California Mustang called: the bench seat is ready to be picked up. Can't wait to see how they turned out.
Sorry no picture
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
January 20, 2012 A Change of Plans
I get a call from Dad giving me an update on the car. He told me that the car is now at Fords Only so that the interior can be done.
The mechanic and Dad talked and agreed that it would be most beneficial to have the body work done. The plan would be to take the interior out of the car, all of it except for a driver's seat and steering wheel. The mechanic would then make some phone calls to see who can take care of the car the best for a reasonable price. Then the exterior and the interior of the car can be done in one swoop.
One problem or two: Body work costs money not matter what. Just how much? And what about getting the interior back in the car?
The mechanic and Dad talked and agreed that it would be most beneficial to have the body work done. The plan would be to take the interior out of the car, all of it except for a driver's seat and steering wheel. The mechanic would then make some phone calls to see who can take care of the car the best for a reasonable price. Then the exterior and the interior of the car can be done in one swoop.
One problem or two: Body work costs money not matter what. Just how much? And what about getting the interior back in the car?
January 14, 2012 California Mustang
After surviving the treacherous drive to City of Industry, it was time to order some parts. When my dad and I got there the store was packed. We were patient and waited our turn. When the next sales associate was available I told him that I had a big order and made sure he was ready for what I was going to dish out.
Before I even start to begin the big order, there is a problem. The kit doesn't cover bench seats, only bucket seats. I had to custom order the bench seat and the comfort weave (another extremely odd option). It took a long time to accurately order all the right parts and color. While ordering my grandfather came into the shop to see us and understand what I was ordering that day. He even agreed to picking up the bench seat when they came in, which was extremely helpful.
All these new interior parts look really good and I can't wait to see them installed in the car when I return!
Before I even start to begin the big order, there is a problem. The kit doesn't cover bench seats, only bucket seats. I had to custom order the bench seat and the comfort weave (another extremely odd option). It took a long time to accurately order all the right parts and color. While ordering my grandfather came into the shop to see us and understand what I was ordering that day. He even agreed to picking up the bench seat when they came in, which was extremely helpful.
All these new interior parts look really good and I can't wait to see them installed in the car when I return!
January 14, 2012 Donut Derelicts
I sure go to this place a lot. Go there too much? no way.
On this particular trip I had my cousin Jennifer come with me. She really thought that the whole thing was cool and that she wanted to get an old car as well.
When I back into a spot and get out of the car do I realize that I have parked next to two other Mustangs. This was pretty cool because each one was a different body style: fastback, coupe, and convertible.
1968 Fastback 1968 Coupe 1969 Converible
It was even cooler that all three had different kinds of engines as well.
Lots of cool cars on this Saturday, I took a couple other pictures.
On this particular trip I had my cousin Jennifer come with me. She really thought that the whole thing was cool and that she wanted to get an old car as well.
When I back into a spot and get out of the car do I realize that I have parked next to two other Mustangs. This was pretty cool because each one was a different body style: fastback, coupe, and convertible.
Lots of cool cars on this Saturday, I took a couple other pictures.
January 13, 2012 Radiator Fixed
When picking up the car I asked the mechanic if he would want to take apart the interior and install the new stuff. He agreed to do it while I was away for school.
When I usually go to the warehouse I usually take Airway Ave to get there. It's great because there is no traffic and it is a straight path to the office. I gun it...
this car is not the fastest by any means but it sure felt like it. The engine was loud and I watched speedometer make its way to the top. I make it to 70mph, a new personal record in this car. I know that it can do more.
No overheating at all.
When I usually go to the warehouse I usually take Airway Ave to get there. It's great because there is no traffic and it is a straight path to the office. I gun it...
this car is not the fastest by any means but it sure felt like it. The engine was loud and I watched speedometer make its way to the top. I make it to 70mph, a new personal record in this car. I know that it can do more.
No overheating at all.
January 12, 2012 Fords Only
When I got the car taken care of before I came for Thanksgiving, the mechanic told me that my radiator needs to be replaced. I can still drive it around Orange County but I can't push the car too hard. After nearly completely overheating on my way to Long Beach, I need a new radiator! I decided to buy a cool aluminum radiator from Mustangs and Fast Fords.
Turns out... it didn't fit. I had to pick up the radiator from Fords Only, return it, and find a replacement before noon. After numerous phone calls, I found one in Orange. I got a pretty sweet deal and the new radiator is a 3-Row which will keep the car a lot cooler. I run back to Fords Only to see if it will fit....
it does. I also asked if I could have the tail light fixed. I showed him the ticket... he laughed. He said he would do it.
Earlier that week...
I learned that the 289 V8 is a healthy engine after a compression check. It does not need to be rebuilt any time soon which truly confirms that getting the interior done is the priority.
The compression check. That orange car in the background is another 68 Fastback. That car is 100% done but I have mixed feelings about the orange
Turns out... it didn't fit. I had to pick up the radiator from Fords Only, return it, and find a replacement before noon. After numerous phone calls, I found one in Orange. I got a pretty sweet deal and the new radiator is a 3-Row which will keep the car a lot cooler. I run back to Fords Only to see if it will fit....
it does. I also asked if I could have the tail light fixed. I showed him the ticket... he laughed. He said he would do it.
Earlier that week...
I learned that the 289 V8 is a healthy engine after a compression check. It does not need to be rebuilt any time soon which truly confirms that getting the interior done is the priority.
Early January 2012
After a relaxing trip in Napa Valley, it's time to get back to work. I now have only one week left to do something monumental. During the trip, I learned that my own mother has not even been inside the Mustang. It is now becoming more apparent to me that completing the interior is more important than going fast.
I look through my catalog books and I discover that I can buy an interior kit, which will basically replace everything that is disgusting in the interior. The price tag seems fair and I have shopped at this location before. This parts store is California Mustang, City of Industry. Dad and I decide to go to Industry on the upcoming Saturday.
Meanwhile...
I got pulled over by the POLICE. Turns out my left brake light was not working. I got a fix-it-ticket. In short I was not happy (obviously), especially since I fixed the right tail light in May!
I look through my catalog books and I discover that I can buy an interior kit, which will basically replace everything that is disgusting in the interior. The price tag seems fair and I have shopped at this location before. This parts store is California Mustang, City of Industry. Dad and I decide to go to Industry on the upcoming Saturday.
Meanwhile...
I got pulled over by the POLICE. Turns out my left brake light was not working. I got a fix-it-ticket. In short I was not happy (obviously), especially since I fixed the right tail light in May!
A Side Note
For all those that are reading this blog, I really appreciate it. I know that some of the recent posts have been long but I'm trying to catch up on lost time. I hope you have been enjoying the story of turning this project car into a real 1968 Fastback Mustang. One thing I have not mentioned previously is that the people who have been helping me, I am truly great full.
As I have been going on this journey I have become more and more aware that my Mustang is exceptionally rare. Every time I tell anyone that I have a 68 Mustang they aren't impressed. When I mention that it is a fastback they become slightly more interested. When I mention that it is a bench seat, they are very surprised. Another rarity feature on my car, is the reflectors on the rear fenders. Most reflectors on 68 Mustangs are square, while this Mustang has a hexagon shape.
As I have been going on this journey I have become more and more aware that my Mustang is exceptionally rare. Every time I tell anyone that I have a 68 Mustang they aren't impressed. When I mention that it is a fastback they become slightly more interested. When I mention that it is a bench seat, they are very surprised. Another rarity feature on my car, is the reflectors on the rear fenders. Most reflectors on 68 Mustangs are square, while this Mustang has a hexagon shape.
Christmas 2011 Part 3
After successfully completing the repaint of the engine compartment. It was time to begin thinking again of what to do next with the car. Stevie and his father (Mr. Schiesser) came by the warehouse to check out the Mustang. Mr. Schiesser was impressed by how well the spray painting turned out and thinks that it is a good looking car. After hanging out we all decide to go to Five Guys (thought it was only a MidWest thing, guess not).
While there Mr. Schiesser asks me what I plan to do with the car next. I tell him that I would really like to make it a hot rod at the expense of terrible cosmetics. He listened to what I had to say and he did not agree with my plan whatsoever. He used to work for a car dealer and has seen the different kind of trade ins. He told me that I can make it fast but it will still be a piece of shit. He's right, I'm ashamed to show anyone the bench seats in the car or the interior as well. Since the car drives and stops, performance can be put on the back burner. Make it look good.
A family vacation to Napa Valley temporarily stopped progress on the car. When I come from Napa, I have more homework to do.
While there Mr. Schiesser asks me what I plan to do with the car next. I tell him that I would really like to make it a hot rod at the expense of terrible cosmetics. He listened to what I had to say and he did not agree with my plan whatsoever. He used to work for a car dealer and has seen the different kind of trade ins. He told me that I can make it fast but it will still be a piece of shit. He's right, I'm ashamed to show anyone the bench seats in the car or the interior as well. Since the car drives and stops, performance can be put on the back burner. Make it look good.
A family vacation to Napa Valley temporarily stopped progress on the car. When I come from Napa, I have more homework to do.
Christmas 2011 Part 2
I went back to my friend Gerry asking what I could do to the car while I was back. He suggested that I really clean out the engine compartment and repaint the engine compartment semi-gloss black. I was very interested in this idea and I asked him everything that I need to buy and know. After I did my shopping, we met at a local quarter car wash place to steam clean the engine.
Needless to say, it was incredibly dirty! Gerry introduced me to the best cleaner for automobile purposes, Simple Green. This stuff cleaned the area extremely well and it even revealed a hidden secret about my car. I discovered a handwritten note from the factory that was on the top of the inner fender. It says: 24 and beneath that 3-14. I think it means that car rolled of the assembly line on March 14 and may have been car 24 for that day. After the steam cleaning, the engine compartment looked ten times better! But I wasn't done yet.
The next day...
Accompanied with my friend, Stevie Schiesser (John's brother), we were going to finish this project. Armed with our own pressure washer, we continued to clean the car. Gerry told me the day before that to do the best job, I needed to spray the engine from the ground up. We put the car on the wheel ramps to get the best angle.
The first step was to get Simple Green all over the greasy parts and then hit it with the pressure washer.
One more thing! We took out the radiator and fan blade so we could have more room to work. We also had to cover all openings and electrical components before really using the pressure washer.
Now it's finally time to get washing!
Stevie was not messing around that day. He was the jumpsuit and safety glasses to get it done. He did a very good job, bravo Stevie. And we made quite a mess but don't worry we cleaned it all up. After some scrubbing with a toilet brush (new toilet brush), even more grease came off. Now we wait for the car to dry before we can apply paint. Time for lunch!
I don't have too much experience with spray paint, with the exception of Eagle Scout projects (as long as you can't see the bare surface you're good). I called in reinforcements... Dad. We taped off the paint on the body and put all around the fenders and grill area.
He showed us a more efficient technique. First we primed the compartment and much to my delight I begin spotting stamps in the inner fenders and reinforcement bars. We let the primer sit for a while at which point dad gave us some other work to do. Then we finally got to spray painting and it was fun.
When it was finished the semi-gloss looked really good. We decided to leave the car overnight to make sure the paint dried and stuck.
The next day...
It looks like all the other engine compartments I've seen on other Mustangs. There was a few missed patches so we quickly resprayed those areas. It looked complete and correct.
Needless to say, it was incredibly dirty! Gerry introduced me to the best cleaner for automobile purposes, Simple Green. This stuff cleaned the area extremely well and it even revealed a hidden secret about my car. I discovered a handwritten note from the factory that was on the top of the inner fender. It says: 24 and beneath that 3-14. I think it means that car rolled of the assembly line on March 14 and may have been car 24 for that day. After the steam cleaning, the engine compartment looked ten times better! But I wasn't done yet.
The next day...
Accompanied with my friend, Stevie Schiesser (John's brother), we were going to finish this project. Armed with our own pressure washer, we continued to clean the car. Gerry told me the day before that to do the best job, I needed to spray the engine from the ground up. We put the car on the wheel ramps to get the best angle.
Now it's finally time to get washing!
I don't have too much experience with spray paint, with the exception of Eagle Scout projects (as long as you can't see the bare surface you're good). I called in reinforcements... Dad. We taped off the paint on the body and put all around the fenders and grill area.
He showed us a more efficient technique. First we primed the compartment and much to my delight I begin spotting stamps in the inner fenders and reinforcement bars. We let the primer sit for a while at which point dad gave us some other work to do. Then we finally got to spray painting and it was fun.
When it was finished the semi-gloss looked really good. We decided to leave the car overnight to make sure the paint dried and stuck.
The next day...
It looks like all the other engine compartments I've seen on other Mustangs. There was a few missed patches so we quickly resprayed those areas. It looked complete and correct.
Christmas 2011 Part 1
After a most successful semester in Loyola, time to come home. The Christmas season was very pleasant and I hope y'all enjoyed the holidays as well. Now that I'm back: what to do next????
My dad came up with the idea of doing something major to the car while I would be away for the spring semester. When I come back, it would be ready for me.
I start talking to many different people about what I can do next. Engine? Performance? Interior/Exterior? Cosmetics? I decided that, like Ricky Bobby, I want to go fast! I have headers, intake manifold, and new valve covers that's a pretty good start. After listening to many different options from: bringing the engine back to stock, getting a 5.0 engine to replace, or turn the current engine into something special. I choose to keep the original engine (for originality factor) and make it something special.
I have also been interested in upgrading the transmission. The goal is to achieve better gas mileage and do better on the highway, and possibly handle new power. I was interested in the idea of a AOD Transmission, a 4-Speed automatic. It would take some slight modification to fit but it can work.
Looks like everything planned out but I know that I could improve the car without spending lots of money.
My dad came up with the idea of doing something major to the car while I would be away for the spring semester. When I come back, it would be ready for me.
I start talking to many different people about what I can do next. Engine? Performance? Interior/Exterior? Cosmetics? I decided that, like Ricky Bobby, I want to go fast! I have headers, intake manifold, and new valve covers that's a pretty good start. After listening to many different options from: bringing the engine back to stock, getting a 5.0 engine to replace, or turn the current engine into something special. I choose to keep the original engine (for originality factor) and make it something special.
I have also been interested in upgrading the transmission. The goal is to achieve better gas mileage and do better on the highway, and possibly handle new power. I was interested in the idea of a AOD Transmission, a 4-Speed automatic. It would take some slight modification to fit but it can work.
Looks like everything planned out but I know that I could improve the car without spending lots of money.
Thanksgiving 2011
Back in beautiful Southern California! It was sure nice seeing my friends, family, and I even ran a 10K. But I had been away from Karen (name of the Mustang) for too long and it was time for some bonding. Like before I didn't even think of venturing out of Orange County. On the other hand I had to hit PCH for the best driving. On my down south towards Newport Coast, I stopped by Ruby's Shake Shack to take a look at the Pacific. Some folk say that Lake Michigan is just like the ocean but I disagree. No waves.
More important than that was going back to favorite place on Saturday mornings. Remember Terry? I told him that I was back in California and agreed to give me the parts previously mentioned. Score! We met at Donut Derelicts and I got those parts. Smile from ear to ear. I'm getting parts to make the car go faster, which makes me happy. After getting my donut fill for the day, I headed over to the Wedge.
It has really come a long way from April. That crooked bumper still gets to me though.
More important than that was going back to favorite place on Saturday mornings. Remember Terry? I told him that I was back in California and agreed to give me the parts previously mentioned. Score! We met at Donut Derelicts and I got those parts. Smile from ear to ear. I'm getting parts to make the car go faster, which makes me happy. After getting my donut fill for the day, I headed over to the Wedge.
During School. But how?
At the start of this semester I get a call from my parents saying that they bought tire covers. I already had a car cover to help protect the... er, paint but now that I have a nice set of wheels(rims) it is worth protecting. The Mustang was usually parked next to a public sprinkler system so it would get sprayed. I had the same problem with my 66 Mustang, the entire left side of the car had total oxidization. It is extremely difficult to remove, but easy to prevent.
Late in October I get another call. The male parental unit decided to clean the garage out of the blue. And I seriously mean clean the garage. He made enough room so the two car garage can now have two cars in it. That was incredible news. And the tire covers that were just bought now have even more important job: protecting the wheels and tire from dog "pee pee".
Before I came back to California for Thanksgiving, I composed a quick list of things that needed to be taken care of. No real big changes, more practical if anything else. Installing mirrors, getting the turn indicators fixed, flux capacitor, and so on. And putting one of the hub cabs back on.
Back at Ford's Only
Late in October I get another call. The male parental unit decided to clean the garage out of the blue. And I seriously mean clean the garage. He made enough room so the two car garage can now have two cars in it. That was incredible news. And the tire covers that were just bought now have even more important job: protecting the wheels and tire from dog "pee pee".
Back at Ford's Only
Monday, January 30, 2012
Before Chicago
Since my birthday was coming up soon, I was able to pick one part that I can put on the car. Not much thinking was involved in this decision. My friend, Gerry (previously mentioned), had some tri-y headers that I have had my eye on for a while. I got the money from the family and drove over to get those headers. There they were and then they were mine. Too my further surprise, Gerry picked up a steering wheel from a swap meet that is meant for my car. It's the right color red, original manufacturing, and I can get it in exchange for the wooden steering wheel on my car. That transaction will have to wait.
One day before I head back to Illinois I went back to Donut Derelicts. While there I met an incredibly nice man who was also a Mustang enthusiast, named Terry. He had a 1966 Coupe that was all done and it looked pretty darn good. I was telling Terry my plans for making the car better and he said that he could give me some parts that could really help me out. He would give me his Edelbrock Performer Aluminum Intake and Aluminum Valve Covers for free!
But I was flying out the next day, so that would have to wait until I got back from Illinois.
One day before I head back to Illinois I went back to Donut Derelicts. While there I met an incredibly nice man who was also a Mustang enthusiast, named Terry. He had a 1966 Coupe that was all done and it looked pretty darn good. I was telling Terry my plans for making the car better and he said that he could give me some parts that could really help me out. He would give me his Edelbrock Performer Aluminum Intake and Aluminum Valve Covers for free!
But I was flying out the next day, so that would have to wait until I got back from Illinois.
August 2011
Now that the car was safe to drive, I drove it everywhere! Just as any kid with a new toy would. I stayed in Orange County, I didn't want to push the car too hard. People would look at me when I go past on the highways. I had one problem with all these looks: as the pictures may reveal my car is not the most visually appealing. On the flip side I have America's favorite body style of the Mustang (consensus of people I have talked to).
My favorite place to drive the car is to a donut store on saturday mornings. It's called Donut Derelicts, on the corner of Magnolia and Adams Ave. Every saturday morning whole bunch of old guys show up in their hot rods to get donuts and talk car with other motorheads. I like checking out other people's rides and learning about what I can do to my own. I've actually made some friends and met plenty of good people.
When I am finally able to go, I was very curious to see what the reaction would be. It was a very pleasant experience, lots of folks were checking out the car. Fastback Mustangs always attract attention and mine was no exception (even though it's not finished). One feature of my car that is always shocking to any Mustang guru is the bench seat. I've come to learn that only 5% of Mustangs ever built have bench seats.
Parked next to me is 08 Mustang and 67 Galaxie 7 Litre (rarish car).
After the donut store, my dad and I decided to go to the beach. We wanted to watch the waves before I head back to Chicago.
My favorite place to drive the car is to a donut store on saturday mornings. It's called Donut Derelicts, on the corner of Magnolia and Adams Ave. Every saturday morning whole bunch of old guys show up in their hot rods to get donuts and talk car with other motorheads. I like checking out other people's rides and learning about what I can do to my own. I've actually made some friends and met plenty of good people.
When I am finally able to go, I was very curious to see what the reaction would be. It was a very pleasant experience, lots of folks were checking out the car. Fastback Mustangs always attract attention and mine was no exception (even though it's not finished). One feature of my car that is always shocking to any Mustang guru is the bench seat. I've come to learn that only 5% of Mustangs ever built have bench seats.
After the donut store, my dad and I decided to go to the beach. We wanted to watch the waves before I head back to Chicago.
Early July
I did finish polishing the rest of the wheels and they looked very good. One of my fellow motorheads says that wheels can make a POS into something worth looking at.
Now that the wheels were all taken care of, it was time to make the car safe to drive. After I had accumulated enough funds it was time to rebuild the front end. My dad and I took the mustang to Fords Only. The owner has always treated us well and does exceptional quality on all his work. We dropped the car off and let him do his thing. One of the most important things I've learned: never call to ask if it's done, he'll call me. Below is all the old equipment that was on the car, most of that is original to the car.
I got the call, all done. When my dad and I arrived the car was still on the lift, he wanted to show us all the improvements that were done. Replacement of springs, shocks, control arms, motor mount, and too many things for me to remember off the top of my head. While the car was having the front end, he put new brake pads on the front discs. He told me that when I need to service my brakes, I'll need to replace the rotors as well.
Look at those new parts! He even painted some of the parts to make it go with the car.
Now that the wheels were all taken care of, it was time to make the car safe to drive. After I had accumulated enough funds it was time to rebuild the front end. My dad and I took the mustang to Fords Only. The owner has always treated us well and does exceptional quality on all his work. We dropped the car off and let him do his thing. One of the most important things I've learned: never call to ask if it's done, he'll call me. Below is all the old equipment that was on the car, most of that is original to the car.
I got the call, all done. When my dad and I arrived the car was still on the lift, he wanted to show us all the improvements that were done. Replacement of springs, shocks, control arms, motor mount, and too many things for me to remember off the top of my head. While the car was having the front end, he put new brake pads on the front discs. He told me that when I need to service my brakes, I'll need to replace the rotors as well.
Look at those new parts! He even painted some of the parts to make it go with the car.
It's been too long
It is now 2012 and I have not been updating my blog whatsoever. I shall attempt to update it as best as I can.
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