I'm the proud new owner

[TruckeeFastback]

of a 1968 Fastback and a new member in the Forum. Hello.

It's been sitting for 5 years. Looks pretty rough but it's not bad at all if you look closely. Replacement 302 w/ Holley-Edelbrock, truck trany & 9" rear. 15 y.o. repaint that it faded and thrashed. All original suspension except for shackle lift. Carpet kit is pretty new and in decent shape but the headliner was home to some mice and is ruined. Driver & passenger seats are destroyed and the rear needs a re-upolsture. Missing the top chrome trim on the trunk, the "s" in mustang and the gas cap. Needs a starter, drive shaft and the radiator re-installed. Tires are fine, don't know about brakes. That's about it. California car, no rust except for a rotten battery pan.

The dream is big but the budget and the summer are not. On the road in the shortest time frame for the least money is the goal for now. Suspension, power and looks to come later. The dream is a "summertime daily driver lowered 375-400hp w/ *subtle* Trans-Am racing inspired styling".

The Reality:
1. Driveshaft- The previous owner tells me that the replacement trany requires a longer driveshaft than the original one. The original is removed but included. How should I measure a replacement driveshaft? Any recomended suppliers? Can I get a used one cheap? What models? Tips? "The dream" includes a new crate motor and trany so whatever I do here is a solution for this summer only.

2. Starter motor and starter relay. Any recomended suppliers for stuff like this that isn't race type Summitt/Jegs? My local NAPA or Ford?

Thanks, I'm sure this is just the begining.
Kurt

 

[my66coupe]

First of all welcome to the forums and welcome to the hobby.

Ok lets get started, I would find out what tranny is in there currently, Manual, automatic, Get a picture of the oil pan, and post it here, we can easily tell what it is. If you are replacing the engine/tranny I wouldnt spend the money on a driveshaft, from what I know they are pretty expensive to get custom built. You will soon learn that anything you buy directly from ford will be rediculously over priced, NAPA which i have found, is the best in price and parts. Checker is ok, pepboys will never see my face again, and autozone is also ok. Starter relay can be found at NAPA also. What engine/tranny do you plan on going with? The motor you have currently, has it been rebuilt? If you are on a budget, I would recommend not going straight forward to a crate motor. You can get those horsepower numbers out of your current powerplant with several different options. Anywho hope this helps.

Mike

 

[TT670]

check out www.dennysdriveshaft.com they have printable forms and instructions for proper measuring. I just recieved my HD shaft from them yesterday, $280 with the front slip joint and u joints.. The thing is nice, like a piece of jewelry. These guys are known nationwide as one of the best driveshaft shops, staffed by a group of very friendly and helpfull people. You'll also be pretty surprized at the stuff thats available right thru your local autoparts store. I like NPD and Mustangs Unlimited for my mustang specific parts, both have been very fast at getting me what I ordered. However mustang depot is very cool if your looking to get some restomod stuff as is mustangs plus, Im not a M+ fan but Ive bought from them. In fact If I think back Ive prpbably bought something from all of the major mustang retailers at some point.

 

[burg65]

Welcome! Looks like you got yourself a good project. As stated above Napa/Autozone/Summit all good places with the best prices. Also check with Mustangs Plus, Mustang Depot, and Mustangs Unlimited. Good luck and if you have any questions this is a great place to ask them!

 

[Snail50]

Welcome! great project, and good luck.

 

[Max Power]

Welcome!

Post a pic!

 

[vobraman]

New Ride

Welcome, you have 30 days to complete the project , if not post it for sale so I can. Good luck and enjoy !!! Post your questions so we can help.


Now get
Brian

 

[TruckeeFastback]

Um, I did. 2 in fact.

 

[vrooom]

Congrats. Fastbacks rock. hehe

 

[BBRacer]

'68 fast back - Sweeeet!!

Best thing is get it going first (as you stated), I have found mostly cleaning and small parts get it back so its looking real good, and also makes you feel good. Getting it driveable is the best as you can slowly move forward a project at a time. No money for seats - spend $20.00 for the best you can buy a Pick and pull and next year or the year after get the Sparco's or Cobra's (or crate motor). I have to plan like that because of $$flow$$ - my Xmas list has already begun!!

I had three projects in the past that were never really completed and endnig up being not a whole lot of fun - my current Stang I drive everyday and have had a blast just hanging with it. Think long term - you will find it harder and harder to give it up in the end.

 

[Max Power]

How'd I miss that?

 

[kirbyalaska]

I had a drive shaft lengthened a few years ago at a place that works on big trucks. They just used the ends off the one I had and put on a new shaft and then balanced it. I think it was only $90. As for the other stuff, the other guys look like they pretty well have it covered. Congrats on the purchase. If you don't mind me asking, what did you give for it?

 

[Hack]

Welcome to the forums! Very nice starting point, the '68 fastback is just a beautiful style IMO.

For the starter, I've seen a lot of people here on the forums recommending a modern high-torque mini starter rather than a stock replacement unit. The newer piece costs more, but it works much better and you won't be replacing it any time soon.

Can anyone chip in on this? If it's a 302 can he use a newer Mustang starter? What year?

 

[TruckeeFastback]

I had a drive shaft lengthened a few years ago at a place that works on big trucks. They just used the ends off the one I had and put on a new shaft and then balanced it. I think it was only $90. As for the other stuff, the other guys look like they pretty well have it covered. Congrats on the purchase. If you don't mind me asking, what did you give for it?

I think I didn't pay enough. I bought it from a buddy. I've been working him for years now to sell it to me. It has been sitting in his garage. I offered him $2500 about 20 times now. This last time he said he wanted $3000 so I bought it.

 

[Irv]

that's a good price for that car IMHO

 

[kirbyalaska]

I think I didn't pay enough. I bought it from a buddy. I've been working him for years now to sell it to me. It has been sitting in his garage. I offered him $2500 about 20 times now. This last time he said he wanted $3000 so I bought it.

Does your car have a sister?

If he was willing to sell it to you at that price, then you paid enough. Besides, it appears you are going to do something with it while he apparently never got around to it. I could post a pic of a 65 coupe that has been sitting in the same yard since i was riding the bus to first grade (I am now 31). The guy never would sell it and to this day thinks he will do something with it. It has not moved in all that time. It sits under a car cover in Iowa. everything is so rusted that I don't think half of it is there anymore. This kicker is that he keeps it licensed current even though there is no way it would drive.

Enjoy your ride.