We regularly brag about the fact that we test, design, and dream up new products in-house here at Eastwood. Testing products requires a good rotation of test vehicles and we’ve had a number of wrecks we’ve used in the past. Recently the “powers-that-be” agreed that we should buy a new test vehicle that we could restore as we tested and designed new products. The ideas started flying immediately, “We could` test out a new welding attachment while we replace a rusty lower fender” or “Test a new cleaning product on weathered old vinyl”, etc. So the hunt was on!
After weeks of hunting Craiglist religiously, one of our product developers Joe R. came upon a great deal on a local fox body Mustang for sale. The owner brought it by and we climbed all around it looking for the signs of a good Eastwood project vehicle. Our criteria was like the list of things most would shy away from. We wanted rust, dents, body damage, weathered interior, faded bumpers and paint, etc. Needless to say the seller was a bit confused as we commented on the imperfections the car had “Oh cool, the seats are quite worn!” or “Oh nice, it has been in a fender bender at some point”, “Oh look it has some rust in the rockers!”. Luckily it wasn’t April Fools yet and the seller finally understood why we were acting that way. We struck a deal and the car became ours!
Fast forward a week and we are now starting to brainstorm where will start on the new addition. We plan to stay pretty conservative in this build, keeping it fairly original (or so we are telling the bosses right now!). But we are always looking for your opinions on what we should do to bring this car back from its beater status! Keep watching the Eastwood Blog as we update on the progression of this Mustang.
Pingback: Project Resolution - The Final Chapter? | Eastwood Blog
Pingback: Project Resolution - The Final Chapter? | Eastwood Blog
Nice project you guys have there. I love mustangs and camero engines restore and customize. tear down and rebuild .i see a nice finish car..i am working on a 2010 camero right now. good luck!!
I’d like to see a complete fiber glass front clip with new roof skin and t tops. As far as the engine goes i’d like to see a 461 blower with 10% over drive. white leather interior
I’d like to see a complete fiber glass front clip with nrw roof skin and t tops. Asfar as the engine goes i’d like to see a 461 blower with 10% over drive. white leather interior
Nice ride guys! I’ve also got an ’89 LX 5.0/5-speed and it’s a great car. The only additions have been Draglites and 3.73 gears and that’s it.
I’d love to see you do a full STOCK body restoration, including the replacement of the roof skin (we badly need those to be reproduced as most t-top and sunroof cars have rot in them). I’d also love to see a full stock interior restoration to go along with the stock theme.
For the drivetrain, I’d like to see a naturally aspirated EFI stroker motor, 6-speed, and an 8.8 with 4.10 gears. If built right, this would be more than enough to get you into the low 11’s at the track – without the use of a Turbocharger, Supercharger, or Nitrous Oxide. It would look stock but go like it should!
Good luck on the build.
Nice pick of cars, I have an 89 coupe that I restored and I completed my engine bay with Eastwood Powder Coating System and it tured out amazing. Wish I could post a couple of picks
Good job guys! The old fox is an awesome pick for a project!
I think I would go with a full restoration and keep it bone stock. This car is a perfect candidate for that.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about modifying my mustangs but that’s because I usually end up starting with cars that have already had the usual treatment and the factory parts are long gone.
Besides. Almost everyone knows how to modify a car. I don’t find as many people know how to actually restore one.
Best of luck! I’ll be keeping up with the progress!
I bought one like this brand new in 89. Same color everthing. Except mine was a stick. Best Mustang I’ve owned. Loved that car. Talk about fun and fast! Was starting to do a few minor mods. But then started this business. Traded it for a new van. Always regretted parting with that car. Found the guy that bought it from the dealer and tried to buy it back. After he had it for about 13 years. He was a jerk though and sold to some one else after he knew how bad I wanted that car back.
Anyways, Please restore it original. i mean a few mods to the motor is fine,but don’t hoopy it up. Don’t lower it or put any other ugly mods to the body. Keep it clean and orignal. I know you guys will do a good job so I’ll be following the project.
Steve Reither