1969 "Twister Trans-Am" Restomod

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Okay so I'm new here for sure, thought it would be a good idea to post my project so I can get some needed feed back on it. Anyway the car I'm working with is just a standard 1969 Mustang Sportsroof, no special options or packages. The car originally came with a 302 but before replaced before I got the car with a '66 289 with a mild cam and some other options. I guess the 289 broke a valve spring on the 289 heads so those were replaced with the original 302 heads (I have the 289 heads in my garage).

 

Engine

Anyway as it stands now, the 289 is running pretty strong but has what I consider to be low vacuum (around 12) and is getting horrible gas mileage even for an engine of its power/age. We replaced the intake manifold with a Edelbrock Performer 289 (if my memory serves me correctly), checked a bunch of stuff, adjusted the timing, replaced some of the distributor components, and rewired the coil. We also replaced the power brake booster and checked for vacuum leaks wherever we could.

 

The vacuum still is at around 12 so I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations, perhaps getting the 289 heads rebuilt? If I should get the heads rebuilt, anything else I should get done like get hardened valve seats for unleaded and such.

 

Body and Styling

So basically the body is pretty good but still needs some work. The color is a mix of primers, the original Wimbledon white, and some spray paint to protect from rusting short term. The tail light panel is smashed in on the driver side and the quarter panel where it meets is dented but not badly. This was from an accident before I got the car but fortunately the rear bumper took most the blow. Also the passenger side door came with a horrible bondo job on it, it was obviously a work in progress.

 

Right now one of my buddies from high school is working on the car in his autobody/hot rodding class. Fortunately he has some experience, it is his second year in the class and he is also enrolled in welding so he should do a pretty good job on it, not expecting show quality here.

 

As for the paint scheme, I want a badass looking car vs. a "nice" car. I'm leaning towards going with Grabber orange and using the stripes and decals from a 1970 "Twister Special". I'm not trying to make an exact copy or clone it because I want to keep many of the 69 aspects such as the side scoops and like badges on the sportsroof part. I also plan on blacking out the tail light panel, the area around the headlights (Like 69 Boss 302s), and adding both front and rear spoilers. (Any idea if the Boss 302 Trans-Am Racers used stock spoilers on the rear or what they did use and how I would go about obtaining one?)

 

The hood is the Maier racing one with the cougar eliminator scoop, I'd prefer a shaker scoop, maybe later down the road. If anyone has a stock type hood they want to get rid of, I'd be willing to take it off your hands.

 

Brakes and Wheels

I'm pretty set on Magnum 500's but was thinking of going with like a 17" rim instead of a 15". Any feedback on that would be much appreciated.

 

As for brakes, it has the stock disks in front, drums in back. They have both been recently replaced and fixed and their is a new brake booster and master cylinder. I'm looking to replace the rear drums but need a solution which is effective and affordable. I'm hoping MustangSteve comes up with something based on the current 08 Mustang GT brakes for the rear but who knows. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

I also want to add cooling to both the front and back brakes, the front with ducts in the valence and the rear by using the side scoops but making them functional. Once again, recommendations gladly appreciated.

 

Interior

All Black, pretty much. New sound system and dynamat. Nothing fancy, just clean and uniform looking. Wouldn't mind switching out the gauges, year one I believe has a nice setup, just probably not in my budget at the moment.

 

Suspension and Steering

Here's what I'm thinking:

-Shock tower reinforcements (Boss 302 Style)

-Bump Steer Corrector Kit by Pro-Motorsports Engineering

-Negative Wedge Kit by Pro-Motorsports Engineering (For Shelby Mod but even lower, Lower Front end for Trans-Am Racer Look)

-1" Front sway bar

-Traction bars (maybe)

-Export Brace and Monte Carlo Bar (Already Have)

-165 Race 5 Leaf Performance Spring Approx 1.25" Drop by Maier Racing

-Flaming River Steering Box

 

Conclusion

Pretty sure that's it, still have alot of decisions to be made on the project and desperately want any tips, recommendations, positive/negative feedback, or whatever anyone is willing to throw at me. Thanks alot.

 

Oh also if someone is interested in Photoshoping what it may look like, I'd appreciate it. I can send some pictures, just PM me if interested. Thanks again everyone.

[R4K 10]

As for the engine, my first thought regarding the 12 Hg/in is...what cam are you running? Getting a leakdown test will be able to tell you if you need a head refresh.

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Not sure what the cam is, it was already in the engine when we got the car. All I know is it's mild.

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Thought I'd go ahead and post some pictures. Yeah they aren't the best because I had my sister take them since I'm in Idaho and the car is in California.

 

 

 

 

[bnickel 10,004]

i'd have to say the low vacuum reading is probably the cam also. but it could be other things as well. if it's a steady 12 in/hg at idle and the needle is not jumping around it's probably the cam and a low compression ratio working against each other, you probably lost 1/2 to a full point of compression swapping the 302 heads on to the 289, so that could be part of it.

[burritoboi5 10]

I'm gonna agree that you definitely need to know what cam you have in there. I would invest in a degree wheel/kit and see what the readings are.

[coz 108]

12* at idle isn't that bad..... I would prefer 15+ but I have a very long duration nasty cam and at idle I get 10*.

 

What is it at say 40mph? If it's up around 16 or so thats good enough for a panic stop. But do what I'm planning this winter - replace the master cylinder and diaphram with a hydroboost brake system. It uses the power steering pump to build pressure and does not rely on vacuum.

 

http://www.hydratechbraking.com/

 

 

You could always go this route - nice but noisy....

 

http://www.mpbrakes.com/products/product-detail.cfm?product_id=130

 

For rear brakes I upgraded my stock drums with MP brakes 11" drum. They work great and are $400. Nice "stop gap" until I go all disc.

 

 

For the rear brakes I did vent the side scoops on my pervious Mach. There was a "kit" I purchased from the Mustang Ranch in Sanford FL that channeled the air down onto the rear tires and brakes. Not sure how well it worked with the big tires though.... One disadvantage is if you light the tires up it will funnel the smoke up through the side scoops and into the cabin. Looks cools but stinks....

 

If you decide to go 15" Magnums I'll make you a hell of a deal on mine in the spring. I'm going 17/18" and will be looking to move my steel 15x7 fronts and 15x8 rears. Would be real cheap - like $20 each plus shipping as long as it goes onto your car. Got to spread the love to fellow Mustang owners.....

[bnickel 10,004]

12* at idle isn't that bad..... I would prefer 15+ but I have a very long duration nasty cam and at idle I get 10*.

 

What is it at say 40mph? If it's up around 16 or so thats good enough for a panic stop. But do what I'm planning this winter - replace the master cylinder and diaphram with a hydroboost brake system. It uses the power steering pump to build pressure and does not rely on vacuum.

 

http://www.hydratechbraking.com/

 

 

You could always go this route - nice but noisy....

 

http://www.mpbrakes.com/products/product-detail.cfm?product_id=130

 

For rear brakes I upgraded my stock drums with MP brakes 11" drum. They work great and are $400. Nice "stop gap" until I go all disc.

 

 

For the rear brakes I did vent the side scoops on my pervious Mach. There was a "kit" I purchased from the Mustang Ranch in Sanford FL that channeled the air down onto the rear tires and brakes. Not sure how well it worked with the big tires though.... One disadvantage is if you light the tires up it will funnel the smoke up through the side scoops and into the cabin. Looks cools but stinks....

 

If you decide to go 15" Magnums I'll make you a hell of a deal on mine in the spring. I'm going 17/18" and will be looking to move my steel 15x7 fronts and 15x8 rears. Would be real cheap - like $20 each plus shipping as long as it goes onto your car. Got to spread the love to fellow Mustang owners.....

 

 

hey Coz, i'll take you up on that offer if he doesn't. might need them for my 69 cougar

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Thanks for all the help, I'll definately try to find out what cam I got in there. I'm really leaning towards getting those 289 heads done and putting them back on the car though.

 

Little update on the body work, the section of the tail light panel (drivers side) which is messed up (can't tell from my pictures but theres moss growing out under the tail lights from cracks) should be getting replaced Wed but who knows if that'll be done. I'd rather have the whole panel replaced but my friend wants to replace just the one side and says he can do it without seams.

 

Also just found out the front suspension was pretty much completely replaced before I got the car and that it's got some 620 springs from Maier and they were also cut by Maier so that's alot less I need to replace. No longer going to go with the Negative Wedge kit or shelby drop because that would probably make it too low for my taste (Originally planned on replacing springs).

 

Patched up the few holes in the floor pans the same way one of the mustang books I've got said to do, soldered in some new metal. Also fiberglassed over it to add a bit of protection. Also most the fiberglass in the interior has been painted black with epoxy appliance paint, same for the lower dash and gauge cluster. I'll try to get some pictures up, it turned out really nice.

 

So my two new questions are:

 

1. Got any info on that Mustang Ranch or their kit, I tried a google search for the place but couldn't find a site.

 

2. Anybody have some experience with the aftermarket package trays they have out there, particuliarly the ones with the third brake light and 6x9 setups for speakers?

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Btw, sent a PM about those wheels coz. Also forgot to mention I'm starting to lean away from the twister idea so some feedback would be greatly appreciated on that.

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Got some new pictures (An old one too). Tail light panel didn't get fixed today but hopefully tomorrow, it did get stripped so it's ready to be cut out and have the new piece welded in.

 

 

Mangled Driver Side Before Repair (Above)

 

 

Side Repaired and Primered, Still Waiting for Taillight Panel to be fixed

 

 

Better shot of the damage, hopefully will be fixed by this weekend.

 

 

Freshly Painted Dash pieces (Lower Dash, Guage Cluster Area thingy, Clock Delete Panel, Ash Tray Setup)

 

 

Closeup of the new Ash tray and Cigerette lighter (Original was missing, still needs wired up)

 

 

Shot of the engine, plan on cleaning it up quite a bit. Want to sand the paint off the top of the valve covers so they look how they should, replace the air cleaner with a fresh HiPo one, also pretty up the wires, especially around the distributer and coil.

 

Next up on the body work is the taillight panel like I said then striping/sanding the entire car and getting some fresh primer on it and getting it prepped for paint. Meanwhile we plan on getting the interior pieces all cleaned up and working and getting the interior metal painted up to protect it and make it look nice ofcourse. Starting to get some serious progress made on it. Also Coz, I'm definately interested in those rims and appreciate the amazing offer.

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Replaced the taillight panel this weekend, looks nice. Happy thanksgiving everyone

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Interior Kit arrived from Dallas Mustangs, Reupholstered and foamed the rear seat in black, looks amazing. I'll try to get some pictures up. Currently working on getting the front seats done, also want to order a hinge repair kit for the seats or whatever it is called, anyone have an idea where to find them?

 

Body work is also pretty much done, probably going to reskin the passenger door right before we paint it, just don't feel its right with bondo. Other than that the small dents have been fixed, tail light panel is all fixed, and most the car has been stripped and primered. Hopefully it will be painted before christmas, decided on Calypso Coral.

 

Oh yeah, not sure what I should try to get for christmas, any ideas?

[bnickel 10,004]

Interior Kit arrived from Dallas Mustangs, Reupholstered and foamed the rear seat in black, looks amazing. I'll try to get some pictures up. Currently working on getting the front seats done, also want to order a hinge repair kit for the seats or whatever it is called, anyone have an idea where to find them?

 

Body work is also pretty much done, probably going to reskin the passenger door right before we paint it, just don't feel its right with bondo. Other than that the small dents have been fixed, tail light panel is all fixed, and most the car has been stripped and primered. Hopefully it will be painted before christmas, decided on Calypso Coral.

 

Oh yeah, not sure what I should try to get for christmas, any ideas?

 

 

 

tools!!!!! you can never have too many tools. i have 2 big rollaround boxes full of tools with more on the pegboard, under both workbenches, under my bench grinder stand/cabinet, in the house and even a couple that i need to fix in the storage shed. :biggrin:

[705.0Merc 10]

The plan sounds good. I really like the trans-am cars, they are legendary. They show that you can road race with heavily modified stock style suspenion on a budget, which is a great alternative to all of the expensive bolt-on stuff out now. The stock style stuff is holding me over until i can afford some of the new stuff hah.

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Yeah I'm definately a big fan of the trans am cars. We painted the interior calypso coral and laid down some dynamat and the carpet. Seats are recovered and ready to be put back in. Also been working on the headliner, threw some dynamat up there too alongside the stock headliner pad thing.

 

Car should be getting painted in January, hopefully. Also pulled the original heads out of the garage and plan on getting them fixed up to go back on the car. Should be looking and running good, then we only have to do suspension, steering, rear end, stereo, and some other various stuff. Not too much huh? lol

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Made quite a bit of progress on the car since I've last posted. Entire interior and most of the trunk have been covered in dynamat. Now has an interior and stereo. Currently the 289 heads are in the shop being rebuilt and will hopefully be on the car by May. Body work is all finished and the car is covered completely in gray primer, also has been wet sanded. Trying to get it into the shop this weekend for paint but might not get in for a couple of weeks. Other than that, I'm looking for a set of Magnum 500's.

 

<center>
<img src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd74/Unrulyschoolboy/HPIM0434.jpg" width="300">
<br>
Car is covered in Primer, Wet Sanded. Few Spots Need touched up but overall ready for paint
<br>
<img src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd74/Unrulyschoolboy/HPIM0430.jpg" width="300">
<br>
New Windshield Installed, Looks Great. Hopefully no leaks.
<br>
<img src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd74/Unrulyschoolboy/HPIM0411.jpg" width="300">
<br>
Fresh Interior, Can See Soon to Be New Body Color. Door Panels not in yet.
<br>
<img src="http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd74/Unrulyschoolboy/HPIM0393.jpg" width="300">
<br>
Stereo is now in (Not Pictured), Need to come up with gauge solution. Heating  stuff all connected now. 
<br>
</center>

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Sorry guys, tried really hard to make that post look good but I don't know how to make the HTML display right. Guess you'll just have to copy and paste to see the pictures :[

[ten1nchslicks 10]

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Pretty Much Gotta Love Spring Break

 

Made a ton of progress on the car, including dropping it off at the paint shop.

Still need to get the black parts painted on but they weren't in my budget right now, also need to slap on the chrome piece for the front of the hood for the time being. Pretty much for the time being that concludes the body work, except I still plan on getting the spoilers on soon and the original gas cap.

 

Also got the heads back from the shop, they look brand new. Should be getting those on in the next couple of weeks and hopefully seeing a noticeable difference in performance/power.

 

Suspension and Steering is hopefully following right after the heads get installed. Still need to finish up putting in the door panels and window knob things and a bunch of other small details.

 

Summer projects I am looking into on it are likely an AOD swap (Hopefully wide gears), new rearend with locker (3.81 gears), and an aluminum driveshaft if it needs replaced. Not to mention the black paint and decals.

 

Anyways here's the pictures, let me know what you think.

 

 

Right After Getting It Back, No Emblems or Trim Pieces Yet

 

 

Picture of the Rear with All the Goodies

 

 

Hubcaps and Side Emblems, Still Needs Marker Lights/Rockers

 

 

Side Emblem

[superduty69 11]

Looks very nice!

It has come a long way and looks great, you are getting closer!!!!!!!!

[Grabber70Mach 107]

Look really good, I like the color that you picked. :thumbup1::yes:

[bnickel 10,004]

looks great, reminds of me of one the LE600 cars with the color and hubcaps.

 

quick piece of advice, though, if you plan on running a 3.89 rear gear DON'T do the wide ratio kit in the aod, you won't need it and adding it will just make 1st gear way short. i'd stay with the stock aod gearing if you're going with the 3.89's or use a 3.25 or 3.50 gear if you do the wide ratio aod.

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Thanks for the comments everyone, and that sounds like good advice. Besides it will be a lot easier to find an AOD with the regular gear set. I was also considering the T5 conversion but there's no way I will be able to afford the pedal assembly and be able to buy everything else with the parts on ebay costing $500+ each. Any Idea how to handle that?

[UnrulySchoolboy 10]

Well Once Again I am starting to go a different direction with the car and now I want to go ahead and try to do the T-5 conversion for sure. There's been talks on other parts of the forum of using a 68 pedal setup which sounds pretty do able.

 

Just to give an update on where the car stands, the engine is currently decapitated and the new heads should be on by the end of this coming weekend (By new heads I mean the original 289 heads which just got finished being rebuilt). Also the new steering wheel has arrived (Grant GT w/ Mustang Pieces).

 

This weekends plans are to clean up the engine, paint the intake manifold because it looks grimy, and install the new heads. Should be a busy weekend.

 

Also just for kicks, I found a picture of the damage from when we got the car, I may put more originals up so you guys can see the progress.