'65 Fastback project
 

A couple of years ago I decided it would fun to build a second car. Looking back it is surprising that it was only two years ago that I had most naive of understandings of cars. Especially project cars. Sometimes I wish I could take myself back to a time when I thought that there such a thing as a "done" car. I would definitely have more money.

All car projects start out innocently enough, mine especially. Seeing as how my dad and I had finished building a Camaro, I wanted a Mustang to go with it. I looked around for several months, searching for a '69 sportsroof. I thought a trans-am inspired Mustang might be a nice counter point for our "sophisticated" - and I use that term loosely - Camaro. Hanging around these websites, and going to SEMA, etc. I tend to get a lot of ideas, not all of which fit on one car.

One day I noticed that Mark of Lateral-Dynamics fame was selling a little '65 Fastback project car. For five thousand dollars, you can't really go wrong. When it comes to buying fastbacks in that price range, something resembling a tear drop shaped roof with some other metal attached is usually all one can hope for. So, I bought it. It needed repair work on the quarters and doors, nothing unusual. It really wasn't terrible. After blasting the car we discovered there was just enough rust though that about every respective corner of the car needs a spot patched here or there.

After blasting it and getting it in etch primer I let the car sit to save up a bit of money. All the while trying to figure out what to do with it. Every time I looked at it, I thought it looked really wimpy, like a secretary's car with a cool roof. First I lived with the look. I told myself as long as it had a cool stance I would be happy. Then I realized I wouldn't be able to stuff big tires under the car. The rear could be mini tubbed, but the front was a problem. I looked at fender flares, I mocked up some off the shelf fiberglass "E2" flares that help make '65s look like bastardized Eleanor cars. Those didn't work. Next I moved on to modeling some out of high density foam. Those still didn't give me the look I wanted. I started paying close attention to Ron S's "$5000 dollar budget Mustang." It is low, wide, and rounded compared to a stock little slab sided Mustang. Campbell Auto Restoration did pair similar to Ron's, and after seeing those I decided that was the direction that I was going to head in.

Off I went to buy sheet metal. I needed quarters and wheel houses, but figured I'd buy another set of fenders just for good measure. Oh, and I should mention now that I did so because I decided this was something that I might as well try and do myself. Having never done this, I figured it might take a couple of tries. $500 later (which seems like a great deal) I was on my way.

The guys at Best of Show were kind enough to give me a little corner of the shop, and let me barrow all of the assorted tools necessary to make a mess of things, and of course, make plenty of noise.

I figure most of you probably probably didn't bother reading my ramblings. That's okay. Mike Casti who is okay at sketching out Muscle Cars helped render things. My skills are limited to pencil and paper. Casti's are pretty much limited to the computer Chrysler sends him for work.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...MattStang1.jpg

I wanted this car to be a little more obnoxious and racer car looking than the Camaro. Here is a rendering which draws its inspiration from a GT3. Now that I think about, it has to be blue and white!

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...ttStang22a.jpg

Getting started on the fender stretch I realized how weird it would look it if the doors were completely flat, while the fenders and quarters bulged out. Thus, I decided to carry the stretch all the way through the doors.

To maintain the location and the subtle, natural curve in the upper side body line elected to make a bunch of vertical cuts and pull everything out and up. Because the width increased from the door handle to the center of the wheel opening I was able to get by just adding in a a tapered strip, without ending up with a straight line.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0390.jpg
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0339.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0359.jpg
I mocked up a fender flair on top of the stretch but ultimately decided it looked too tacked on. I want the design to flow and like something Ford could have done, rather than something aftermarket.

With the upper part of the fenders and doors cut, I needed to bring the bottom out as well. To accomplish a little bit more of the "race car look" I decided to add fender vent behind the front wheels a la the Ferrari F40, Carrera GT, Viper, etc. Besides, doing this meant that I wouldn't have to stretch the middle of the doors :lol:

To create the smooth curved transition I used a small slip roller.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0392.jpg


To finish off the the opening I bent a little bit of round stock on the tubing bender. This was also done to add a little bit more strength just to insure nothing buckled, or bent excessively.
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0474.jpg

I couldn't help but toss in a little bit of mesh just to see what it would look like.
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0399.jpg

Very nice start!

With the upper part of the door in place I moved onto the bottom. Because I added the fender vent in, I also needed to add some metal to the bottom of the door and since I there was rust in bottom corner I just replaced the whole bottom part.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0419.jpg
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0519.jpg

After doing this I decided to to start playing around with one of the quarters so that I could what one whole side of the car would look like.

Off with the old!
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0361.jpg

I think I've said this before, but I really have no idea what I'm doing. I usually as the guys if I can try something, and they say "sure, go do it."

These seemed like good places to make some cuts...
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0367.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0370.jpg

I tech screwed the fender in place. I need to spend some serious time grinding and hammering before I put it on. Then again maybe I should just buy another and start fresh. My still very basic skills have come a long way since I started, and I probably spend more than half my time fixing everything I do, usually at least twice. The doors and fenders have been cut countless times now. Actually, I've lost count :willy:

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0376.jpg

Rolled out into the light, it still looks as ugly as ever.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0465.jpg

Dude...if you don't do it at least three times, it aint right...:lol:

Seriously, having seen this car in person, I like where it's going. Much respect for getting in there and creating what you see in your mind's eye. I've always admired your creative streak and this is your canvas..:cheers:

Looking good Matt! I am looking forward to this one! What are you planning on running for motor?

Rock on Matt! Looking good.

Wow, Im floored! and so impressed. Im smiling from ear to ear and very proud that you took this project on. As your skills increase you will find that pride beaming to the surface no matter what someone says.

All great artist and/or fabricators have to start some place. You definately seam like you have the passion for the automotive industry wheather it's in the building or the designing phase.

As for the Ford.... I will always have a love for these cars. My first muscle car was a 68 Mustang. And as of Late, I always have my eye on an early Fastback as you have. My thought has been to splice the car down the middle and add about 4".

Anyway, I will be looking forward to your updates on this one. Man I wish we lived closer Matt, because I would be by there often to offer my help.

:cheers:

Nice work Matt, this ones gonna be a new fav.

I'm with Brett, I can't think of a better way to learn than to jump in and start creating. If you mess it up to bad, you can always crush it. After all, it's a Furd. :D

I'll be down to see it soon. :unibrow:

Lol, did ya mean Turd?

Matt, kudos to you for getting in there and just learning on the fly and making mistakes as you go and fixing them to the best (or least) of your ability. Big respect to you for that. And that stuff looks half decent to me. :thumbsup:

But I hate that I am starting to like these Mustangs more and more...

Matt,

Very cool how you're making your vision happen. :thumbsup:


I've heard that half the battle is learning to like them 'Stang stripes.

I see so many guys go and spend 30K on a Wyotech diploma only to just have a shot gun blast of the basics. If you know you what to learn about how to build or work on cars, I think your money ahead to just dumping 30k into a desirable project. Just work on it until it's perfect. At the end you shoudl be able to get some kind of return on investment.

It's more important to care about the results then to actually have skill. You can learn skill, talent only speeds up the process. If you don't like it cut it off and off and do it again.

What is the worst thing that can happen, you have to re-quarter panel the car. Heck even some proshops can't do what you workin on. So the car goes to another shop to be re-quartered. I'm sure you have seen that a time or 2. :D :D :D

Love it. Please do the GT3RS theme... grey and red would be a nice change. Blue and white is so played out. :unibrow:

The blue and white in the gt3rs paint would look good.

Have you considered the Maier racing rear setup? I love the look of that rear suspension setup.

Well said:thumbsup: I think the trade schools are way over rated.

Looks good Matt. Are you still looking at doing the cobra IRS?

Details Matt. We need details! :hail:

I'm envisioning a Coyote motor... right?

Needs some red on the wheels to be proper

Hey guys, thanks for all of the positive feedback! Pictures don't even begin to cover the amount of time I've spend working on this thing. At first I think at least half of my time was spent just looking at things and trying to figure out how to approach each different area of the car. I was really cautious (at least I thought I was) about trying to get things to fit, without any real knowledge of how to accomplish what I wanted. They guys at the shop, have been incredibly helpful taking the time to show me techniques, but just like anything else, you generally aren't good at something the first time you try it. Dealing with that bent up quarter doesn't bother me in the least. The fenders and doors really tested my patience though. I had to completely remake those at least once, and have made so many cuts to remove high and low spots that it felt like a never ending process. That for me has been the hard part. Now that it is starting to resemble something I felt more comfortable sharing with everyone.

Since I'm going to start working on the quarters soon I figure that I need to be thinking about packaging the rear suspension. Tom, I know I talked with you about running an '04 Cobra IRS. I kicked that idea around for a few months, but I don't like the really wide track width associated with it. The rear wheels would have almost zero back space, and that would mean I would need the fronts to match. Not really sure I want to do that.

I've been looking at Mike Maier's setup and it really isn't bad for the price. right now, I think that might be what I'm leaning towards. It also looks cool, and I want this car to have an equal emphasis on looking cool and going fast.

DSE will be shipping their Mustang stuff within next month or so, and I would also love to have some of their parts on this car. Their suspension also allows you to put a Coyote motor in the engine bay. They even offer an option for LS engine mounts. I don't have a Coyote motor right now, but I do have an LS2 :_paranoid I've also collected a TR6060 that is practically brand new, and still have my old T56 which needs to be rebuilt. Hopefully some combination of those parts will work.

This evening there are a few more comments I'd like to get back to, and a few more pictures to post up!

Matt

Im not fond of the "Ford Racing" script but love the concept. Would like it even better if it were blue instead of red though.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...ttStang22a.jpg

Well said - - That has kind of been my motto on most of my projects. I really think that if you know what it is supposed to turn out like, you can get there. That's why I love seeing the work that the pro (the truly professional) shops do. It helps me and others to strive for that next level. It will take me much longer to get there (and likely will never be as good as the best, but better than some).

Great project - I love these little Mustangs. Keep up the good work!

Looks good, Matt. I think it's great you're jumping right in on this build. Best of luck to you.

Very cool ideas, nice to see someone else build an early mustang. The LS motor idea is not bad, a lot of guys were putting the LS in fox bodies and were really fast.

Maybe with the hood stripe put the motor size or something like that.

Mike

I definitely need to drop by your shop sometime and see what you've got going on in there. I'm sure I can find something to learn about. Maybe steal a couple of Ron's secret ideas too.

Have you seen the Ring Brother Producer Mustang? They widened that car about four inches total by adding 2" per side to the doors, fenders... everything. You can't even really tell anything was done in pictures.

Matt

Aside from sheetmetal, I bought my first parts for this project last weekend. I happened to be in just the right place at the right time got a pair of Ford GT seats. I've always thought these were the coolest looking vaguely retro sport seats. I looked into finding a pair for my Camaro, but at the time there weren't any for sale and list price from the Ford dealership was something absurd. I remember thinking each seat cost twice as much as my first car, so figure 7-8k a seat :wow: That's why they didn't end up in my Camaro.

Somehow I got these for $1400 for the pair. They are fancy and made of carbon fiber. Hopefully they add a little bit of lightness to made up for the filler, and wimpy Ford motor I hope to put in.

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0510.jpg
http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/o...A/IMAG0511.jpg

Matt

fixed you @#!?& lucky guy. :lol: nice score. 8 lbs each?

God I always have wanted a pair of those GT seats. Never thought they'd go for less than several thousand. Awesome score you dirty dog! Gonna really class up that secretary's car. :unibrow:

Those seats rock! They will look fantastic in the mustang.

Matt I'll be watching this one!!! But PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put a Ford motor in it!! :cheers:

Matt,

What are your suspension plans?!?!

Dude, that is sweet! I've always wanted a fastback---I love what you are coming up with on this one. Impressed at your skill sets--what a blessing to be able to delve into your creative side and have a place to let it run. I can only imagine how cool that must be.

How is Dad's car coming along?

D

Matt, I am impressed with your skill set, and just try attitude. I have wanted a little Mustang to make as a track car, so I will be watching this one.

Very cool Matt! Looking forward to watching this build up. Love the 65/66 Fastbacks. Probably my second favorite car after a first gen Camaro.

I will do my best to put a Ford motor in it. I almost bought a new Boss 302 motor. However, the car had been in a rollover, and the seller wanted way too much for it. Both of those things pretty much scared me away quickly.

Part of me just wants a little crate motor that would make for a nice daily driver, however the car is becoming increasingly less like something I would driver everyday. As soon as a get one nice part then I have to get another one, and the snowball continues :willy:

Matt

Hey Bryce, the shop is a dealer for DSE, so I'm considering their front. I know there are less complicated solutions to improving handling, but I still think their stuff is worth every penny. Installing their stuff is way less of a hassle than any of the other competitors' products that I've seen roll through Best of Show.

As for the rear, maybe Maier Racing? It might sound stupid, but when I pick parts for a car, I want parts that fit the rest of the level of the car I'm trying to build. In this case, I need something that works well, but also looks cool. I don't really care if the suspension looks really cool when I'm driving it, but I do if I'm trying to sell it eventually.

If you can talk me into something else, go right ahead :unibrow:

P.S. Doug, Chad, Mike, Mario, Brett - can't believe the number of you guys coming out of the Ford closet. It's crazy. (Dave doesn't count. We know he's been a little FoMo-curious for a while now).

I've always liked these cars. One of the first cars I ever drove, and the first muscle car was a first gen stang.

I've always wondered why there are not more of them being pro-toured...

http://www.pro-touring.com/showthrea...ngs&highlight=

:lol: Nice. I can't argue.

I love the seats Matt, they'll definitely make a statement on the looks side of the equation.