Mustang construction

[Jiveslug]

Ok, looks like Im gettin close to starting the project. Its crunch time (well, as far as the planning/bench racing stage is concerned. lol). I think Ive narrowed the field to either a VW or a Mustang. My roommate (and teammate) wants to go Mustang. Hes one of those throwbacks to a bygone era when American cars were the ONLY car to have. Its kinda scary, actually. ANYway, I know Marcello was talking about the issue of making weight in a Stang, but what other pitfalls should I keep my eyes out for?? Im also curious as to costs and beginner friendliness, both on the track and in the garage. Is this a good car to start out with???

Ryan. Jive

[joeg]

Sure it's a good car to start. I have always had Mustangs surrounding me--some faster; some slower, where I race.

You need to be sure you find a RUST-FREE straight solid shell. That's true for any car you want to make into a racer.

Most people on this board will tell you to buy a pre-built car. It's good advice, but I always get more enjoyment from the construction perspective.

Good Luck.

[Jiveslug]

Yeah, Im leaning toward building too. I wont have any kind of problem finding a good shell, living in southern california. Thats ONE good thing about living out here. lol

[joeg]

But you still have to make sure it is Straight!

Yep, I get out to LA every several months and am just fascinated by seeing old cars being driven as daily drivers. Sometimes I just stop and stare at things like a 1963 Falcon or a 66 Chrysler. Usually dirty and faded, but completely rust free.

Good luck.

[SilverHorseRacing]

I agree, pay a premium and get a better car to start with. Our new car is a one-owner, original paint car, with no damage whatsoever. It's a lot easier to start with a clean car, that weigh you can corner weight it, and measure it out, and if there ever is an "incident" you can get it back to where it was. No matter what, be prepared to scrape the sound deadener... we had 4 days with air tools in getting it all off. Worth almost 30 lbs though, and gets rid of a fire hazard, both good things. Good luck.

As to being an easy car, hell yes. They don't get any easier, unless of course you're talking about a horse-drawn wagon!

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-Marcello Canitano
www.SilverHorseRacing.com

[Jiveslug]

Doesnt dry ice work for getting rid of sound deadener??? Or is that the tar that Im thinking of??? As far as the donor goes, I can get one for about 1k out here in decent shape. You think thats a fair price??

[SilverHorseRacing]

I hear it works well, haven't ever tried it. It's been really cold here though (20 degrees in FL!) so we were in the "it's cold enough" mood.

As to the price, 1k is fair if it's a good car. That's about what I paid for mine, but I paid the premium for a one-owner that I knew the history on. I've picked up 93's for as low as 150.00, straight solid shape, but uncertain history, and needing work / parts.

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-Marcello Canitano
www.SilverHorseRacing.com

[Jiveslug]

Damn, where are you finding $150 cars??? Hook me up! lol Hey, here is an OT question, but does anyone remember the Ford EXP? Now why isnt that classified (that I see anyway) for ITC and ITB? Arent they just 2 seat Escorts???

[SilverHorseRacing]

The woods are full of them, you just have to be willing to wait for one to come along. Ebay, and Traderonline.com are both excellent resources. HTH.

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-Marcello Canitano
www.SilverHorseRacing.com

[baileydl]

I know this will make you scream, but someone I know literally gave away a mid-80s fox-body roller this winter. It's now becoming a drag car, IIRC. Keep an eye on the papers, and autotrader.com is a good source, too.

Sincerely,

Don

edited to because I meant to say autotrader.com instead of cars.com

[This message has been edited by baileydl (edited January 30, 2003).]

[joeg]

The 1982-85 EXP is classified in ITC. One still holds the ITC track record at the Glen Long Course.

They are two-seat Escorts, but are slightly lower and a bit heavier.

Cheers.