The Mustang

[Luva65wagon]

has left the building...

Most of you have read about the 65 Mustang I've been working on for the past 9 months. It was one of those "while I'm at it" sort of projects. The car has now left my garage and is now in his, and my wagon is now back home and will now see a lot of work leading up to the Regional in August. I'm glad to see the Mustang gone, but it's also sort of a downer. My friend has yet to see it. He's been in the hospital now for about 6 weeks, and hopefully he's going to recover enough to drive it. Lot's of rehab yet for him, but he said to me there's no greater incentive than what he has waiting for him when he gets home. Let's hope it's enough.

Here's some pictures:

[Jeff W]

Roger, That looks really nice. I'm glad it is a motivator to get him home and back on his feet. Everyone has to have something to look forward to.

[Luva65wagon]

Thanks Jeff. Let's hope so.

I wish I had taken a picture when it was all finished. I was just in such a hurry. I was trying to drive it to Renton on Father's Day because the weather was good... and didn't make it. Then I stayed home Monday to finish and finally about 1 PM got about 2 miles down the road and couldn't help but turn around due to a loud grinding noise. New front wheel bearings, 4 hours and $60 later I got it out there, but at about 8 PM Monday night. And the next day it was raining here again. So it all worked out.

That's kind of a temporary paint job/scheme, but it may be what it has for a long time. It still needs a LOT of body work and I've already put about 100 hours in bodywork already.

Here's all I did:

New rear frame rails
New Gas Tank
New trunk sheetmetal (interior)
New taillight panel
New PS quarter panel
New Hood and front fenders
Every inch of wiring inspected, repaired, rewrapped.
New interior (Pony deluxe)
New windshield
All old paint removed
Both doors and trunk-lid stripped inside and out and repainted
New weatherstripping and fuzzies
Etching primer
Satin Black (Derusto $8 a quart)
Rally stripes (just because I could)
Refinished the roof
Stereo install
New Radiator

He had a technical school replace the floor pans and they did a REALLY crappy job of it at that. I spent 6 days on my back just to "mask" some of the work they did and undercoat the entire car. Needless to say, it shouldn't be raced any time soon.

All in all, as I said originally, it was a while I'm at it sort of job. One thing inevitably led to another and I was originally just bringing it over to do the wiring. Being the way I am... that snowballed and I ultimately decided if he was ever going to drive this car again I'd better just finish it. So I did.

Anyway, my reward's in heaven I'm sure.

[Jeff W]

Is that a vinyl roof or just paint?

[Luva65wagon]

It's vinyl and isn't in the best of shape in the back. There are no tears, but it's pulling up in a few spots and I'm still trying to think of a way to get it glued back down. I'm thinking I might try to inject some contact cement in and smoosh it down, let it up and then let it dry, then shoosh it down again after a couple hours. Then touch up the holes. Don't know if it'll work or not.

[Jeff W]

That's what I would do. The contact cement I have had luck with is "3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive. I picked it up at NAPA. Your apply to both sides, let it dry, apply again and stick it down.

[Sedanman]

Good work, Roger - I wish my dad's Fastback was making this kind of progress. I'm sure the owner is very appreciative of what you've done.

[Luva65wagon]

Thanks Thor. He's yet to see it still. He's still hospitalized with no time-line yet for his release. Still going through tons of rehab, mostly due to being in the hospital.

If ever I were to "convert" to a Mustang, it would be for a fastback like the one your family owns...

[Sedanman]

Well, it's nice for him to have something to look forward to, Roger. On the subject of "converting", the Fastback is still my dad's, but I'm putting my Falcon up for sale in the next few weeks (for many reasons I'd just rather not go into ). Eventually, I'm hoping he and I will be able focus our attention to getting that car put back together. He'll be 75 this December, and before he's too old I'd really like to see him be able to enjoy it again. We've got a long longer a way's to go to get it roadworthy than you/your friend does ;O)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sedanma...7605260731409/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sedanma...7605260731409/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sedanma...7605260731409/

[falcon cobra]

What a shame thor, you could start by puting the boxes and all the junk that sits on the poor thing in the garbage and sweeping it off, that is getting to be a very rare car, dont let it go to hell in a hand basket...PS I'll buy it ! ....john h

[Luva65wagon]

I'll arm wrestle you for it John.

Though I don't think it's for sale... is it?

Thor, that car of yours is in far better shape than the Mustang my friend has -- even if it has problems. My friends started as (in my opinion) a hulk. And there was nothing incredible about it, believe me.

[falcon cobra]

Ok roger your on..so if I win, does that mean you pay?? I'll give it a shot...jh

[Sedanman]

No guys, the Fastback isn't for sale! And if it were, I'd be the first one to be called My dad's hoping that when they sell their current (large) house and move to a smaller house he can used the surplus funds on the car.T he '76 Suzuki is available though (not officially being advertised) - if anyone knows someone looking for a nice vintage enduro it would be easy to clean up.

Roger - I remember you telling me about your friend's Mustang back when you first got it - I meant that it's in better shape now than my dad's car. While it's pretty straight, the Fastback does need both lower rear quarters patched, rusted rear trunk brace cut out and replaced, and probably a floor pan on the driver's side - not from rust but accident damage. It's just a rolling shell now and needs a full restoration like any other car. I'm not dissin' it, just sayin' it's not a car that could be easily made into a driver.

John - It was covered for awhile, but then we started working on it several years back. No worries - it's in a dry place, and the cardboard isn't hurting anything - I make sure of that! The hood's up as the rest of the front clip is off the car, and you get about 6 more inches of walking space in front of the car that way.

[Luva65wagon]

Thor,

That Suzuki... what's the price tag on it? What is it exactly? Title? You can PM me if you don't want to post it here.

I sort of knew the car wasn't for sale. I was just ribbing John... I know what you mean about saving 6" with the hood up. Actually I think it's more. It doesn't sound half as bad as this stang was. I coin'd a phrase about half way through the process: FRANKENSTANG

[Sedanman]

Did you get my e-mail, Roger? I sent it through the forum, but it didn't record as a "sent message". I have an e-mail address for you, but I think last time I sent something there you said you don't use that one much.