JonnybravoM3
Member
Hi all
Hope you're all having a great weekend so far. I said I'll start a fresh thread (will be quite the read so beware!).
I would like to start off by saying that I love this car, its such a pleasure to drive and is very comfortable and def a head turner! So car was originally in Dundee, Illinois where I bought it, had it checked out by a local Mustang specialist (Chris "the Doc" Ingrassia) he gave the thumbs up that its a clean car and a good buy and I got him and his team to handle some minor issues that the car had and to do some modifications before being shipped out across continents to me, in Bahrain (Middle East).
Here are some details:
Car Description:
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible (C – Code)
Originally with a 289 V8 with 2 bbl carb.
Upgraded carburetor to 4bbl Edelbrock carb with electric choke in addition to other items as listed below.
Modifications done by Chris and his team:
Rear window replacement (from glass to plastic)
Radiator was replaced
Power Brakes installed
AM/FM/BT Radio installed (RetroSounds Longbeach)
Steering Wheel changed to wood grain
Console/Cupholders installed
AC Unit installed
Upgraded Carburetor
Fuel Tank Protector Shield installed
Obviously, as soon as you drive the car yourself, you notice other things that need attention.
So, car arrived on Thursday, after spending 45 days on a container ship and driving it all weekend, I noticed a few issues (hopefully all minor!):
(1) Car was dead when it arrived, wouldn't start at the port but they managed to jump it and put it on a truck and delivered to my home. Parked it inside my garage that was that. Later that evening, i decided to take it for a spin. Wouldn't crank. Lot of noise but no luck. Eventually that stopped and i would turn the key and there would be silence. Got jumper cables out and started her up and went out for a nice drive to recharge the battery. She behaved and I drove it normally all weekend and never gave trouble as the battery recharged from usage until one time, the car died completely while I was parked with the ignition on. The car would no longer fire up and when I tried to start it, there would be no sound at all. Dead. I jump started the car and drove but as soon as I turned on my headlights, the car would die (without headlights the car would drive normally but cannot start alone anymore).
I believe the battery is unable to hold charge (however car interior courtesy lights are functioning), could possibly be an issue with the alternator. I have added more electronics to the vehicle from AC system to new radio system so this may have placed more strain on the system.
(2) The throttle/gas pedal was sticking (jamming) sometimes (when open). So car can get stuck in acceleration. I applied WD40 which has improved this, however it has happened again since I did this. Could be an issue with throttle springs or linkage.
(3) The Fuel gauge is not accurate and only shows just over half tank when the tank itself is full. Temp gauge is always on cold even after a long drive and after being stuck in traffic. I think the fuel sending unit and line may need replacing or to install a Classic Instruments Fuel Link Interface which I’m told works. Also, I'm going to have the temp gauge also checked to ensure it is functioning properly.
(4) Gauge lights at night are very dim and I cannot read them when driving at night. Either bulbs need to be changed to new ones or upgraded perhaps to LED.
(5) I have upgraded the brakes to power brakes however I still feel they are weak. Not sure if this is normal. I feel my foot has to go in a lot deeper than it should. Anyone have this issue?
(6) Noticed the vehicle did not come with a hazard light option as this was not a legal requirement in 1965. There are hazard light kits available and I'm considering adding this to the car for extra safety. Anyone done this?
I am also considering installing Magnaflow mufflers on the vehicle. Anyone have these? Any reviews would be great!
One question, the car gives off a strong gasoline smell. Stinks up my whole garage. Is this normal on these cars? Do you all have this same issue? If anyone has a solution, please see free to share!
This week she's going on a flatbed to my local tech to look into all the above points. I also want them to do an overall vehicle health check and ensure there are no leaks, check lines and connections etc... Hope everything checks out and hope the above issues are all minor and easily and quickly fixable so that I can get back on the horse (pun intended) ASAP!
P.S. Another big question here --- has anyone gone further and converted their rides to EFI? For those who have, is it worth it? I'm not a purist per se, but I do (for now) like having the car as it is and as it was "meant to be" in terms of the engine.
Well that's it from me, for now. Will update as I get on. Enjoy the rest of your weekend all.
JB
Hope you're all having a great weekend so far. I said I'll start a fresh thread (will be quite the read so beware!).
I would like to start off by saying that I love this car, its such a pleasure to drive and is very comfortable and def a head turner! So car was originally in Dundee, Illinois where I bought it, had it checked out by a local Mustang specialist (Chris "the Doc" Ingrassia) he gave the thumbs up that its a clean car and a good buy and I got him and his team to handle some minor issues that the car had and to do some modifications before being shipped out across continents to me, in Bahrain (Middle East).
Here are some details:
Car Description:
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible (C – Code)
Originally with a 289 V8 with 2 bbl carb.
Upgraded carburetor to 4bbl Edelbrock carb with electric choke in addition to other items as listed below.
Modifications done by Chris and his team:
Rear window replacement (from glass to plastic)
Radiator was replaced
Power Brakes installed
AM/FM/BT Radio installed (RetroSounds Longbeach)
Steering Wheel changed to wood grain
Console/Cupholders installed
AC Unit installed
Upgraded Carburetor
Fuel Tank Protector Shield installed
Obviously, as soon as you drive the car yourself, you notice other things that need attention.
So, car arrived on Thursday, after spending 45 days on a container ship and driving it all weekend, I noticed a few issues (hopefully all minor!):
(1) Car was dead when it arrived, wouldn't start at the port but they managed to jump it and put it on a truck and delivered to my home. Parked it inside my garage that was that. Later that evening, i decided to take it for a spin. Wouldn't crank. Lot of noise but no luck. Eventually that stopped and i would turn the key and there would be silence. Got jumper cables out and started her up and went out for a nice drive to recharge the battery. She behaved and I drove it normally all weekend and never gave trouble as the battery recharged from usage until one time, the car died completely while I was parked with the ignition on. The car would no longer fire up and when I tried to start it, there would be no sound at all. Dead. I jump started the car and drove but as soon as I turned on my headlights, the car would die (without headlights the car would drive normally but cannot start alone anymore).
I believe the battery is unable to hold charge (however car interior courtesy lights are functioning), could possibly be an issue with the alternator. I have added more electronics to the vehicle from AC system to new radio system so this may have placed more strain on the system.
(2) The throttle/gas pedal was sticking (jamming) sometimes (when open). So car can get stuck in acceleration. I applied WD40 which has improved this, however it has happened again since I did this. Could be an issue with throttle springs or linkage.
(3) The Fuel gauge is not accurate and only shows just over half tank when the tank itself is full. Temp gauge is always on cold even after a long drive and after being stuck in traffic. I think the fuel sending unit and line may need replacing or to install a Classic Instruments Fuel Link Interface which I’m told works. Also, I'm going to have the temp gauge also checked to ensure it is functioning properly.
(4) Gauge lights at night are very dim and I cannot read them when driving at night. Either bulbs need to be changed to new ones or upgraded perhaps to LED.
(5) I have upgraded the brakes to power brakes however I still feel they are weak. Not sure if this is normal. I feel my foot has to go in a lot deeper than it should. Anyone have this issue?
(6) Noticed the vehicle did not come with a hazard light option as this was not a legal requirement in 1965. There are hazard light kits available and I'm considering adding this to the car for extra safety. Anyone done this?
I am also considering installing Magnaflow mufflers on the vehicle. Anyone have these? Any reviews would be great!
One question, the car gives off a strong gasoline smell. Stinks up my whole garage. Is this normal on these cars? Do you all have this same issue? If anyone has a solution, please see free to share!
This week she's going on a flatbed to my local tech to look into all the above points. I also want them to do an overall vehicle health check and ensure there are no leaks, check lines and connections etc... Hope everything checks out and hope the above issues are all minor and easily and quickly fixable so that I can get back on the horse (pun intended) ASAP!
P.S. Another big question here --- has anyone gone further and converted their rides to EFI? For those who have, is it worth it? I'm not a purist per se, but I do (for now) like having the car as it is and as it was "meant to be" in terms of the engine.
Well that's it from me, for now. Will update as I get on. Enjoy the rest of your weekend all.
JB