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65 Fastback A code Restomod

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890 views 11 replies 5 participants last post by  Russstang  
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#1 · (Edited)
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After several years of inactivity, I'm finally getting back to serious work on the Fastback. The car has been in our family since sometime in the 70's and is in pretty good condition for a 60 year old car. As the body goes, I've replaced most of the right front floorboard, and a small patch on the left, due to rust. I also replaced the radiator support and both inner fenders due to some apparent collision damage along the way. The right rear quarter will get a full sail replacement, along with the right outer wheelhouse and B pillar, due to some remarkably terribly repair work at some point in the past. I also opened up the cowl and was surprised to find that the areas around the top hats had not rusted through. To help with rigidity, convertable inner rockers have been welded in, along with both front torque boxes. Outside of that, there appears to be very little major body work needed (of course, media blasting will determine that in the future).
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My design objective with the car is to build a reliable and enjoyable weekend driver that will last for many years to come, while also able to handle some occasional spirited driving. I'm trying to keep it largely appearing to be a "stock" mustang, with any compromises coming in the name of function and/or safety (and maybe looks, to a degree). I've done much reading and research recently, and in the past, with the list below being my general plan. I would appreciate any input or insight that will help me avoid any glaring oversights or conflicts in my plan.

Engine- 347 Stroker, ported stock heads w/ larger valves, 10:1 hypereutectic pistons, full roller, K code exhaust manifolds & motor mounts, Terminator X Stealth EFI, serpentine belt setup including a modern A/C compressor and GM-style PS pump, (I don't have the Terminator yet, but the engine is built), '67 big block radiator, larger A/C condenser, dual electric fans (radiator support is opened up and the condenser/radiator/fan stackup has been fitted), dual exhaust
Transmission- '99 4R70W controlled by the Terminator, custom drive shaft (aluminum?)
Front End- SoT coilover kit, KH style disc brakes, eliminate power booster for space, Borgeson power steering box, Ididit GM-style tilt column
Rear End- SoT 3-link kit, original 8" with a new nodular 3rd member, 3.50 gear set & Tru Trac, stock axles (I know a 9" is stronger, but launches w/ drag slicks is not in the plan), original drum brakes, MTF mini tub kit (to keep the factory interior), hopefully 255's in the rear

I believe this configuration should give the car a much more modern feel without straying too far from the original look of the car. Thanks in advance for any guidance and wisom that may help me avoid major conflicts you may see in the plan.

As she currently sits:
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#2 ·
Looks like a well thought out plan and a fantastic shop with the right tooling to do a great job.
The only selection that’ll get some debate here is the Borgeson box. This site is very fond of manual steering boxes that have been renewed by Chokostang. It’s almost a requirement to register for the VMF and get a username at this point.
Since you’re going to make Shaun’s day when you add his 3-link and front coil overs to your cart, I’d bend his ear on what steering configuration he’d recommend for your needs, and go with it. He sells it all so he doesn’t really have a dog in the fight.
good luck with your build… following.
 
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#4 ·
Thanks to you both for your feedback. I’ve tried to think most of the major stuff through, while trying to avoid my natural tendency to get caught up in analysis paralysis ;)

I already own the Borgeson box and the PS pump, so I am inclined to use them, but I could be persuaded otherwise. I bought it a few years ago, but at the time, it seemed like a good option for maintaining PS without introducing steering geometry issues often accompanied by rack and pinion. The details are getting fuzzy, though.

As for seats, the plan is to use the stock seats on a convertible seat pan. Is there something else that I should be considering? I honestly haven’t looked into that detail, yet.

Thanks again! I really appreciate the community’s willingness to share hard earned wisdom.
 
#5 ·
As to the Borgeson, I have no experience but have heard many say it is not as good as a well set up stock version. I have manual myself and have been pleased with it. Once I get my going again after a LONG hiatus, I have a rebuilt box by Chock and expect it to be even better. As to the seats, stock are low back, non-locking seats. You mentioned safety and I was wondering if you were looking at upgrades.
 
#8 ·
I am very pleased with the later model Mustang seats. Alot of them go in the early cars with very little modification and provide modern safety features. I used some of the '84-85 SVO Mustang seats with the manual lumbar air bags. Used the early car seat tracks after drilling only 4 holes. Lots of side bolster support but still easy to get in/out of. The head bolsters can be removed but I kept mine for safety. I don't find they block my vision. Plan to get seat covers to match the Trim code 22 back seat this year.
 
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#11 ·
Looks like a local salvage yard has a 2000 Mustang in inventory. Not sure if it still has the front seats, but it looks like new foam and upholstry from TMI for SN95 seats will cost more than a new set of TMI So-Cal seats. Is there any major advantage to OEM seats if they'll need rebuilt?
 
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