'65 Fastback project

[Matt@BOS]

Well, I'm still chasing down the right combination of steering hubs, couplers, adapters, bushings and mounts to make the electric power steering unit fit under the dash with a nice simple race type column. In the mean time though, I did a few quick sketches. I generally like to sit on ideas for quite some, and have a solid concept to work from before I ever start drawing anything. Some people can come up with an idea as they sit down and sketch something, I however, cannot.

One of the ideas that I've had since before I ever started cutting up the car two years ago was to create a different front lower valance. I've never liked the bumpers on the 65-66 or 67-68 Mustangs, but I was never able to figure out how to get rid of them without modernizing the look of the car too much, or making it look like the front was just one big slab. I bought a GT350R valance for it, and went as far as filling some holes and adding driving lights, but I haven't been able to get past how "tacked" on the part looks, and that awkward openness in the middle. I remember thinking that blending certain aspects of the newer Mustang front end might look good. I saw what Ron S did on his Mustang and I really liked it, but I didn't want to just copy his design. I feel like I've said this before, but if I was going to make something similar I had to make it my own. Fog lights, brake ducts and a different lower treatment should get the job done, I hope.




... And we're on our way to making something. Kyle at BOS is really handy with an english wheel with all of the curves and shapes I decided to hand this project off to him he will undoubtedly do a better job than I will.

[GregWeld]

Looks like fun!

[preston]

too bad we don't know each other/live close, I've got dozens of ideas for vintage mustang front ends. My last valence was a no bumper wraparound to the flares style, but my latest version is actually going back to using the bumper. Integrating the bumper is actually much hard to do IMO, but if you don't like the look of it then that's an easy decision. I am working through using the bumper again because I'm going back to a more vintage style.

I'm totally with you on the Shelby/R style valences, I hate that big open hole in the middle of the front end, never looked right to me. Needs at least a 2-3" high separator there, whether it be a bumper or sheet metal.

[Matt@BOS]

Originally Posted by preston

too bad we don't know each other/live close, I've got dozens of ideas for vintage mustang front ends. My last valence was a no bumper wraparound to the flares style, but my latest version is actually going back to using the bumper. Integrating the bumper is actually much hard to do IMO, but if you don't like the look of it then that's an easy decision. I am working through using the bumper again because I'm going back to a more vintage style.

I'm totally with you on the Shelby/R style valences, I hate that big open hole in the middle of the front end, never looked right to me. Needs at least a 2-3" high separator there, whether it be a bumper or sheet metal.

Cool! I'd like to see the latest evolution of your car with the new more vintage look.


This last week Kyle put in a lot of time making the lower valance from scratch, and I think he did a really great job! Since it is really difficult to build identical to a sketch due to variances in proportions that may be off in the drawing, physical space constraints, functional differences, etc. we are rethinking fog light and brake duct placement. I may be moving the fog lights to the center of the lower grille opening. Not sure yet...

Anyway, here is a shot or two of it on the ground. The shape of the lower grille opening isn't set in stone yet and was painted in to give an idea of what could be done.

[Bryce]

Looks good matt

[Ron in SoCal]

I like where you're going with this Matt. Front view looks great, but if I can make a suggestion the transition to lower front fender (ahead of the wheel) needs a little adjustment. It could just be the raw metal pics that accent what i'm seeing?

I know you said it's not done, and with your eye for design I'm sure you'll nail it.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Ron in SoCal

I like where you're going with this Matt. Front view looks great, but if I can make a suggestion the transition to lower front fender (ahead of the wheel) needs a little adjustment. It could just be the raw metal pics that accent what i'm seeing?

I know you said it's not done, and with your eye for design I'm sure you'll nail it.

Funny Ron --- I thought the very same thing -- I just didn't want to post it because I didn't want to been seen as being critical.... But I totally agree that transition needs something.

[Revved]

I LOVE THIS!! I have a 65 that will get built someday down the line and agree that the 65 R front end is overdone... This is greatness and your car looks like it's coming together well! Keep it up and posting pics!