1976 mustang cobra

[chrislbabcock]

Hi, I'm new here. I just got my cobra home. I had left it in the care of a family friend and when I went to get it, it was left in a field buried in weeds and trashed. So I have decided to rebuild it (my son and I). I have never done this sort of thing so it should be an adventure to say the least.

Chris Babcock
Burien, Washington

 

[MustangIIMatt]

Welcome to the site, post pics, ask questions, that's what we're here for.

 

[Decipha]

2.3 2.8 or 302?

keeping it original?

 

[chrislbabcock]

I think I'm going to beef it up some....302 4 speed

 

[2Blue2]

..302 4 speed

So I have decided to rebuild it (my son and I).

RIGHT ON!
Father son Project!
Making memories that will last a life time. Good stuff!
Ya got to get a picture of her up so i can dream along with you.
Whats first? Get it past inspection and license plates?
Ha, If only it was that easy.....

 

[chrislbabcock]

For sure....that's a long ways off...We are going to tear it all down and then rebuild...when we get started I will post photos..

 

[LILCBRA]

Welcome!!

302 4 speed already! You have a great foundation to start with in my opinion, but I might be a little biased as mine was also!

The forums can make an excellent "diary" to keep track of your progress while getting your questions answered. I'm sure if you run into some sort if problem at least one of us has heard of it and can offer suggestions. Can't wait to see some of the progress you start to make!!

 

[Enzio]

Go with the 5 speed right away. If your bonded to the 4 speed like I was then you'll need a new clutch. I can help with that. Great to have you on board.

 

[chrislbabcock]

Welcome!!

302 4 speed already! You have a great foundation to start with in my opinion, but I might be a little biased as mine was also!

The forums can make an excellent "diary" to keep track of your progress while getting your questions answered. I'm sure if you run into some sort if problem at least one of us has heard of it and can offer suggestions. Can't wait to see some of the progress you start to make!!

Mine is just like the black cobra in your photo...used to look like that anyway...Not so much now :-(

 

[chrislbabcock]

I'm not sure you would to see it now...I was heartbroken when I picked it up...

 

[Enzio]

I think we all want to see it. 43 years old for goodness sake. Show us.

 

[chrislbabcock]

Ok you want photos.....

 

[LILCBRA]

As your plate frame says, "Happiness is coming!!"

It doesn't look like an all bad base with the exception of the hatch itself. Hopefully the underside of the car doesn't look like that....

Way back when I started on my car those are the wheels I wanted to go with. I never found any near me and stuck with aluminum slots until I finally upgraded and went with what I have now. There was just something about those wheels for me. Now if you really wanted to stick with that look and converted to 5 lugs all the way around you can probably pick some up from a late 80s-early 90s Lincoln Mark VII or maybe a Grand Marquis or something? Either way I like it!

 

[Enzio]

Wow. You even have the original 76 grill with the chrome turn signals. I'm impressed. I used to have that too until a concrete chunk from the highway was picked up by a truck and hurled through the grill and radiator. It looks good except for the hatch. I think 2Blue2 also on this site just redid his. You may want to look at his build thread.

 

[2Blue2]

Right on Chris It is fun to see thanks for slapping some pics up for us.
Those mutt2 deck lids are famous for rusting out right there, I'm on my third.

Are those 14 inch "Appliance" rims!?! Man they resemble the stock lacy spoke rims just killer. I think those are really neat.
Just sandblast and drive with the as cast look, I've eyeballed them on fleabay a couple of times.

Overall the car doesn't look that bad, it looks complete, rolls and is V8 4sp all very choice for 43 yr old car.
At least the bumpers didn't split length wise and erupt with rust I have those fiberglass bumper covers forever now I Guess.

Giving my son driving lessons in the Cobra 2 and last night he ran a stop sign a little because he was looking to make sure his friend saw him driving it instead of looking where he was going,...Making memories and collecting grey hairs...

 

[Enzio]

Updates?

 

[chrislbabcock]

I'm in the process of moving it into my garage but I have had shuffle some things around and fighting time as the weather in Seattle will be turning soon

 

[Enzio]

Leaves are changing fast here in Minnesota.

 

[chrislbabcock]

Yea weather here in Seattle is too...it's been cold and raining for the last 3 weeks and I'm under the gun trying to get stuff arranged to get my Mustang in the garage

 

[Enzio]

you'll make it. hang in there.