Shag got high today......go figure!!

[cmayna]

The turd is blocking the Italians from going back home so today we decided to test the car lifts next door by........raising Shag on one of them.  I spent 3+ hours under the car tightening this and that.  It was great to be able to go along and tighten down all the bolts and nuts starting from the front working my way to the rear.  I found some issue which I would have passed up had we didn't do this.  Trying to stick an oval front frame rail plug into it's hole with exhaust was impossible for me earlier so I kept it as a car lift "todo".  Went right in.  Best quality time spent on the car in a long time.  I'm  going to bring Red over to work to get a lift workout. The only thing I don't like is now my neck muscles are killing me from looking up so long.






Here is a closeup of Shag's newest wheel.  Vintage Wheelwork's V45 16x8 with a 4.5" back space.  I love these wheels for you can remove them without having to remove the center cap as compared to American Racing.  Also love the Yokahama SDrive series tires (thanks JeffTepper for the suggestion).





With the American Racing 4.0" back space, I had a 1+ inch gap between the tire and upper ball joint.  Now I'm lucky if its more than 1/8" with the wheels hanging which represents the worst scenario.  On the ground this gap is more like 5/16".  So whenever I want to go up to SF and do those Steve McQueen scenes, I'll be ready.




Today's stance after driving the car around the block a few times.  Still would like to see the front end down say 1/2" more.

[blu67]

Craig!...Shag is looking sweet! Can't wait to see her in person.
I'd like to see a ground level/lower angle pic to see the side view and the ride height better, though.
I agree that it would look better a tad lower. But that's just me. :)

[crustycurmudgeon]

I'd like to see a ground level/lower angle pic to see the side view and the ride height better, though.

+1, get down on the ground, Craig.

Frank

[Midlife]

Looking most excellent!  

Has it moved under its own power yet? [edited] Ahhh...didn't see that you did drive it around the block.  Most excellent!

So...how does it feel compared to Red?

[Opentracker]

Those tires / wheels fit better, looks great.

Congrats on the drive around the block. That's gotta feel good  :5

[AzPete]

Looking real good. It could drop in the front as you said.

[kyle67]

iheartshag.


What does the interior look like?

[aslan]

Looks great!  Congrats on the progress!!
Stan

[70 StangMan]

Very Nice Craig. 

[beach pony]

Way to go Pops! looking good. Love them wheels!

[sigtauenus]

Very cool Craig.  Now get cranking on that interior!

[B67FSTB]

RESPECT !!!

 :craz :ep :coo :coo :10

Good choice on the wheels .

[lethal289]

Awesome progress Craig! :10

When do we get to hear it run?

[cmayna]

Looking most excellent!  

Has it moved under its own power yet? [edited] Ahhh...didn't see that you did drive it around the block.  Most excellent!

So...how does it feel compared to Red?

Yes I drove it pretty hard around the block a few times in our industrial park,  but until I get the rear view mirror glued to the windshield and maybe install some seat belts, I'm not going to mix with other motorists.  A couple quick observations:

1.  I need to add more weight to the car such as all the interior.  As you can see below, I don't have much. Pretty stiff suspension, especially in the back.

2.  Using a lawn chair that is too close to the steering wheel, I could not get comfortable.  Felt I was chewing on my knees and with a clutch, my left knee was working overtime.

3.  Power brakes-Though Red also has power brakes, there's a big difference for when I shut off Shag I lose LOTS of its braking whereas with Red there is a difference but it's more subtle.

4. T5-First gear seems pretty useless, unless you want to show off burnouts.  Though I wasn't able to drive too fast (still faster than allowed) I foresee 5th gear to be a treat on the highway.

5. Power vs Manual steering -  This has been one of my biggest worries.  I was very happy being able to turn those 225 tires up front with manual steering with about the same effort as I need in Red but obviously a little more effort due to 225 vs 205 (Red). My current crusty steering wheel is 15+ inches (almost a little too big for me), so if I go down just a tad, I think it will work fine. The main thing is to get a wheel with a larger diameter grip as compared to what I'm currently using.  

Overheating? -No fricken way.  That Northern Aluminum radiator and mechanical fan kept it at 180.  Much cooler than my fire ups earlier.

[Midlife]

You are going to install some shag carpeting, right?

[Fast68back]

Very Cool!!! Where the video?

[lethal289]

Very Cool!!! Where the video?

:wstup

[cmayna]

I'll do a video when I get the car more road worthy with a real seat, etc.

I'll weld in some tripod mounts for some camera action  :lol

[tarafied1]

This car is looking so good! Wheel and tire combo looks great! Love the seat too!
Just a quick question, is your hood angled down more in the center or is that the camera angle? I thought the center of the 67/68 hood was arched up rather than down...

like Lethal's

[B67FSTB]

His hood is OK. The angle of which the picture is taken gives a faulthy impression.

[garner67]

You're on the home stretch!  Won't be long and you will pass up Justin's progress on his fastback. 

[cmayna]

Please understand that my priorities with two full grown kids will be very different than Justin's or anyone else with a new young family. I have plenty of time on my side for Shag whereas Justin and others similar to his situation, can devote only so much time for the hobby.  I am NOT trying to beat him.  Having to spend every Sat & Sun on the car as well as many afternoons during the week, I am only trying to have Shag running for MITM.

[garner67]

Easy cowboy... Family above cars always takes priority.  Justin definitely has different priorities right now.

Just saying you're moving along well. 

[gtscode]

Kudos to Craig for all the amazing progress!  I am very impressed, but my car isn't done because I haven't made it a priority!!!

Seeing Shag and Jeff's Vert Project have made me realize it isn't getting done if I don't make time to work on it.

Bottom line, my wife and I agree that the Mustang needs to get done.  My goal is to finish it this year for sure.

Here you go, I will say it here, in Craig's post I will finish my car this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[daveSanborn]

In regards to the inside lip of the wheels close proximity to the UCA....





Although I believe you'll be fine with the clearance that you have, some owners... maybe with less clearance.... grind off the the outside edge of the UCA to create a little more breathing room.  Your picture perfectly captures the possible interference issue.  If you'd have gone with 4.75" BS wheel, you'd have a problem.  A 17" wheel would move the wheel lip above the outer egde of the UCA.  Nice picture.