• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Progress Thread The Hawaii 5-ohfox Official Progress Thread

  • Thread starter Thread starter tamadrummer88
  • Start date Start date Dec 29, 2013
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Next
1 of 3 Next Last

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Dec 29, 2013
#1
  • Dec 29, 2013
  • #1
Its about time i make one of these..Maybe it'll help motivate me to work on it. Anyways, it was a month in the making, so here goes..


Its the Hawaii 5-OHFOX official progress thread!!!


This thread will take you through the progress of getting my 1993 Mustang LX 5.0 back on the road.

A little background on the car first:

It is a 1993 Mustang LX 5.0, Electric Currant Red Pearl Metallic in color. All power, pony wheels, and an AOD. I got the car in 2007 as a trade through my 98 GT. only two owners and 93k miles at the time. The car was completely bone stock, save for a conical filter and an aftermarket CD deck. Everything worked except the cat back was rusted out. Thats okay, i was gonna change it anyway.

Pics of it stock: (Circa 2007)















Although it looks clean, it really wasn't. It suffered from all the usual rust areas: Around the antenna, the lower part of the back window, and the edges of the hatch. Other than that, the car was clean.


About a couple years later we started to do body work in preparing it for paint. We were just going to repaint the car the stock electric red.

Some pics from that time:













So after filling dents, repairing rust, we sanded down the whole car and basically shot a gray primer around it. I also bought a set of 4 lug 2003 chrome cobra replica wheels from a friend.

Then, around 2009 or so, i couldn't drive the car. ( it was my daily driver since 2007) Basically, driving it to work could get me into a lot of trouble (unwanted attention) So i let the car sit and hardly drove it from then on. fast forward about 5 or so years. I let the car sit until the registration and safety inspection expired in 2011. After that, i never drove it, except parking it on the street to make room in the garage.

Well, this year, that all changed.
I wanted to get it back on the road again. I scraped up the money for the back registration, and got it road legal and fully insured. Now, over the years, weather and the elements took its toll on the car. Most of the rust areas on the hatch have come through again, so now that has to be redone. I polished the wheels and reassessed the car.

The interior was still in awesome shape, But there are some worn pieces that could be replaced. All the exterior trim needs to be replaced, as well as the headlights and taillight lenses. The car still ran perfectly. At first it had a hard time starting. We later found it was the fuel pump. 170 bucks later, a new one was in and it started perfectly.

We then removed the front bumper to repair the core support. Apparently, the last owner got the car stuck somewhere, and had the car towed out with a hook. Well, that hook bent the bottom of the support. I thought about getting a new one and just cutting the old one out and welding the new one in place. Now, in hawaii, it is difficult to get stuff shipped here for cheap. My dad decided against that, and repaired it himself using some old jimmy-rigging and old school body shop tricks.

Heres where we stand in its current state:










As far as paint goes, we decided on a two tone electric red/silver scheme. This scheme is mainly on the GT's, but it would be different to see on an LX. The silver is Lt. Titanium Pearl metallic.





So there you have it! Basically, its not gonna be a High horsepower, boosted, 9 second drag car. I just want it to look good and drive well. Power mods are gonna be kept to a very minimum- I already have an SVE cold air intake for it, new plug wires, cap and rotor, and new clutch fan. It already has Hooker long tubes, h-pipe, and spin tech mufflers with flow master tailpipes. I may replace the catback later with dumps.

Wheel wise, i may keep the cobras, but i would like chrome SVE drag wheels with a fox rotor style 5-lug conversion with drums. While in the back ill do 3.73 gears. 130 amp alternator is next.

Suspension wise, i think ill keep it at subframe connectors, good shocks and springs, and maybe all upgraded bushings.

The AOD is still in decent condition, although i may do a trans cooler and that'll be it haha.


This is a very limited budget project, and progress may be slow. I will be ordering more parts come january, and hopefully painted by the end of january. But for now, follow along! It'll be worth it

Oh, and all criticism and advice is welcome!!!

-John
 

madspeed

Colonel Mustard
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
8,914
1,332
204
a van down by the river
Dec 29, 2013
#2
  • Dec 29, 2013
  • #2
sweet, looking forward to seeing the progress
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Dec 29, 2013
#3
  • Dec 29, 2013
  • #3
madspeed said:
sweet, looking forward to seeing the progress
Click to expand...

Thank you sir
 

88LX5.Oh

15 Year Member
Dec 30, 2011
1,442
204
94
Arkansas
Dec 29, 2013
#4
  • Dec 29, 2013
  • #4
Put a shift kit in it or have a trans shop do it. It'll help the longevity of the trans, and try not to do the 1-D-1 shuffle thing. That'll kill it real quick.
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Dec 29, 2013
#5
  • Dec 29, 2013
  • #5
88LX5.Oh said:
Put a shift kit in it or have a trans shop do it. It'll help the longevity of the trans, and try not to do the 1-D-1 shuffle thing. That'll kill it real quick.
Click to expand...

I may do that. And i don't manual shift it either. I just put it in drive and go. l0l
 

88LX5.Oh

15 Year Member
Dec 30, 2011
1,442
204
94
Arkansas
Dec 30, 2013
#6
  • Dec 30, 2013
  • #6
tamadrummer88 said:
I may do that. And i don't manual shift it either. I just put it in drive and go. l0l
Click to expand...
Good. It should be a very reliable trans for you then. As long as you stay on top of the TV adjustment. Cables stretch over time so periodically check to make sure it has the proper tension. There's also a kit that replaces the plastic grommet on the TB for the cable end with a bronze bushing and cotter pin. That would also be a worthwhile investment.
I had a buddy with an 88 AOD that had blown head gaskets. He'd let it over heat and every time it did it would melt the plastic grommet. AOD with no TV cable input will very quickly burn up the trans since it can't make proper line pressure
 

88LX5.Oh

15 Year Member
Dec 30, 2011
1,442
204
94
Arkansas
Dec 30, 2013
#7
  • Dec 30, 2013
  • #7
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com/item/LRS-7303A/87-93-Mustang-Aod-Brass-Tv-Cable-Bushing-Kit

This is what I'm talking about. Don't order it through LRS, though (not hating on LRS, I built my whole car through them). The price is outrageous because this is literally only a few cents worth of items. Go to a local hardware store and source it yourself
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
214
In the garage
Dec 30, 2013
#8
  • Dec 30, 2013
  • #8
Best thing you can for that AOD is get a set of 3.73's. It will really wake the car up and make it easier on the trans in town. LMRS sells a good kit with just about everything needed except the axle bearings and seals for about $250.

If they have any junkards around your area, there are some relatively cheap upgrades like a Taurus E fan, 94-95 GT mass air meter, 130 amp alternator, any front seats from a 94-2004 will bolt right in, that will make the car more reliable and fun to drive.

Good luck on the build.
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Dec 30, 2013
#9
  • Dec 30, 2013
  • #9
mikestang63 said:
Best thing you can for that AOD is get a set of 3.73's. It will really wake the car up and make it easier on the trans in town. LMRS sells a good kit with just about everything needed except the axle bearings and seals for about $250.

If they have any junkards around your area, there are some relatively cheap upgrades like a Taurus E fan, 94-95 GT mass air meter, 130 amp alternator, any front seats from a 94-2004 will bolt right in, that will make the car more reliable and fun to drive.

Good luck on the build.
Click to expand...

I plan to do the gears when i do the 5 lug conversion. the axles will be out, so, might as well do it while im down there.

I just bought a new clutch fan because my old one had alot of small cracks and the clutch was no good. Itll stay in there for now. SVE 130 amp alternator with noise supression wire is up next. after that ill just be replacing old sensors and cleaning the engine compartment up.

For now im just focusing on getting the body work done. Front bumper should be painted either tonight or tomorrow so ill have an idea of how the two-tone is gonna look.

Thanks for looking!
 

89oem

Mustang Master
Dec 18, 2013
1,456
542
144
Dec 30, 2013
#10
  • Dec 30, 2013
  • #10
It's funny how we leave our Foxes sit for years but never get them outta our sight or plans. Looks like you're off to a good start! When you get to the headlights part. I recently purchased the oem style economy kit from late model resto. Easy install, really good quality and great fit. And wow I can see more than the foggy outline of light that were my old ones. I swear they look better than new. Enjoy the build.
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Dec 31, 2013
#11
  • Dec 31, 2013
  • #11
89oem said:
It's funny how we leave our Foxes sit for years but never get them outta our sight or plans. Looks like you're off to a good start! When you get to the headlights part. I recently purchased the oem style economy kit from late model resto. Easy install, really good quality and great fit. And wow I can see more than the foggy outline of light that were my old ones. I swear they look better than new. Enjoy the build.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that! Yeah i had some plans for it back when i was in college. When the economy took that mean downturn in 2009, those plans changed. I wanted a 331 stroker with a procharger P1SC supercharger haha. But now, im just focused on turning it into a nice cruiser. I dont care if it turns 13 second times, i dont care if it has less power than my daily (2011 Taurus) I dont care if it cant handle like its on rails. I just want it to be a good all around cruiser and work with what i got.

Funny thing, the headlights i bought were the economy kit from 50 resto! they do look good! cant wait to put them on the car.

The front bumper should be painted today, ill take some pics when i get home. Itll really give yall an idea on what the color scheme is gonna be like
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Jan 1, 2014
#12
  • Jan 1, 2014
  • #12
Happy New Year everyone! hope it was a good one for yall

On a side note, we painted the silver yesterday it came out nice. I thought it was gonna be a little darker, but it looks to be the right shade. There are some small imperfections we have to fix before we can paint on another coat, but this one was basically a "test coat" to see where the break is gonna be made on the front bumper between the red and silver. Its not like the GT where its just a solid molding all the way around. We have to figure out some sort of break where the MUSTANG lettering is. Today we should paint on a test coat of the red and then yall will have an idea of the color comb. Ill get some pics up later today after work.

Stay tuned!
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
214
In the garage
Jan 1, 2014
#13
  • Jan 1, 2014
  • #13
tamadrummer88 said:
Happy New Year everyone! hope it was a good one for yall

On a side note, we painted the silver yesterday it came out nice. I thought it was gonna be a little darker, but it looks to be the right shade. There are some small imperfections we have to fix before we can paint on another coat, but this one was basically a "test coat" to see where the break is gonna be made on the front bumper between the red and silver. Its not like the GT where its just a solid molding all the way around. We have to figure out some sort of break where the MUSTANG lettering is. Today we should paint on a test coat of the red and then yall will have an idea of the color comb. Ill get some pics up later today after work.

Stay tuned!
Click to expand...

PICS!!!!!!
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Jan 1, 2014
#14
  • Jan 1, 2014
  • #14
mikestang63 said:
PICS!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Haha in 8 hours when i get home. Stuck at work today
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Jan 1, 2014
#15
  • Jan 1, 2014
  • #15
As requested... Pics

Its not much progress, but its something.








Should have the red on by tomorrow or friday

Also, my dad came across this today:





An E-cam i bought several years ago brand new. I wasn't aware i still had it, i sold some of my fox parts a few years back and the E-cam was supposed to be one of them. Anyhow, its been out in the weather, and it has rust on it. Is there anyway it can be cleaned to be useable? my dad said it could be cleaned but it could damage the cam bearings. I mean, id hate to throw it away, since that thing was almost 200 bucks.. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks!
 

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
214
In the garage
Jan 1, 2014
#16
  • Jan 1, 2014
  • #16
damn those look pretty bad. Take some WD40 and a scotch brite pad or 00 steel wool and see if that cleans it up. Don't get crazy on it.
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Jan 1, 2014
#17
  • Jan 1, 2014
  • #17
mikestang63 said:
damn those look pretty bad. Take some WD40 and a scotch brite pad or 00 steel wool and see if that cleans it up. Don't get crazy on it.
Click to expand...

I cleaned it up a bit. used some brake cleaner and steel wool. most of it was the rust preventive gunk and dirt. There is some slightly deep rust on one end of the cam but some of the lobes are surface rust. after i cleaned it its not as bad as it looks, but that one end though..
 

tamadrummer88

Active Member
Aug 19, 2005
599
79
39
Aloha State
Jan 1, 2014
#18
  • Jan 1, 2014
  • #18
pics after cleaning with penetrating oil and steel wool:










Since i got rid of the old rust preventive gunk, i took some 5w30 royal purple oil i had lying around, and put a nice coating on it, then wrapped it in newspaper and stored it in my storeroom out of the elements. i really hope it can be saved, i have part 1 to an HCI swap!
 

RangerJoe

I leave the horn on while driving
15 Year Member
Apr 26, 2010
2,560
1,146
184
Georgia
Jan 2, 2014
#19
  • Jan 2, 2014
  • #19
I hate that about the cam, but I have to say its a no go.

Joe
 
Reactions: A5literMan, Grabbin' Asphalt and 90lxcoupe

mikestang63

SN Certified Technician
Aug 27, 2012
11,606
8,859
214
In the garage
Jan 2, 2014
#20
  • Jan 2, 2014
  • #20
tamadrummer88 said:
pics after cleaning with penetrating oil and steel wool:










Since i got rid of the old rust preventive gunk, i took some 5w30 royal purple oil i had lying around, and put a nice coating on it, then wrapped it in newspaper and stored it in my storeroom out of the elements. i really hope it can be saved, i have part 1 to an HCI swap!
Click to expand...

You're not going to like what I am going to say. I wouldn't use that in my car. Those lobes look wasted.
 
Reactions: Grabbin' Asphalt and 90lxcoupe
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
Next
1 of 3 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Progress Thread 91GTstroked 90 7 up convertible build
  • 91GTstroked
  • Apr 18, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
289
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 22, 2026
91GTstroked
8
87 lx 4cyl to v8 project 4 lug disc conversion questions
  • 87lx428
  • Mar 24, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
483
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Mar 25, 2026
87lx428
8
M
Progress Thread mkk50's Progress Thread
  • mkk50
  • Aug 4, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
19
Views
686
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Sep 22, 2025
Noobz347
N
Fox Street Suspension Build Advice
  • NYFox
  • Jan 25, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
301
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 28, 2026
Noobz347
Progress Thread 93 LX father son project
  • ZAM93LX
  • Oct 26, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
24
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 3, 2025
Scrapla347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?