[rickyashpole]

I recently just bought a 1988 mustang gt. 302 5 speed. The body is pretty rought. Their is quite a bit of rust that needs to be cut out and re done. The guy had put a lx front bumper on it, which is not completley mounted onto the car. Drivers door is not on it but it did come with it, along with an extra set of doors. The floor pans need to be replaced because they are rusted. I am mechanically inclined but do not have experience doing body work. I bought this car because I have previously had 3 mustangs and I just wanted another fox body, but didn't want to pay 5k for a nice one, and I want to learn how to do some body work on my own. I am considering swapping everything to a very nice shell and frame of an LX, but then wouldn't get the experience of restoring or learning to do the body work. I just would like some other opinions. I have asked friends but A: they do not like fords/mustangs and B: they do not like doing body work, so of course they are going to criticize and say it's not worth it. Any opinions would be great. thanks

 

[SnoPony08]

Not a slam on your existing friends, but it sounds like you need to find a matrix of local Mustang people who will be more encouraging. Their support and expertise will be invaluable. It sounds like the car, as a project, fits in with your personal goals. That's the important thing. It will take a lot of time, money, frustration, perseverance. But the end result will be something uniquely yours.

 

[rickyashpole]

very true, however their are not a lot of mustang enthusiasts in Mankato, MN, which is where Im from. I guess ill have to stick to the forums for advice and encouragment on my project(s)

Thanks

 

[93mustanghatch!]

I feel for you man. My car went from POS to something decent. Currently rebuilding my motor while i have a 351w in the works. then paint

 

[rickyashpole]

yea, well my motor is good, I want to keep the 302, redo the body and throw some nice paint wheels lowering kit and just throw a few bolt ons on her for now. But we will see what happens.

 

[EagleAutosports]

Without being able to see the current condition, we won't know if it's feasible or not but if you want it as a learning project then it'll be worth it.

Body work isn't something many are willing to do so yes, there's going to be some that'll shy away from it and those who do it. Just make sure you have the tools for the job and mountains of patience, body work isn't something you can rush if you want it to be done right.

You found a lot of support here.

 

[Guest]

the most important thing with bodywork is prep.....

the minute you think it looks sand some more.......

 

[rickyashpole]

I know body work sucks and is a big pain. (so everyone says) but I wanna do a complete restoration on my own, and have the experience so I can decide for myself if it sucks or not. Maybe I will like it. I do like painting however, I used to do industrial painting for a company that built generators, called Kato Light. But as far as all of the prep and body work, I think it will be a good experience.

 

[brodyvanryswyk]

im from Albert Lea MN and there are 4 of us that have foxbodys here i just recently purchased a project that sounds alot like were your at im currently trying to make a cowl hood for it out of fiberglass

 

[spdjnky_42]

im from Albert Lea MN and there are 4 of us that have foxbodys here i just recently purchased a project that sounds alot like were your at im currently trying to make a cowl hood for it out of fiberglass

LOL You will spend as much on glass, resin and bondo as you would just buying a good one. Cervinis is the way to go.:bigthumbsup

 

[brodyvanryswyk]

yeah it isnt cheap but i have a bunch of glass and resin left over from when i made some sub boxs so figured get rid of some crap layin around house and maybe have a unique hood

 

[rickyashpole]

I have never done any fiberglass but that is on my list to do, bought it, just need to try it. I wanna make a nice sub box for the trunk of my fox. I seems pretty tricky. any suggestions?