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View Full Version : Resurrection of New Mexico State Police SSP Unit 130


CNTLOSE
08-15-2012, 09:39 PM
This thread will be dedicated to the resurrection on NMSP SSP Unit 130. Many of you know I have always been on the look out for a rare SSP with some history since shortly after coming into the hobby. I am proud to say I have found it with this SSP.

This unit served with the NMSP from May of 1990 until August of 1993. Unit 130 was driven by Trooper Edward Espinoza. His duty station was Anthony, NM just south of Las Cruces, NM. Unit 130 and Unit 125 were the only two marked units of the six 1990 SSP's ran by NMSP. Each Trooper had to receive special training before hitting the streets with them. Below is an inservice photo of Unit 130 at this training with Tpr. Espinoza.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/Unit130.png


I purchased this car in July of 2012 and have been collecting as much information on the NMSP SSP program as possible. I have manged to make friends with the Trooper assigned to Unit 125 (The other marked unit.) and one of the unmarked SSP's. They have provided me with a wealth of informaiton. I also have made friends with another NMSP Trooper who is more or less a historian of the NMSP and is who sent me the inservice photos of Unit 130. I am sad to say Tpr. Espinoza died on duty due to medical reasons. However as shared in the purchase thread of this SSP, all of Tpr. Espinoza's cruisers were called "Ant" because an ant can carry 50 times its weight...and Tpr. Espinoza was a large man as seen below in another inservice photo.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/U130.png

After I purchased this unit and began discovering her history. After service she had a hard life. She was in a minor front in collision at some point and the entire car was sprayed with the thinest layer of black paint possible. No prep work at all, just spray painted. The car did however remain all stock, including the air silencer. The car was last registered in 2003 and expired in 2004. Since then she had been sitting in a garage feeding mice her interior. The car was rescued by a couple with the intentions to restore it, but not as an SSP but as a performance modified coupe. They realized it was a bigger project than they wanted so they parted with it. In the deal included was the maintenance sheet from the NMSP and an original key stamped "130"

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/2012-08-15210245.jpg

So today I went into the garage and said today is the day we get this project started!

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/2012-07-20125631.jpg

CNTLOSE
08-15-2012, 09:39 PM
I am planning on doing an all out restoration on this car. I think with her rarity and history she deserves nothing less. I decided to start at the rear and work my way forward.

So my first discovery was this...
http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/2012-08-15143207.jpg

...the original spare tire.

But once removed it revealed the only major issue I am aware of so far...

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/100_9481.jpg

....swiss cheese in my spare tire well.

I was aware of this issue when I purchased her and the seller included the necessary patch piece from a donor Mustang. I then began tearing out the interior and confirmed what I thought I had noticed...mice. Plenty of mice poop and garbage all over the place. I was able to get most of the interior out, leaving just the headliner, dash, and passenger door panel for another day. One thing positive was the rear deck tray was the original one. It shows where the rear ER lights were and the rear radar mount.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/100_9483.jpg

So all of that brings everything up to date. My basement is full of interior pieces...in addition to a bunch of FHP stuff for FHP1395. I am meeting with SSPAnthony this weekend to pick up some pieces for the front that she will be needing. All and all it was a great day!

(Note to self...use real camera more not cell phone.)

MOstang
08-16-2012, 12:23 PM
This will be a fun thread to keep an eye on....congrats!

NoDrama43
08-16-2012, 12:25 PM
nothing like a little ssp action to make the day more enjoyable.

28HopUp
08-16-2012, 12:27 PM
Very nice save, Matt! As stated, this will be a fun one to watch...

CNTLOSE
08-16-2012, 01:40 PM
Thanks gentlemen, I hope to get the rest of the interior out later today. With any luck I will start getting the engine ready to be pulled as well.

CNTLOSE
08-16-2012, 07:48 PM
Finished gutting the interior today. I just have the wiring left to pull out and it will be time to move to the front and get the motor out and engine bay emptied.

Also I am picking up a bunch of parts this Saturday from SSPAnthony. Progress should keep rolling until time to weld. That I will have to hire out :(

Couple pics of the interior and nastiness that was once sound deadening above the headliner.


http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/100_9512.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/100_9511.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/100_9517.jpg


...and the nasty.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/100_9515.jpg

CNTLOSE
08-22-2012, 07:21 PM
Well I was able to spend about an hour on the car today. Have most of the interior wiring unhooked...and my thumbs are killing me. Hope to have the rest out in the next couple days. Should be picking up some parts tomorrow morning and hopefully get the welding done soon.

CNTLOSE
08-23-2012, 11:34 AM
Picked up a front clip, nose, dash, and other misc pieces fro SSPAnthony today. (Thanks again Anthony!) Glad to say she will be staying OEM when it comes to the metal.

Dropping off at the storage unit time to install.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/2012-08-23105057.jpg

28HopUp
08-23-2012, 01:31 PM
Happy to hear that SSPanthony was able to help you out. Good call on using original Ford metal. You will never regret doing the job right!

kapracing
08-23-2012, 02:41 PM
X2!!! :-)

CNTLOSE
09-11-2012, 02:29 PM
Well today I talked with my body man. Looks like he is several weeks behind and is now not sure he is ready to take on a restoration project. I am really hoping he changes his mind because he is the best out there. He told me to get a hold of him in a few weeks to see how things are going.

My second choice is the shop that did some work on our old TX DPS car. They do good work, but last time I talked to the owner he did not give me the impression of being all that interested.

I am really wanting this car done right so I am getting ready to hit a brick wall if my first choice decides not to do it.

MOstang
09-11-2012, 05:35 PM
Looks like he is several weeks behind and is now not sure he is ready to take on a restoration project. I am really hoping he changes his mind because he is the best out there. He told me to get a hold of him in a few weeks to see how things are going.

I hope it works out for you. I've had a bad experience of someone like that sitting on a fence for months and months, only to have them completely back out after my waiting on them for months and months. Keeping my fingers crossed that doesn't happen to you.

CNTLOSE
09-11-2012, 06:04 PM
I hope it works out for you. I've had a bad experience of someone like that sitting on a fence for months and months, only to have them completely back out after my waiting on them for months and months. Keeping my fingers crossed that doesn't happen to you.

Thanks...I know this guy will shoot it to me straight in a couple weeks. My father and him went to school together and were/are great friends. I just hope he will do the work because he is second to none around here.

CNTLOSE
10-18-2012, 02:10 PM
Well I finally found a local shop that is willing to do some restoration work!

It looks like "Ant" will be heading to the body shop next week to have the core support and spare tire well welded in. Next step will be media blasting if I can find someone local who does that. I have found a highly recommended local sand blasting company if I can not find a company that uses media.

Unmrkd
10-19-2012, 09:06 AM
Just a note: Be sure to cover all the small vin tags or the media will remove them. Good luck with it as the return of "ANT" begins.

CNTLOSE
10-19-2012, 10:49 AM
Just a note: Be sure to cover all the small vin tags or the media will remove them. Good luck with it as the return of "ANT" begins.

Will do, thanks!

kapracing
10-19-2012, 01:23 PM
I'd hold out for the media. Sand gets the metal too hot and can cause warping, especially on larger panels. Plus you can never seem to get the excess sand out....lol. I personally prefer chemical stripping... but media is far better than sand... IMO Good luck and can't wait to see progress pics :-)

CNTLOSE
10-24-2012, 08:59 PM
I'd hold out for the media. Sand gets the metal too hot and can cause warping, especially on larger panels. Plus you can never seem to get the excess sand out....lol. I personally prefer chemical stripping... but media is far better than sand... IMO Good luck and can't wait to see progress pics :-)

Thank you for the info. I will keep looking as I am in no rush...yet. Taking the car in tomorrow and pulling the FHP in the garage to start freshing up the motor. I am keeping it as a driver so no restoration, just addressing some maint issues.

CNTLOSE
10-25-2012, 07:00 PM
Well this morning we dropped 130 off at a local shop to get the core support replaced and the trunk pan replaced. Then when leaving I got an email from one of my contacts at the NMSP. He was able to find 130's original registration still in the NMSP records. He sent me a scaned image and is mailing me the original. So all in all it was a good day for 130.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/2012-10-25114239.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/2012-10-25114307.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/2012-10-25114252.jpg

Lastly the registration for 130 showing her plate was "SP-130".

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/MustangTitle.jpg

chism
10-25-2012, 11:27 PM
That's awesome! Sounds like everything is falling into place now. Can't wait to see progress pics. :)

MOstang
10-26-2012, 03:32 PM
Very nice! :thumbsup:

28HopUp
10-28-2012, 10:00 AM
That's great to get the registration! :thumbsup:

CNTLOSE
11-02-2012, 10:20 PM
Moved the photos to another album so it deleted them...here they are again.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/2012-10-25114239.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/2012-10-25114252.jpg

Lastly the registration for 130 showing her plate was "SP-130".

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/MustangTitle.jpg

CNTLOSE
11-02-2012, 10:29 PM
Well the body shop did an excellent job with very quick turn around. Here are a couple quick photos of the progress. I will post up some later once I download my real camera showing how bad the original core support was. The really nice thing was he was able to save my inner fenders so I will be able to keep the factory welds.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/2012-11-02165145.jpg

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/2012-11-02165126.jpg

Original trunk pan...

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/100_9481.jpg

"New" trunk pan....

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/1990%20NMSP%20SSP/2012-11-02165232.jpg

So this brings me up to date on everything. I think my next step will be pulling the motor and tearing it apart. Going to see if it will be worth saving or just going with a crate short block. The seller stated it was a running/driving car when he first purchased it. But being the tags were several years expired I am wondering just how well she ran. I am going to shoot for spring time as far as getting the body blasted and starting on paint. If I can keep this pace up she should be ready by the 50th Anniversary show...which is my goal.

28HopUp
11-03-2012, 09:37 AM
Nice! It looks like you have yourself a nice little winter project to occupy your time. :thumbsup:

MOstang
11-03-2012, 12:25 PM
It's coming along nicely, no pun intended. :)

CNTLOSE
11-03-2012, 07:52 PM
Nice! It looks like you have yourself a nice little winter project to occupy your time. :thumbsup:

Sure do! Plus on top of this I am going to get a couple things done on the FHP....going to be a busy winter.

It's coming along nicely, no pun intended. :)

Thanks!

sspanthony
11-07-2012, 11:38 PM
Car is looking "Great " Matt !!!!! Keep up the Good Work !

CNTLOSE
11-09-2012, 10:15 AM
Car is looking "Great " Matt !!!!! Keep up the Good Work !

Thanks...I will probably be hitting you up for more parts too.

CNTLOSE
05-04-2013, 10:44 PM
Well while in the garage today I saw the buck tags and thought I would keep this thread alive with a photo of them. They had to be removed when I replaced the core support.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/20130504_181517_zps6f4c6fcf.jpg (http://s461.photobucket.com/user/cntlose92/media/20130504_181517_zps6f4c6fcf.jpg.html)

As some of you may have seen I am a little burned out on Mustangs right now, so this car has been placed on the back burner. I will still tinker on her from time to time, but my goal of having her done by the 50th anniversay show is no more.

FoxChassis
05-04-2013, 11:04 PM
Buck tags both show DSO 76-0113 and the Marti report shows 75-0113. Interesting. Thanks for updating the thread!

CNTLOSE
05-05-2013, 09:29 AM
Buck tags both show DSO 76-0113 and the Marti report shows 75-0113. Interesting. Thanks for updating the thread!

That is interesting. Here is a pick of the door tag also showing DSO 76.

http://i461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/cntlose92/100_9489_zpsdddf77cd.jpg (http://s461.photobucket.com/user/cntlose92/media/100_9489_zpsdddf77cd.jpg.html)

FoxChassis
05-05-2013, 09:57 AM
Door Tag
Date - 05/90 = May 1990 build
F0145 = 145 lbs front accessory reserve load
R0197 = 197 lbs rear accessory reserve load
Exterior Paint Colors - YC = Black
DSO - 76 0113 = Denver district sales office (76), special order #0113
Body - LX2 = Mustang LX 2-dr sedan
X = Black bodyside molding, no insert
Int Trim = AA - cloth seating, low-back front buckets (A), Titanium interior trim color (A)
Tape - P
R - 7 = AM/FM stereo radio with cassette
Ax - M = 2.73:1 axle ratio, Traction-Lok differential
Tr - T = AOD transmission
RR = front springs
SS = rear springs

Buck Tag
0748 = body & paint rotations #0748
LX2 = Mustang LX 2-dr sedan
LX = LX model/trim level
ET = H.O. 5.0L V8 engine (E), AOD transmission (T)
183695 = 83,695th 1990 Ford scheduled for production at Dearborn Assembly
AC = manual air conditioner
HB = heated backlite (rear defrost)
YCC = Black exterior paint color
SK
AA = cloth seating, low-back front buckets (A), Titanium interior trim color (A)
LF = 1990 model year (L), Dearborn Assembly (F)
0508 = May 8 scheduled build
760113 = Denver district sales office (76), special order #0113
YCC = Black exterior paint color
2
183695 = 83,695th 1990 Ford scheduled for production at Dearborn Assembly
50

CNTLOSE
05-12-2013, 06:41 PM
So do you think it was just a typo on the Marti report?

FoxChassis
05-13-2013, 02:03 PM
So do you think it was just a typo on the Marti report?
That's what it looks like to me. It can and does happen every now and then.