows are not installed and the mechanism on one is bent. Right now I just have sheet plastic taped in place of them.
- Replace seals
- Install quarter windows
- Adjust driver window
- Replace wipers and washer fluid system