67mustangblog » Project Updates

[PARTS UPDATE] – Gauges, MSD Ignition and Custom Covers

67mustangblog.com — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 07:16:30 +0000

Having a restoration project that spans almost a decade is not always as bad or frustrating as you would think. There is a positive to take from it which isn’t always obvious. As time passes the parts and products available to restorers improve and get upgraded. That is just the case for the following parts that are now available or have been improved. I thought I’d post these here for all Mustang restorers as they are not always easy to find.

First up are gauges to fit the 1967 and 1968 bezels. I did post about the Carroll Shelby signature gauges a few years back. These were the gauges Unique Performance had specially made and installed in their Eleanor Mustangs. For those who don’t know there are actually two versions of the signature gauges. One version from Autometer and the other from Classic Intruments. So lets break them down.

Autometer version – Seen above. These are sold through the guys at Mustang Pony Cars and are only available in the imperial system. So for those using the metric system these are NOT available in KPH and Celsius. They will run you $895.00 for a set of 5 or for the complete setup with the bezel you can expect to pay $1595.00. Check out MustangPonyCars for more info. They also sell some great custom consoles worth having a look at.

Classic Instruments version – These unlike the Autometer version are available in both imperial and metric. So if you are after it in KPH rather than MPH these are your gauges. I can’t seem to find them on their site but I have confirmed directly that they do sell them. Please refer to the video HERE for a good look at them.

While on the topic of gauges there are also some nice new digital gauges out from Dakota Digital. Their new VHX series offer a modern display easy on the eyes in both daylight and at night. Fully lit needles, backlit faces, and highly visible LCD message centers are a few of the things that you can see which set the VHX Series apart from yesterday’s traditional approach to instrumentation. A few of the features which you don’t normally see are the micro-controlled precision stepper motors, solid state sensors for unparalleled accuracy, and user-customizable display feedback, all supported by an unrivalled limited lifetime warranty. Check their site HERE for more information.

Now how about the old MSD-6AL ignition. A favorite amongst many Mustang owners. Well if you haven’t checked them out in the last few years then you may not have seen the all new digital version which improves on the old one. On the outside you’ll notice a slimmer design and some rotary dials which eliminates the need for pills. It also uses less amps with a current draw of .7 amp per 1,000 rpm as opposed to 1.0 am per 1,000 rpm with previous 6AL. For a more in-depth look check out their site HERE and stangtv’s review

Last but not least is not really a part but still something needed to protect your hard earned restoration. It’s a car cover and one you may remember seeing on the Unique Performance cars. The UP guys had custom ones made which sported the Carroll Shelby signature on the front, as seen above. Unfortunately this exact one is not available. Covercraft, the company who made them, have confirmed they cannot make the Shelby signature covers, possibly due to licensing. But don’t worry they can still make you a cover with other Mustang related insignia including various FORD, Cobra and Mustang logos. Have a look at this page and scroll down for all available logos.

[PARTS UPDATE] – Gauges, MSD Ignition and Custom Covers originally appeared on 67mustangblog on March 22, 2012. Tweet This

Should I Purchase a MSD-6AL Ignition Control For My Project?

67mustangblog.com — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:42:59 +0000

With so much time on my hands waiting and waiting for work to restart on my project I’ve increasingly been looking at small parts to buy that I’ll be needing or maybe parts I don’t need but just want. But one part that I’ve been tossing up with is the MSD-6AL ignition control. Do I need it and what benefits will it provide my engine? I’d really like to hear your comments and suggestions. Are you running one? Is it essential? And more importantly do I need one?

Currently my engine is untouched since I purchased it. It was professionally rebuilt from the bottom up with new parts and was balanced. It’s the factory 289CID and has Try-Y nickel plated headers, Edelbrock 289 performer intake manifold with ARP bolts, Holly 650 CFM carburettor and MSD heli-core Coil & Wires. MSD say the 6AL is perfect for a 289, so it can’t be overkill? To my understanding (and I’m not great with engines) is the 6AL is responsible for controling the ignition by limiting (or letting you set) the revs and it also ensures you’re getting a full spark every time. I could be wrong but it looks like the product helps maintain your engine and keep it running smoothly?

I’ve noticed they also now have digital ones. You can plug in your laptop to tune it? Sounds cool, but I think for an old vehicle I might like to keep older technology. But that is yet to be decided.

So as I said before, who has one installed? Did you notice a difference from when you didn’t have one? And what are your recommendations for me in my situation? I’d be very keen to hear all your comments and suggestions.

Should I Purchase a MSD-6AL Ignition Control For My Project? originally appeared on 67mustangblog on April 24, 2010. Tweet This

Update: Bi-Xenon Projector Headlight Project Completed!

67mustangblog.com — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:03:23 +0000

Well the project is finished and the lights are on their way to Australia. Overall quite a quick and painless process.

This time I wanted to make sure that lights were extremely secure, and after seeing a cool HID Retrofit on an old mini and how they made an eclosure to protect the unit. With this in mind I had my retrofitter do something similar.

Take a look at the photos. You can see we’ve enclosed the entire unit in a PVC round enclosure. It looks great and solid, however we also did note that it would not fit into the the Mustang.

I know we’ll need to do some cutting and I can only hope we can get these in other wise it will be yet another expensive headlight exercise. Fingers crossed.

I’ll post up some more detailed photos when they arrive, probably next week sometime.

Update: Bi-Xenon Projector Headlight Project Completed! originally appeared on 67mustangblog on October 28, 2009. Tweet This

Update: Bi-Xenon Projector Headlight Project Almost Done

67mustangblog.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:19:27 +0000

It was only a few weeks ago I posted about my second attempt at a superior headlight system for the Mustang, this time a Bi-Xenon headlight setup which would be a big step up from the single Xenon project I did a year or so ago. Well good news is it’s taking shape and looks damn fine! Check out the pics after the jump.

My mate who is putting them together for me is great. He’s quick and his attention to detail is great! Though we do have one problem which I knew we would encounter.

Last time with the single Xenon setup it was very tight for space in the car, you could maybe fit a few fingers in before you hit the fram of the engine bay which would make it extremely hard to change the globe but it was do-able. Now with the Bi-xenon projectors we’re hell out of room. The projectors themselves are longer. From the front of the headlight lens to the back of the projector without the ignitor cap on is about 5.5″ long. With the ignitor, we are probably looking at about 6″ at least. So all together with some type of rear covering, we are going to be looking at a total length of 6.5″ long at the very most and probably about 6″ girth for the covering of the projector in the rear.

But this is all ok. I’ve spoken to John, my builder, and if we must we can cut into the frame, I think that’s what it’s called. Now don’t freak out. We’ve seen this done before with other light setups. Just a small round hole to enable the back of the light to be accessible to change globes and what not. Anyway take a look at the photos. Looks GREAT!

Update: Bi-Xenon Projector Headlight Project Almost Done originally appeared on 67mustangblog on October 14, 2009. Tweet This

Bi-Xenon Projector Headlight Project

67mustangblog.com — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:29:07 +0000

You may all remember my HID Xenon project I had done last year. Basically I wanted a headlight system that retained the cars look but came with the modern output. At the time I was only able to purchase single xenon projectors as this is all that was available aftermarket for right hand drive cars. But now things are a bit different and Bi-Xenon headlamps are now available for right hand drive. Needless to say I’ve now scrapped my previous project and am now having a Bi-xenon set of headlights made up. This time only better.

Last time I had the inside of the housing finished in a matte black. Giving a modern look as you can see here. Though after this was done I had a niggling thought about how it takes away from the vintage look. So luckily I have a chance to do it again.

I’ve purchased a RHD FX-R Bi-Xenon kit from The Retrofit Source along with some Apollo shrouds. This time we’re going with the vintage look. Keeping silver reflective surface of the headlight itself and just dropping in the bi-xenon projector.

One problem though, these projectors are quite long, so it looks like we’re going to have to cut into the inner walls of the car so the back of the light can poke through.

So what’s the difference between the single xenon projector and the bi-xenon projector? Well to put it simply a single xenon projector is used just for the main headlight and your car would have a separate light for its high beam. Bi-xenon has the main light and the high beam in one projector.

This time around we’re going for a more professional job. We’re going to try and have the rear of the lights inside an enclosure and have the wires neat and clean. The last project was a little dodgy in that respect and my main reason by my personal piece of mind is if I ever have to sell the car and people find wires and heat resistant tape there it would not be a good look. For this reason we’re going for as clean as possible.

So stay tuned and hopefully I’ll have some cool pictures for you soon.

[Source]

Bi-Xenon Projector Headlight Project originally appeared on 67mustangblog on September 28, 2009. Tweet This

And Now A Word From Our Builder

67mustangblog.com — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:19:52 +0000

We had a first today on the site. It’s been about five years and John, the builder of Toby’s car and my car, has never made a post or a comment but it seems the lure of 67mustangblog was too much. John has come out of the wood work and answered some of the questions I lots of people ask me.

John posted some comments in this post. However I’ll repost it here:

“Hi everyone,

I am the poor bugger who has the job of putting these together.
The kit for both Toby’s and Cam’s cars came from Prototype Plus in Melbourne and are a nice kit, but you will still need to do a LOT of fitting and mucking about if you want everything perfect. If you want more info, just let me know. The kit is much better than any of the US kits and works out cheaper. On both Cam’s and Toby’s we have used Fibreglass front fenders which are made by the same guy and look a lot better than the original fenders with the flare glued on. If you would like more info on any of the products or the how’s, I may be able to put something together for Cam to post up. As long as it doesn’t take me away from the job at hand.

Now, in regards to RRS. Yes, they have had some supply issues and are working very hard to fix these problems. I have had a few problems along the way as well, but they have been very helpful in fixing any problems as soon as they are able. They have also been outstanding in providing product backup and technical help when needed.

You will find that if you know how to handle a spanner you shouldn’t have any troubles fitting the gear yourself. I have fitted a fair bit of RRS gear to Mustangs now and find that it does improve the driving experience of these older style vehicle. We do need to have some patients with these guys as the product they supply is pretty much all that is available. They have done the hard yards in regards to ADRs and making the fitting of the products less of a headache when it comes to having engineering/compliance done on the vehicles. Almost all of the available products from overseas will not pass ADRs here and will cause major headaches. I speak from experience.

By the way, I am in no way connected with RRS other than having used their products. I think that they are working pretty hard to improve the problems that they have had in the past and I am confident that they will continue to supply A1 products that will help us improve and enjoy these vehicles well into the future.

Anyway – if anyone has any questions just let Cam know so he can pass them on.

Oh, btw guys. Give us some feedback on the grilles, do you think that the spacers should be painted Black to hide them a little better????”

So there you go. If you have any comments or more questions please post them in a comment below. John constantly reads the site.

And Now A Word From Our Builder originally appeared on 67mustangblog on September 16, 2009. Tweet This

October Update: What’s Happening With My Eleanor

67mustangblog.com — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:15:47 +0000

You’re all probably wondering what is going on with my project and I don’t blame you, it’s been quite some time since anything happened so here’s the latest.

The last time I gave an update I mentioned October was the month things should start happening as this was when I was receiving my loan. Well October is here and I have the money! I spoke with John last week about where we will invest the ten thousand I have but the news wasn’t so good.

“I have spoken to the converters about a week ago to find out when I can slot the old girl in.
Hopefully it will be soon, the dash was going to be done for me to pick up but they hadn’t finished it last week. Not having a very good time with them, but I can’t really do much as noone does a better job

Hold the money for now, I will let you know. There is still some finishing off to do with the kit so I don’t what any money going to the guys until they have done that.”

So there you have it. I’m holding on to the cash for now while the guys free up some time. They are quite busy down there. Last time i was there they had a shed full of Mustangs so i can’t imagine what work they have to do.

That wasn’t it. John gave me a run down of where we stand.

“My plan at this stage is:
The Green Bullit will be going for the interior fit up in a week or so, so it will be out of my hair for a few months. I have a little blue 67 coupe that needs to be put together for paint and of course Toby’s.

Toby’s is ready for paint but the paint shop is telling me another 2 weeks
So I feel like I am hitting my head against the wall.

I will be putting the pressure on the converters starting tomorrow, I have two weeks off work and was hoping to be able to get started on a few other things but not the case, oh well.

Anyway, I will let you know. Hold tight just for now.”

So at least we know we have some work coming up which I’ll let you all know about as soon as it’s done.

Stay tuned.

October Update: What’s Happening With My Eleanor originally appeared on 67mustangblog on October 9, 2008. Tweet This

Cursed Cars, A Severed Hand And A Lot Of Patience

67mustangblog.com — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:24:38 +0000

Apologies for the lack of updates, It’s been very quiet over here in Australia with a very cold winter work has slowed down. Unfortunately last week we had an accident in the shop. While working on my friend Toby’s Eleanor project one of the body guys almost severed his hand. I’m not too sure how it happened as I can’t get to the shop but work was halted for a while. Now while he recovers we are one man down.

It seems Toby’s car has caused a fair few headaches for the guys, so much so that they have dubbed the car, The Cursed Car.

As we stand now Toby’s car is the priority. We only have one group of guys and I think something around 4 or 5 cars in various stages of restoration. Toby’s car should, fingers crossed, be off to paint in the next couple of weeks which will bring my old girl out from the corner to have her right hand drive conversion started.

The RHD conversion could take some time though. Speaking with Toby this week I was almost crushed to hear that his conversion took almost 6 months. But I guess we can’t rush these things, although I would love to.

On the financial front I’ve put in for my loan and have just to send the contract in and we can be on our way, however I was offered the same loan from a family member at an extremely lower percentage rate, only catch, I have to wait until October. I think i might wait as the money saved on interest can be put back into the car, so a little bit of waiting here could mean a closer finish to the project.

Will keep you posted. John, my builder is due to give me an update shortly, though I don’t think there will have been any progress to my car, though if there is I will be sure to let you know.

Cursed Cars, A Severed Hand And A Lot Of Patience originally appeared on 67mustangblog on July 5, 2008. Tweet This

Bringing Eleanor Together – A Financial Update

67mustangblog.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:06:29 +0000

So when I started out with this project I don’t think I knew what I was in for. I didn’t know how much money I was going to have to spend, but as always with me, I love a challenge and I know the money will be well spent. So for those of you wishing to do the same thing as me take note.

Probably the major factor in the cost of such a project is that I am located in Australia. So getting a car here was costly. The car itself, shipping, import fees, agent fees, taxes etc. came to about $AUD20,000. That’s just getting the car here in its unrestored stripped back form as seen here.

So after buying a lot of parts (just about every major part I need to build her up), having the kit fitted and having the body-work taken car of, I’m up in the region of the $AUD50,000 spent!

Now I’m sure other people could do it a hell of a lot cheaper if they did these themselves, but for me, I’m no genius mechanic so I have outsourced the build to my builder friend John. Someone with expertise in classic car restoration has been the best idea I’ve made.

Over the years, and it’s been quite a few, (something like 5 years with this project), I’ve paid for everything with my own hard earned cash and this is partly the reason it’s taken so long, I’ve had to save then buy something, then save and buy something. The other part of the reason is my builder, John, who is flat out himself with his other builds and his fulltime job.

What I’m getting at is I’ve had enough of the waiting. I’m past halfway I would thing and would only probably have $AUD25,000 left to spend. I need to finish the RHD conversion, paint the car, interior, put her back together and some misc parts like the transmission, rear brake kit and rear suspension package.

So I’ve decided I’m going to take the leap and get myself a personal loan. Now I’m always a believer of having no debt and paying with everything in cash, but it’s just too hard for such a project. I’m looking at maybe a $AUD15k or $AUD20k loan.

So that is where I am at financially. I’ve always wanted to be honest with everyone with this build as this is what helps other builders in researching their own project. So over the next few weeks I will search for the best loan and apply for it. Then we’ll get the ball rolling and hopefully bring the end date a lot closer.

Bringing Eleanor Together – A Financial Update originally appeared on 67mustangblog on June 9, 2008. Tweet This

Getting Ready For Right Hand Drive – A Small Update

67mustangblog.com — Tue, 20 May 2008 12:01:56 +0000

So last week I said things were starting to move along and the car was going in for it’s right hand drive conversion. News just in is that the body kit has almost been removed so she can go in for her conversion.

The kit was fully fitted but not glued on as it needs to be removed for easy access to the firewall for conversion. Now with it all fitting well it is removed so the final small things can be done before we go to paint.

Spoke to my builder, John, yesterday and he said “we are stripping the car for the conversion guys so it is almost back to a bare shell again. I am keeping the pressure on the conversion guys, I don’t want to miss out.”

It seems the conversion guys are really busy, so if we hold off we possibly may have to wait another month or two.

No pictures to update you all with, nothing new to show really. The story picture is of how she looked before the kit was fitted which is somewhat what she will look like now.

More to follow.

Getting Ready For Right Hand Drive – A Small Update originally appeared on 67mustangblog on May 20, 2008. Tweet This