Well, I haven't done much with the car this summer because I'm studying for the bar. However, because I removed the entire front suspension; I at least have to get this thing in rolling condition before August 1st. The pictures at the side show the installation of a Heidts Mustang II suspension. The tubular A arms, hefty cross member, power rack, Disc brakes and 2" dropped spindles look amazing. One picture shows the panels for the engine bay supplied with the kit and you can really see how much more open the engine bay is without the shock towers. I got everything installed but the dust covers--I lost patience and dented them (at least it's a cheap fix). I began boxing the frame and realized the job was too big for me, so I called Franscisco, the owner of Cisco's Custom Welding. He and Juan showed up and did an AMAZING job mig welding the new frame components to the car. I really can't say enough good about these guys. Fast, clean, professional and definitely skilled! Finally, the rims I've chosen are the 17x7 front/17x8 rear, one piece cast aluminum with black centers and polished everywhere else. This car is going to be awesome.
Wheels look great. Keep in mind that the engine will drop the front end a bit and I do plan on removing one coil from the front spring. I need to bring the axle 1/4 inch to the center, and even then I'll need to trim some of the wheel well to avoid tire rub. Luckily I won't need tubs, just some sheet metal. I do plan on replacing the majority of both rear quarter panels. This will be a solid car and have a slight slant forward. The rear tires from the back look awesome because you don't see this wide of a tire on a stock looking car very often.
I've stripped quite a bit of paint, rust and dirt off the side and bottom of the car. I've also started to put the rubberized undercoating on the car. The major accomplishmnet has been the measuring, welding, cutting and assembling involved with installing the 4 link rear suspension. You wouldn't believe the trouble it was to cut out the bushings in the front leaf spring pockets. Now that it is all assembled I can see that the brackets on the axle housing are spot on and the pinion angle is within range. Last night I rebuilt the brakes and put the wheels and tires on. I need to cut out 1,4 of an inch from the lip on the inside of the wheel well for proper clearance, but the wheels tuck right into the welss perfectly. After the cutting and minor panhard bar adjustment I'll post pics of the new brakes and tires installed. It looks amazing! At the bottom you can see my little apprentice--he's the future Mikey Tuttle of my shop! Kidding--he did an awesome job sweeping up the dust and keeping me company.
BEFORE andAFTER
Trailer pulled the car great. I sold it yesterday to a Navy pilot who will be taking it to Pensicola this fall. It was a great project and I made a few hundred bucks. It was worth the work for the education alone, so it was nice to make a little money on the deal.
