Posts: 77
From:Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 10-03-2000 06:35 PM               

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My garage is ready to go and I have heat for the winter. A thought came across my mind as I parked my 66 Coupe for the last time this year. Where should I start? I have decided to live with the paint for another year and just fix any blemishes. Everything else needs attention to some extent. Replace 6 banger with 351, rebuild tranny, get new rear end, replace rear frame rails and torque boxes, disc brakes up front, drums for the back, sub-frame connectors, front suspension rebuild, possible rewiring job (last stang fried, do not want that to happen again) and as I mentioned above, remove any little rust bubbles and clean and seal any metal surfaces. Pretty much the whole nine yards. Cosmetic stuff will just have to wait, like new paint, chrome, and interior. Any suggestions?

IP: 207.227.51.164

Posts: 120
From:S.F., CA
Registered: May 2000

posted 10-03-2000 07:20 PM               

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Don't junk the inline and go with a 8 like everyone else. Build up the six. Just a suggestion! 250 head, 264 Clifford cam, dual headers, adjustable rockers, Duraspark ignition, and the list goes on and on for a super 6.

IP: 166.90.42.124

Posts: 165
From:Morgantown, WV
Registered: Jul 99

posted 10-03-2000 07:25 PM               

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You have a really agressive program. Good luck with finishing it in one winter!
I would take care of any structural rust first. Repairing this can be expensive & time consuming. I understand that you want to leave the painting until later, but hopefully you do not have any major hidden problems that will scuttle the car later. I would be tempted to strip the paint, fix problems and coat with an epoxy primer.
I would then clean up - restore the under carriage then the steering and suspension (need to replace with V8 spec components). I would then move to the front brakes, Granada or aftermarket?
Rebuild and replace the rear end doing the rear brakes at that time. I would then pull the engine and transmission. Detail the engine compartment while the engine is out. That rebuilt tranny you mentioned, I hope you're talking about rebuilding a transmission designed for a V8. The 351 will roast a tranny from a I6. Where are you getting the 351, crate or used? Prepare the engine, bolt to the transmission and drop in. Measure for the drive shaft and have a shop fix one up for you. Make sure you get u-joints compatible with the transmission and rear end.
Put in a new radiator designed for the 351 and a transmission cooler if slush box tranny.
Replace the fuel lines?
Rewire as needed (varies depending on other choices you have made, e.g. EFI?).
Enjoy
Look forward to painting and restoring the interior.

IP: 157.182.80.226

Posts: 77
From:Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 10-03-2000 08:27 PM               

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Because I am new to this game, I am sure I will do half of it myself, and the other half farmed out. For instance, I am more than confidant that I can strip the paint off the car. I just do not want to attempt fixing dents, rust, having to weld, paint, etc. etc. I am confidant that I can do the engine compartment, and clean and seal the floor pans, trunk space, and interior. Any welding in of new pieces will be done by a pro. As for the rear end and tranny, I am hoping to just buy good used pieces (moneymakers AOD if I can hurry and save the money), or rebuild the C-4 that I have. In any event, all I will be doing is removing and installing. As for the motor, it is a 83' 351W that I have 75% dissasembeld, bagged and tagged, and on an engine stand. Came out of my buddies van, and ran good. There is a big Diesel place down the road that I heard does all the block prep for the Dick Trickle wanna-bee's where I live. Circle track is HUGE around here. I am totally determined to assemble the engine myself......with another competant person watching my every move. It is one of my goals. Tranny next time, paint after that! As for the suspension, brakes, etc. my brother the firestone mechanic will guide me with that stuff. Last but not least, I will be leaning on all you M&M gurus for help. Enough laying of guilt on me 65coupei6!! It's my mid-life crisis, and I can do what I want!! Just kidding dude. This is the exact car I have always, always wanted, and you, my wife, and my parents aren't going to stop me!! I am going to sit in my car now........

IP: 207.227.62.163

Posts: 32
From:Tacoma, WA USA
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 10-03-2000 08:52 PM               

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You'll never accomplish that list in one winter unless you work at it full time and have a very thick wallet. I asume you don't depend on the car for daily transportation. I'd deal with the structural and body issues first; everything else can be done in stages while keeping the car operational. A good way to loose interest is to have the car in pieces for long periods of time. Good intentions are only part of the formula for a successful project. Don't get in too deep! Good luck!

IP: 152.163.197.197

Posts: 120
From:S.F., CA
Registered: May 2000

posted 10-03-2000 11:30 PM               

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Amherst, no problem... At least you are building the Mustang how YOU like it!
Anyways, the body could be done last if you find a good bodyshop. At least for me I had all the mechanical work done. Did the interior completely myself. Then covered it really good and had the body stripped and painted. Luckily no rust. When I got it back I detailed the engine compartment. People say to do the interior after the paint, so you don't get any paint dust or runoff on it. But with my luck, if I did the paint first I would have scratched it doing the interior.

IP: 216.101.191.49

Posts: 172
From:sayville,newyork
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 10-04-2000 04:59 PM               

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AMHERST WHAT I DID WAS GO OVER THE CAR AND MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING THAT IS NEEDED,ROUGHLY PART'S ANY BODY WORK. GO IN PRIORITY ORDER TO GET THE CAR IN SHAPE THEN START ON THE GOODIE'S.. IT TOOK ME 3 YEARS TO GET MY COUPE THE WAY I WANTED IT..
CHECK IT OUT IN THE PHOTOGALLERY.. 351STANG
BOB HOENES
GOOD LUCK IN WHICH EVERWAY YOU DECIDE

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ponycar66,have you flown in a ford latley???????
66-COUPE W/351SVO

IP: 205.188.198.167

Posts: 1354
From:Biddeford,Me.USA
Registered: May 99

posted 10-04-2000 08:54 PM               

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I'm with 65i6. Do the structural and safety stuff first,then detail inside then out. You can always touch up the engine compartment or floorpans. It's alot harder to fix a gouge on an outer body panel. This is my plan with my car.

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Y2K Explorer XLT 4X4 4.0 auto
1995 F150 XLT 4X4 302 auto
1972 Torino 2 door 351C/C4,she's gonna
be a beauty when I'm done!

IP: 208.51.216.46

Posts: 4655
From:Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99

posted 10-05-2000 12:46 AM               

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First and formost............consider a part time career in armed robbery as you will need a serious source of suplimental income to finance the restoration of you Mustang ! Alex

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Alex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
Fleet of FoMoCo's too long to list!
http://superstockers.homestead.com/week.html

IP: 205.188.199.23

Posts: 77
From:Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 10-05-2000 02:09 AM               

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Well, I am hoping the government returns my portion of the surplus before Christmas so that I can spend it on car parts as opposed to prescription drugs or medicare. I need my car running by spring, dammit, and the hell with all the blue hairs!! You are right Moneymaker, and the difference is not wanting to borrow money to do it. I am looking when it is all said and done to have invested 11 grand or less. That is my goal, including the cost of the car. Now if I wanted to go out and buy a $11,000 Ford Taurus tomorrow, no problem. Just go buy it and make the payments. Something like that is perfectly normal!! With this, you need cash, so one needs to be creative. It also doesn't hurt to have a job with a car provided or mileage rembursment.

IP: 207.227.62.137