We’ve been busy as can be since our last update. With time running short we’ve really kicked it into high gear!
We decided to replace the entire front clip after too many nasty accident damage surprises. The crew stripped the donor clip down using our stripping discs and our 100lb Pressure Blaster. Once the new nose for Resolution was cleaned, I took the reciprocating saw and began surgery. We decided to cut the old front clip just behind the strut towers and in front of the OE lap joint. Once the bulk of the front end was off we made relief cuts in the necessary spots to slip the new front end in place. After a bit of cutting, some hammering, a LOT of measuring, and finally a test fit of front sheet metal, we were ready to weld. I used the MIG 175 to weld the new clip on permanently.
While I was working on the front clip the rest of our team were busy cleaning, painting, and detailing everything that was removed and destined to be reinstalled on the car. A lot of the parts from the car were surprisgnly reusable and they’ve all been getting some Eastwood detail paints. With most of the parts looking good we needed to address the interior. I’ve been working to install new black tweed seat covers on the Mustang sport seats. We’re currently working on a DIY how-to video to teach you how to recover your front seats right now. Stay tuned!
We haven’t forgotten the drivetrain either! After finding our old engine needed so much work AND being under such a tight deadline, we made some calls to Ford and found the LAST new Ford 302 5.0 engine in the country. Days later a big black crate showed up and we had our fresh NOS longblock. We immediately threw it on the engine stand and Kevin is working on assembling it and getting it ready to drop in. It looks like a lot is going to happen in the next few days!
Lastly Mike, Nick and the crew have been working hard getting the body ready for primer and paint. Nick and Mike have been putting in long hours and it shows! The Mustang just recently got a couple coats of fresh primer and just yesterday the jams and engine bay got some color. Below is a sneak peak at what color Resolution is getting!
Stay tuned, we are pushing hard and we hope you can check the car out in person for the 2013 Eastwood Summer Classic!
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Was the project ever completed? Was there a Phase VII?
Nick,
Are you going to send the final installment for this project? I wish I could have been there for the unveiling. I’m sure it came out sweet…
Thanks again,
Cisco
Nick,
I’ve been looking for the finished product since the weekend of your classic (unless I’ve got the date wrong).
Can’t wait to see it.
Jim
Cisco,
Thanks for following along. We certainly will provide a breakdown overview when we wrap up. We actually just painted the body today and dropped the engine and transmission in this morning. Good luck with your 1991 GT.
Nick
NickC,
I love what your doing. I too am tackling a 1991 Mustang GT. Like most of the average do it at home builders, I don’t have the money to throw at it all at once. We end up working one issue at a time, as cash (and the Ms.) permits.
When the job is finished can you send or post a written price breakdown on tools and supplies. Also a breakdown on what they were used on. This would help anyone tackling a similar project and schedule purchasing.
Thanks Again,
Cisco
Phillip,
We appreciate your feedback. I’d like to share some additional information about the build. The goal of Project Resolution is still to be a “Cruise Night” worthy car that we can enjoy on a budget (note: this is not being built as a full-bore show car, rather something that we can have fun with, turn some heads, and not be embarrassed pulling it into a cruise night).
We knew the car had accident damage when we started the project, but it turned out to be a lot worse than we initially expected. We originally purchased a new radiator support and inner fender aprons, but the damage was too extensive to fix with these repair panels. We had a few options for fixing the front-end damage – send it out to a collision shop and pay them to pull the damage, try to straighten the damage with common shop tools (which we did try, but it did not get the damaged area anywhere near where we were comfortable), scrap the car and find another, or find a used clip to install.
We found the clip for $50 on Craiglist. We got the front-end specs from a Mustang forum and used a tape measure and level to get the clip in the proper location. By bolting the sub-frame in place, we were able to get the clip close and adjust it from there to match the specs we found online. This job was involved, but not outside the scope of what a home hobbyist can accomplish with a helper, a MIG welder, drill, angle grinder, tape measure, level and sawzall.(measure twice, cut once….).
In regards to the engine, we purchased this through the local Ford dealership……we were told this was the last factory 302 that was in Detroit.
We do have a group of people working to get the car done, but the majority of the work is being done after hours and on weekends. We have various skill levels working on the car from experienced to very basic auto skills (this is a great way for these people to learn how to do the work).
In regards to budgetary constraints, that is something we are also facing. I’m overseeing what we spend and I’d love to have the money to add custom wheels, lowering springs, big brakes, a cowl hood, new door panels, supercharger, etc, but they do not fit into the budget for this vehicle. One thing to remember is that a project is never truly finished…..maybe we can add some of those items later on.
Nick C.
Wait a minute. I thought this project was supposed to be representative of what the average guy, who works at a regular job and comes home tired and beat, would be able to accomplish on his own. Replacing a front clip? Getting in touch with Ford and purchasing the last of a NOS longblock? Seriously? Is the average guy going to have the resources to accomplish these things?
It’s my perception that you seem to have lost track of the initial purpose of your mission.
Here’s the reality: The average guy is working in his already too cluttered garage, he rarely has access to heavy lifting equipment, he most certainly is not working in concert with three or four other men, and, more importantly, he has budgetary constraints.
You guys are kidding ….Right.
Fins on Radiator are still bent,
Rust pits on control arms.
Tire and junk on floor…(Safety Issue)
Continuous weld…should it not be a plug weld, its cleaner. You can use drip check sealer (3M) to seal the part to the inner fender….
Looking good, when you’re done can you come pick up my 86 GT its stripped down more than yours. If you get the shell and body panels ready for paint I’ll put it back together and meet you in the parking lot for a burnout competition then follow you to the Eastwood summer classic.
I have a 1988 5.0 that I want to restore..however ….I would like to get the most bang. For. My buck. Thank for showing me ways to save I’m really enjoying the rebuild.