As you'll read in an upcoming issue, we've modified the look of our '02 Mustang GT with the addition of several new body pieces from Mr. BodyKit.com, the highlight being a 2.5-inch Mach 2 fiberglass hood. Details on the 'Stang's new hood and other cosmetic improvements (Saleen S281 rear wing, upper and lower sidescoops, Gen-10 LED taillights, 18-inch '10 Shelby GT500 wheels) will be covered later.
However, one addition that won't be mentioned in the story is the billet hoodpin set we installed before taking the Mustang to Ford Auto Body in Van Nuys, California, where body-and-paint specialists performed the bulk of our Pony's cosmetic surgery.
Our purpose for installing hoodpins is twofold. First, with the new Mach 2 hood being fiberglass and much, much lighter than the factory bonnet, we're concerned about the OEM latch assembly's ability to maintain a tight grip on the replacement piece. While the latch should have no problem holding the hood down during normal driving, the last thing we want to see is the hood slammed against the windshield when the 'Stang is at high speed.
The second reason is vanity. The Mach 2 definitely is a sexy hood on its own, but we think pins, especially this particular set (which is actually made for S197 Mustangs and Shelby GTs), will add just the right amount of competitive attitude to further set off our '02's new look.
The following photos and captions cover our in-the-driveway installation of the Shelby billet-aluminum hoodpins (PN 12541; $109), which are available through AmericanMuscle.com. While our install procedure includes minor TIG-welding, the job can be accomplished in full bolt-on fashion using handtools.
1 In preparation for our...
1 In preparation for our ’02 Mustang GT’s cosmetic makeover, which included replacing this OEM hood, we decided it would be best to pre-fit the new hood and install a set of Shelby pins (which obviously requires drilling through the hood) before sending the ’Stang to Ford Auto Body.
2 The Shelby hoodpin set...
2 The Shelby hoodpin set is designed specifically for S197 Mustangs and is mounted to the radiator-support brackets in those cars. To ensure balanced positioning on our New Edge ’Stang, we chose to remove both hood bumpers and locate each pin in that location.
3a To mount the pins, we’re...
3a To mount the pins, we’re using ½-inch-diameter nuts welded to washers, which are then mounted to the core support at the openings left by the extracted bumpers...
3b ...Each hole must be opened...
3b ...Each hole must be opened up just a bit before the fabricated pin receivers are TIG-welded to the support. Once the assembly is cool, a ½x20 chaser is used to ensure the threads inside the receivers are clean.
4 After clearing the receivers,...
4 After clearing the receivers, stainless-steel pins are threaded into each one and locked in position with jam nuts included with the set. When this step is completed, the new hood is bolted on and positioned for drilling.
5 We used a dab of grease...
5 We used a dab of grease on the tip of each pin to index where holes must be drilled in the back side of the new hood. A ¾-inch hole saw and a steady hand are required for this step. Having a buddy on hand to help hold the hood in place is helpful. Once the lower hole is bored, the process is repeated and a second hole is made through the top (skin) side of the hood. Finally, the hood is lowered to verify hole alignment and adjustments (pin, hood latch) are made as necessary.
6 After aligning the lynchpin...
6 After aligning the lynchpin holes and ensuring they’re straight, an 1⁄8-inch drill bit is used for making holes the screws that secure each plate to the hood. Poron seals and Delrin bushings sit below the plates.
7 Here is one of the fresh...
7 Here is one of the fresh pin assemblies for our ’02 Mustang GT’s new Mach 2 hood with its lanyard and lynch pin installed. We chose black plates over the brushed-metal option, as the hood itself is destined for black paint (body color), and the contrast of the brushed lynchpins will match the ’Stang’s other brushed-billet treatments. We strongly recommend installing hoodpins or any accessory that requires drilling into new body pieces before sending a Pony off to the body shop, as it totally eliminates the chance of damaging your fresh paint job.
8 Our Mustang’s new Mr. BodyKit.com...
8 Our Mustang’s new Mr. BodyKit.com Mach 2 hood is pre-fit and ready for paint. With the hood’s 2.5-inch height and air inlets, and the new Shelby hoodpins, our Pony has the exact look we were hoping to see—one that says, “This is one Mustang you don’t want to mess with!” 5.0