1985 Nevada Highway Patrol

[NHPcars.com]

I wanted to start a post to show everyone here my newest project, my 1985 Nevada Highway Patrol Mustang. I’ve mentioned the car in the past in hopes to find it a home and now it’s finally saved and in my garage.

The car was purchased by NHP as a test car and was funded by the Federal Government under a grant for the 55mph speed limit campaign. It is one of three cars bought under this program. One car was assigned to one of the three regions, this car being the Northern Command car, or the Reno car. The Central Command car, or Elko car, was wrecked and totaled during its delivery to the region. The third car was sent to Southern Command, or Vegas. I have read posts regarding a 1985 NHP Mustang (from a few years ago) so maybe it is still out there.

I’ve spoke with several Troopers who drove the 85’s and said they were the quicker cars. Ret. Trp. Hutchings told me he flew from Vegas to Reno to pick up the Vegas car when it was new. When getting the keys from the mechanic, the mechanic asked him if he knew how to drive a high performance vehicle. Hutchings laughed, grabbed the keys, and left. As he was leaving the parking lot, he revved the engine, dumped the clutch, and said the back tires went up in smoke. He told me that car was all over the place. On the trip back, he said the car didn’t get a whole lot of time under 120mph. Luckily the Vegas car didn’t end up like the Elko car.

My car spent about 2 years in Reno as a pool car which means the car would be checked out by a Trooper for the days shift, and then returned. After the federal program ended, the Fed’s allowed the agency to keep the cars. The car was then issued to Trp. Wygnanski, ID #231. He told me while working in a snow storm (the car was equipped with 4 studded snow tires) on Interstate 80, near the Nugget, he stopped out with a vehicle that had been disabled on the ice. While assisting the driver, another motorist lost control of her car and slid into the rear of the Mustang. The damage was repaired and the car continued its service.

After being assigned to Wygnanski, the car was issued to Trp. Rolfe, #130. Trp. Rolfe drove the car until it was mileaged out and sent to auction. The guy I bought the car from purchased it from the state auction with 117k miles on it. He worked at the Ford dealer when the car was delivered new and made it an effort to purchase the car when it retired. He told me he had to have it because it was a high performance Ford, having no idea the historical value of the car. One night he was driving the car in the rain and lost control of the car. After doing a few 360’s, without hitting anything, he parked the car, with 132k miles on the odometer, in his back yard because he thought it was too dangerous. This was around 1994. He intended to keep it around for a parts car for an 83’ Mustang he had but never had a chance to do it.

Since becoming the resident car guy here at NHP, another Trooper told me about the car. This was around 2 years ago. Many of you here remember me mentioning it. I made contact with the owner who wouldn’t budge on his asking price, and after asking him over the last year and a half, he decided to keep it. I continued to stay in contact with him. Recently, he told me about some health problems he was having and how he needed to get rid of a few things. About that time I started trying to sell my 88’, which I did to a member here. This allowed me to gather the funds to secure a deal.

I’m still working on getting information regarding the cars history and I have several questions regarding it. I’ve been in contact with the two Troopers who were assigned the car and another Trooper who checked the car out back when it was a pool car. I’m also in contact with a few Troopers who drove the Vegas car. It does run but needs service work, and a fuel pump. I’ve started cleaning it up and placed some of the emergency equipment I have inside the car. I have a long was to go in restoring it and I’ll try to keep everyone updated on it as thing progress.

Mike

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/IMG00262-20110615-1950.jpg

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/IMG00266-20110615-2026.jpg

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/IMG00267-20110615-2027.jpg

[NHPcars.com]

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/100_4209.jpg

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/100_4210.jpg

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/100_4226.jpg

[28HopUp]

Mike, congrats on acquiring that '85 NHP! Thanks for posting the pics, and good luck with the resto. Please keep us posted on your progress, and let us know if you need anything.

[mac88chp]

That's some good stuff Mike, can't wait to see your progress on such a significant unit as this one is. We'll look good showing together at Ripon when you're done with it too! :cool:

[MOstang]

What a really cool SSP...congrats on the research too. :2thumbs:

[NoDrama43]

good snag on a super rare car...

[GSPI]

Very cool Mike! Glad that happened for you. That will be a stellar car when you are done.

[stadair]

WOW! And it came with all that equiptment?! Cool find. Nice tow rig, too. ;)

[NHPcars.com]

WOW! And it came with all that equiptment?! Cool find. Nice tow rig, too. ;)

It didn't come with the equipment, except the spot lights. I have been collecting that kind of stuff for a while now. The tow rig is my baby. I converted it over to a Cummins within the last year. I call it my four door tractor.

So far, the Unitrol light controler went right in with the existing holes under the dash. A Trooper who drove the Vegas car said he remembers the controler being there. He explained what a "PITA" it was to reach over and turn it on.

The ash tray that was in the car is tan and appeared to have been added after the fact. I removed the ash tray and placed the Radio Head in its place. It just barely fits. The whip antenna wire is still in the car and comes thru the carpet right where the radio head is now placed.

I located a CB antenna wire coming up thru the carpet right in front of the passenger seat. The Trooper who was assigned this car said he had a CB radio in it and it was on the trans tunnel where I placed it.

I also have the Buddy Bumper for it too.

I need to pull up the carpet for a good cleaning and look for mounting holes. Maybe this weekend I'll get to it.

[ImEvil1]

Congrats on your purchase.

Did you get any paperwork verifying the "Fed" portion of the story? Reason I ask is that normally those are done with grant money, which goes directly to the agency to be spent. Therefore, the cars would be ordered by the agency, using money from the grant, which would explain the DSO not being a GSA 83.

[NHPcars.com]

Congrats on your purchase.

Did you get any paperwork verifying the "Fed" portion of the story? Reason I ask is that normally those are done with grant money, which goes directly to the agency to be spent. Therefore, the cars would be ordered by the agency, using money from the grant, which would explain the DSO not being a GSA 83.

I don't have any paper work regarding the grant. It was funded by the Fed's and ordered by NHP, per the stories from other Troopers. The DSO tag shows "Special Service Pkg." and "Nevada". The only odd thing is the DSO number is Denver (760022) and I think the other NHP Mustangs were ordered thru San Jose. It was also ordered as a white car, not blue. NHP repainted the car prior to service. Then it was resprayed before the auction.

[ImEvil1]

I don't have any paper work regarding the grant. It was funded by the Fed's and ordered by NHP, per the stories from other Troopers. The DSO tag shows "Special Service Pkg." and "Nevada". The only odd thing is the DSO number is Denver (760022) and I think the other NHP Mustangs were ordered thru San Jose. It was also ordered as a white car, not blue. NHP repainted the car prior to service. Then it was resprayed before the auction.

That's odd, but it shouldn't be too hard for you to track down the paperwork for verification. What is the last 6 of the VIN? That will provide further insight on the order.

[NHPcars.com]

Last 6 are 206189.

I'd love to document everything I can on the car. The problem around here is they purge all documents after 7 years so everything is long gone. I've been to the vault at NHP's Headquarters and there is nothing left. I did find a few old inventory sheets from 1992-1994 but that was only because they had been misplaced in a file cabinet containing old photos.

I'm going to eventually order the marty report, get the build sheet letter from Ford, and try to get copies of the original titles. I'm hoping to find the original build sheet under the carpet when I get the chance to pull it up. (fingers crossed)

If anyone here has an "Avenue" for me to get this car documented, please let me know.

Mike

[NHPcars.com]

I was emailed in service photos of the car today. They are from Trp. Rolfe who was the last Trooper assigned the car.

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/85Mustang001.png

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/85Mustang002.png

[NHPcars.com]

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/85Mustang004.png

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/85Mustang003.png

[Wolfe1013]

Awesome find, awesome story and so cool to have photos of *your* car in service. Best of luck with the resto. Keep us posted.

Greg

[ImEvil1]

Last 6 are 206189.


Mike

Cool...looks like a consecutive order of 13. Weird about the white, though.

[NHPcars.com]

I've updated the website's Mustang page. Here's the link.

http://www.nhpcars.com/40101.html

Mike

[chp1982]

I look forward to seeing your progress on it. Great pics.

[Pln0226]

Very impressive, you should be proud!

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

Don't forget to also look behind the Drivers Side Panel for the Build Sheet.

[MOstang]

Congrats on scoring the additional pics!:2thumbs:

[NHPcars.com]

Another photo to add...

I suspect this photo to be of my car (Reno). The double bar stripes on the doors appear to be closer to the mirror on the Reno car and at a steeper angle than the Vegas car.

Mike

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/NHP%20Photos/85NHP003.jpg

[CHP8336]

I would like everyone here know that I am very proud to be the new owner of this awsome car. Mike has done a GREAT job locating the documentation and the correct equipment for it. I will be doing a complete restoration on this car. There will be a new album on my Fotki site so everyone can view the cars complete restoration in detail from start to finish. I will start posting pics tomorrow. Rich :)
__________________

[28HopUp]

Congrats Rich! I'm very happy that you were able to get this 85. It will look great next to your CHP.

:D

[ImEvil1]

Congrats, Rich! Glad to see it go to a good home.

[ssp91ssp]

Rich, Congrats!!! Gald to hear she's been rescued .

[MOstang]

+1...this will be a cool one.

[ChrisL]

Congrats Rich! I CANNOT WAIT to see this one come together! This car is in great hands.

[Rhino]

This will be awesome. I imagine the Ripon show next year is going to get interesting. ;) Congrats Rich!!

[Mustang Kid]

Congrats!
The mustang would look great with my dads 83 NVP Impala next to it(when both are restored;) )

[mac88chp]

Great news Rich, you will have two outstanding SSPs to show once this one is complete. Congrats!

[93sspmustang]

wow original equipment still on car amazing.

[CHP8336]

I would like everyone here know that I am very proud to be the new owner of this awsome car. Mike has done a GREAT job locating the documentation and the correct equipment for it. I will be doing a complete restoration on this car. There will be a new album on my Fotki site so everyone can view the cars complete restoration in detail from start to finish. I will start posting pics tomorrow. Rich :)
__________________

Just wanted everyone to know I have had very little time to do anything on this car due to working long hours. I have located all the interior pieces that the car will need to get it it great shape. Also I have found the original build sheet!! It was located behind the drivers seat on the floorboard.The most interesting thing on the sheet states install 4E4AC1130BA Hubcaps with longer valve stems. This confirms with the in service pics that Mike posted of this car when it was new! I will be doing the interior first then move on to all of the mechanical items then off to the body shop for a complete in service paint job......... Rich:)

[Mustang Kid]

Just wanted everyone to know I have had very little time to do anything on this car due to working long hours. I have located all the interior pieces that the car will need to get it it great shape. Also I have found the original build sheet!! It was located behind the drivers seat on the floorboard.The most interesting thing on the sheet states install 4E4AC1130BA Hubcaps with longer valve stems. This confirms with the in service pics that Mike posted of this car when it was new! I will be doing the interior first then move on to all of the mechanical items then off to the body shop for a complete in service paint job......... Rich:)

That is my plan with 8337 too:D

[CHP8336]

Sam, Do you think that you will make Ripon next year? Both of my 1985 cars will be there.

[Mustang Kid]

Sam, Do you think that you will make Ripon next year? Both of my 1985 cars will be there.

I sure hope I can make it. I'll have my DL by that time so I can drive a car and my dad can drive another. My dad wants to bring the EVOC next year, and if I get 8337 running good, it will be there:) My dad has most all the equipment so all that stuff will be installed(or just bolted in place).
Cant wait to see progress:2thumbs:

[CHP8336]

Just wanted everyone to know I have had very little time to do anything on this car due to working long hours. I have located all the interior pieces that the car will need to get it it great shape. Also I have found the original build sheet!! It was located behind the drivers seat on the floorboard.The most interesting thing on the sheet states install 4E4AC1130BA Hubcaps with longer valve stems. This confirms with the in service pics that Mike posted of this car when it was new! I will be doing the interior first then move on to all of the mechanical items then off to the body shop for a complete in service paint job......... Rich:)
UPDATE:
Iam just finishing up the interior now.
I spoke with my body shop today and this car will be delivered there soon. Also the Buddy Bumper has been sent out to get rechromed. NHPCARS.COM Mike is looking for the correct radar unit for the car.

[Mustang Kid]

I cant wait to see more pics of the Nevada car Rich:D Start uploading!!! lol

[CHP8336]

I cant wait to see more pics of the Nevada car Rich:D Start uploading!!! lol
I have them on my camera Sam. I am wayyyyyyyy behind posting all the Nevada pics Sam lol....:D

[GSPI]

I saw in the photos of the 85/86's that they were using a Trooper KR 10 or something like that. What unit did they use back then on your vehicle?

[CHP8336]

I saw in the photos of the 85/86's that they were using a Trooper KR 10 or something like that. What unit did they use back then on your vehicle?
I am lost on the Nevada car. All my knowledge is on the 1985 CHP cars. I know the radar unit is a SPEEDGUN but I dont know what model number??? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :D

[Mustang Kid]

I have them on my camera Sam. I am wayyyyyyyy behind posting all the Nevada pics Sam lol....:D

lol ok then. I have over 200 photos that I have taken so far of 8337 that I would like to update into my fotki, so you are not alone:D lol again.

[GSPI]

I am lost on the Nevada car. All my knowledge is on the 1985 CHP cars. I know the radar unit is a SPEEDGUN but I dont know what model number??? Any help would be greatly appreciated! :D

Speed gun...

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/CMI-JF100-SPEEDGUN-VINTAGE-HANDHELD-POLICE-RADAR-GUN-/00/s/NjM2WDg5MA==/$(KGrHqR,!jYE6D0u1twHBOhQwFeMU!~~60_3.JPG

...if it's this one, it is on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CMI-JF100-SPEEDGUN-VINTAGE-HANDHELD-POLICE-RADAR-GUN-/290615098336?pt=BI_Security_Fire_Protection&hash=item43aa027be0

Good luck!!

[GSPI]

And... I also found the interior shots of the radar gun in the car so the above radar on eBay is the correct one as you can see here from Mike's shot:

http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab206/superbeemike/1985%20NHP%20Mustang/100_4209.jpg

[NoDrama43]

And... I also found the interior shots of the radar gun in the car so the above radar on eBay is the correct one as you can see here from Mike's shot:




Is this an inservice picture of a Nevada 4 eyed car?

[Mustang Kid]

Look at page 1 ;)

[ImEvil1]

So all of the mocked-up equipment was pulled when the car was sold?

[NoDrama43]

Also I have found the original build sheet!! It was located behind the drivers seat on the floorboard.

Rich can you post up a pic of the build sheet for us please?

[GSPI]

The photo was a mock up of what was in the 1985 car from what I remember.

Looks like that unit is a CMI Speedgun Model "Eight"

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads6/radar+0041135445661.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads6/radar+0061135445700.jpg

With a dash mounting bracket.

[OSP959(R)]

The photo was a mock up of what was in the 1985 car from what I remember.

Looks like that unit is a CMI Speedgun Model "Eight"

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads6/radar+0041135445661.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads6/radar+0061135445700.jpg

With a dash mounting bracket.

I'm pretty sure NHP used the Speedgun 8.

[CHP8336]

Rich can you post up a pic of the build sheet for us please?

Yes, Jim I have many pics on my camera. I will post progress pics soon.:D

[CHP8336]

Is this an inservice picture of a Nevada 4 eyed car?
No, Mike did a Mock up of the equipment.

[CHP8336]

Speed gun...

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/CMI-JF100-SPEEDGUN-VINTAGE-HANDHELD-POLICE-RADAR-GUN-/00/s/NjM2WDg5MA==/$(KGrHqR,!jYE6D0u1twHBOhQwFeMU!~~60_3.JPG

...if it's this one, it is on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CMI-JF100-SPEEDGUN-VINTAGE-HANDHELD-POLICE-RADAR-GUN-/290615098336?pt=BI_Security_Fire_Protection&hash=item43aa027be0

Good luck!!

Thank You! I will buy this one. All I will need is the mounting bracket. :cool:

[Mustang Kid]

So was the equipment included like what was in a previous photo? I can see him keeping the gun for his camaro.

[CHP8336]

So all of the mocked-up equipment was pulled when the car was sold?
Hello Mike, I have everyting in the pictures except the radar unit.:)

[ImEvil1]

Hello Mike, I have everyting in the pictures except the radar unit.:)

Good deal.

I hadn't noticed the build sheet part of your post before....Congrats on finding that.

I'd also like to see it posted up.

[CHP8336]

Good deal.

I hadn't noticed the build sheet part of your post before....Congrats on finding that.

I'd also like to see it posted up.

Here you go!

[ImEvil1]

Nice! Congrats on finding that.

What does it say next to the wheel covers? Delete something?

[CHP8336]

Nice! Congrats on finding that.

What does it say next to the wheel covers? Delete something?

Mike, I will take a look and let you know.... Rich:)

[CHP8336]

This build sheet is stuck to the floor! I need opinions..... RE: This build sheet. Bill (28HOPUP) Sugested I leave this build shet intact glued to the floor of this car and try to seal it..... Or rip it then try to put it back together outside of the car???????

[NHPcars.com]

Rich,

Sorry I haven't been as involved, super busy around here.

I say leave that sheet right where it is and figure out a way to preserve it, unless you think it can be removed without damaging it. Can't wait to see this one finished.

Mike

[FoxChassis]

Looks like the "delete" comment is * DELETE CONSOLE *.

Looking at that build sheet I can see that the car was ordered with:

interval windshield wipers
electric rear defrost
AM/FM stereo radio
four speakers (non premium sound)
tinted glass
heavy duty battery
2.73:1 axle ratio
E5SZ-5310-T front springs
E5SZ-5560-M rear springs
handling suspension
tilt steering wheel

And not ordered with:

power lock group
power side windows
speed control

[CHP8336]

Rich,

Sorry I haven't been as involved, super busy around here.

I say leave that sheet right where it is and figure out a way to preserve it, unless you think it can be removed without damaging it. Can't wait to see this one finished.

Mike

HEY MIKE!!! Nice to hear frm you!! Thanks for the reply. The build sheet is in tack but is VERY BRITTLE... to say the least lol. You sugested I leave it where it is ... You got it ... It WILL stay there. Your word GOES in my opinion. I will seal it so the paper does not decompose. Fyi members.....This car will be a differend kind of restoration. This will be a "IN SERVICE" restoration. What that means in my terms is that this car will have a perfect body/paint/ but will have some minor imperfections on the interior just as it was in service. I want all members here to know that this is a original Nevada car and that is 1 of 3 Mustangs bought in 1985 by the state of Nevada. I own this car but on the other hand Mike will be my mentor on restoreing this awsome car. Mikes word goes...... THANK YOU MIKE!!!:D

[Mustang Kid]

My dad got my sheet out with a razor blade. He carefully went underneath of it.

[28HopUp]

VERY nice, Rich! Finding the build sheet with the Nevada specs definitely proves that your car is what it is. :) Thanks for sharing the picture.

[OSP959(R)]

Fyi members.....This car will be a differend kind of restoration. This will be a "IN SERVICE" restoration. What that means in my terms is that this car will have a perfect body/paint/ but will have some minor imperfections on the interior just as it was in service.

Sweet!

I hate when people try and restore police cars so they look like they're brand new and have never been in service. Cars that look like they've been used - look they have a story to tell, and are more interesting.

Cars restored to perfectly just look like clones that have never actually seen service. IMO.

[mac88chp]

Sweet!

I hate when people try and restore police cars so they look like they're brand new and have never been in service. Cars that look like they've been used - look they have a story to tell, and are more interesting.

Cars restored to perfectly just look like clones that have never actually seen service. IMO.I've been chided in the past by a few uninformed types (and some that should know better) about having "unrestored" equipment (e.g., deck lights and control heads with chips and scratches) mounted in my otherwise fairly pristine car. I've told them the pretty part of the car is just slow in also obtaining the proper and correct patina of an in-service unit. They almost don't believe me when I then inform them that the CHP actually recycles used equipment into their brand new cars going into service. :rolleyes:

[ChrisL]

Any updates on this one?

[Mustang Kid]

I think Rich finished the interior, but I can't remember for sure.

[Rhino]

Pics pics pics pics pics!!!

[88stang]

Any updates on this one?

My dad has been very busy with work, and has not had much time to do anything to the car as of yet. If anyone has any questions please ask me and I will let him know. Thanks. :)

[NHPcars.com]

I wanted to check in and see how the 85' is doing. I do miss that car.

Mike

[ChrisL]

I agree, I'd love to see an update on this one!

[CHP8336]

I wanted to check in and see how the 85' is doing. I do miss that car.

Mike

No worrys guys....... The 1985 Nevada is safe and dry here in California! Sorry to say I have no updates on the car as of yet. My business has been slow up until a few months ago so my funds have been limited. The good news is that I have been very buzy as of late and the restoration on her will begin soon. I will be working on all the mechanicals first ........ I promise this car will be in great shape when I am done. :D

[Mustang Kid]

Will work for SSP seat time :D

[NHPcars.com]

Any Progress on the 85'?

I do miss this car.
Mike

[nighthawk756]

Any Progress on the 85'?

I do miss this car.
Mike

I PM'd him about it some time ago and never got a response. I noticed there weren't any pics of it in his album so I was just wondering how the progress was coming.

[NHPcars.com]

I'm not sure he ever had pics in that album. His 85' CHP is nice and the NHP is in good hands. I sure hope he still has it. I really have been kicking myself for not keeping that car. Good old Furlough's took care of that one for me.

[Rhino]

Saw a post from Rich in the last month or so. He still has it - and is working to get the finds built up to restore it. He's anxious to get it going. CHP is still in his garage - and still as nice as ever. :)

[E435300_SMPV]

Rich still has the car, he has collect a few parts for it and hopefully it will be heading for body and paint this winter.

[E435300_SMPV]

Update,
The 85 NHP car has changed ownership a few months ago and I am happy to say I have added it to my rare collection.
The car has been sitting with not a lot done to it. I have been slowly collecting info and parts for the car to begin restoration here in the near future. My current car, #5300 is being painted and is consuming a lot of my resources. I will post up pics on both cars hopefully soon.

[nighthawk756]

Update,
The 85 NHP car has changed ownership a few months ago and I am happy to say I have added it to my rare collection.
The car has been sitting with not a lot done to it. I have been slowly collecting info and parts for the car to begin restoration here in the near future. My current car, #5300 is being painted and is consuming a lot of my resources. I will post up pics on both cars hopefully soon.

Fantastic news Ken! A very rare car to add to the collection. I'm happy for you!! ;)

[MOstang]

Congratulations...a nice add to your stable.

[28HopUp]

Nice goin', Ken! It's too bad that you, Rich, and I didn't give this SSP-thing more thought some time ago. Y'all could have kept the 85 SMPV and shipped me your 89 SMPV. Then you would have two rare 85 SSPs from neighboring states. :p

[E435300_SMPV]

Thanks!
Getting the car came unexpected. Rich has been busy and wasnt able to give the car attention so he offered it a new hm. I am glad to be apart of the 4eyed club now.
The 89 smpv has had a lot of work done to it to over the years before I knew what it was. A lot of $$$ invested in it.
Some day, it would be nice to get these rare cars together.

[Rhino]

Great news Ken! Rich is a solid guy - don't' find many like him nowadays. Glad you guys were able to work it out, and he can come visit from time to time. :)

Post up some pics when you can.

[Rico]

Love that rare 85!!