87 TxDPS Field Find!!

[texunter]

Today my buddy stumbled on this 87 TxDPS in a mustang graveyard. Buck tags and door label are intact. Its missing just about everything else. Whats left is no good. We are going this weekend to dig it out and get to a roller status and then the fun begins!! Dont you love the day when you bring one home?

[Rhino]

That's pretty cool!

[FoxChassis]

Looks like 184629. Within a batch of 120 consecutive VINs.

Nice find.

[calimustang]

Wow! intact body but so many things needs to be replaced...... :eek: but :2thumbs:

[28HopUp]

That's going to be an incredible save! :D

This car's VIN is 11 consecutive numbers away from another documented Texas DPS car. Using some of your pictures, this SSP was added to our VIN project -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/TXDPS/1987TXDPS184629/info184629.htm

[texunter]

Wow, Thanks for adding the car to the website.

[28HopUp]

No, thank you for posting up the pictures (and the planned save). As more and more SSP's are found, existing cars listed in the VIN project may help verify these cars. We've only scratched the surface on the number of SSP's out there.

[ChrisL]

Great to see this one saved, it's nice to see the cars saved by enthusiasts and if nothing else put in the "ring of care" where at least they will be owned and traded among enthusiasts, giving them a better chance at life than otherwise. When these cars are out their own, it's anyone's game and for some reason every boy-racer feels the need to go to bolt-on heaven with them.

[Mustang Kid]

Excellent save!:2thumbs: I would have saved that car in an instant. It may look rough, but it isn't to far got to be restored:) Even if it was completely stripped it is worth saving(thats my opinion:D ).

Can't wait until the progress starts:thumbsup:

[texunter]

Update:

Spoke with the seller this morning to confirm the sale. He decided this weekend would not work for him so...... We picked it up today. :)

It's wrecked of course but it's gonna get fixed. 87 black and white paint everywhere. Original blue interior. 5 spd, blue silicon hoses. Ground straps are present. Has the relocated trunk release and all equipment holes are present. I feel like it was wrecked and someone went through the window? Last registered in 94 I think. 7 years on the road maybe.
It's resting safely in my shop now. Tomorrow it will get back on all fours and hopefully we can get it all stripped out and cleaned.
Pics to follow.

[texunter]

Loaded and headed home.

[MOstang]

Good save....this will be fun one to watch updates.

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

Don't throw away the seats because remember they are reinforced. Late Model can order you Blue Seat Belts.

Tom

[NoDrama43]

maybe the best save I have ever seen, and I have seen lots of them over the past 15 years.... excellent !

[ChrisL]

This is great to see Ted! Nice save, can't wait to see it back to roller status!

[ImEvil1]

+1. :thumbsup:

[texunter]

Correction:

It was factory sand beige interior. someone painted it all blue.

[mac88chp]

Great to see this one saved, it's nice to see the cars saved by enthusiasts and if nothing else put in the "ring of care" where at least they will be owned and traded among enthusiasts, giving them a better chance at life than otherwise. When these cars are out their own, it's anyone's game and for some reason every boy-racer feels the need to go to bolt-on heaven with them.Great observation! :2thumbs:


This is great to see Ted! Nice save, can't wait to see it back to roller status!+1 :cool:

[ChrisL]

Great to see this one saved, it's nice to see the cars saved by enthusiasts and if nothing else put in the "ring of care" where at least they will be owned and traded among enthusiasts, giving them a better chance at life than otherwise. When these cars are out on their own, it's anyone's game and for some reason every boy-racer feels the need to go to bolt-on heaven with them.

Holy unbelievable grammar batman! Fixed.

[texunter]

Its a roller now and we got the antenna and spotlight in place again.

[28HopUp]

At this pace you'll have the car running again by dinner on Sunday!

:D

[texunter]

I heard that!

Its gonna get a good sanding and then primer before it goes back together.

It was amazing how much nastiness was in that car. It was awefull !

[texunter]

Got it all cleaned out!
The right front wheel has some original black paint still.

It even came with a spent .38 Special round...

More to come......

[texunter]

more pics

[ChrisL]

Wasting no time at all! I love it!

[88stang]

Looking good! :)

[mac88chp]

Well if that doesn't just warm the cockles of any SSP enthusiast's heard...unexpectedly quick and splendid! :2thumbs:

[Unmrkd]

Can you say "Ambition" ? I know you can. Way to go!!:thumbsup:

[GSPI]

Absolutely a spectacular effort!

[1988Bullitt]

Nice save! Are you planning on media blasting the interior / engine bay / underbody? How bad are the under body and rockers from sitting on the ground?

[texunter]

Nice save! Are you planning on media blasting the interior / engine bay / underbody? How bad are the under body and rockers from sitting on the ground?

There is very little rust underneath. It may get blasted. The interior has some rust in the rear pans from water sitting inside.

We have ordered a blair spot weld cutter and we are gonna attempt to replace the front end similar to what you did on the Kansas car.

If it goes well, ill be doing the LSP car too.

Ted

[1988Bullitt]

Good to hear there is little rust underneath; it's really getting hard to find rust free foxes anymore. I couldn’t tell by the pics but the engine bay didn’t look too bad. Good luck with the project, I’m sure she will be a beauty!

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

I think it was sold between Fall of 89 to Spring of 91 according to what stuff I have.

Tom

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

There are some Blue Seats for sale down here on Craigslist.

tom

[texunter]

It was tan inside from the factory..

Thanks though...

[87_TXDPS]

Well folks it is finally sanded.... Now comes all the all the body work and finger sanding. It hasn't come along as fast as I had planned but I am making progress. :)

[usajay38]

wow, great job keep up the good work

[03cobra]

Wow Ted thats a super find and your making quick work of it.

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

Ted, there is some Tan Door Panels, Arm Rests and Console and Dash on Ebay.

Tom

[MOstang]

Well folks it is finally sanded.... Now comes all the all the body work and finger sanding. It hasn't come along as fast as I had planned but I am making progress. :)

Progress is progress in my book :yes:. Great job.

[87_TXDPS]

Ted, there is some Tan Door Panels, Arm Rests and Console and Dash on Ebay.

Tom

I will take a look today! thanks for the info. the interrior is going to be the hardest thing to find in affraid.

thanks again
Jusitn

[87_TXDPS]

Thanks everyone! I think I will have another go at it this weekend. See if I can get cought up with ted and get the 87 and 88 painted at the same time. Its a long shot but here we go...

[chism]

I found this place about a month and a half back. That place is a mustang honeyhole. It was sad to see that SVO sitting back there too. The 93 cobra inside was nice. I think I left some drool on it, LOL. Can't believe I missed this car! Good luck with the resto. Today my buddy stumbled on this 87 TxDPS in a mustang graveyard. Buck tags and door label are intact. Its missing just about everything else. Whats left is no good. We are going this weekend to dig it out and get to a roller status and then the fun begins!! Dont you love the day when you bring one home?

[05pwrstrk]

Great find. Congrats on saving this car. We all thank you for your efforts.

:2thumbs:

[chism]

Any new progress on this car? I would like to see some pics if you got em. :)

[foxbodyssp]

GREAT SAVE !!! I'd love to stumble across one like that!!!!

[stadair]

WOW! That's a lot less car than I'd want to bring home. Progress is going quickly. That's great.

[Cobra Jet]

Just curious - any more updates or progress on this TX DPS?

Awesome save too!!

[kapracing]

X2

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

There is Tan Interior down here in Houston from a Salvaged 88 Tx DPS car. Look at the post from earlier.

Tom

[kapracing]

Any more progress...

[Viking71]

Wow, cool find. I hope I start with something a little more, ahem, complete! Great work so far on bringing this one back. Very inspirational.

[87_TXDPS]

There has not been a lot of progress I'm sorry to say.... Until Friday! We pulled the car back out and into the shop and have been going hard on it. We now have a Donner car to complete the build and have already have begun replacing the fender aprons, core support and straightening the frame rails. We hope to have the body in primer later this week. I will post some pics of the progress asap.

Thanks for all the comments and support!

[kapracing]

Can't wait !!! :-)

[28HopUp]

Can't wait !!! :-)

x2 :-D

[87_TXDPS]

As promised here are some pics from when we started at 9am this morning.

[87_TXDPS]

And Here is our progress three hours into it at 12pm. I will keep everyone updated as best as possible and try to get some better pics up soon. We have a car sitting outside waiting to donate the good parts except it snowed last night and the car doesn't roll so we need to try to get that car inside and start removing the core support and fender aprons. I guess it will be a bit more body work for today.

[87_TXDPS]

Final progress report for today. Got the donor car in the shop and got the core support and fender aprons cut out. Prepped and getting fitment correct.

[kapracing]

Thumbs up!!!! Looking great!!! Keep the pics coming:-)

[John10608]

Looks like you may have done this a time or two before ? LOL
Looking good !
Thanks for the pics !

[87_TXDPS]

Had to make sure that things were headed in the right direction so we added fenders and hood to sure we were on the right track. Coming together nicely! All in a days work!

Super excited things are coming together so well!

[87_TXDPS]

Looks like you may have done this a time or two before ? LOL
Looking good !
Thanks for the pics !

Nope! This is the first go! Been scared of it for sometime now. Had to pop our cherry but couldn't have asked for things to go better. Have seen many ppl tackle this before but never had the nerve! A good donor surely helps!

[kapracing]

Nope! This is the first go! Been scared of it for sometime now. Had to pop our cherry but couldn't have asked for things to go better. Have seen many ppl tackle this before but never had the nerve! A good donor surely helps!

Your doing a great job! Especially for first time!
I love seeing one brought back from a "basket case". You here the phrase "great save" all the time but to me when ones brought back from what most people consider a goner then that's what I call a "GREAT SAVE!"...

GREAT JOB!!!!
Keep going it's gonna be well worth it :-)

[87_TXDPS]

Your doing a great job! Especially for first time!
I love seeing one brought back from a "basket case". You here the phrase "great save" all the time but to me when ones brought back from what most people consider a goner then that's what I call a "GREAT SAVE!"...

GREAT JOB!!!!
Keep going it's gonna be well worth it :-)

Thanks! We're excited about it too! It seems to be going fairly well. We hope to have it back on the road some what soon. I already have the running and driving donor waiting to be tore down after we get all the repairs and body work done.

[87_TXDPS]

I just wanted to post up our progress from yesterday. I was going to work out the dents in the cowl (guessing hood came up) but it was pretty well mangled and we had a perfectly good one our donor car so off they came.

After getting everything mocked up and checking fitment of all the new parts we went ahead and started tacking welds. Also set door to check the body lines. Looks like things are lining up rather nicely! :D

Oh and couldn't forget about the spot light :2thumbs:

[ChrisL]

Very nice work!! Love to see a car like this being brought back. We've got to save as many of these as possible while we still can!

[87_TXDPS]

Very nice work!! Love to see a car like this being brought back. We've got to save as many of these as possible while we still can!

Thanks Chris! Ted and I are making a big push to bring this one back to life ASAP!

[texunter]

Very nice work!! Love to see a car like this being brought back. We've got to save as many of these as possible while we still can!

I heard that!!!!

My 86 will be next :)

[93 CHP SSP]

Great progress on the car. Looks like a fairly solid car to begin with. Keep up the good work sir(s)

[John10608]

Nice job ! Amazing to be able to do that, especially for the first time !
I can't wait to see it finished !
Looking really good !

[mac88chp]

Looks like your plan is coming together very nicely...great thread, keep 'em coming! :thumbsup:

[87_TXDPS]

Last night was very productive as well. Went ahead and replaced the outer core support skin. Again the old one was mangled and could have been used and held a radiator but why leave it when we just so happened to have a brand new one sitting in the shed.

Everything has lined up very well and has been tack welded. We will be spending the next day or so filling in all the spot welds that had to be cut out to make the repairs

[FBI SSP]

What you have done with this car; from where you started to now is admirable. I cannot wait to see the completed car.

[chism]

Great progress guys! Coming along nicely!

[k pony]

Nice to see this being brought back from the dead... can't wait to see the end result.

[87_TXDPS]

Wreck...... What Wreck?

Got the engine bay all welded back together and smoothed out. Finally got to spray some primer. Now off to tend to the rest of the car.

[ChrisL]

Wow! Fantastic work! Were you able to put the fender tags back on it? Love seeing this kind of progress. That's what this car deserved. Can't wait for a giant TX-DPS mustang meetup.

[87_TXDPS]

Wow! Fantastic work! Were you able to put the fender tags back on it? Love seeing this kind of progress. That's what this car deserved. Can't wait for a giant TX-DPS mustang meetup.

Yes, the fender tags are still on the car. We didnt have to remove them to replace the fender aprons. The buck tags are put up for now but will be put back as well.

[87_TXDPS]

And then there were 2! Finally got a coat of primer on the 87 Tx DPS and set it next to Teds (texunters) 89 LSP. Turned out to be a great weekend!! Moving right along! :eek:

[downtime!]

Moving along nicely man! Very cool!

[conmech]

Awesome progress guys.

[chism]

And then there were 2! Finally got a coat of primer on the 87 Tx DPS and set it next to Teds (texunters) 89 LSP. Turned out to be a great weekend!! Moving right along! :eek:

Two cars at the same time! Is that a forum first?

[John10608]

I remember when I used to have that kind of energy and enthusiasm,
Almost makes me feel like getting up and cleaning my shop or something lolol

Keep up the good work !

[87_TXDPS]

There hasn't been a lot of progress in the past few days (The shop has been super busy) but I figured I would share some pics with you.

Not only do we get to restore SSPs but we also get to Service, Drive and Play with current SSPs.

Hope that soon I can post some pics of old and new sitting side by side. Well They are side by side now (the Mustangs are still in progress) but with any luck we will have some really cool pics to share soon.

[87_TXDPS]

Two cars at the same time! Is that a forum first?

We still have the 86 Tx DPS sitting and waiting for some love. We could have 3 going at one time very easily. It does have more damage than the 87 but after the experience that we got it doesn't seem that bad.

This Car was wrecked in service with only 67,000 miles, still sports its original black and white paint and has never been registered to a civilian until now. It has been stripped and is ready and waiting....

[chism]

I bet your tired of your shop floor being wet from these past couple days. :/ What do the Police officers say when they see the stangs?

[03cobra]

I looked at this car and a LHP yesterday in person and these guys are doing great work. Replacement panels were installed correctly ,spot weld looked like factory spot welds and not a welded up mess. Congrats guys on a job well done. Keep up the great work!

[texunter]

Thanks for the compliments Jason!

[87_TXDPS]

Yes, Thank you Jason! I was nice to meet you guys.

[87_TXDPS]

I bet your tired of your shop floor being wet from these past couple days. :/ What do the Police officers say when they see the stangs?

They are all very eager to see the finished product but there are a few that are car guys that have helped work on it from time to time. In fact one of the officers wanted the car for his own and wanted to use it for off duty work. At least I have someone that can legally drive code 3 with no problems and I'm sure he will get right to it as soon as we have it all together. We are very fortunate to have the relationships that we do with these guys.


We have had a Trooper stop in after seeing the 88 sitting outside with the light bar on it and told all his stories from when drove his.

[Pmustang]

Just read the whole thread and enjoyed every page. Good work.

[bronx87]

Good work.

[87_TXDPS]

Just read the whole thread and enjoyed every page. Good work.

Good work.

:2thumbs: Thanks Yall!

[87_TXDPS]

Just had to post this car for sale. I hate to do it but it is what it is. Asking 1800.00 or OBO. I will post some pics up soon of its current condition. Its 95% ready for paint and has original parts, buck tags and spot to go with it.

[87_TXDPS]

Painted the car on Sunday and got the front and rear glass put in today.

[kapracing]

Not going back black & white? Looks good though...

[87_TXDPS]

Not going back black & white? Looks good though...

No Im selling the car and tried to sell it in primer but no takers. I do want it to go to someone that will do it justice. I am moving and cant take it with me so I just have to get it safe, sold and pretty before it goes to its next owner. I wish I could finish it out the way I wanted to.

[87_TXDPS]

The car is not getting sold. Ted has taken possession and it will be getting the love that it deserves!!

[28HopUp]

Very nice to hear! :thumbsup:

[texunter]

New pictures

[texunter]

Another

[texunter]

That looks so dumb! I'll post some better ones when I get to a computer

[texunter]

More

[texunter]

Another

[texunter]

Again

[ChrisL]

Very nice!!!

[kapracing]

SWEET !!!

To me;
There's nothing like seeing one brought from a basket case to they're former glory...

Good job and GREAT SAVE !!!!

[texunter]

Thanks y'all! It has come along way.. I've been gone awhile but I needed a break. Now I'm back on it. I'll keep the pictures coming as it comes along.

[texunter]

2 more

[texunter]

1 more

[MOstang]

Looking great! :cool:

[dcompson]

Wow, that car has quite the histiry. What a comeback!

[nighthawk756]

Nice to see her going back black and white! Did you ever get it up and running again?

[texunter]

It runs and drives and it's all fresh. Rebuilt motor and transmission with everything new in between. I can't wait to cruise it for the first time in black and white :)

[ChrisL]

I can't get over this, so cool to see. So when does the '86 start? :)

[texunter]

I'm scared that the 86 is too far gone. The wreck compromised the door jamb so that the doors don't quiet fit right.
I'm gonna hang onto it until I can find someone to straighten it for me.

[texunter]

The engine compartment is complete

[texunter]

Headlights

[texunter]

Tail lights

[texunter]

Another

[texunter]

Last one

[kapracing]

After all those years of neglect that 87's finally going "ahhhhh"
Looks good !!! :-)

[28HopUp]

Awesome save! It's hard to believe this is the same car that you found on page 1. :thumbsup:

[nighthawk756]

Awesome save! It's hard to believe this is the same car that you found on page 1. :thumbsup:

Exactly! Looks great!!

[chism]

Thats awesome! Glad to see this car get done right. :)

[John Connor]

Looks great!

[texunter]

Thanks everyone! I stare at it all the time in disbelief.

I'm a little nervousness about driving it around... I'm not sure how the local police will react to it. It's not illegal though, as long as it's not misused I guess.

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

As long as you leave the decals off and not in your possession unless you are at a show, you should be ok. Remember DPS does not know about your car and you do not want to start something. I suggest if there are a lot of DPS in your area out let them see your car so that they are familiar with you and your purpose.


Tom

[texunter]

Thanks for the advise Tom!

[smunczen]

Nice job. It shows what you can do if you put your mind to it. I know the feeling taking a forgotten car and bringing back to life. I'll bet it will be a car that you'll never sell.

[MOstang]

Congrats...that is one heck of a job to say the least.

[texunter]

Just put the goodyear hoses on :)

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

Your battery is in the wrong position

[1989 Tx DPS SSP]

Your battery is in the wrong position. 87 is the only year Tx DPS ordered Silicone hoses. I guess the Goodyear's will do since it is cost effective

TOM

[texunter]

It's not the correct battery. It's just temporary.

Where do they offer the genuine blue silicon hoses?
Ted

[texunter]

I was able to research and see the difference..
Oops! Now I know... That was a waste of $

[chp1982]

What an incredible transformation! It's hard to believe what you started with and what you now have. Any interior pics? I don't remember reading if you sourced the original Sand Beige color or not. Beautiful car!

[nighthawk756]

What an incredible transformation! It's hard to believe what you started with and what you now have. Any interior pics? I don't remember reading if you sourced the original Sand Beige color or not. Beautiful car!

Hopefully I'm not speaking out of place, but when I was considering buying it several months ago, it had black interior in it.

[GregS]

Just read the thread....nice work!

[ChrisL]

Ted, I can't get over this car. What an amazing save. We need to see more of this here!

[sspanthony]

Absolutely Amazing ! Great Job !!!!!

[SC Trooper]

The body looks to be in good shape for a starting point.

[Rico]

Glad to see saved..

[jarhed123]

Hat off to you!! It is not too often you see someone taking on such a task. You have your own GraveYard Cars.