Progress Thread The "grátis" 1966 Coupe - final sheet metal repairs
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This car is definitely going to take up residence in the garage once we get to Arkansas.
With the rebuilding of the shell of the car nearly complete, I'm starting to go through some of the other parts I have to assess what I can and cannot use. I need some advice on the headlight buckets and doors.
The original buckets are likely far beyond saving. Numerous cracks and whole sections missing. I'm going to try to locate a used set locally.
The doors have are much better. However, there are some dents. Can dents in this pot metal be fixed? Or do I need to try to locate a used set of these as well?
@horse sence you mentioned in your '65 fastback conversion thread that you have fiberglass versions of these. Did you ever manage to find the molds? I might be interested in a set if you did and I can't locate a good set locally.
The original buckets are likely far beyond saving. Numerous cracks and whole sections missing. I'm going to try to locate a used set locally.
The doors have are much better. However, there are some dents. Can dents in this pot metal be fixed? Or do I need to try to locate a used set of these as well?
@horse sence you mentioned in your '65 fastback conversion thread that you have fiberglass versions of these. Did you ever manage to find the molds? I might be interested in a set if you did and I can't locate a good set locally.
64-66 Mustangs headlight buckets are famous for braking there.
I've never found a good used set either.
Repros are available now. Next paint job for sure.
Tired of headlight flicker I made a little bracket to help hold it in place.
Its a band-aid, but ok for now.
horse sence
15 Year Member
I dont know what happened to my molds ,i am sure i probably just tucked them away somewhere ,i have a little over 300 molds so they are probably buried some where .With the rebuilding of the shell of the car nearly complete, I'm starting to go through some of the other parts I have to assess what I can and cannot use. I need some advice on the headlight buckets and doors.
The original buckets are likely far beyond saving. Numerous cracks and whole sections missing. I'm going to try to locate a used set locally.
The doors have are much better. However, there are some dents. Can dents in this pot metal be fixed? Or do I need to try to locate a used set of these as well?
@horse sence you mentioned in your '65 fastback conversion thread that you have fiberglass versions of these. Did you ever manage to find the molds? I might be interested in a set if you did and I can't locate a good set locally.
A good set of originals is hard to come by ,they always have cracks or missing pieces . They are available but i haven't tried a set yet . I did try a new set of quarter end caps and they fit pretty well
horse sence
15 Year Member
This guy is selling a set that looks like they may be in good shape. Does $80 sound like a good price?
Mustang 65,66 headlight buckets ,other parts - auto parts - by owner...
Mustang 65 66 headlight buckets with chrome rings. Ready to sand and paintGenuine not...
dallas.craigslist.org
horse sence
15 Year Member
The one on the left does have a break in the upper tab ,that tab keeps the head light assembly tight to the fender . I usually run a screw up through the flat area under that tab into the bottom of the fender and it will keep it tight ,i would try to talk him down
horse sence
15 Year Member
Thanks. I figured your experienced eyes would see more than mine. He does they're or best offer, so we'll see.
Is there a way to reinforce the fracture prone areas if they're not yet cracked? Panel bonding adhesive? @Davedacarpainter
I think the ones from this car are extra broken because of the accident it had obviously been in.64-66 Mustangs headlight buckets are famous for braking there.
I've never found a good used set either.
Repros are available now. Next paint job for sure.
Tired of headlight flicker I made a little bracket to help hold it in place.
Its a band-aid, but ok for now.
wicked93gs
15 Year Member
Be wary of the reproductions...they have known fitment issues, at least the headlight doors, not sure about the buckets themselves.
horse sence
15 Year Member
They can be welded with a torch and a special rod for pot metal but it is a pain in the butt ,usually the metal just melts away
I've seen at least one body guy on YouTube do a video on fitment issues with new buckets. He was also dealing with repro fenders. There's enough bad reviews online that I don't want to mess with repro buckets. It's also why I sought out original fenders.
wicked93gs
15 Year Member
Yeah...I have one repro fender and one original...the repro fits like garbage at the cowl area...when the car goes back together I plan to find an original in workable condition.
I paid $70 for them. Couldn't talk him any lower. Still, they're practically mint compared to my originals. @Davedacarpainter @horse sence do you have any recommendations for repairing the broken driver's side tab and maybe reinforcing the passenger side?
Also stopped to see a guy with a massive Fox/SN95 parts collection. I picked up a set of SN95 5.0 fuel rails and supply hard lines, a Fox T-5 bell housing, and a Fox distributor. Not sure if I'll eventually use the distributor, but I couldn't pass it up for $10.
Also stopped to see a guy with a massive Fox/SN95 parts collection. I picked up a set of SN95 5.0 fuel rails and supply hard lines, a Fox T-5 bell housing, and a Fox distributor. Not sure if I'll eventually use the distributor, but I couldn't pass it up for $10.
horse sence
15 Year Member
I honestly don't want to mess with trying to weld them. I'm thinking panel bonding adhesive, but I want to get Dave's input since he has more experience with that stuff than I do.
wicked93gs
15 Year Member
I think if swapping to a T5 I would prefer the SN95 version...might as well bring the shifter just a little closer while you are at it with the longer bell and input shaft.
Why not try to weld them? Sure they are pot metal, but easy to weld if you have a TIG(lots of different rods available) and still possible with both a MIG and an ARC welder(though you would need a pretty small stick and pretty low heat there)
Why not try to weld them? Sure they are pot metal, but easy to weld if you have a TIG(lots of different rods available) and still possible with both a MIG and an ARC welder(though you would need a pretty small stick and pretty low heat there)
