1987 FHP unit 1564 about face.......

[NoDrama43]

Several years ago Gregg Henderson and I traveled to Florida to save another FHP car from a slow death from mice and rust. What we found was a mess of a car, but one with numerous positive atrributes. Both buc tags, cert speedo, door vin, all original body panels, original drivetrain, original wheels, single key lock set complete, stainless ventshields intact, and only minor rust in the drivers side floorboard. Seller said it ran, but the ignition key spun in circles and the ignition switch guts were on the floor. I could tell Gregg was thinking "egads" but I promised him I would give him the big old school Sun tach off the column and we pushed it on the trailer for the trip back to Ohio.

[NoDrama43]

Once it was in the barn at home I gave it a much needed gutting of the headliner, carpet, trash, dead mice, live mice, mice crap, mice beds, and stored mice food. The car had served at Fort Meade after FHP so they had painted the doors and roof white. They also drilled two extra holes in the deck lid for more antennas. Incredibly they also drilled four holes in the roof to bolt a light bar to the car. Bubba the police mechanic in action. The worst part by far was the massive hole in the dash. I think they used a circular saw.

[NoDrama43]

Bubba's handiwork on the roof.

[NoDrama43]

Last week I decided that it was time to make 1564 presentable. After making sure the engine wasn't locked up I put her on jack stands, drained the oil, transmission, and rear diff, removed the square spotlight and fancy fog lights, removed door panels, kick panels, console, rear sail panels and went and bought a heater core.

[NoDrama43]

Today I enlisted the assistance of SSP Anthony to tackle the heater core and install the pristine new tan dash I located for the car. No not this one.

[NoDrama43]

here is the old heater core. I couldn't buff it out so I decided to put in a new one.

The little round thing to the right is the original restrictor put in the heater hose by FoMoCo to regulate the flow of coolant.

[NoDrama43]

all buttoned up and ready to go back in the car. It went back together nicely. Yes we did a quick test on the blower motor to make sure it worked. It has been replaced in the past and worked well so we left it alone, other than repairing/refurbing the wiring harness.

[NoDrama43]

old dash out and heater box back in place. Anthony spent about an hour washing the heater box before putting it back in the car. I like his attention to detail!

[NoDrama43]

The replacement dash came out of a low mile convertible and all we had to do to it was refurb the wiring harnesses (tape deterioration) and drill a hole for the harness for the re-located deck lid popper.

[NoDrama43]

New dash in, along with a new tilt steering column and an ignition switch that works !!

Next up I will be refurbing the dash surround and putting the final touches to the rest of the dash assembly.

It was a good day in the barn, and a good day for 1564. Black and Tan, Tan interior with black wheels. Probably my favorite SSP scheme of them all. :2thumbs:

[CNTLOSE]

Very nice write up and good save. I think that is the first square spot light I have ever seen.

[GSPI]

+1 Excellent, work gentlemen.

[05pwrstrk]

Great find and great work.

[86NeSSP]

Nice work Jim...

[Mustang Kid]

A little bondo and spray can paint would have been all you needed to fix the original dash :) jk

Did you use an NOS heater core or an aftermarket?

[NoDrama43]

today was another day spent in the barn with 1564. For me the enjoyment in this hobby comes from the hunt, find, and restoration of the cars. The car show social networking, parades, escorts and other activities isn't near as much fun as working on the cars. To each their own.........

So today I pulled out the gas tank to find two inches of brown sludge in the tank. I am not sure how old the gas was, but it was the worst I think I have ever seen. threw the old tank, pump, and sending unit in the scrap pile and am installing a tank out of a 36k mile car. It still looks like new inside. Next off days are wednesday and thursday. Planning on picking up a new fuel filter and five gallons of fresh gas, putting it all back together, flushing the fuel lines and seeing if she will start.

[ChrisL]

Great work here as well, very cool to see these all coming together!

[28HopUp]

Jim,

That 87 FHP may end up being too nice to sell.

:D

[NoDrama43]

yes.....it probably will.....

[mac88chp]

I can hear the graditude coming from that car all the way out here in CA...:2thumbs:

[kapracing]

Maybe another keeper?

[chp1982]

Exactly what I was thinking.

[NoDrama43]

black and tan paint......tan interior......black wheels.......

I really like that combo, especially when it all looks like brand new.

So keeping the 86 didn't sit well with the Mrs., I think I will wait awhile and just not talk about the FHP car with her, other than to say "the market for these cars is just really down now honey, due to the economy, it's an election year, etc. etc.. :)

[kapracing]

Yea, share your enthusiasm here and try not to grin too much after a productive day in the shop....

[calimustang]

Jim,

after finding that car near my old home and almost bought it but realized i didn't have a garage for it nor have the funds to restore it so then i saw your request for an 87 FHP search and i sincerely hoped you would keep it and restore it and now I'm truly glad i did let you know.. keep it up buddy!

[NoDrama43]

more progress today. Spent some time cleaning the trunk and inner quarters today. Like most FHP cars the rear quarters were full of sand. The trunk actually cleaned up real nice except for the paint being worn off from use and age.......

[NoDrama43]

replacement tank, fuel pump and fuel gage sending unit cleaned up and ready to install. The fuel filler tube was solid rust so I replaced it also.

[NoDrama43]

everything back in the car, and all it needs now is a fuel filter, 5 gallons of fresh petrol, the lines flushed and then we will see if it runs.....

[Unmrkd]

I have the tach cleaned, polished and ready for installation. I can send it overnight if you need it.:D

[Unmrkd]

Also, don't forget to check the brakes - "Remember"???? :cool:

[NoDrama43]

Also, don't forget to check the brakes - "Remember"???? :cool:

how could I ever forget Gregg? :)

actually that was one of the first things I did. The pads all look like they are at about 75% and even the rears are good. The master cylinder was almost empty. I filled it last week so i could monitor the level. So far it has not changed and I will bleeding the brakes prior to blast off.

Today is rear differential inspection/servicing day. I am also going to remove the deck lid for some closer inspection. There may be to much rust under the lip to use the current one. If need be I have a nice tan deck lid off a certain 1989 FHP car.........Remember ??????

[chp1982]

I've heard lots of different suggestions but I'm curious what you do to prep an engine for the initial fire-up? It's been quite a while since its been started right?

[stadair]

New dash in, along with a new tilt steering column and an ignition switch that works !!

Tilt steering column?

[FHP813]

Tilt steering column?

I believe you could get tilt until '89 then the airbag did away with tilt.

[CNTLOSE]

I believe you could get tilt until '89 then the airbag did away with tilt.

My '88 FHP did not have tilt wheel, so I am guessing this is being added for conveince. Also did not have a radio from the factory...that made for long drives to shows.

[FHP813]

I believe tilt was available up until 89. My '86 UHP has tilt but jarhed's 86 FHP did not. :)

[NoDrama43]

Tilt was available. I have tilt in the 1985 TXDPS car (documented on the Marti Report)
I installed the tilt column as it was the only non-airbag aero car column I could get my hands on. (thanks Anthony !)
"IF" I do the complete resto on the car I will more than likely put a non-tilt column back in the car. I saved the original but it needs an entire ignition switch assembly reinstalled before it can be used.


got her running today ! :yes:

I've heard lots of different suggestions but I'm curious what you do to prep an engine for the initial fire-up? It's been quite a while since its been started right?


The best I can say is it has probably been at least 5 years since it ran last. The existing fuel tank was very rusty, and the fuel pump was siezed. The ignition switch was in numerous pieces also. To prep it for start-up I did the following:

first thing was I turned the motor by hand to make sure it wasn't locked up.
then replaced fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel gage sending unit.
installed a new fuel filter.
added 5 gallons of fresh gas with fuel injector cleaner added.
unhooked fuel lines at the engine and cycled the fuel pump to flush lines.
changed the oil and oil filter, transmission fluid, and rear diff fluids.
topped off brake fluid, power steering fluid and coolant.
hooked up vacuum lines, checked throttle connections, etc.
cleaned battery cables and installed new battery.
checked the brakes.

Today I tried to start the car to "get some action".

1. It cranked ten seconds and tried to fire.

2. It then cranked about five seconds, fired and ran about 15 seconds.

3. It then fired right up but idled rough, and the lifters were a little loud for about a minute. Within two minutes everything smoothed out.

The engine runs quiet, holds excellent oil pressure, idles and accelerates with no issues. The power steering pump is quiet, the alternator is charging, and there are no leaks to be found.

All is well and this car is on her way back. :)

Here is a video of todays.... "action" lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f55V-5OF3HA&feature=youtu.be

next up is finishing the dash/cluster assembly, bolting in a seat, and taking a drive.
I will be ordering a Marti Report for this car soon but it appears as though it did have a radio. (code 8)

[ImEvil1]

Nice job.

FHP cars had tilt and radios. Marti report for an '89. http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/FHP/1989FHP212015/89-212015marti1.pdf

[sspanthony]

Coming along nicely Jim ! sounded good on the video clip.....

[CNTLOSE]

Nice job.

FHP cars had tilt and radios. Marti report for an '89. http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/FHP/1989FHP212015/89-212015marti1.pdf

I went back and looked at my '88 door tag. It should have had a radio, but did not...it had a radio delete plate. Also it did not have tilt...but that was an '88. The radio I can see anyone doing, but I can not imagine someone putting in non tilt wheel....of course stranger things have happened.

[NoDrama43]

easy to confirm it all now. Deluxe Marti Report for 40.00.

[05pwrstrk]

Not trying to steal the thread... but can anyone get a Marti report?

I'd really like to have one for my 89 NHP.

[MOstang]

Not trying to steal the thread... but can anyone get a Marti report?

I'd really like to have one for my 89 NHP.

You can get one for the year of your SSP. They recently extended the year coverage they can provide reports, which allowed me to obtain for my 1992 and 1993 so you would be good to go. :cool:

[28HopUp]

Mike is correct. Here is the link to Marti Auto's webpage about the reports (Deluxe and Standard) -

http://www.martiauto.com/reports2.cfm

[NoDrama43]

Yesterday I picked up a quart of the SEM Sand Beige formula and spent some time on the dash today. Pre-cleaned everything with SEM vinyl prep, then sprayed the dash first with satin black (rattle can). Next prayed the Sand beige from my detail gun.

It looks like a new one now. The color match is dead on what it should be.

[NoDrama43]

I need to replace the cluster lense, then put the rest of the dash back together. Everything sprayed and ready to go.

[Rhino]

Looking good Jim!

When can I drop my car off for you to restore? :)

[NoDrama43]

Looking good Jim!

When can I drop my car off for you to restore? :)

I am retiring in 34 months. Anytime afterwards.......

[Unmrkd]

Just let me know when you are ready for the tach. I found a nice padded strap so the clamp wont scratch that new paint.:D

[Mustang Kid]

Definitely a professional job compared to the "Bubba Interior Special". As you can see, the interior used to be red...
http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/r546/TheCopFoxStop/Fox%20Mustangs/IMG_4721.jpg


What brand Satin Black did you use? I need to re-color the black interior plastics in my Black Magic Capri. :)

[chp1982]

Updates? When's she going out for a spin?

[NoDrama43]

Bubba was nice enough to drill a hole directly into the surround to attach it to the dash, since the rest of it was cracked and broken. Bubba did a great job and drilled into the lens also....... i got a little carried away with the removal of bubbas bracketry and subsequently had to order a new speedo cluster lens. It should be here soon.

Next I need to bleed/troubleshoot the brakes as there is something going on there then it will be drive time.

[calimustang]

Jim,

whats the problem with the brakes?

[NoDrama43]

no idea other than the master cylinder was empty and the peddle goes to the floor. I filled the master cylinder two weeks ago and it is still full so I am assuming there is air in the lines. I won't know till I wrench on it a little.

Here is the floorboard picture you requested.

[calimustang]

Holy cow! that's a lot more rust than my ssp, just one hole forming as we hammered thru the rust and wham! it popped open..

http://public.fotki.com/calimustang/mustangs/1989-ssp/img-0559.html

do you think it's worthy to repair or replace?

http://public.fotki.com/calimustang/mustangs/1989-ssp/img-0560.html

[NoDrama43]

yes i would fix it. it isn't hard and then if you get caught out in the rain you dont need to worry about your carpet getting wet and causing it to rust worse.

This 87 car sat in a field for years before you found it. Another year or so and it probably would have been towed off to the crusher. I have a mint floorpan for it and when my welder gets finished you will not be able to tell the work was ever done. :2thumbs:

[calimustang]

Good idea, many thanks for your feedbacks. i will keep the floor pan and repair as much as possible. I look forward to see the D-Day of your FHP cranking up.
yes i would fix it. it isn't hard and then if you get caught out in the rain you dont need to worry about your carpet getting wet and causing it to rust worse.

This 87 car sat in a field for years before you found it. Another year or so and it probably would have been towed off to the crusher. I have a mint floorpan for it and when my welder gets finished you will not be able to tell the work was ever done. :2thumbs:

[NoDrama43]

What brand Satin Black did you use? I need to re-color the black interior plastics in my Black Magic Capri. :)

I use all SEM products. Will get the code for you later this evening after I get home.

[calimustang]

How about Regetta blue? I have no luck with a complete interior set so i will stick with original set and paint them. Hope you have the code also.
I use all SEM products. Will get the code for you later this evening after I get home.