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1979 Pace Car Build- #887

  • Thread starter Thread starter darryl27529
  • Start date Start date Aug 6, 2025
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darryl27529

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Jun 18, 2025
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Wilmington, NC
Aug 6, 2025
#1
  • Aug 6, 2025
  • #1
So I am new to Stangnet but thought I would add a build thread for my 1979 Pace Car. I know that I will need some help as I move along with this project and I am hoping to have it on the road by the end of the year. I purchased the car from a friend who purchased it in the early 1980's and drove it til about 1990 and then parked it in his garage. It has not moved under its own power since. During the 1980's the 2.3l turbo lost a cylinder and got replaced with a 302 and C4 for more power but it made the car a little heavy on the front so it didnt handle as well. So later, out came the 302 and a rebuilt 2.3l went back in with the 4 speed but it was never completed. I believe that all the parts are there to put the car back together including multiple hoods and a NOS left fender.

Ther must be 2 dozen vacuum lines running to various spots on the engine. Lets hope that none are leaky. Still trying to decide the wheel choice to move away from the metrics. About all that I have done so far is tow it home and wash it. I have removed the louvres as they need some paint and also replaced the struts on the hatch. Waiting on a battery tray from LMR and a few other items right now.
 
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gkomo

now i can hopefully expect to receive the shaft
Aug 2, 2024
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San Diego, CA
Aug 6, 2025
#2
  • Aug 6, 2025
  • #2
Looking forward to watching your progress!
 
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AeroCoupe

lube between the nut and the face. I know my lubes
Founding Member
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Claremore, OK
Aug 6, 2025
#3
  • Aug 6, 2025
  • #3
Great car man! If it was me I would just replace everyone of those vacuum hoses as they are about guaranteed to be dry rotted. You need to buy a couple of helpful items for your journey:

EVTM

Electrical / Troubleshooting Service Manual, Reprint Of Original, 1979 Mustang, Also Known As The Evtm Supplement, Note May Incl Other Ford, Lincoln And Mercury Models - #M-LSM-79AE - National Parts Depot

Buy part #M-LSM-79AE Electrical / Troubleshooting Service Manual, Reprint Of Original, 1979 Mustang, Also Known As The Evtm Supplement, Note May Incl Other Ford, Lincoln And Mercury Models for your classic 1979 Mustang from National Parts Depot. Free shipping on orders over $300, fast delivery...
www.npdlink.com

and the wiring diagrams:

1979 Ford Mustang Capri wiring diagram SHEET schematics service manual | eBay

Here we have a set of 1979 Ford Mustang/Capri wiring diagram sheets. YOU ARE ONLY GETTING THE SHEETS THAT PERTAIN TO THE VEHICLE LISTED IN THE TITLE.
www.ebay.com

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress!!!
 
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darryl27529

Member
Jun 18, 2025
13
42
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Wilmington, NC
Aug 22, 2025
#4
  • Aug 22, 2025
  • #4
I picked up some parts and a new battery for the Pace Car. I have the original set of Metric wheels and some 10 hole wheels are in really good shape. I was trying them on to see how things fit. I like the 10 holes better than I thought
 
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Noobz347

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#5
  • Aug 22, 2025
  • #5
darryl27529 said:
I was trying them on to see how things fit. I like the 10 holes better than I thought
Click to expand...


LMR has re-pops in 17x9
 

85GT4V

Active Member
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Aug 22, 2025
#6
  • Aug 22, 2025
  • #6
I love the 10-holes but, those TRXs really look the part on a Pace Car!
 
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mattcrp1

Active Member
Nov 16, 2023
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Arizona
Aug 24, 2025
#7
  • Aug 24, 2025
  • #7
looks good. those are my favorite early fox's. to bad someone does not repop those rear wings and tail lights
 

limp

wrap a little cheese around it and its a done
5 Year Member
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Aug 25, 2025
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  • Aug 25, 2025
  • #8
85GT4V said:
I love the 10-holes but, those TRXs really look the part on a Pace Car!
Click to expand...
When you price out the tires they don't look so good
 
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85GT4V

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Aug 25, 2025
#9
  • Aug 25, 2025
  • #9
Here’s an option if you want to maintain the stock look but have more tire options.

https://lmr.com/item/WK-39067452/mustang-trx-wheel-kit-r390-style-16x7-7993-machined

 
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2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
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NJ
Aug 25, 2025
#10
  • Aug 25, 2025
  • #10
I'd be curious on how a set of replica 93 cobra wheels would look like on this car.
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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  • Aug 25, 2025
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darryl27529

Member
Jun 18, 2025
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42
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Wilmington, NC
Sep 8, 2025
#12
  • Sep 8, 2025
  • #12
Quick update. I got impatient waiting for the TRX replicas from LMR. I have been watching them for the past few months and each time the date arrives they would push it out another 10 weeks. So, its 10 holes for the win with a new set of BFG T/A's from Costco. Staggered 225/60/15 and 245/60/15. I keep thinking 1980's vibe.
 

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darryl27529

Member
Jun 18, 2025
13
42
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Wilmington, NC
Oct 21, 2025
#13
  • Oct 21, 2025
  • #13
Just making my way back to the Pace Car. I just pulled the Dual Exhaust off and going back to the original single exhaust with the dual tips. The dual exhaust that I pulled off is from a 1985 Mustang SSP/Highway Patrol package. Anyone have an idea about what its worth? It has the Ford OEM mufflers and stainless tips and in really good shape.
 
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rednotch

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish
Founding Member
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Oct 21, 2025
#14
  • Oct 21, 2025
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More then any aftermarket kit to start to the right buyer...
 

darryl27529

Member
Jun 18, 2025
13
42
23
Wilmington, NC
Nov 17, 2025
#15
  • Nov 17, 2025
  • #15
Well, the best made plans often change....
 
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darryl27529

Member
Jun 18, 2025
13
42
23
Wilmington, NC
Nov 17, 2025
#16
  • Nov 17, 2025
  • #16
Been working on the car installing the 2.3l exhaust and the driveshaft, clutch and speedo cables. rebuilt the rear brakes while at it.
 

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darryl27529

Member
Jun 18, 2025
13
42
23
Wilmington, NC
Jan 12, 2026
#17
  • Jan 12, 2026
  • #17
Getting closer to finishing the Pace Car. Hood is on and brakes adjusted, clutch cable adjusted. Small issue with the choke staying closed so have to troubleshoot that. Car is really coming together and cleaning up nicely.
 
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85GT4V

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Jan 12, 2026
#18
  • Jan 12, 2026
  • #18
Looking GREAT! Glad it worked out that you got the reproduction TRX’s!!
 
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Flyboy60

20+ Year Stangneter
Dec 11, 2004
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Jan 13, 2026
#19
  • Jan 13, 2026
  • #19
Tried starting it yet? Great job.
 

darryl27529

Member
Jun 18, 2025
13
42
23
Wilmington, NC
Jan 16, 2026
#20
  • Jan 16, 2026
  • #20
It is running but idling a little high and the choke is staying closed so going to troubleshoot this weekend.
 
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