Suspect67

[S[_]SPECT]

OK,
Its probably a bit early to start this thread, as so far, no parts have been ordered. But I figured start it anyways, to help with motivation. I am already surprised at how long it is taking to get stuff done, and the only person i am waiting on is me !!

Anyways,
The History:
Two years ago I went into hospital for some surgery..was fairly invasive, but wasnt meant to be anything major. so while they had my neck open, the surgen found a tumour in my larynx that was effectively trying to suffocate me. Long story short, ended up in ICU for a number of days.. couldn't speak a word for three weeks, and now my Trachea is decidedly shorter. After Radio and more surgeries.. it looks like I might be alright.

After this you start to contemplate life and all.. so we had started to think that maybe we should be living a bit more for today.. rather than saving for tomorrow.

What really cemented it... was losing my wifes step brother recently.. He died in a motorbike accident on his way home from work..

So..project "Tony" was born...aka YNOT.

After the realitiy check of the price on Camaros, and not being able to fit much else in the garage, the decision was made to find a Mustang.. Coupe preferably, 67/68... the good years.

And here she is...
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/DSCN8285.jpg
67 C Code Coupe.. Owned by the one family from new.. 77K miles, new motor from 95, and I even have the original invoice and owners handbook...

The Plan:

The basic idea is Sleeper / RestoMod.. A combination of the two.
Its not going to be a big budget Pro Touring trailer queen, more a weekend cruiser, to drive just for the hell of it
Externally, it should look as stock as possible, while internally running modern drivetrain. Discs all round, R&P steering (manual), efi, 4/5 speed auto etc etc.

Will be a drawn out process..(probably more so) since I took the advice of members here and got her registered as is.. and everything will be done in phases.

Phase one is getting the anchors and steering sorted. While she aint no balls out monster..(not even close).. it takes a fair stab to get it pulling up, and it steers like sailing a boat.

Two: will be rear half of drive train..

Three: EFI transplant

Four: Body and paint

[S[_]SPECT]

First things first, we need to convert the carport into a garage...
Didnt get previous shot but this is what I made up..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/The%20Pen/DSCN8321.jpg
Does the job at keeping the rain out
And the Dodgy Bros bench..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/The%20Pen/DSCN8334.jpg
With the foreman overlooking things
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/The%20Pen/DSCN8335.jpg

Here is how much room to spare I have:
Front
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Random%20Pics/RoomToMove-Front.jpg
Back
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Random%20Pics/RoomToMove-Rear.jpg

[S[_]SPECT]

Here is what we are starting with:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Welcome%20Home/DSCN8290.jpg
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Welcome%20Home/DSCN8289.jpg
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Random%20Pics/DSCN8353.jpg

The 200 horse C code:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Random%20Pics/DSCN8291.jpg

And the Dodgy Bros. Customs work done so far:
New bracket for the heater hoses
From this:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Random%20Pics/HeaterHoseTies.jpg
To this: (courteous of my old HilUx)
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/DSCN8343.jpg

Minced Fan shroud:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Random%20Pics/CutShroud.jpg
To this hand bent piece:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/DSCN8341.jpg

And home made brackets for the front plate since it wont fit in the recess.
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/DSCN8350.jpg

[Aussiecamaroowner]

Fantastic project plans mate, and it looks like a real solid car to start with. Pity you didn't go Chev and went to the dark side....... just kidding!

Amazing story Birchy. Funny how inspiration comes to us in many forms. I am certainly looking forward to seeing your build unfold, particularly as mine is following a very similar direction and process.

[AUSCAMARO]

Well done Birchy...

Get into mate... You sound a bit like me.. need a kick in the Ars e to get going...

Mitch

[camaro_1967rs]

has anyone in Aus done a 290 boss conversion into one of these yet?

I have seen it in a Repo Cobra at GM All day at Flemington last year but nothing else.

[S[_]SPECT]

Not that I have seen. I have seen it done in the states, but you need to either notch or completely remove the shock towers, as the modular motors are soooo wide.
DRB actually produce a separate cobra body for these engines.
RRS supply a notching kit..
http://www.rrs-online.com.au/images/notch22.jpg
But too much engineering for me to handle..
If I were to do it, id go down the Heidts path with the Mustang IFS and completely remove the skock towers... leaving a chasm of space available..but like I said... too much for me to do, and not likely to get the Heidts setup past rego in WA.

[tonner]

Great to here thing should be OK with your health Birchy, and a great project.
Us WA guys really should get to gather soon.


Greg

[S[_]SPECT]

Quick question, (and im probably being lazy here by not searching) but where do the Perth guys recommend for after market bits?
The Mustang forums have given me some places but they seem to only do original/repro stuff.

Although I would have liked to wait until the efi conversion was done, (as cables will be different) I kind of NEED to change the accelerator to cable setup. Was going to get Lokar midnight series.

The current mechanical linkage wasnt meant to be used with a Holley and it has a nasty habit of twisting the clip and holding the throttle on...
The missus got a bit upset when the car didnt want to stop at a fairly major intersection... had to go to neutral and shut it off.. then start and shift to get round the corner.. bodgied it and got home.. now every time you go past half.. it sticks..
Ehh.. you just gotta lift it with ya toes.. but cant get that one past the domestic engineer.:D

[AUSCAMARO]

Armadale Auto Spares seem to be pretty good for that type of gear.

Mitch

[cluxford]

Birchy,

Great to see some non Camaro iron on here. That is a real clean car you have there and one that will make a great ride out of.

Health scares suck, but living life like today is your last day is always a good plan also.

Cheers
Chris

[S[_]SPECT]

Hi Guys...

Need bounce some ideas off y'all..

I am in two minds as to what to do with the front suspension.

Here are my options, (please add more if you have ideas)

Replace brakes using XF Falcon parts, and steering using AOI rack.
Cost : $ Not costed as requires source of parts from wreckers /ebay etc and rebuild using new parts etc... Lets say $2,500
Pros/Cons : self installable, doubt it will get past rego.


Leave the suspension and only replace bakes and steering:
Uses : SSBC brake kit and AOI rack
Cost : $3,700
Pros/Cons : Self installable and easily pass rego.

Replace everything using RRS supplied kit:
http://www.rrs-online.com.au/images/StrutlegCallout.jpg
Cost : $6,605 - Not including booster or brake pedal
Pros/Cons : self installable, should be easy past rego

Use TCP kit:
http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/support/fcoc-fd/FCOC-FD_rear_dropped_TN.jpg
Cost: $7,009 + Import - not including booster or brake pedal
Pros/Cons : Unknown if it will get past rego, is using wilwood brakes.

Use Heidts IFS kit:
http://www.heidts.com/cartimages/prd_lg_145.jpg
Cost : $6,187 + Import
Pros/Cons : Unknown if it iwll get past Rego, is using Wilwood brakes. Requires engineering support to install as frame rails are cut and this is welded in place. Also appears to be front steer, so may require mods to sump.
Big plus is it leaves the bay free and clear of shock towers so virtually any motor combination is then available... Did someone say twin turbo LS1 ?? (I am joking here)



All prices are in current AUD, first three are availalble locally, last two require import..Last one needs the advice of an engineer for feesability...and someone to fit if for me.

I really dont know, as I want it to handle much better than the boat that it is now... but do I NEED to do suspension in order to achieve this? will the steering and brakes be enough.

At them moment im inclined to go option two. This does leave the TCP suspension as a later option @ $3,400 on its own.

Anyways, thoughts... ??

BTW, sorry you guys are going to be getting a few of these from me over the next few weeks.. since my usual sounding board is off on holidays...

[AUSCAMARO]

Decisions, decisions..... I'm no help unfortunatley... I do like the look of the Heidts IFS kit though...

Mitch

[cluxford]

Tough one. I went an aftermarket frame and yeah you have to get it engineered. But that was actually pretty easy - but costs a few bucks.

So really in my mind it is:

1. aftermarket frame if you can afford it - inc $1000 at least for engineering on top of price

2. RRS stuff. Don't know a lot about em but haven't heard anything bad. I assume you got put some awesome stoppers on the RRS stuff

[WILD68]

My mate has the RRS brakes and a rack setup from them on his XY and i helped him fit em and they were simple and work pretty well.. i would go RRS as they are local and havent heard anything bad about em yet..

[S[_]SPECT]

2. RRS stuff. Don't know a lot about em but haven't heard anything bad. I assume you got put some awesome stoppers on the RRS stuff

No I didnt put awesome stoppers on, in fact phase 2.. All brakes are about the same size so I can keep the 14s.
From what I have read, RRS is the best design, but they charge like wounded bulls, and apparently the after sales service is non existant...
Put it this way... I spoke to the local "agent", and he said.. and I quote:
"We dont do RRS stuff anymore, great gear, but too much of a headache"

And on Mustang forum you get mixed responce, some have had good, some have had bad experience.

Biggest problem I have found so far, is finding an engineer...
Since this is my first go at this.. I know NO One..
Secondly, I tend to try and do everything via email etc... since my voice is pretty sucky after the op's. Ive found it difficult to get replies that way..

Any Perth guys have recommendations in this department?

Thanks for the thoughts guys, keep em coming..

[S[_]SPECT]

My mate has the RRS brakes and a rack setup from them on his XY and i helped him fit em and they were simple and work pretty well.. i would go RRS as they are local and havent heard anything bad about em yet..

Just the brakes and rack ?? They dont do brakes anymore without including the $3600 strut kit..

[WILD68]

SPECT;12828']Just the brakes and rack ?? They dont do brakes anymore without including the $3600 strut kit..

Yeah, i think he got em through Superroo in armadale and they always help him out. Thats strange though about not sellin em like that any more.. pretty sure he has the Phase 3 brakes, got the rear disc conversion of em too.

[WILD68]

Yeah, i think he got em through Superroo in armadale and they always help him out. Thats strange though about not sellin em like that any more.. pretty sure he has the Phase 3 brakes, got the rear disc conversion of em too.

Sorry birchy he got his brakes from Hoppers stoppers and just the rack from RRS. The Hoppers are really good too..

Cheers

Jamie

[cluxford]

Got mine from Hoppers also, know their stuff and good quality products (although mine ain't on the road yet so they are simply nice to look at at this stage)

[S[_]SPECT]

Parts have started arriving... just in time for winter...

AOI rack..

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8615.jpg

Disc brakes front and rear
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8613.jpg

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8618.jpg

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8617.jpg

Ididit column
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8619.jpg

Lower control arms, spring perches, upper bushes etc
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8642.jpg

Still waiting on some bits and pieces locally, have to find a set of castor rods, as these XY lower arms use the same rods as 68 mustangs.

Then waiting on booster, m/c and and a pile of others bits from the states to arrive...

Also have to have adapters made up to allow me to use Falcon outer tie rod ends, as the ones with the rack dont fit..


But, getting close.....

[AUSCAMARO]

Nice, Birchy..

Lots of new bits to play with...

Mitch

[Malibu67]

I got SSBC brake kit 330 rotors and 4 piston calipers on my chevelle very good product in build qaulity have not road tested yet .But deal direct with SSBC dont go thru anyone here Most will bull**** you on Delivery dates ETC I learnt the hard way

[Nev68]

Always good to get new toys.
Can you use many local Falcon parts?

Nev

[S[_]SPECT]

For steering and suspension, quite a bit.. even engine wise up to AU is near on a straight swap. (not counting wiring for EFI, but you can even drop that)

Im using XF upper control arms and stub axles, XY lower control arms and castor rods.

XF discs all round (use xy if using original rims)

A lot of RHD conversions are done using modified xy steering components, but also depends on year of the Mustang.

Availability is the key... go down to Repco and ask for pads for your 67 Mustang and they look at you like an idiot, but ask for XF pads and its jobs done..

Diffs, not so much due to mounting variations, but can mod to suit obviously.

[tonner]

Looking like play time.

Greg

[S[_]SPECT]

Spent a bit of time on the Dremel to clean up some XC stub axles..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8789.jpg

The XF axles wont work with the AOI rack.. They have a larger taper on the tie rod end.

I actually prefer this, as the XC ones are a much closer match to the Mustangs. XF were 7mm taller.

STILL waiting on parts from the US before I can start installing any of it...zzzz

[68cmaro]

SPECT;18475']Spent a bit of time on the Dremel to clean up some XC stub axles..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8789.jpg

The XF axles wont work with the AOI rack.. They have a larger taper on the tie rod end.

I actually prefer this, as the XC ones are a much closer match to the Mustangs. XF were 7mm taller.

STILL waiting on parts from the US before I can start installing any of it...zzzz


Looking good Birchy, it is amazing how much "elbow grease" it takes to do the little things

Catch up soon CHRIS

[AUSCAMARO]

WOW, you were bored Birchy!! hehehe

[blackoutsteve]

Now paint them with VHT's Cast Iron paint. Wont rust again and looks like cast iron!!

[S[_]SPECT]

Parts starting to trickle in from the states...
These are courtesy of Phil at USAtoAUS..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/IMAG0039.jpg

Heap more to come still..

sorry for the dodgy bros phone pic.. cant find the camera.

[Nev68]

SPECT;19660']Parts starting to trickle in from the states...
These are courtesy of Phil at USAtoAUS..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/IMAG0039.jpg

Heap more to come still..

sorry for the dodgy bros phone pic.. cant find the camera.


Early Christmas!
What other gauges are you putting in and are they going into a stcok dash?

Nev

[S[_]SPECT]

In addition to this speedo and temp, I have tach,oil and fuel coming.
Going into a new stock cluster...
Trouble is I have to butcher the gauges to fit it...:eek:

New cluster:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Random%20Pics/DSCN8973.jpg

And what I have to do to get it all to fit
http://cars.photographiti.com/gaugebuild/index.htm

[AUSCAMARO]

Thats where your WD-40 and duct tape will come in handy Birchy ;)

[tonner]

All looks good Birchy

[S[_]SPECT]

Thats where your WD-40 and duct tape will come in handy Birchy ;)

There'll be plenty of duct tape and super glue.. dont worry about that...

[WILD68]

Will look very nice n neat though..

[S[_]SPECT]

Final "urgent" parts from the states have arrived... yay!
New tiller:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8975.jpg


and most importantly, the disc brake m/c and booster...
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN9033.jpg

Now just have to get a set of XF castor rods now, as the new lower control arms have 68 style bolt holes..

It will have to wait a few weeks now anyways.. dont want it to be off the road for the next USM meet.. :)

[S[_]SPECT]

Well, Thanks to Phil, Xmas has come early... Despite me having a dummy spit.. (Note to self : Check voicemail before berating someone about not contacting you...when they have:o Sorry bout that Phil )

Now all I need to do is find the time to install all this damn stuff.. including the stuff I got back in May !!

TCP Subframe connectors, strut braces etc
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9592.jpg

Lokar go and whoa stuff
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9595.jpg

A Little bit of a dressup for the old 289
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9597.jpg

And my favourite bit (that the missus chose) the shifter that took forever to arrive:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9599.jpg

Bucket load of weather seals etc
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/DSCN9593.jpg

And a few dress up items front and back
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/DSCN9591.jpg

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/DSCN9598.jpg

The grill is a little too shiny for my liking though... any thoughts on best method to make it black... I think the back of it is powdercoated..
more powdercoat.. or paint.. I dont think it can be anodised because of the existing powdercoat...

Anyways..
Installed the Gas Cap while I was waiting to start work tonight...
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/DSCN9600.jpg

[blackoutsteve]

9 characters on your plates over there now?
In Vic, we only have 6 and are still envious of you WA guys with 7.

[tonner]

All looks good Birchy. Santa has been very kind.

Greg

[S[_]SPECT]

All looks good Birchy. Santa has been very kind.

Greg

Ha.. So the missus keeps telling me
Hey Greg, Havent seen any updates on yours recently.. whats going on ? Taken a break from the plasma torch ?

[blackoutsteve]

9 characters on your plates over there now?
In Vic, we only have 6 and are still envious of you WA guys with 7.

..or is the plate a fake?

[S[_]SPECT]

..or is the plate a fake?

No its legit..
Can have upto 9 Characters if using a poly plate.. 7 is the limit in Ali

[blackoutsteve]

Ali?

[S[_]SPECT]

Poly Carbonate vs Aluminium
Poly v Ali

Sorry :)

[AUSCAMARO]

Hey Shannon, great to see the bits have arrived... Lucky bugger!!

Something else that may be of interest is that I just got off the phone to my mate that i told you about with the injected 5.0ltr Ford motor and he now wants to get rid of the whole car for $1500 if he can get it. If you don't have his number and you wanna have a chat to him i'll resend it again. Make him an offer and he will probably take it...

[S[_]SPECT]

Cheers for that Mitch.. would have grabbed it six months ago... now its xmas, with three kids there aint much spare for the car at the moment.

Thankfully all this was paid for in June.
I'll ask my brother if hes interested though..

[AUSCAMARO]

SPECT;29022']Cheers for that Mitch.. would have grabbed it six months ago... now its xmas, with three kids there aint much spare for the car at the moment.

Thankfully all this was paid for in June.
I'll ask my brother if hes interested though..

I don't think it will go anywhere in a hurry mate..;)

[S[_]SPECT]

I see now why some people prefer factory restoration over resto-mod..
This bi@tch just did NOT want to fit..

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/DSCN9610.jpg

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/DSCN9609.jpg

Will black it out when.. no if.. I ever get to paint..

[S[_]SPECT]

Twas the night before Xmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
Except Birchy, working on his car
Should have know, he wouldn't get very far...

Stereo installs have got knobs on them...
Not difficult as such, just time consuming.. more so when you cant breath for sh1t.

Had to make a new parcel shelf as the old one was cactus and wasnt going to live past any 'modification' to fit the 6x9s.

Cut some MDF and bevel the edges
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN9654.jpg

12mm foam to fit
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN9655.jpg

Bit of imitation leather, lot of grunting and groaning and hey presto
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN9658.jpg

Not quite as nics as I would have liked.. I got a bit carried away with the scapel and you can just see a cut in the material. (not in pics)

Now Im not as keen as Steve when it comes to wiring, but I am a big fan of 'neat' and 'easy'.. given my constant need to pull the console out there is no way in hell I was going to plug/unplug 12 wires each time..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN9659.jpg

So a bit of heat shrink, wiring sheath out of a computer and woo hoo..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN9663.jpg

Just dont lose that detailed wiring diagram..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN9665.jpg

[blackoutsteve]

What stereo are you installing? The fusebox is the same as a Custom Autosound..
12mm foam for the rear shelf may have been a tad thick. Still, it looks neat. ;)

[S[_]SPECT]

What stereo are you installing? The fusebox is the same as a Custom Autosound..
12mm foam for the rear shelf may have been a tad thick. Still, it looks neat. ;)

Custom Autosound - Correct. USA-630
Yeah I only wanted 6mm but that is all I could get in the density I wanted..
So I pulled it a tight as I could.. came down a bit ..
In the end it worked out alright, as I was aiming for the speakers to be flush with the surface.. they're not too far off. The extra thickness also helps hide the dodgy bros job on cutting out ovals with a jigsaw..

[blackoutsteve]

Which model of the Custom Austosound have you got? I bought a USA-5 which I love the appearance of.. Can't wait to install and hear it play after all this time.

[RAW454]

Nice one Birchy! Real neat compared to the audio/gauge wiring birdsnest I've been sorting through all day... I don't mind the thicker foam, looks more custom like other elements.

[AUSCAMARO]

Good to see you starting to fit some of those bits you've been collecting Birchy.

[S[_]SPECT]

Been off doing the holiday thing... thought I'd give the car some more love...
Fitted the shifter..Bit me in the arse...

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9765.jpg

Neutral safety wired up using the original wires that went out the firewall and down the tunnel.
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9766.jpg

Not really showing much here.. had to make up a boot to cover the underside of the shifter as it is narrower than the original.. So there is a steel box under there with a vinyl 'gasket' to close up the cutout section around the lower lever.
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9767.jpg

Yeah it only took me four days..
My fault really, did it pretty much on my own.. which makes for a lot of time wasted going in and out of the car.
I love the shifter and the quality... but not the end result.
Should have stuck with the original plan, which was to ditch the console. But the missus wanted to keep it.. which mean the shifter had to line up with the old shaft...No problem did that.. but the body of it was way too high to mount the console.. In an effort to lower it, I mounted it below the tunnel..
Which was an absolute mongrel since it meant I had to feed the entire assembly up from underneath.. requiring some dismantling to acheive..and then its still not low enough..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%202%20-%20Driveline/DSCN9768.jpg
So the console has to go anyway.

To top it off, the length when you order it doesnt seem to count the height of the body, just the shaft. I ordered 10" thinking I was going to raise the handle by 2", instead its like 4" higher. (5" if I had have surface mounted)

If I was to do it again, I'd go with a cable operated shifter.. the mechanical linkage cost me so much time to get the lenght and clearances right..
In park it is a bee's d1ck off the wall of the tunnel, and had the shifter been mounted any further rearward, I would have had problems.

As it stands now, I need to get a boot (and ring), reverse micro switch and probably a gear indicator. Also need a new bezel to mount the stereo into.
At least it will be more the way I wanted to do it now.. (albeit with the shifter further forward than ideal)
It also makes mounting the park brake easier.

[blackoutsteve]

Can you order a shorter shifter handle for the mechanism so it's not so tall?

[S[_]SPECT]

I'll have to check with Alan, when I order the boot and stuff
The install destructions imply it might be possible, since the two pieces required have "specify length" on the parts diagram.

[blackoutsteve]

Also, it is not possible to mount the shifter below the trans tunnel with a spacer/s so it drops the mech low enough to retain the console?
Am I not following?

[S[_]SPECT]

Geez Steve, why'd you have to have a good idea like that...?
I suppose its possible.. I'd need to drop it bang on 30mm to put the tunnel in between the neutral switch and the pivot shaft, else I could cut out a section to allow it to fit.

I need to see what effect it would have below though.. as I think it would put the nut on the linkage very close to where the fuel and brake lines are.
I think id also need to drop or remove the trans just to fit it.. since the required boot would be just a much larger and it barely got in there as it is. (although I might get away with fitting a flat plate with some holes in the top section rather than cupping the whole bottom section)

On the plus side, it would also allow me to angle the shifter further rearward since it hits the existing hole if I do it now

[S[_]SPECT]

Well, Got my first real broke bit...
Fuel guage stopped working in Nov, so I have done limited driving since then as I used up the full tank..
Had a 5lt jerry in the boot, and thank god.. I did a milk run and ran out at the shops..

So pulled it today and found the float has a hole in it.. was full of fuel..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/BrokeBits/DSCN9769.jpg

Is this repairable with something like solder ??

Else down to Mustangs West I go

[blackoutsteve]

What is the float made of? Brass?

[S[_]SPECT]

Looks like it yeah.. the photo looks different to it in person.

[blackoutsteve]

Soldering should be very easy. I'm not sure if you can use regular tin solder like you would for electrical. However, I don't see why not except I've never tried it before.
Otherwise JB Weld is fuel resistant or what's a new float worth?

[6t8]

SPECT;30609']Looks like it yeah.. the photo looks different to it in person.

Use 15 % silver solder with flux,That will fix it.

[S[_]SPECT]

Thanks Barry, I'll check if I've got the correct solder.. but given the cost of a new one.. might save the effort...
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/MUSTANG-65-73-FUEL-TANK-SENDER-FLOAT-REPRO_W0QQitemZ370317945963QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_C ar_Parts_Accessories?hash=item5638ab6c6b

Whole senders are $80 retail

[S[_]SPECT]

BTW,
Does anyone know someone that could make up the spacers for the shifter?
I think I need two blocks, one for each end. I'll then plate the top side with two pieces.
I just dont have the materials or tools to make up what I think I need.

[6t8]

SPECT;30740']BTW,
Does anyone know someone that could make up the spacers for the shifter?
I think I need two blocks, one for each end. I'll then plate the top side with two pieces.
I just dont have the materials or tools to make up what I think I need.

I have a mate in Malaga with a machine shop if that helps.Give me a call if you get stuck.0407280264.

[blackoutsteve]

That should be pretty simple.. Do you have an idea/basic drawing of what you need?
What material do you want to use?
Aluminium would be a good choice and so would some plastics like Nylon.

A local shop should be able to make these up (Edit: as 6t8 has just suggested) or I would be happy to.
Depending on how technical your drawings are, I have access to my mate Mike who is a home machinist for any lathe work or milling. He's semi-retired and does great work at a good rate.
The materials are available locally too. Catch is I'm in Melbourne.. :p

[S[_]SPECT]

Well.. it only took me two months to install.. but finally that damn shifter is in and done... and I saved the console..

So after Steve (Blackout) had the bright idea of lowering into the tunnel.. I started trying to get some spacers made up... but with some old skool skills.. Chris (68Cmaro - Big thanks Chris!) came up with the bright idea of just remaking the brackets.

So these special order billet items (machined to look convincingly like angle iron) were made up in Chris' shed..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/DSCN0204.jpg

Bit of paint
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/DSCN0022.jpg

Wack everything together... and yahtzee !!
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN0043.jpg

And the bonus.. because my breathing has gone to absolute sh1te.. I took time to do the install.. a lot of time.. so with correct alignment and rod lenghts now.. the shifter works even better than it did before..

[tonner]

Looks great Birchy. Sorry to hear about the breathing.

Greg

[69SS]

Really nice install Birchy, you and Chris did a great job. Hope the breathing improves mate.

Lyndsay

[blackoutsteve]

Well done. Glad my advice was of some use! ;)

[Twisted67]

Birchy i see you got some work done down at Banjup Customs aswell!!!:p

Looks good mate.:cool:

Paul

[S[_]SPECT]

Yes Paul,
I hear they do interiors now as well...
When's your car in there next? I saw a nice 'little' 572 sitting in the corner waiting for a home.

[Twisted67]

Oh yes Birchy they certainly do(interiors) and a great job too!!!
Got it "booked in" again next r&r to finish off the bootliner.
And yes that little motor sittin in the corner looks very nice,hey??

Paul

[68cmaro]

Good to see that it all worked out !!!

Sorry to hear about the breathing but I am sure it will get better and you will be back tinkering asoon.

Any help needed, just yell

Cheers CHRIS

[S[_]SPECT]

Swapped the dash out today..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN0014.jpg
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN0013.jpg
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Interior/DSCN0012.jpg

Now I'll use the old one to practice the install of the Auotmeter guages..
Dont want to cut a new dash up until I know what I'm doing..:)

[AUSCAMARO]

I best be pulling my finger out, everyone else seems to be...

Onya Birchy..

[S[_]SPECT]

Time for an update..

Getting ready to (finally) fit the brakes up...
After spending hours with wire wheels on the grinder and die grinder, cleaned up the stub axles..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCN8789.jpg
Only, I wasnt real happy with the finish.. and there were parts of the upper control arms I couldnt even get to..
So took them down to Naval Base where this guy I met at a barbie once runs a blasting business..
Stripped Bare... (tonner)
I have to say.. they came back a treat...
Stub Axles
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCF0246.jpg
Control Arms
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCF0244.jpg

Surface prep is minimal (Read:Stuff ALL).. Just wipe down with Wax and Grease Remover and start shooting...
I'm partial to a little Satin action myself
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCF0251.jpg

Although I did put a bit too much gloss into this lot.. Im really happy with the reasults
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCF0250.jpg

Thanks Greg

[69SS]

They look brand new Birchy, looks like the Greg and Birchy team did a great job!!

[blackoutsteve]

Hmmm.. GM Satin Black looks good on Fords too! :D
Good work!

[S[_]SPECT]

Finally found some time to work on the car.. (in between patching busted up walls)

Installed the 'battery box', with a dodgy Mustang logo I made..

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/IMG_0319.jpg

Needs some 'adjusting' as I didnt quite leave enough clearance for both sets of material.. but an easy enough fix (that will take me a month to get to)

with tray slid out:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/IMG_0321.jpg

This is how it looked in mock up:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/IMG_0067.jpg
but Im not happy with the way it was looking so Im redoing the sides again.

[S[_]SPECT]

Semi finished the boot today.

http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/IMG_0448.jpg
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Details%20Details/IMG_0447.jpg

Still need to lay the cable to relocate the battery and get a bracket to tie the battery down.
I also want to redo (read: get re-done) the corners, its hard working with curves..and im not entirely happy with the result I got.

[AUSCAMARO]

That looks pretty bloody good Birchy!!

Have you got some foam underlay under the vinyl?

[S[_]SPECT]

Yeah, 12mm foam, same as the parcel shelf.

[blackoutsteve]

Perhaps try a thinner foam for those difficult areas Birchy.
The thicker foam will simply compress and allow the vinyl to do it's own thing in tight areas like corners and folds. Looks very plush. :)

[69SS]

Looks great Birchy, now that I can actually see the pictures!

[cluxford]

great job birchy !!

[tonner]

Looking good Birchy, like Steve has said maybe try some thiner foam.

Greg

[S[_]SPECT]

Damn it..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/DSCF0244.jpg


In my exhuberance to remove the old bushes.. these uppers are stuffed. I apparently applied too much force, or didnt support them enough..
Took them to suspension shop today to get the new bushes pressed in.. no longer fits correctly.. the outer edges are bent in so the bushes are 20mm too long overall. (unknown how much per side.. hence they are fooked)
Additionally the holes are slightly deformed.

Easier to just get another set and start again, this time get a shop to remove the old ones too hey....

[69SS]

Sounds like one of my adventures Birchy. Power steering pumps, electrical system the list goes on and on ;)

[blackoutsteve]

Don't Ford have a service manual that shows how to do it?
GM do, and they show the tools you need to fit to prevent them bending. Bummer.
See it you can borrow new ones and bend these back to their original dimension and use them...?

[S[_]SPECT]

So last time I drove the car, it got on my nerves that I hadn't wired the stereo entirely correctly.
You see, I dodgied the power supply so when the car was off, it was drawing any power..
This meant obviously that it lost its settings every damn time I turned the car off.

So I decided to correct that, and I remember the Cigar lighter is always hot, which is what I needed for the memory.
Cut that off and use its wire for the stereo and jobs done.. Yehaa.. its no longer got alzheimers.

So then I get to thinking, the cigar lighter is now useless.. perhaps I can reuse that hole..
Obvious choice would be starter button.. but would just be a pain in the ass to use every time you get in the car.

So...
Rather than have the USB cable off the stereo free falling into space on every corner.. I decide to make a 'smokin' USB plug.

First, cut two spacers with a hole saw..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1454.jpg

Reduce to size if need be with a 'lathe'
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1455.jpg

Route out a channel for the plug
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1456.jpg

And shape a hole in the front
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1457.jpg

One spacer in the bottom for depth control and to keep the plug straight.
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1458.jpg

The other goes on the front to isolate the USB plug from the housing.
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1459.jpg

Reasemble as per your factory assembly manual
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1460.jpg

Jobs done
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1461.jpg

And when you want some 'smokin' tunes..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Dodgy%20Bros/USB%20Lighter/IMG_1462.jpg

[GM NUT]

Cool idea, who smokes in their car anyway!!

[tezza101]

Yeah nice one.

Am scratching my head on wtf to do with my stereo... want 8-track and iPhone... hmmmm..

[RAW454]

Good one Birchy!

[67SS502]

that is GOLD

[S[_]SPECT]

Yesterdays efforts..
Out with the old..
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/IMG_0042.jpg

in with the new.
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr195/SI_ISPECT/YNOT/Rebuild/Phase%201%20-%20Steering%20and%20Brakes/IMG_0044.jpg

Will get new brake hoses made up before I fit the rotors, and need to check the castor rods out, the XF ones dont seem right..

[Rex]

Thats some good ****e bro

[69SS]

Nice one Birchy, you wont know her with the new disc's!!