Mustang Owners Club Australia Forum

Technical & General Discussion Area => Restomods => Topic started by: dunwood on May 01, 2009, 10:04:54 pm

Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 01, 2009, 10:04:54 pm
Hi' i've started to restore a 68 mustang that i brought off a importer in victoria two weeks ago. It came complete apart from a motor or gearbox which suited us fine.
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0aa6a.jpg)

interior is complete apart from the steering wheel.
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0aa68.jpg)

since then, i've started to pull the car apart for it to be converted to RHD.
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0daut.jpg)

the dash is out
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0bz9n.jpg)

I also removed the carpet, expecting to see rust, but i saw none at all.
(http://images.fotopic.net/y041tg.jpg)
(http://images.fotopic.net/y041u6.jpg)
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: nassi on May 01, 2009, 10:31:07 pm
Nice mate, lets hope the rest of the car is as clean as the floors.
cheers.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: victorypark on May 02, 2009, 11:59:19 am
Welcome aboard dunwood and looks like a good basis for a resto.  What code is she and which state do u reside in??

Cheers.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: ChilliChadd on May 02, 2009, 02:47:22 pm
Nice ride. What engine and box are ya thinking of running.
Cheers
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 02, 2009, 04:02:37 pm
Thanks every one for your comments. This is my first mustang restoration, so it's a bit of a learning curve for me.

victorypark: It's a C code Mustang in The south east suburbs of Melbourne.

chillichadd & t-code kid: I haven't decided on the motor/gearbox setup yet. Depends on what i find at upcoming swap meets.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: Dad on May 02, 2009, 09:24:34 pm
South East Melb huh ?

Same as my good self.

Lysterfield is my area - you ?
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: IGALOP on May 03, 2009, 07:36:20 am
Another Sth Eastern Mustang in the area. There are quite a few around me here in Narre Warren. Welcome, dunwood.:]
Hopefully we can catch up with you soon!    Johnno.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: R_Beckhaus on May 03, 2009, 11:02:02 am
Great to see another '68 coming along! Welcome, congratulations and enjoy!
Cheers, Ron B
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: shaunp on May 03, 2009, 11:30:27 am
Looks like a tidy thing.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 03, 2009, 04:11:01 pm
I'm in Pakenham area.

Anyway, the front end of the car is now out of the car. I'm picking up a XY Caliper's and XY Stub Axles for the front end on saturday. I'm also started to strip the rear end to convert to Disc Brakes.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 04, 2009, 01:58:41 pm
the rear drum brakes are now off

before
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0eh6p.jpg)

after
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0idtu.jpg)
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 24, 2009, 10:50:12 am
I got my first new part for the mustang. Eccentric Ellimonators
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0rh4a.jpg)
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: MustangNut on May 24, 2009, 11:46:44 am
Mustang owners can be a bit over the top sometimes but what the hell are those thingy's?
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: moe on May 24, 2009, 04:12:53 pm
Quote
Originally posted by MustangNut
Mustang owners can be a bit over the top sometimes but what the hell are those thingy's?


Have a look here:
http://www.mustangdepot.com/OnLineCatalog/Suspension/eccentric-elim.htm

1967 through 1977 Fords used an eccentric bolt on the lower control arm to adjust camber. The problem with this method is the potential for the lower control arm mounting position to change or shift when subjected to heavy impacts or loads, such as potholes, curbs, road debris, off-track excursions... To prevent this from happening, our 11-position eccentric eliminator kit is used to lock the lower control arm in place. We like to think of this as preventive maintenance.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 24, 2009, 06:15:45 pm
Thats them, but i got mine from www.totalcontrolproducts.com. these type also don't turn like the old round one used to do

also started to strip the paint in the engine bay
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0tysw.jpg)
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: victorypark on May 27, 2009, 09:08:01 pm
Nice work mate.  Might have to go head to head with u mate with the resto but u r well ahead.  I'm still in planning mode.

Still trying to work out what to "attack" first.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 28, 2009, 10:29:07 pm
well this is my first mustang. so this is a learning curve for me
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 31, 2009, 08:50:00 pm
as of 31st May 2009 i've stripped all of the paint out of the engine bay and have started undercoating it
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0v9a0.jpg)
it's supposed to be grey, but it came up white on the camera

Have also started to make up front disc brakesfor the mustang. i'll put ti up here when it's finished sometime this week
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: 67TTCoupe on June 02, 2009, 10:20:41 am
lookin good!coming along nicely.

cant wait fo rnext set of pics.

i wish i can work on mine but i havent even got mine home yet ;]


Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on June 02, 2009, 08:56:52 pm
what car are you waiting on 67TTCoupe?

anyway here is some more work that i've done on my car
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0wlc6.jpg)

also done up the track rods
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0wlct.jpg)

and the tie rods
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0wlcu.jpg)
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: 67TTCoupe on June 03, 2009, 10:30:03 am
cool more pics. :(

i bought a 67 coupe unfinished project from my work supervisor. he spent the time and lot money on it. kinda was a steal so i had to have it :f

though i have 5 cars allready stashed need to get rid of one or two so i can bring the mustang over as its still in pieces = lot of room needed.

than the fun starts. cant wait. lucky my other half loves it too so looks like we be spending bit more dosh on it than originaly anticipated.

she wants new interior. whos to complain.

http://www.mustang.org.au/forum/viewthread.php?tid=6720

Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: Thirsty428 on June 09, 2009, 10:08:25 pm
Good to see another 68' in the making. Congrats!!

Are you going to keep the same interior?
The 68 deluxe interiors are hard to come by. The chrome bezels look in good nick, as well as the woodgrain.

Must say - for your first mustang you are getting down to some serious restoration first up!!

See you on the road in the near future.

John


Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: shaunp on June 10, 2009, 11:20:48 am
Quote
Originally posted by dunwood
as of 31st May 2009 i've stripped all of the paint out of the engine bay and have started undercoating it
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0v9a0.jpg)
it's supposed to be grey, but it came up white on the camera

Have also started to make up front disc brakesfor the mustang. i'll put ti up here when it's finished sometime this week

Make sure you porta power those tower support wings back to the towers and weld them up, before you paint it, and check for cracks.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: victorypark on June 10, 2009, 01:58:27 pm
Quote
Originally posted by shaunp
Quote
Originally posted by dunwood
as of 31st May 2009 i've stripped all of the paint out of the engine bay and have started undercoating it
(http://images.fotopic.net/y0v9a0.jpg)
it's supposed to be grey, but it came up white on the camera

Have also started to make up front disc brakesfor the mustang. i'll put ti up here when it's finished sometime this week

Make sure you porta power those tower support wings back to the towers and weld them up, before you paint it, and check for cracks.


Hey Shauno, could u explain the process u mentioned in the quote mate just for us first time restorers.

Cheers

VP
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: shaunp on June 10, 2009, 02:21:53 pm
Ok as most of us know the front end of these things is pretty weak, one main issue is the shock towers crack and flex like hell. One of the reasons for this is they are just spot welded together. If you look at the inside of the tower, where the top control arm  bolts come through you will see like a bat wing strengthening plate, it's pretty heavy gauge. Over time the front edge of this bends away from the tower, I've seen them with a gap of 10mm, it should be hard up against it. You need to puch it back against the tower and weld it. This stenghtens the lower part of the tower where the they crack. Often the spot welds are broken because there arn't enough anyway and they crack, to the spot weld as this forms a bending moment. Weld them vertically on front and back edge, you can grind up the front edge to look stock if you want. Drill some holes though the lot and plug weld them to fix the spot welds close the center. You can see the gaps on the front edge in the picture above. This makes them stronger and less likely to crack. Make sure you have an export brace + crossmember fitted etc etc  when you do it so as not move the towers, just the plates.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: R_Beckhaus on June 10, 2009, 04:57:17 pm
My '68 is currently being repaired from this fault and a cracked right rail as well. I strongly recommend you heed Shaunp's advice as the repair is decidedly costly.
Cheers, Ron B
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on June 10, 2009, 05:42:26 pm
OK, i did some NDT to both sides of the turrests on both sides of the car with FLAWFINDER SYSTEM http://www.rocol.com/lubricants/english/metalworking/flawfinder/
No cracks were found in the area of concern.

The only crack was on the export Brace which i'll need to fix.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: R_Beckhaus on June 10, 2009, 05:48:32 pm
Before you weld it, make certain you've found BOTH ends of the crack and drill a 1/4 hole at each end of the crack, then weld up the crack and holes., otherwise the crack will keep on spreading. This is what happened to me!!!
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: shaunp on June 10, 2009, 07:20:35 pm
Quote
Originally posted by dunwood
OK, i did some NDT to both sides of the turrests on both sides of the car with FLAWFINDER SYSTEM http://www.rocol.com/lubricants/english/metalworking/flawfinder/
No cracks were found in the area of concern.

The only crack was on the export Brace which i'll need to fix.

OK cool,so just push the strenghtening plates back where they should be , and weld them so they don't move again.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on June 25, 2009, 05:53:26 pm
The other day, i visited a mate of mine who is doing up a Shelby Cobra GT500 and noticed that he had removed the front end out of it. I asked him what he was doing with the old front end which he just put in a month or so. He's decided to change the front end to a Total Control Products front end.  and he said "You can have the old front end" and now i have front discs for my car now.

(http://images.fotopic.net/yz87yg.jpg)

as you can see, it came with a pile of other stuff. Half i can't use (Lower control arms have stuffed bushes, Spring saddles have stuff bushes and the springs have been cut with a hacksaw). I also need to change the tie rod ends on my mustang to fit onto the spindle as mine are slightly smaller.

Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on June 25, 2009, 09:16:27 pm
Yeah, apparently they were knock off's made in china. But the rest of it is american made so i should be right.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on June 28, 2009, 09:02:04 pm
BTW, does anybody know where to get rocker covers for the Aust 302 EFI Motor?
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: moe on June 29, 2009, 08:03:48 am
I use standard mustang rocker covers on my Aust 302 EFI heads, on my third set (currently running the Hi-po chrome style).  
Are you after anything in particular?
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on June 29, 2009, 03:08:58 pm
something like this
(http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/yhst-13525187779972_2059_1668318)

some poeple say they will fit, some say they wont and some say they will only fit as long as you don't use roller rockers so i'm a bit confused as to who is right as i'd like to fit roller rockers to the motor for the mustang
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on August 28, 2009, 01:42:18 pm
Finally a day that hasn't been wet or cold. I've 90% done removing all the interior of the car. Today the heater box, plenum chamber and the ducts were taken out of the car. the ducts are stuffed as well as the plenum chamber (it's only made out of cardboard). The heater core looks ok, but i'm am going to have it pressure tested to make sure there is no leaks as there was a fair bit of water in the heater box. i'll be getting into it more as it's warms up here.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on October 16, 2009, 02:25:53 pm
the diff was taken out today
(http://images.fotopic.net/1ym6s5.jpg)

it's a 8" 2.79:1 diff

while the diff is out, dad wants to paint it light blue for some strange reason.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: Foresight on October 16, 2009, 02:42:01 pm
light blue? like ford engine blue?
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on October 16, 2009, 05:12:16 pm
lighter than the ford engine blue. Like a powder coated blue
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: IGALOP on October 16, 2009, 08:57:34 pm
But it might get dirty!:w:w
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on October 22, 2009, 01:45:27 pm
It will get better than the rusty brown it is now. Well today i finally sorted out the rear brakes. I picked them up from Blue Oval Garage. t will be awhile before they go on the car, but i couln't pass up a discount on the kit.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on January 15, 2010, 02:30:56 pm
Ok it looks like i've been duped.  Those stub axles and disc setup that i got (and assured that they were the right one's for my car) are in fact for a 68 Ford Torino or Fairlane. :_ So  now i've got to get my hands on some tie rod ends for a 68 Torino or Fairlane. Where can i buy a set of them in australia or will need to import some from america?:
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: non member on January 15, 2010, 02:52:04 pm
68 Torino stub (spindles) are the same as 68 Mustang. Part # C8OZ3105A (right) C8OZ31O6A (left).  
Usage 68-9 Torino, 68-9 Montego, 68-9 Mustang (except Boss302), 68-9 Falcon (US & maybe Australian).

Tie rods from an XW Falcon or later will fit.

The lower arms in the picture you posted on 25/6/09 are 67 lowers.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on January 15, 2010, 03:03:07 pm
Thanks ozbits. just as i posted that, i checked a ford torino parts catalog and it quotes the same part number for the tie rods as the mustang one. so i checked it and it in fact fits after all. so disaster avoided.

now i just haft to get rid of a set of mustang 1970 tie rod ends which i was told by the guy that i brought the front end from that i needed them to use on it as the ones on my car (1968 tie rods) won't fit. pisses me off being told wrong info.

BTW, is there a length distance between the 67 Lower control arms to the 68 Lower Control arms?
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: non member on January 15, 2010, 03:13:02 pm
Quote
Originally posted by dunwood
Thanks ozbits. just as i posted that, i checked a ford torino parts catalog and it quotes the same part number for the tie rods as the mustang one. so i checked it and it in fact fits after all. so disaster avoided.

now i just haft to get rid of a set of mustang 1970 tie rod ends which i was told by the guy that i brought the front end from that i needed them to use on it as the ones on my car (1968 tie rods) won't fit. pisses me off being told wrong info.

BTW, is there a length distance between the 67 Lower control arms to the 68 Lower Control arms?


67 & 68 lower arms are the same length. I picked the arms in your pic by the 4 holes. 67 uses a straight caster bar, 68 on uses a curved end caster bar. If you had lower arms when you pulled the car down, then they will fit the 70 bars. If not just get a set of XW (or later) lower arms.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 27, 2010, 08:54:12 pm
Not much done for a few months due to starting a new job.

anyway here is the diff being painted blue by dad while i was at work.

(http://images.fotopic.net/12ojy8.jpg)

Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 28, 2010, 07:11:22 pm
it has one on it already on the other side of the diff. the arrow shows where it is

(http://images.fotopic.net/12ot8u.jpg)
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: muzz67 on May 28, 2010, 07:14:14 pm
True,

But a DRAIN plug in the bottom makes life so easy when you have pulled out like that.

Just an option
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: muzz67 on May 29, 2010, 10:39:52 am
Yep that's a filler plug alright, but without pulling out the diff centre how do you drain it to replace the oil????
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: non member on May 29, 2010, 11:18:09 am
& make the drain plug in the base a magnetic one...

Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on May 30, 2010, 08:21:19 pm
this is the car that will give it's motor and gearbox to my mustang.
(http://images.fotopic.net/12qdm9.jpg)

i got it from a council auction about a year ago.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: HEVEN67 on June 05, 2010, 12:32:39 pm
Whats going on over here then?

So this is where all you late model 68's are hanging out!

Good on you Dunwood, looks like you having a ball too.
Luvhev
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on June 20, 2010, 06:22:17 pm
I've just spent all weekend looking and buying parts for my mustang. I must of been to about six parts places to find the parts i needed, but in the end, i have enough parts to get it to a rolling chassis.
(http://images.fotopic.net/12z59s.jpg)

BTW, thank you BLKPNY for opening on sunday and selling me the final parts i needed.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on July 03, 2010, 04:41:10 pm
I've booked the mustang for it to be changed to RHD. Its going to be done at Mustbstangs, Dandenong. It's going in at the end of the month.

I've also started to get the car to a rolling shell.
(http://images.fotopic.net/13fky9.jpg)
diff's in with RRS Rear brakes which will allow me to fit 14" wheels.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on August 15, 2010, 06:20:56 pm
I supposed it was bound to happen that i would find rust in the car.

(http://images.fotopic.net/13ll43.jpg)
it's only surface rust at least. i'll need to clean it up

(http://images.fotopic.net/13ll4f.jpg)
the other side isn't that bad at least

on the plus side the car is now a rolling shell for when mustbstangs ring to let me know thst they can take it to be changed to RHD
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on October 06, 2010, 06:30:12 pm
Not much done due to work, but i've changed the dash a bit.

(http://images.fotopic.net/1f76i4.jpg)

I've put in a mini tach from Retrogauge.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: shaunp on October 06, 2010, 07:44:16 pm
No poit changing the dash yet cause you have to cut up the plastics for the RHD swap.
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on October 06, 2010, 07:52:17 pm
i've got a rrs dash pieces on order atm. gives me something to do while i wait for all the parts that i've ordered
Title: 68 mustang coupe resto mod
Post by: dunwood on November 14, 2010, 07:03:16 pm
:yellowpepper:YAY! finally got my rack last week. Put it in a hour ago.
Very happy with it
(http://images.fotopic.net/1fxms8.jpg)