Horse Sense: Sometimes you...
Horse Sense: Sometimes you can use the Mustang you already own, but whenstarting out, it's often better to buy another car. It all depends onyour budget and what you want to end up with. Don't forget--the best dealmight be someone caught in the middle of a project who has to dump itfor some fast cash, so keep your eyes and ears open
About 10 seconds after discovering Mustangs, the typical enthusiast begins dreaming about turning his car into that one special ride he'd just love to have. It could be anything--a hot street machine, a drag car--who knows? The concept is, our man has an idea of a Mustang he'd like. No doubt you do too.
With that in mind, we'll show you how to draw a Mustang project-car map--or how to get from idea to reality. We'll also look at what's available on the used market as project fodder. While all Mustangs seem alike at first, there are differences. Which Mustang you choose and how you modify it has much to do with whether your idea turns out to be a dream or a nightmare.
Just to make sure no one is missing the obvious, at a bare minimum you must have at least some discretionary income, a few tools, and a place to work on the car. So be realistic--starving college kids sleeping three to a room in a high-rise apartment can't successfully build project cars, and that is simply a fact. But if you are short in one of the must-haves, you can work with trading time and labor for money, or trading parts or services instead of spending cash. Creativity counts.
Before anything, you must have a plan. Begin with your idea, your dream. What sort of Mustang are you visualizing? Something shiny and fast? That's not good enough. You need to be more specific or you'll end up wandering into the automotive abyss. To focus your thinking, begin in broad terms and work to specifics. As you progress, write your ideas in your Mustang project notebook. At the least, answer the following questions.
1. Do I want a street car with license plates or a trailered race car?
2. If a street car, will it be a daily driver or a weekend toy?
3. Which is more important, looks or performance?
4. Is fuel economy important?
5. If a race car, what class will I run?
6. If a race car, am I running for a championship or just for fun?
As you answer these questions, your project will gel and take on a specific form. For example, concluding your project car will be trailered everywhere means you can dispense with licensing, emissions, and all creature comforts such as a heater and air conditioning. This also means once you've gone down this path, your Mustang will never be a street car again--and let's hope you have something else to drive to work, a tow vehicle, and a trailer.
The typical late-model Mustang...
The typical late-model Mustang is screwed together with standard andmetric fasteners, Phillips screws, and Torx screws--nothing a trip toyour Sears Craftsman tool department can't handle. The typical 200-piecekit should allow you to tackle most any job, save for special toolsneeded for engine and transmission rebuilding, electrical diagnostics,and a few other specialties.
Beginners have to start somewhere,...
Beginners have to start somewhere, and what better place than your localbookstore. There are several good books from well-known writers in theMustang hobby--three of whom work right here on this magazine--and theyall have good information on a multitude of subjects concerninglate-model Mustangs. You can find history, bolt-on performance, enginebuildups, suspension tuning, and more within these books. Pick up one ormore of them and start educating yourself.