Hey Guys I recently acquired a 1966 Ford Mustang coupe that I plan on turning into a daily driver car for late spring to early fall. I finaly got enough cash together to start my own project instead of always helping others. The car was stock when I purchased it. 289 2bbl v8 4-speed tran. I have already sealed a deal on stroking a 302 block into a 347. I got a t5 out of the deal but have been looking into the Tremec TKO 5 speed trans cuz a basic t5 can only handle around 300-330lbs roughly of torque. Anyway, here is a pick of project
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang019.jpg
First thing I was working on is stripping out the interior and engine bay. I just got a lift and proper floor jack today so I will taking out my old 289 and tranny asap.
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang011.jpg
I found a few problem areas when I was actualy able to lift the beast and crawl under it. First was where the toe boards and floor pans meet.
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang079.jpg
At one point in time this rusted through on the drivers side and someone tried to fix it by patching it.
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang004.jpg
The dark area is where they patched it. It is to bad it is rusted through but is also an indication that my cowl is also rusted through. I few other problem areas I found was on the back Frame-rails where the leaf spring shackles attach:
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang012.jpg
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang013.jpg
They are almost rusted right through but they will have to be replaced for sure. I went over the floor pans and only noticed a few dime sized holes from rust
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang082.jpg
I kinda expected this when I got the car but not to this extent.
First thing I did was strip the front end off and get the fenders off to get a closer look at the cowl.
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang081.jpg
Here is a couple picks of the cowl:
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang083.jpg
http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/o...Mustang085.jpg
Right now iam working on stripping the driver/passenger side doors and taking apart the dash to get to the firewall for a closer inspection of rust. I plan on fixing these problems but lack some experience in the field of cowls, frame rails and floor pans so I have been leaning towards a professional to do them but have also been talking to a friend that is a mechanic about repairing them myself. Iam experienced in welding but not in the field of autobody. I know MIG is useualy the choice in welding but I lack the knowledge of making sure it still keeps its strength after I cut it out and replace it.
I plan on cleaning up, sanding down and painting the engine bay when I pull the 289. I will have time because the 302 block needs to get machined first and I still need to order parts for it.
Iam planning on redueing the suspension and breaks as well when I get some spare time to hunt down parts. Probably going with full disk breaks and have been making a list for front and rear suspension upgrades.
If anyone has any insight on my rust issues it is greatly apreciated!
