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.

The Mustang
Engine compartment

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
Rear Lights

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
Rear Lights

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
Rear Lights

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