other parts and pieces collected so far...

While the bodyshell is a work in progress, I've been collecting more pieces and parts for the build. I acquired a Ranger 7.5" rear axle assy, and am having it narrowed to fit the GT. I got disc brake rotors, backing plates and caliper brackets from a Mustang and calipers/pads from a Taurus SHO. I've modified the caliper brackets to fit the Ranger rear axle per a post on a Ranger forum that someone pointed me to. I also have a locking diff from a Bronco II, along with 3.08 gears from a Ranger. Hopefully with the V6 T5 trans gear ratios, this should be a good setup. If not, there are plenty Rangers out there with 3.45 gears...Also had a friend that used to own a speed shop give me an aluminum rear axle cover that strengthens the carrier with two studs/bolts that press against the carrier bearing caps. Looks good to boot.

more progress on the bodyshell

Well, it's been awhile since I updated the blog. I've been busy getting the bodyshell repaired and closer to paint. Stripping the bottom of 38 years worth of oil, road grime and paint isn't easy or fun. But now I've got a line on a soda blaster that a friend has, so I'm putting it on hold so I can get it done a little easier. I built a rotisserie of sorts so I can get tothe bottom of the car a little easier. Here's a couple of pics of the progress so far. It's getting to be summer time here so it's pretty hot and nasty work....not what you would call fun, but a diversion nonetheless.

When I took the front suspension / crossmember off and first turned the car up on it's side, I found a "jog" in the pass side frame rail right under the crossmember mounting holes. At some time in it's life, the car was wrecked or hit on the right front, effectively "shortening" the frame on that side by about a half inch. That's why there were so many spacers at the front bumper mounting bracket on that side...

engine together, mostly..

The engine is, for the most part, together. A few parts to be taken off, painted or cleaned up a little more and reinstalled, but mostly there. I'm going to start on the wiring harness soon, trying to clean it up of any unneeded wires, connectors, etc. so I can route it under the intake and out of sight as much as I can and rewrap it better. I'm going to repaint the plenum and valve covers, I think. Not really liking the plain black and silver of the engine. Maybe it'll look better when it's sitting in the engine bay. We'll see.
Hopefully, the weather will hold out this weekend and I can get some more done on the body, still need to get the engine / trans out, along with the front crossmember / steering rack so I can get the body on a rotisserie to work on the underside.

not much happening lately...

Well, due to the weather, vacation and holidays, I've not done much other than continue to gather needed parts and info for the swap. I found a T5 trans out of a 85 Camaro. It's a V6 trans, but I can swap the 5th gear for the more desirable .63 ratio later if I need to. I'm looking into a rear axle swap that may make that unnecessary though. Looking at using a Ford Ranger 7.5 or 8.8 rear end, narrowed, so I can have options in the rear ratio department. The diff in those rears is offset so I only have to narrow the longer side and can use the short side axle on both sides and come up with the width needed.


Got an aluminum 4 core radiator off ebay. Looks good and they were able to swap the inlet to the other side so it will mate up right with the thermostat housing. Also came up with an electric fan that I think should work. I'll have to get the radiator in with the engine fitted to see if it will clear the water pump pulley.




Now I need to start gathering the smaller pieces such as motor mounts, pulleys, brackets, alternator, starter and possibly a shorter water pump. Ive been looking at kits to make your own headers, but I'm not sure I'm up to that just yet.