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View Full Version : 1987 WSP SSP Mustang (710 WSP) - Unit #16-7-014


Rhino
09-24-2011, 11:33 PM
I purchased my 87 WSP SSP in 2006. Was my "first" SSP and always had planned on restoring it when the funding/time was right.

Today, I drove the car down to The Fox Shoppe (http://thefoxshoppe.com/) in Portland, OR. Jimmy (owner) works wonders on the cars in his shop and is totally committed to fox bodies. Saw his work in April when I bought the 85 CHP from him and knew I'd be in good hands. Really nice guy to boot. :)

When I arrived, I saw HK500's GSP car out front. Jimmy chuckled and said that he'd be doing 2 resto jobs at the same time - first time he's had 2 SSPs in for paint at once. (Which, by the way - HK500's car is sweet looking!)

My car is affectionately named "Ugly Betty" as it had a hideous orange hood when I first bought it and had picked it up around the time that the TV show was on the air - name seemed to fit.

The car has 105K original miles and has full documentation from the WSP. Many may remember that this car was reunited with it's trooper a few years ago. And, it's one of the few SSPs that had a full Setina partition cage in it while in-service.

Jimmy and his crew will be giving it a full paint job, will be working to restore the door/window seals and refinishing the quarter windows. The car lives up to it's namesake - it's UGLY right now. Drives great, but looks like heck.

I'll post up pics of it as the build progresses. We think it will be punched out in the next 3-4 weeks (depending on how much time it takes).

Sadly (for me), once I get the car done, I will be prepping it for sale. I love this car. But, have too many - and it's time for me to pass the torch along to the next person. More on that later. I figured I owe Betty the decency of fixing her up before we part ways. She deserves it given the life she's led up until now.

Stay tuned...

Pics will be posted at:
http://s1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/

Dropoff at the shop:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/IMG_1256.jpg

Before spotlight/side moldings were removed:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0196.jpg

Mustang Kid
09-25-2011, 12:27 AM
That guy has my dream side job- restoring only foxes:D. My dream job is to join the CHP.
Car looks awesome just like it is:) I like the spot light too. IMO I would keep this one and sell the other, unless the other is a lot more special that this one.

ssp91ssp
09-25-2011, 11:05 AM
Ryan, congrats on the start of BETTY's transformation.. She will B a
BEAUTY again..:thumbsup:

Rhino
09-25-2011, 12:00 PM
IMO I would keep this one and sell the other, unless the other is a lot more special that this one.

I have an exact twin to Betty that has all the equipment in it from day 1 (never uninstalled). I refer to the other car as "Old Joe" as it was owned by Joe Forsman while he was the Chief of Police for Nisqually PD. Joe bought his car directly from the WSP with all the gear intact to use with the PD. When he retired from the PD - they sold him the car, completely intact as it sat. Joe sold it to a friend and I bought it from him.

Joe was a salty old character - great guy who shared more than a few stories over weekend coffee meetups. Joe died last year - so I feel that it's more of an honor/memorial to keep that car instead. It was also Marlin Workman's car while with the WSP - which is seen in several in-service pics.

Mix in the 2 PCSD cars and the 85 CHP - My shop is beyond full. :) Did I mention I have 2 B4Cs as well?

NoDrama43
09-25-2011, 01:38 PM
good to see you getting the process started ryan.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the elusive WSP radio. :)

MOstang
09-25-2011, 02:12 PM
Great story and nice to see you're going to get the paint portion done right before selling it.

Wolfe1013
09-25-2011, 10:48 PM
I always love to watch the progress of one being restored at this stage. Best of luck. Keep us posted on the work and the eventual sale.

Didn't you need a radar unit for one of your cars? I thought I had posted that I think I might have what you need but it needs some restoration. Let me know.

Greg

Rhino
09-25-2011, 11:51 PM
I actually found a WSP GE control head for sale a while back - was rougher than the one I have, but authentic. Jim, I will see if I can find info and PM you back.

As for the radar, the WSP has been liquidating all of their Kustom Trooper setups locally through surplus for $75-85/each including the carrying case. I picked one up - and thanks for remembering. :)

Rhino
10-13-2011, 12:31 PM
Pre-prep photos are up now at:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.284191431600711.73724.100000295698012&type=1

Jimmy took out 36 dents yesterday. 36! I had no idea there were that many.

Major dents (hood and driver's rear behind the door) will be prepped later this week. Priming hopefully later in the week/early next.

Wow, I had no idea how dirty the car was under the trim from it being outside for that long before I got it.

Should look really nice when done. :)

More info as I get it.

28HopUp
10-13-2011, 02:09 PM
Ryan, I was unable to view the pictures on FB...

GSPI
10-13-2011, 02:52 PM
Yep +1 on not being able to see them.

Rhino
11-15-2011, 12:19 AM
Looks like in order to see the pics you have to actually "friend" The Fox Shoppe on Facebook. Sorry about that. Will post up some pics here in a jiffy.

Rhino
12-06-2011, 02:08 AM
All, wanted to provide some updates on Ugly Betty as she makes her transformation. Jimmy has sent along some additional pics - thought you guys might like to see.

Full pics at: http://s1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty

Before stripping for paint, Jimmy steam cleaned the entire car:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/FS-026.jpg

After being partially stripped down for prep:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/375425_309146599105194_100000295698012_1202594_186 4315891_n.jpg

Sanding begins:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/386050_309146829105171_100000295698012_1202600_211 0271816_n.jpg

Rhino
12-06-2011, 02:11 AM
Hood dents removed and prepped:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/386669_309149799104874_100000295698012_1202616_981 845240_n.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/382628_309149775771543_100000295698012_1202615_156 2600110_n.jpg

Hood now primed and bumpers removed, etc.
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/379970_309149815771539_100000295698012_1202617_711 350979_n.jpg

28HopUp
12-06-2011, 09:08 AM
That's coming along nicely, Ryan! Please keep the pictures coming... :)

MOstang
12-06-2011, 06:34 PM
Nice progress...lots of fun there.

Wolfe1013
12-06-2011, 09:37 PM
Congrats on the progress. I'm jealous!!

Rhino
12-12-2011, 01:46 AM
Update:

Fresh paint laid down.

Roof:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/011.jpg

Hood/Front:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/012.jpg

Front profile:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/013.jpg

Re-assembly begins on Tuesday. Might have it back in time for Christmas! :)

MOstang
12-12-2011, 08:28 AM
Nothing quite like a fresh coat of white paint. :cool:

28HopUp
12-12-2011, 10:01 AM
Nothing quite like a fresh coat of white paint. :cool:

I agree! White with blacked out 10-holes certainly looks tough. :) Congrats on the progress, Ryan!

mac88chp
12-12-2011, 04:00 PM
Not so "Ugly" anymore. Nice. :cool:

Rhino
12-12-2011, 06:25 PM
Not so "Ugly" anymore. Nice. :cool:

True...True. Ugly Betty --> Betty White ;)

ChrisL
12-13-2011, 05:38 PM
Good lord this car is looking outstanding Ryan! I can't wait to see more!

84oregonssp
01-26-2012, 06:37 PM
Any updates ... :2thumbs:

Rhino
01-27-2012, 12:52 AM
Any updates ... :2thumbs:

Funny you mention this...I do, actually! Some trim/assembly will happen next week. Then....hopefully...pickup time.

More pics. Paint on body is done - and wheel wells were resprayed for stock look:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/FS-076.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/FS-077.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/FS-078.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/FS-081.jpg

28HopUp
01-27-2012, 09:21 AM
Ryan, your SSP is looking so nice!

:2thumbs:

84oregonssp
01-27-2012, 08:11 PM
Looks good ... hope you get it home soon and finish it up, don't forget more pics !

Rhino
01-28-2012, 12:51 AM
Thanks all for the compliments. Looking forward to when I can see it in-person. I have a feeling I am going to be in shock. :)

Mustang Kid
01-28-2012, 02:24 AM
I can't wait until I can come and see it in person sometime:)
Looks better than mine :D

Rhino
04-08-2012, 02:36 AM
Finally...after almost 5 months - I have Betty back home with me. Picked her up yesterday. Drove up to see Trooper Herron to show him the paint job on the way home. He was digging it - said it was like seeing the car as it was 25 years ago.

Pics are below - enjoy!

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0294.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0292.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0290.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0289.jpg

Rhino
04-08-2012, 02:38 AM
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0287.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0284.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0283.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/i370/djslickmix/87-WSP-SSP-Ugly-Betty/DSC_0279.jpg

Wolfe1013
04-08-2012, 02:44 AM
Looking GOOD!! What a beauty!!!

1989 Tx DPS SSP
04-08-2012, 09:09 AM
Looks great !!! If I might add that you have the Tires balanced so the wheel weights are on the inside of the wheel.


Tom

FHP813
04-08-2012, 09:18 AM
She aint ugly no more...Looks great!

MOstang
04-09-2012, 11:04 AM
Very awesome...love the pin stripe. :2thumbs:

chism
04-09-2012, 02:36 PM
Great job! Looks amazing. Gotta love white.

Rhino
04-09-2012, 04:24 PM
Thanks all for the great comments. Now...to see if I can get the gear installed that I have been collecting for years.

mac88chp
04-10-2012, 12:41 PM
Ahhh, out of paint jail and now equipment install time...the payoff! Good times ahead, keep the photos coming. :2thumbs:

CNTLOSE
04-10-2012, 08:24 PM
Great looking pics...makes me wish I would have kept my WSP SSP.

28HopUp
04-12-2012, 06:07 PM
Ryan, the car looks AWESOME! :2thumbs:

Thanks for posting the pictures. Please keep us posted on your progress...