Beating a dead horse.... My $500 66 Mustang coupe build.
 

A little back story.. (or you can skip ahead to the photos)

Back in June I went to look at a 57 Chevy. The car was not what it appeared to be in photos, and at the cost of 57 Chevy parts, required more than I was willing to deal with at the time.

The guy had a few other vehicles in the yard and mentioned that he just listed a Mustang on Craigslist that morning. A 66 coupe, that ran (6cyl) with title for $500
My wife FORCED me to drive to the ATM right then and there before I could really look it over, but I figured for that price, why not.

We trailered it home, but I ended up picking up an old Chevy truck 2 weeks later.. it was pretty much a cab and bed sitting on a 95 S10 frame, held on with ratchet straps.
Anyway, that took priority.. I finally got that running/driving and on the road, and decided to pull the Mustang into the worlds smallest garage and get a good look at it.

Here it is at the previous owners house.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps6e7e3f9c.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps2253061b.jpg

While working on the truck, My 7yr old came and asked if he could help, so I put him to work on the Mustang (that he has previously claimed as his)
He removed all the top fender bolts for me

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps2c0c7b54.jpg

I was able to find a pair of brand new fenders, backs still as delivered black electro primer stuff, front in regular primer for $125 for the pair.
Then out of the blue one day, I decided to see how much I spend on a set of wheels in the past, and they had the same wheels I had used for sale.. they are 18x9s and usually $179 each, on sale for $69 each with free delivery!! That made my choice in wheels for me, so I ordered up a set of 4.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps0a95e7bd.jpg

I went and stripped out the engine, transmission and removed the front end sheetmetal that was there and sent it all to the scrap yard.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps18d85a80.jpg

This is what I found under the front fender..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps60352297.jpg

little rough, but once I scraped away all the undercoating, it was actually not too horrible..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psb3dcd0cb.jpg

The whole time I had been trying to decide what to do for brakes.. I thought about just rebuilding the stock front end and adding a disk kit,
but the problem was most kits required the use of 65-66 V8 spindles, they seemed a bit hard to find, and expensive.. then I would still have the 6cyl tiny steering components etc.. and to top it all off, with the stock front end, it looked like most people said a 7" wide wheel was all that would fit, so I bit the bullet and went with a Mustang II style front end. I am on a tight budget, but I figured this was the cheapest way to get new suspension, rack and pinion steering, disk brakes, and hopefully make room for the wheels..

I went ahead and started piecing together the parts to get the front end in.. In the mean time, there was a few rust spots on the frame, big spot was where the bumper brackets bolted to the front of the frame rail, so I cut those sections out and replaced, then mounted the Mustang II cross member.. the cross member came with boxing plates for the frame, and I may have went overboard, but I decided to continue on with that theme and boxed the whole front "frame" in.
I also rough cut some shock tower fillers.. (I am working with basic hand tools here) and shot it all with fresh black undercoating.

Trial fit the new brakes, spindles, springs and arms

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps3f701297.jpg

then couldn't help but stick a wheel on

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps79d4f12b.jpg

and then rest the fender in place

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psbe5916cd.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps990a7e6d.jpg

And this brings us up to date..

I need to finish up a few things on the right side to get it to this point. Then I can mount the rack, and measure for tie rod ends.
I also need to get some tires and get them mounted to check for clearance.

Then I think it's on to the back end so I can get this thing on the ground..
In the back I think I am going with a cut down Explorer 8.8, with links instead of leafs, and a mini tub. I think based on cost, I will probably run a 275 in the rear.

No clue on engine or transmission yet, that is a long way off.

If anyone is interested, here is the truck that took priority over the Mustang.. and No, it's not getting painted.. lol

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps712a80f2.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psd2d57530.jpg

Good start!
Where'd you get the wheels from?

Thanks.
They are AMR Charcoal Wheels from American Muscle

Do you have the part number you used to order the wheels? I'd buy a set today if they'd give me the same price.

Love the truck and look forward to the progress on the stang

I'm with Payton !

with Payton also, digging the pickup. nice score on the mustang also.

Awesome score with the Mustang, wish I could find a salvageable one in that price range up here, one day. Also loving the truck and glad you're keeping the patina, I've got a '47 Ford F-100 I'm currently building so definitely looking forward to seeing progress on your truck.

Yeah i would like some info on the wheels as well...:y0!:

Love that truck , that thing is cool. my brother restored a 48 in the late 80s early 90s and still has it.
Good to see your kid picking up the hobbie

Thanks guys, maybe I will start a thread on the truck.

Wheels are the AMR Charcoal Wheel from american racing

As far as the Mustang, I was finally able to finish the right side frame rail, and mount the suspension on that side, along with the rack and pinion..

Fenders are just resting there, next up is cleaning the firewall, and the dreaded Mustang cowl repair

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pszni7gvy4.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psj0fba4b2.jpg

Nothing too exciting, but got my tie rod ends delivered. I was also able to pick up an Explorer 8.8 with limited slip, and 3.73s Sunday. Hope to order my link material later this week so I can get it under there. Then of course the minitub too so I can get this thing back on the ground.

Looks dope
 

Got a steal on those wheels...I went back to see if they were still available and no such luck!

I really did, as soon as I saw it I bought them, later that day they were sold out and the sale ended that week.

Ok,

Got some tires delivered and mounted
So today I narrowed my rack, mounted up the front tires, and pushed her out of the garage, and spun her around so that I can start work hanging the new rear end.

Once the rear is hung, I will work on firewall and cowl.. then I can do floors and start assembling this thing..

Hard to see without the proper stance, but should look good

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps3yxpodmg.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps33qiszhp.jpg

OK.

Only had 3 hours today to work on the car.

I was able to rip out the old 6cyl rear end, and wheel the new 8.8 under it.

Looks like I might have lucked out. I was expecting to be a hair too wide, and was planning on slitting the rear quarter flare and pulling it out an inch. Looks like I might get away with rolling the lips (after installing the new quarters of course)

Anyway, I know a thread is worthless without pics, so here we go.

Old rear coming out. Right side front leaf spring eye snapped off when removing the bolt through it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pslvqnya35.jpg

Old and New (new will be painted before I am done of course)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psjvlcctkh.jpg

Trial fit

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pskqw9ygff.jpg

Apparently a full width Explorer 8.8, 18x9 wheels with 6.18" Back space (30mm offset) and 275/35/18's is almost a perfect fit on a 66 Mustang

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pse9lpc0gh.jpg

Man.. A sane person would have scrapped this thing..

Tonight I started cutting out some rusty frame rails.
Last foot and a half or so were bad, so I took it all the way back to about the axle centerline.
That way I can also tie the new rail into the crossmember that the shocks mount to.
Figure it can't hurt to try to strengthen it up a bit..

Long way to go, but hopefully this weekend it will have a solid foundation, and back on the ground...
Then its onto floors, quarters, cowl, doors... after that I think the rust will FINALLY be gone!

Rusty rail

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psm5l2atbw.jpg

made a new rail

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps19yvw1gk.jpg

Coming along nicely
 

If it was a touch closer, I'd offer up some labor

Justin,
I could use some motivation.

Ok, been traveling a lot for work, then got sick, but back at it..

Not much, but here's the updates from the last few weeks..

Trunk rough cut back to clean steel. Won't be carrying much in the way of groceries like this..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psv2eyaq5n.jpg

Made a cradle

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psckix264t.jpg

test fit

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pskd3dwast.jpg

and view from rear

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pslxfecfnh.jpg

Then I got some new parts delivered here at work :)

a pair of quarters, pair of trunk extensions, a front valance, and a rear valance..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psqzgwyub1.jpg

and that brings us to this weekend.
I got to work for few hours Sunday..

I was able to tack down the center of the trunk floor, an fit and tack one trunk extension..

There was multiple repairs of layers of metal riveted over rotted metal, screen in other spots, all then smoothed over with bondo..
All getting cut away..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pssmx9akw2.jpg

Still have to tack the trim pieces on the rear, and make a small patch where I cut the floor a bit longer than the patch panel
(should have waited for it to get here before cutting, lol) but it's progress..

Once it's all welded I will probably do a roll on bedliner coating on the floor like I did in my Roadrunner.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psvx77p4te.jpg

Next up, I hope to fit the right side trunk extension tonight, then start on the rear quarters this weekend.

Man you are definitely saving that Mustang. Good progress so far.

What size are those tires?

Thanks man, I am trying... If I only had more space, tools, and money :)

I went with 255/35/18s and 275/35/18s

I would have liked to have gone a bit wider, but anything larger and the price went way up.
Now that they are on the car, I am actually liking how they look.. I kind of wish I went 275's on all 4 corners now though.

Shocking... a hotrodder wanting more of something :)

I asked about size because they looked bigger than the usual 235/245 folks fit on those cars and it looked good!

I can't even imagine anyone that would say something like this!!! LOL


When is enough? WE ALL need just one more tool.... just one more car... a little more time... and a LOT more money!

Love what you're doing.

Thanks guys!
a kind word once in a while is good motivation :D

I got a little bit of garage time again today..
Got a quarter cut off, and the new one fit.
I need to order some outer wheelhouses, wire brush the surface rust behind the quarter, and get some POR to paint it with.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pslttuly9v.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pszgcswgia.jpg

But I did test fit the quarter... going to be MUCH better :)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps9x0jwm3u.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psphhybvw5.jpg

You planning to replace that tub while you're at it?? Amazing how rusted up these old girls get.

Yes, going to order the outers at some point this weekend. The inners are actually in good shape, however I do need to rework the inners a bit to give me a little more tire clearance.

The front half of the inner is too close to the tire for my liking.

Every time I take another load of metal/rust that I have cut out to the dumpster I have to laugh to myself.

I received a few more parts this week.

Got some new tail lights (lenses, buckets, bezel, all the screws, etc) new fuel filler (with gasket and screws) new gas cap, and not shown, but got new reverse lights (bezel, gasket, lens, etc) that will go into the new rear valance. I also got the new outer wheelhouses yesterday.

Later I am going to see if I can make a new top for the fuel cell so I can attach it to the stock fuel filler..

I think once I get a trunk lid, and rear bumper, everything behind the doors will be rust free..
Then I have hours of welding to fully weld everything out.

Still have to do cowl and floors before I can say I am done with rust.... I can't wait!!

Anyway, couldn't resist a little test fit of lights, and fuel filler/cap

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pskwxfootq.jpg

Decided last night to get a jump on the weekend and starting to fit the wheel house.
Lower part of trunk extension needs to be trimmed once quarter is fit,
you can see white line in lower left corner of picture where I started to mark it.
At least they mentioned that trimming is required in the part description.
(it is listed for a 1965-1970 Mustang, and we all know the body style changed in 67)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps1cqli9ip.jpg

Ok.. remember the Blah?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pslttuly9v.jpg

New wheel house, lots of welding, wire brushing, grinding, some POR, and Tada!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psqf5ze10p.jpg

Now it's on to the other side... Ugh

Ok, been doing a TON of welding in the trunk, wheel wells, got both quarters tacked on,
rear end finally bolted in.. Pushed it out to clean the garage, and snapped a few pics.. Finally looking like I am getting somewhere.

Need a bumper and trunk lid and the back will be about done!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psdimzu9rz.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pslqtluqjn.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pstexcxtsl.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psnrz0zcif.jpg

and a quick photoshop where I would like it to sit once the engine and interior are in it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pszxkpihtx.jpg

Ok..... It's been a year and a half since I have touched this. Needed the space in the garage for a handful of other builds.

Just got the garage opened up again, and am thinking of pushing this one back in and seeing how it everything held up being outside under the cover.. Might get rolling on it again next.

Sounds great. Good luck!

Ok, back in the garage..

When I look at the floors of the Mustang,
I can't help but recall the lyrics...

"Lets ride with the family down the street
Through the courtesy of Fred's two feet"

Yabba Dabba Doo anyone?

Anyway, My name is not Fred, and these floors have to go...
(Have I mentioned that this car should have been scrapped?)
Ordered 2 full sides today. Stay tuned.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pskgbecl0i.jpg

While waiting on my floors, I worked on the trunk floor a little more, almost finished there, and tacked the top seam of one of the rear quarters.
going to see if I can get both these quarters buttoned up before the floors get here. I also ordered a spotweld cutter so I can remove the cowl and clean up under there.

Not much, but it is progress.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psxvy9tma1.jpg

Ran home at lunch and finished up this side.
Need to run out and grab some little 2" and 3" disks and knock this weld down and blend it. Then it's on to the other side.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psykyngrfj.jpg

Both quarters are fully welded now and I worked on the Mustang a bit today.

Got the trunk done finally, just need to put on some seam sealer and I can finish it off.

After that I started on the drivers side floor. Just started rough cutting and used up my last cut off wheel.
Guess that is a good place to stop for the day. Stuck the new floor over the hole.. going to be so much better!!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pshpwg8yko.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psarur48xq.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psjugb77v9.jpg

This is past weekends score.. Went for an engine and transmission.

Guy threw in the torque converter, the starter, a stock shifter, a second intake, a second carb, an alternator, an aluminum radiator, a new gas cap, a pair of front turn signals, a brand new fan, 2 air cleaners, and probably more I am forgetting..

This was a major missing piece of the Mustang puzzle.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psh7ivvpcb.jpg

Cracked open the valve covers on the new engine.
It's friggen spotless in there. That's a good sign.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pskqh4sxiq.jpg

Also started fitting the passenger side floor

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pspj3xaxky.jpg

I also found a pair of front seats.. these wrap up the last pieces of the puzzle that I needed.
Everything else that is missing I will get new.

So. Got the floor finished up, seat pans welded back in.. Just waiting on some Raptor Liner to show up so that I can coat it all.
While waiting on that, I decided to tackle the last bit of rust on the car.. The Cowl...

As bad as the rest of the car was, I knew this would be no different, and was not disappointed, lol.

Drivers Side

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psw2r0u2qu.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pspwdohyet.jpg

Passenger side

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...ps29j1eya1.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pss9ddtzrj.jpg

Not a great pic, but passenger side rough cut, and drivers side is patched, doing away with the top hats all together, that's what windows are for...
Also after this pic was taken I cut the front 1.5" or so all the way across the front of the cowl as it was rusted too.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psqbuj4aos.jpg

Might not be perfect 100 point concours restoration, but it will at least be a solid car when I am done, lol

Long time no update.. Got the cowl sealed up and back together, got the floors done then Raptor Lined it.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psnfnoo5rw.jpg

Now I am finally almost finished with the engine bay, need one more silicone 90 for the upper radiator hose, run my fuel line, throw on an alternator and belt, and she might be about ready to fire for the first time since 1993!

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psjqfnsdsl.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psb6enigzo.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psyafucgqu.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pshx8wwhch.jpg

I also enlarged the radiator opening, and put in a bigger radiator. Probably not needed, but can't hurt.

Stock size in enlarged hole.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...psr9nabigk.jpg

New one

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y17...pskgkxgcoc.jpg

Good job!
Loving this resurrection!