1983 FHP Progress

[chp1982]

The '83 FHP is finally out of the car hole and on it's way to the bodyshop. The engine bay, underside of the hood, and steel wheels will be painted, along with a few other odds and ends. Then in a few weeks, it is off to NC for the drivetrain. (2nd picture is '83 donor car)

With the funds I have available, I will be finishing the car along the lines it was started, as a nice driver.

I am still looking for a good to very nice set of body moldings, headlight bezels, and an L emblem. If anyone has a line on any of these parts please pm me.

Jon

[NoDrama43]

glad to see it getting completed Jon. :2thumbs:

[MOstang]

Sounds great Jon...looking forward to seeing the progress.

[28HopUp]

That's awesome. Despite being a big agency, I can't imagine there are a bunch of 83 FHP's around. I didn't look, but I assume that 83 was the first year Florida bought SSP's?

[NoDrama43]

That's awesome. Despite being a big agency, I can't imagine there are a bunch of 83 FHP's around. I didn't look, but I assume that 83 was the first year Florida bought SSP's?


it is one of only 40, and I don't know of any others that are restored...

[mac88chp]

That's awesome. Despite being a big agency, I can't imagine there are a bunch of 83 FHP's around. I didn't look, but I assume that 83 was the first year Florida bought SSP's?The regular production '82 SSPs were a CHP exclusive so yes, the FHP and all other agencies had to wait until '83 for their orders.

Can't wait to see this one come together. The '83 and '84s are my favorite four-eyes.

[CHP8336]

Nice car Jon !! It is nice to see another 4 eyed car back in uniform!!!

[mustangpro]

Looking forward to your arrival Jon!! The donor car is in pre-op being prepped for the procedure at this very moment. So far it's vitals are good.

It will be cool to get our 83 SSPs together for a photoshoot. Maybe we can start a new thread to document the operation.

[mustangpro]

Pic of "Delmar" the donor Mustang.

http://www.mustangpro.com/images/83coupe.jpg

[chp1982]

Thanks for the compliments guys and thanks Chris, I am looking forward to coming out there. I have the parts I need and the car will be ready to pick up this Friday from the body shop. We will definitely document our progress with lots of pics!

[chp1982]

Time for an update?? After the under hood paintwork was complete and Mustangpro (Chris) let me assist him with dropping the engine in from Delmer the ’83 donor car, Jim took possession of the FHP once again. This past May, Chris dropped me a line and we even chatted about the FHP a bit. The universe was hard at work because a few days later I got a message from Jim gauging my interest in the car. Needless to say, Jim delivered it to my door a short time later. The last 3 months have been spent hatching a plan on how to get this old girl back on the road.

When I had the FHP 8 years ago, I was naïve as to the amount of work it really required. Well, it needs pretty much everything! Fortunately for me - but mainly the FHP, Chris expressed interest in working on it and as of yesterday, the car is with him.

Name the part and it’s got a replacement ready or en route. Whatever time Chris can find to complete work on the car, I’ll be thankful for. After the mechanicals are sorted, a trip to the body shop in is order for some magic to be worked on the paint. My wallet has provided the willpower to stick to purchases that are mechanical in nature but there’s a lengthy list of pretty parts necessary when the time comes.

Thanks Jim and thank you, Chris. This is an important SSP to the hobby and it’s time to bring it back in all its bubble gum light glory!

Arriving in May:

[chp1982]

Greener pastures! Yesterday in NC:

[Wolfe1013]

Can't wait to see this one driving under its own power. Keep us posted on the progress.

[mustangpro]

It's great to see this car again! Especially in my shop with the NCSHP and Delmer (the donor 83 coupe). This SSP is a great solid base vehicle to begin with, should be a fun project. I'll start with replacing/refurbing the suspension and correct 7.5" rear end first. Then onto the fuel tank/lines, exhaust, clutch. Once she's off of jack stands we'll focus on the under hood and engine.

Right now it's parked in front of my shop under the carport out of the elements. Once I get my Saleen brakes wrapped up (which is for sale btw!) I'll bring in the FHP and begin the tear down. Stay tuned.......

http://www.irontreecreative.com/mustang/fhp_s281.png

[NoDrama43]

I am hoping....that finally...this car can get back on the road. I wanted to do it.....twice.....but too many projects....not enough time....even less free cash......so when I thought about letting it go......again....I hoped Jon would jump on it.....again.... lol

I would say tag you're it but I my level of confidence this car is going to go somewhere now is high. I believe the universe was definitely hard at work on this one.

good luck fellas....

[Florida528]

Great work keep it up!

[chp1982]

The donor car that gave it's heart and quite a few other parts deserves a mention. Delmer, the name of the gentleman who posted the ad for the car, lived in Boone, NC. Based on the pictures and description I was provided, we decided to meet in Knoxville to complete the deal.

When Delmer arrived, I was very disappointed. The interior was full of mildew and it ran poorly. I convinced myself that it was original enough to fit the bill and I took it off his hands.

Being a coupe, I knew the car (now known as Delmer) was rare but it was rough enough where I didn't feel too guilty taking the drivetrain. Plus, Mustangpro and I worked out a deal where he would keep Delmer and bring him back to life after I took what I needed for the FHP.

What I think is cool is that Delmer was a black over Walnut coupe, like the FHP, and had a 5.0 with a 4spd trans - like the FHP. Other than the 4spd, Delmer was pretty loaded up and had one very bizarre option: French Vanilla seatbelts. This is printed on the buck tag. I want to get a Marti report for the car because I now realize how unusual the entire car is.

Delmer the man passed away recently but his old car will live again. Many parts, aside from the drivetrain will be making it into the FHP. In fact, the 7.5 slapper bar rear end, and a pile of suspension parts are making their way to the blaster then onto the FHP. Thanks to Chris, I also scored a super nice complete and original exhaust from manifolds to tailpipe. Even Mick hooked me up with a set of NOS rear springs. Progress!

Here's a picture of a sad looking (for now) Delmer hanging out with the FHP.

[mac88chp]

Thanks for the updates, keep them coming on this highly interesting project!

[chp1982]

The FHP is looking great! Chris made quick work of the suspension over the past month. The pile of parts that will head to the blaster has grown as has the boxes of parts being delivered to his shop.

Here she is picked clean.

[chp1982]

I'm delaying my mechanic and testing his patience but I couldn't bear the thought of all those shiny new parts being bolted to dirty underside. It felt good to get out to NC the other week and bond with the car.

I am glad to report, the car is completely rust free and, albeit filthy, in excellent shape underneath. A leaky pinion seal provided a nice protective layer. Now to remove said layer.

Getting closer:

[chp1982]

Parts are back from the blaster. Almost time for reassembly of the underside!

[chp1982]

Manifolds look great.

[chp1982]

Made it back to NC this week and remembered to bring the 5 SSP wheels with me. Of course the new BFG's showed up after I left Atlanta but the wheels were blasted and are back with me, primed, and ready for paint, then tires. Then back to NC...

[28HopUp]

I missed these updates. Nice job! :)

[chp1982]

Chris got a jump on clearing and painting what came back from the blaster. The rear end turned out great! There's a lot of extra effort that Chris is putting into this car. Thanks, Buddy.

[chp1982]

A few more parts hanging out under a certain '83 NCHP.

[mustangpro]

I want your rear end to look really nice Jon! :D

Actually this car is moving along rather nicely. No real roadblocks yet. My goal is to sit her down on the wheels and rolling before Christmas.

[sspanthony]

Love the updates; can’t wait to see it finally come together !

[kapracing]

Love the updates; can’t wait to see it finally come together !

X's 2 :2thumbs:

[dougphillips48]

It's really coming along nicely. I'd love to come up and see it in person.

[chp1982]

Thanks, Guys. It would have been back on the ground already and possibly running but taking the extra time with the details will result in a better and more correct car. In other words, Mustangpro is a patient guy!

Here's a manifold painted with Eastwood's high temp clear.

[chp1982]

More work to do but the wheels are a getting there. No better look than an SSP on steelies IMO.

[Steve]

Wow, you're getting a lot done fast!

[chp1982]

Thanks, Steve. I'm more moral and financial support at this stage of the game. Here's the exhaust hung. The remainder of the brake components (booster/master cylinder) have been removed and will be replaced. The steering shaft has been rebuilt. By the time I'm finished with the wheels and getting the tires mounted, they should be ready to bolt on!

[NoDrama43]

were you guys able to wet sand and buff the paint any yet? Hopefully that will work for it?

[chp1982]

Fingers crossed it will. It's got to. That will be the last step, Jim. I've got a good guy that's going to work on it.

[NoDrama43]

I think it can be made acceptable....just need to go slow. Hopefully he can succeed.

[chp1982]

Spindles refurbed and bolted up!

[NoDrama43]

Looks good Jon. Is that a gray paint or did you clear coat after bead blasting?

[chp1982]

The rear and the spindles were painted due to heavy pitting. Everything else was painted satin black or clear based on whether it was black or natural originally.

[mustangpro]

As Jon has mentioned, some of the cast iron pieces we're heavily "aged", so we opted for the Cast Iron Grey coating, turned out really nice. I have a special tool arriving this week to aid in the installation of the stock springs. Stock height springs are a challenge to install, can't do it without compressing. Struts are assembled and waiting. So far all is coming long nicely on this car.

[NoDrama43]

I have had good success using a product called "Cast Blast". It makes cast parts look like they are brand new also. I have used it on engine blocks, rear brake drums and center sections etc.

[chp1982]

Long overdue update: The FHP is back on all 4 wheels, the rear end, brakes and fuel systems are buttoned up! Next step is to get the engine back in shape then onto the cosmetics.

[chp1982]

the 83 and Chris' 84 hanging out in the shop.