I am new to this whole forums thing so I'm going to post this here in hopes that someone can help me or point me in the right direction. I just picked up a 1985 Mustang GT convertible. I have owned 2 fox bodies when I was younger and had to get another. I think we can all agree that Stangs are pretty much the best car ever made! At least I think so. I didn't want to get a convertible but it only has 91,000 miles and it was 1200 bucks. I just want to know what the big differences were between this body style and the 1987-1993 style? I really want to switch to an 87-93 GT front end and have no idea where to start. Is it a straight swap or is there cutting and welding involved? Also can I switch to an 87-93 center console and/or whole interior? I want to use a B&M hammer shifter designed for the 87-93 console. If anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated.
1985 Stang GT Front end and center console swap! Help!
- Thread starter bnjmn_ptrsn
- Start date
First off I am partial to the 85 GT having owned one, and wouldn't change a thing. Yeah the 87 GT's were a hot car but the 85 is a classic. If you're curious about this car try this site: 1985 Mustang GT . Try restoring it to like-new condition before making any drastic changes. Done right this car has much more potential than an 87-93 GT. The 87-93 GT's were a dime a dozen, the 85 GT is and was rare. Just my .02 cents. 
Try reading this thread for more info: http://forums.stangnet.com/784105-82-hoods.html
Try reading this thread for more info: http://forums.stangnet.com/784105-82-hoods.html
Please don't swap an aero nose onto that four eye.
Google Four Eyed Pride, go there, register, post and learn about the four eyes before destroying one.
First off I am partial to the 85 GT having owned one, and wouldn't change a thing. Yeah the 87 GT's were a hot car but the 85 is a classic. If you're curious about this car try this site: 1985 Mustang GT . Try restoring it to like-new condition before making any drastic changes. Done right this car has much more potential than an 87-93 GT. The 87-93 GT's were a dime a dozen, the 85 GT is and was rare. Just my .02 cents.
Try reading this thread for more info: http://forums.stangnet.com/784105-82-hoods.html
X1000
MAC'n89Blckstng
Active Member
yes, DO NOT convert a four eye car. You WILL regret it. Converting a four eye car to an aero nose is a big no no here.
OHH SNAP!!! I hope you wore a bullit proof vest and nomex undies before coming in here. the 4 eye purists are out in force these days.
a short, but not complete list just to give you an idea of what you will need.
87-93 gt front bumper
87-90 gt fender extensions
87-93 hood
87-90 door/body moldings
87-93 gt bumper/side skirts or the whole thing will look like ass
87-93 headlight harnesses
87-93 6pc headlights
there are probably some misc items that I did not list that you will undoubtedly need. as you can see that list is already pretty large and if done correctly will cost over a grand. it will also kill the resale value of your car. in the long run it will be cheaper to sell your vert and get a 87+ car.
screw the hammer shifter go for a 5spd swap
a short, but not complete list just to give you an idea of what you will need.
87-93 gt front bumper
87-90 gt fender extensions
87-93 hood
87-90 door/body moldings
87-93 gt bumper/side skirts or the whole thing will look like ass
87-93 headlight harnesses
87-93 6pc headlights
there are probably some misc items that I did not list that you will undoubtedly need. as you can see that list is already pretty large and if done correctly will cost over a grand. it will also kill the resale value of your car. in the long run it will be cheaper to sell your vert and get a 87+ car.
screw the hammer shifter go for a 5spd swap
JH96GT
Founding Member
Dude, it involves welding, machining, repainting, breaking your fingers with a hammer, a custom built 40-ton sheet metal press, and a little nuclear fission. If you're confident that you're adept in all those things, then you should be fine doing this swap.
Just kidding. Welcome to the site. Leave a 4-eye a 4-eye. You'll be glad you did later on down the road.
Just kidding. Welcome to the site. Leave a 4-eye a 4-eye. You'll be glad you did later on down the road.
25thmustang
Mustang Master
It's not just a four-eye, it's a 1985 four-eye. Those things are SACRED, mang. (Well, to me, anyway.) If you want an Aero car, buy an Aero car and sell the four-eye to someone who'll give it proper lovin'. Don't go trying to Frankenstang ... er, FrankenSTEIN the two together. 
25thmustang
Mustang Master
MAC'n89Blckstng
Active Member
5-lug swaps are done for more wheel choices and/or upgraded brakes, either of which are performance upgrades (because most folks going 5-lug don't stick with 14" or 15" rims). Swapping noses from four-eye to Aero or vice-versa has nothing to do with performance, it's strictly a matter of looks.
Cobra912
Active Member
A girl can change her shoes and still be the same girl. When she gets a face lift like Micheal Jackson, well you know...
93 LX
Founding Member
Four Eyed Forums - Powered by vBulletin
Go here and become one with your 4 eyedness.
I wanted my 86 but also own a 93. I would not change a thing, this is what makes them special. As for my Capri, well i had a chance to get a Mustang when i got my Capri back in 82, she was just 1 month old and has been with me ever since. Only changes were the rear wing and grill. The grill is from a 83 Capri and above and the wing is from a 92 LX Stang less the 3rd light.
Go here and become one with your 4 eyedness.
I wanted my 86 but also own a 93. I would not change a thing, this is what makes them special. As for my Capri, well i had a chance to get a Mustang when i got my Capri back in 82, she was just 1 month old and has been with me ever since. Only changes were the rear wing and grill. The grill is from a 83 Capri and above and the wing is from a 92 LX Stang less the 3rd light.
68stang351
Founding Member
Here are plenty of reasons not to convert a 4 eye. http://forums.stangnet.com/771054-before-you-butcher-4-eye-56k-beware.html
It's your car though, do what you want. The more I look at the 85-86 nose the more I love it though. Dare I say that I think 85-86's look better than aero cars, I haven't made up my mind on that yet, but every time I see a nice 4 eye, I come closer and closer to making that my official stance.
It's your car though, do what you want. The more I look at the 85-86 nose the more I love it though. Dare I say that I think 85-86's look better than aero cars, I haven't made up my mind on that yet, but every time I see a nice 4 eye, I come closer and closer to making that my official stance.
QUICK91LX
Founding Member
PLEASE DO NOT DO IT!!!
Besides the fact that it ruins a good 4-eyed fox, it is also nearly impossible to do CORRECTLY and COMPLETELY. Most people end up with what is obviously an older car with a newer nose tacked onto the front. Trims dont match and you are stuck with the old interior.
Dont waste your time and money. If you really dont like the look of the car you either shouldnt have bought it, or just go ahead and sell it and get the car you really want.
Besides the fact that it ruins a good 4-eyed fox, it is also nearly impossible to do CORRECTLY and COMPLETELY. Most people end up with what is obviously an older car with a newer nose tacked onto the front. Trims dont match and you are stuck with the old interior.
Dont waste your time and money. If you really dont like the look of the car you either shouldnt have bought it, or just go ahead and sell it and get the car you really want.
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