1985 CHP #E408383 SMPV

[CHP8336]

NOTE: This thread originally started out as an FYI ad in our For Sale Section. At the time, the thread title was 1985 CHP (Poor Condition). Then the car's pedigree was learned and the car was purchased for a full restoration.

Not mine, A real fixer....
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/3278945049.html

[Mustang Kid]

That's nothing.

If anyone wants an 85 CHP, don't wait around for a perfect original. Gotta start somewhere. Who knows, more may not pop up and your stuck with whats out there anyway.
I'd buy it if I had the money.:D

[28HopUp]

Sorry I missed your text, Rich. I turned in early last night. Here is the CL ad, quoted for posterity -

1985 Ford 5.0 mustang/ notchback CHP - $3500 (San Fernando)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2012-09-17, 6:53PM PDT
Reply to this post Reply to: 5vcxt-3278945049@sale.craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


94 block with bbk headers, Holley 650 cfm, msd ignition, 5 speed tranny...
new rear end 373s
needs some work mostly ready for paint !
runs good for any street racers doing car project
any more Info 18188621135 Julio




Rich, did you try contacting the seller to see if he could send you pictures of the VIN label and buck tags for our VIN Project?

[28HopUp]

Note in the following picture that the front bumper has the single rectangular hole cut into the bumper on the driver's side. That matches other 1985 CHP Mustangs...

[ChrisL]

Looks like a legit CHP.

[28HopUp]

This car will be headed East in the near future... :)

[NoDrama43]

good stuff Bill. congrats.....

[28HopUp]

The deal is DONE! With the help of Rich aka CHP8336, I was able to buy this 1985 CHP Mustang. I have been searching for this car for quite a while actually. It surfaced in 2010 as seen here:

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2518


After it had sold, we came to realize that this car had the same VIN as the following 1985 CHP Mustang -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/CHP/1985CHP234896A/85-234896card1.jpg

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/CHP/1985CHP234896A/85-234896card2.jpg


Which is the car shown in the following in-service picture -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/CHP/1985CHP234896A/85-234896pic1.jpg


That's right! A SMPV Mustang from the 1987 pilot year of the program has finally been found. It's one of 15 cars, according to a news article found by Jack aka Va 5.0, as discussed here -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showpost.php?p=33626&postcount=24


This would not have been possible with Rich's help. I sent the seller a deposit, and overnighted the balance in USPS money orders to Rich, who drove 7 hours to meet with the seller this morning. Rich just picked up the car, and is driving back to his place with the SMPV. He has offered to keep the car until I make arrangements to bring the car out East.

THANK YOU, Rich! :D

[MOstang]

Pretty cool you scored that one...congrats. :cool:

[ChrisL]

Super cool! Congrats Bill, very well deserved and I'm glad the community came together to help get this car into good hands. Can't wait to see some progress pictures when the build starts!!!

[28HopUp]

Thanks guys! I forgot to thank Ken for loaning his trailer to Rich. Ken owns the 1989 Blue & White SMPV. I'm sure he and I will be talking quite a bit more now. :)

Even though I do not have the car yet, I went ahead and changed my signature. I will post pictures once I get them from Rich.

[mac88chp]

Wow, this is BIG! Congrats Bill and thanks Rich and Ken for your contributions to make this happen. Now we have to get busy locating a Senator Ford license plate rim for you Bill. :D

[texunter]

That is awesome. Thankfully bill was there.
That will be an amazing car. I dig the white spots.
Ted

[E435300_SMPV]

Bill, HUGE Congrats!! Glad to see this car found and going to an excellent home. Also, big thanks to Rich for the long drive to get this car.

[Va 5.0]

Congrats , Bill on the SMPV!!! I like the inservice pic.......
Now, we need to figure out where area 560 is located or was located.

[Va 5.0]

The old low band radio system map from 6-1987 shows the tan in the Southern Division either Antelope Valley or Newhall

[kapracing]

Congrats!! Awesome find Bill...

[ImEvil1]

Congratulations, Bill!

Super happy that you were able to find and then save this car. I'm equally as happy that the guys were able to help you out, too....that's what it's all about. :yes:

[sspanthony]

Congrats on a Great Purchase !!!

[Mustang Kid]

Bill your detective work has paid off :D

Congrats!

I have wondered if mine was an SMPV since it was repainted white twice. Never checked the lower bumpers, just did, two layers of white :(

At least this one survives:)

This one will be an off shade of white with factory white doors when your finished, right? :D

[CHP8336]

Congrats Bill !!! CHP8383 Has been found !!! This will be really fun restoring this car. Our team efforts paid off on this one.... lol.... let the fun begin.:D

[chp1982]

Very exciting Bill! Congrats on the find.

[28HopUp]

Congrats Bill !!! CHP8383 Has been found !!! This will be really fun restoring this car. Our team efforts paid off on this one.... lol.... let the fun begin.:D

Rich, I cannot begin to thank you enough for going the extra mile (or 400!) for me on this car. Glad to hear you made it home safely.

The irony of obtaining the documentation on a car before actually finding the car again and buying it is not lost on me. From Rich's description, it sounds like a great starting point. The numbers 8383 are still visible by the VIN label on the driver's door, and the car has both Buck Tags on the radiator support. Once I get it titled, I will have to see if Marti Auto has the original Eminger Invoice for this car.

My plan for the car may evolve, but currently I want to perform a complete restoration on the car, similar to what ImEvil1 is doing with his 1985 FHP Mustang. This will involve a complete disassembly of the car to have it soda blasted, repaired (as needed), and painted. I will most likely have the car painted in the same manner as was done originally with the car. Ford painted it white and black. After having been used as a B&W, the CHP painted the car white (the door frames too) for use as a SMPV. So the restoration will have the same layering of the paint. Once I get the car back from the painter, I will reassemble the car with as many new/NOS parts as possible.

This will certainly be a fun project! :)

[28HopUp]

Here are some pictures that Ken took last evening when Rich brought the car home. :)


Back before sunset!

http://images49.fotki.com/v1555/photos/1/1804951/11110193/838301-vi.jpg


Side shot -

http://images49.fotki.com/v560/photos/1/1804951/11110193/838302-vi.jpg


Shot of the dash -

http://images58.fotki.com/v612/photos/1/1804951/11110193/838306-vi.jpg




More to come for sure! :)

[ChrisL]

So freaking cool Bill!!!

[Mustang Kid]

Hey Bill! You're not the only 8383 in town :D
http://i1171.photobucket.com/albums/r546/TheCopFoxStop/CHPs/IMG_9051.jpg

09 CHP:)

[CHP8336]

The deal is DONE! With the help of Rich aka CHP8336, I was able to buy this 1985 CHP Mustang. I have been searching for this car for quite a while actually. It surfaced in 2010 as seen here:

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2518


After it had sold, we came to realize that this car had the same VIN as the following 1985 CHP Mustang -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/CHP/1985CHP234896A/85-234896card1.jpg

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/CHP/1985CHP234896A/85-234896card2.jpg


Which is the car shown in the following in-service picture -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/CHP/1985CHP234896A/85-234896pic1.jpg


That's right! A SMPV Mustang from the 1987 pilot year of the program has finally been found. It's one of 15 cars, according to a news article found by Jack aka Va 5.0, as discussed here -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showpost.php?p=33626&postcount=24


This would not have been possible with Rich's help. I sent the seller a deposit, and overnighted the balance in USPS money orders to Rich, who drove 7 hours to meet with the seller this morning. Rich just picked up the car, and is driving back to his place with the SMPV. He has offered to keep the car until I make arrangements to bring the car out East.

THANK YOU, Rich! :D

Thanks for the kind words Bill!!

I would like everyone to know that we found this car over a year ago and before Bill could research the vin THE CAR WAS SOLD. Bill was disapointed to say the least.
I told Bill that I would be on a daily mission to locate this car! I really had a gut feeling I would find this car again.
I was up late the other nite and found this 85 and text bill with the craigslist listing. Bill contacted the seller and asked for the vin and there it was!!! I was NOT going to let this car get away this time... lol... :yes:

[NoDrama43]

The number one B E S T !!!!! save in the past 5 years Bill. Super rare car that was a part of the history of these cars. Congrats!!!


now.....are you going to put the MX7000 light bar back on the car? :) (see the designation on the assignment card?)

[28HopUp]

The number one B E S T !!!!! save in the past 5 years Bill. Super rare car that was a part of the history of these cars. Congrats!!!


now.....are you going to put the MX7000 light bar back on the car? :) (see the designation on the assignment card?)

Thanks Jim! I am really excited about saving this SSP. In terms of the MX7000, since the Assignment Card also shows the "square-with-a-dot-inside" icon (which means slicktop), I think the MX7000 reference is for the lesser-known Regency scanner.

http://www.resist.com/updates/2009/SEP_09/RegencyMX7000.jpg



The Assignment Card for #E408445 (the other 85 SMPV with in-service pictures) also shows the MX7000 as having been installed at one time, before that car was used as an undercover vehicle with no radio equipment.

Going back to my SMPV, it will be interesting to map out existing holes in the interior to determine which ones may have been used for the repositioned equipment (versus holes made by subsequent owners). Finding/mounting the correct equipment could be very challenging.

[NoDrama43]

Lol almost had u there........

[28HopUp]

Ha! I figured you were just goofin' around, Jim.


Wow, this is BIG! Congrats Bill and thanks Rich and Ken for your contributions to make this happen. Now we have to get busy locating a Senator Ford license plate rim for you Bill. :D

It's amazing what you can find for sale on ebay. I just bought two of these, which will get restored along with the car. :)

[NoDrama43]

Ha! I figured you were just goofin' around, Jim.




It's amazing what you can find for sale on ebay. I just bought two of these, which will get restored along with the car. :)

and with that I rest my case !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bill I believe this car has been waiting on you to find her. another congrats.

[CHP8336]

Ha! I figured you were just goofin' around, Jim.




It's amazing what you can find for sale on ebay. I just bought two of these, which will get restored along with the car. :)

It just gets better every day!! NICE FIND!!! I agree with jim ..... This car was waiting for you to save her!!!

On a another note, It looks like a breeding ground for 1985 SSP'S at my house lol...lol... I love it.:D :cool:

[Va 5.0]

Is that an "Area 51" sticker in the rear window?

[CHP8336]

Is that an "Area 51" sticker in the rear window?

Yes it is.....What the hell does that mean??

[Va 5.0]

Think it is a custom car place in California ....Area 51 Kustoms

[CHP8336]

Think it is a custom car place in California ....Area 51 Kustoms

OK .... Thanks for the info.:)

[Rhino]

On a another note, It looks like a breeding ground for 1985 SSP'S at my house lol...lol... I love it.:D :cool:

Want another one? :)

[28HopUp]

On a another note, It looks like a breeding ground for 1985 SSP'S at my house lol...lol... I love it.:D :cool:

Yeah, but I wonder what your neighbors think! ;) Since everybody loves seeing pictures, here is the link to my Fotki album:

http://public.fotki.com/28HopUp/1985-chp-e408383-smpv/


The pictures were provided by both Ken and Rich. :D Thanks again guys! :)

[CHP8336]

Yeah, but I wonder what your neighbors think! ;) Since everybody loves seeing pictures, here is the link to my Fotki album:

http://public.fotki.com/28HopUp/1985-chp-e408383-smpv/


The pictures were provided by both Ken and Rich. :D Thanks again guys! :)

The pictures I sent were shot before I even moved the car at its former owners home.
Ken (E435300SMPV) is going to take several pictures of every drill hole on the car to compare to his 1989 SMPV.The SMPV cars have a different gunrack setup witch is still a mystery with mounting and proper location.

[ChrisL]

Hey Bill, not wanting to be bossy here, but you ought to move this thread to the restorations section. There's tons of good info here that I would hate to have buried in the for-sale section. Or maybe migrate some of the pictures/info onto a new thread in that section. I can't wait to follow this car through the resto!

[Va 5.0]

Bill now what wheels go on it?

[28HopUp]

Hey Bill, not wanting to be bossy here, but you ought to move this thread to the restorations section.

Chris, I like your idea and decided to move this to the Members' SSP Section. This thread will become the build thread for the car. :)


Bill now what wheels go on it?

Although the 85 SSPs came with the steel wheels originally, we know from the above picture that the wheels were changed on #E408445. Since the in-service picture of my car does not show the wheels, I will most likely go with polished 10-holes on #E408383 as well.

We also know from the pictures of #E408445 and my car that they had an antenna on their rear decklid. Ken's 89 SMPV has a hole in the decklid for an antenna. Sadly, the decklid of my car has been replaced. Since the car has no apparent damage to the body, I assume that the original deckild was replaced because of the antenna hole. So I will get detailed pictures of Ken's SMPV so I can replicate the placement of that antenna on the decklid. I wonder what antenna was used?

Also, it has been said that the rear decklid lights were replaced on the SMPVs with lower profile units. I wonder if they were similar to the ones on this 1986 CHP Mustang? If so, can anybody identify these particular lights?

[ImEvil1]

Looks like Tomar RECT-37. CHP talks about testing them in the paperwork Jim got from Rob R.

[28HopUp]

Thanks Mike! :)

[CNTLOSE]

Bill congrats on a great find. This has been a great year for finding rare SSP's. I look forward to watching your progress on her.

[28HopUp]

Thanks Matt! :)

Ken sent me a bunch of pictures. Here is the VIN on the dash -

http://images45.fotki.com/v148/photos/1/1804951/11110193/838311-vi.jpg



...here is the VIN label on the driver's door -

http://images51.fotki.com/v303/photos/1/1804951/11110193/838309-vi.jpg



...and here's an inverted view of the Buck Tags -

http://images108.fotki.com/v1629/photos/1/1804951/11110193/838310-vi.jpg

[chp1982]

That car's going to to be a great project. When does it arrive and what are the plans for your current SSP?

[CHP8336]

That car's going to to be a great project. When does it arrive and what are the plans for your current SSP?
Agreed on that one. :cool:

[28HopUp]

That car's going to to be a great project. When does it arrive and what are the plans for your current SSP?

Now that I have the title, I will be making arrangements with a transportation company to have the car shipped back to Delaware. In terms of #E408395 (my first SSP), I will be putting it up for sale at some point in the future. I have had a discussion with a member here who is interested in buying the car, but I need to button up a few things first before it is ready to sell.

BTW, the two Senator Ford license plate frames arrived. The chrome looks fine, but the raised lettering and recessed areas will need to be painted. I bought two because for all I know they put the frames on the back too.

HOT OFF THE PRESS!
Jack, aka Va 5.0, has uncovered some EXCELLENT information on the 1987 SMPV pilot program. Jack obtained an 80-page report from 1988 to the California State Legislature about the SMPV program, as found here:

https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=117995


Jack just received his copy, and will be sending me a photocopy of the report, which I will scan and put up here. Jack summarized the information as follows:

17 total SMPV's in the pilot program (15 allocated with 2 Diplomats as spares)

Jan 12, 1987 - Dec 31, 1987 pilot project ran.

cars brought in for conversion from regular B/W units averaged 44,000 miles

SMPV had 4.5 inch spotlights
3 rear shelf lights Bac-off flashing lights
used antenna (reg radio as the whip antenna)
All pilot mustangs were 1985's


Golden Gate DIV: Hayward had (1) 1985 white mustang
Central DIV: Merced had (1) 1985 silver met mustang [assuming this would be 408445]
Central Southern DIV: Fort Tejon had (1) 1985 white mustang [my guess is your car]
Border DIV: Westminister had (2) 1985 mustangs both white


Of the cars pictured, the only tag visible is 408445...


How cool is that!?!?!?!?! :cool: I will have to dig deeper to find out more info on the Bac-Off flashing lights, which appear to have been halogen lights in the 1980s for use on motorcycles.

[28HopUp]

3 rear shelf lights Bac-off flashing lights


This is all I have found so far, which is from a 1986 article in American Motorcyclist -

[Va 5.0]

A small tease.....

[ImEvil1]

Good stuff fellas!

[28HopUp]

Jack, you ARE a tease! I can't wait to read the entire report. :D

[Sal]

Congrats Bill!! I could've been of help on this one as I'm constantly in San Fernando visiting my mother, plus I only live 40 miles away. Offer stands for anyone researching an SSP for sale out here in the AV/Santa Clarita/SFV area.

Again congrats and can't wait to see the start of the restoration!

[28HopUp]

Today is the day that my new 85 SMPV gets delivered! :) Rich graciously agreed to hold the car at his house until I made arrangements to have it transported. I read good things about http://www.autotransportdirect.com/ and used them to broker a quote that was only $150 more than it cost to have my 2012 shipped up from Florida this past May. On Sunday, Rich assisted the driver with getting my SMPV loaded onto the trailer, and the driver called yesterday to say that it would be delivered today. He was not able to give me a delivery window, but said that he would call 1-2 hours beforehand. I have the 2nd stall of our 2-car garage open.

Tomorrow is dedicated to working on my black 85 CHP Mustang. I need to button up some items and fire that new engine. :)

[MOstang]

Always an exciting time waiting for deliveries like that! I had one several years back arrive about 8:00 PM on Christmas Eve, which was a great early Christmas gift.

[mac88chp]

Sounds like the perfect recipe for a great weekend...post up some arrival pics when you can! :2thumbs:

[ChrisL]

Awesome Bill! Can't wait to see it!

[28HopUp]

Thanks guys!

The trucker called about 5:30pm to say he was 67 miles from our house. I didn't hear him pull up because they stopped about 3 houses down to unload. It was about 7pm at that point, and quite dark. Once the car was on the pavement, I gave it a quick look-see and paid them. The carb seemed to be loading up, so I drove it straight into the garage.

The car is rough, to be sure. In order for the ignition to turn off, you must release the clutch after turning the key. And the car is halfway gutted already, so it will be much easier to take it apart. My only plan this weekend for this car is to see if we can smooth out the engine so I can get it registered next week. Today will be spent working on the black 85. :)

Sorry, but the only picture so far is a cruddy cellphone shot in low light -

[28HopUp]

Here's a quick shot in the dawn's early light -

http://images107.fotki.com/v67/photos/1/1804951/11110193/SMPVhome01-vi.jpg

Sadly, a recent owner skinned the original hood to screw that fiberglass piece of doo-doo to the hood frame. Back in 2010 when the car was on ebay, it still had the original hood. The wheels (16" by the way) are drilled 8 times for different lug patterns. These are the same wheels as in 2010, but the hub caps got lost after the wheels were blacked out. I will probably leave the battery unplugged while the car is sitting. The wiring is hacked up, so I don't want anything to short out. Don't let my tone fool you - I'm still quite excited to bring this one home finally!

That's all for now. Headed back out to the garage... :)

[mac88chp]

A diamond in the rough Bill. Enjoy the ride!

[John10608]

At least this way, you won't feel so bad stripping it down for blasting and paint. You know everything will be right and correct as it goes back together.

Good job. Keep us posted.

[chp1982]

Awesome! What sort of timeframe are you on to bring this one back to life?

[CHP8336]

Here's a quick shot in the dawn's early light -

http://images107.fotki.com/v67/photos/1/1804951/11110193/SMPVhome01-vi.jpg

Sadly, a recent owner skinned the original hood to screw that fiberglass piece of doo-doo to the hood frame. Back in 2010 when the car was on ebay, it still had the original hood. The wheels (16" by the way) are drilled 8 times for different lug patterns. These are the same wheels as in 2010, but the hub caps got lost after the wheels were blacked out. I will probably leave the battery unplugged while the car is sitting. The wiring is hacked up, so I don't want anything to short out. Don't let my tone fool you - I'm still quite excited to bring this one home finally!

That's all for now. Headed back out to the garage... :)

In my opinion this little 85 is a valuable part of CHP history. I have looked at this car from top to bottom and I am amased that this car has never been in a major accident. I am sure that when Bill is done with the restoration it will be a real masterpiece! AWSOME FIND!!! :D

[kapracing]

Can't wait to see progress pics! I'm excited for you... Very nice find!!!

[svt3434]

I have an 85 CHP, as well. Why did they make that rectangular hole on the driver side bottom fender? Anyone? Mine has it and I was going to try to fine a replacement. Thanks guys!

[mac88chp]

I have an 85 CHP, as well. Why did they make that rectangular hole on the driver side bottom fender? Anyone? Mine has it and I was going to try to fine a replacement. Thanks guys!Cut out for the siren speaker. Consult the CHP restoration section for details:

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/CHP.htm

[28HopUp]

Bits and pieces are coming together. I found the correct Regency MX7000 scanner on ebay -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Regency-MX7000-/160903692071?ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:US:3160


Hope I didn't pay too much for it! :) This afternoon I will be picking up a 1985 white GT hood in nearby New Jersey that I found on Craigslist. I can't wait to get rid of the hideous hood that's on the car now.

[28HopUp]

I now have in-hand two of the three Bac-Off lights for my SMPV. The only one I need to find now is an amber version.

[kapracing]

Very cool Bill :-)

[ImEvil1]

Nice! Are the lenses removable?

[28HopUp]

Yes, the colored lenses come off. If I can find another housing, I may be able to cast a mold in amber from an existing lens.

[28HopUp]

Just a quick update (sorry, no pictures).

The car will be headed for my nephew's shop soon to have him address the shoddy wiring and install the missing emissions equipment. Then I should be able to get it tagged. At the same time, he will be prepping the car for paint. The current primer body and white hood creates quite an eyesore, so to keep the Mrs on-board with me having two SSPs I need to make the SMPV less ugly. Kris will paint it white with black lower bumpers, just as it looked while in-service. I also plan to get fresh rubber installed on the correct wheels/caps. Not sure if I can swing new Gatorbacks or not, but I would like to if possible.

[ChrisL]

Can't wait to see it!

[28HopUp]

Kris came by, and we got the car running much better. The vacuum advance diaphragm is shot (huge vacuum leak), so we just plugged the hose, which smoothed things out nicely (along with a different Holley carb and timing adjustment). I will say that it is nice being able to drive a car onto a trailer instead of winching it. It's now headed to the shop for some LOVE!

http://images46.fotki.com/v530/photos/1/1804951/11110193/SMPV22-vi.jpg

[28HopUp]

Forgive the cruddy cellphone pictures (I plan to upgrade soon). Kris has started the disassembly.

http://images15.fotki.com/v1624/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg


The passenger apron looks OK from this angle...

http://images12.fotki.com/v20/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg


...but the underside shows where repairs were made.

[view behind the solenoid]
http://images12.fotki.com/v616/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg

[view to rear of the shock tower]
http://images52.fotki.com/v728/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg

more to follow...

[28HopUp]

Let's take a look at the cracks and FUBAR repairs

[front apron on passenger side]
http://images58.fotki.com/v154/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg

[bottom of radiator support]
http://images49.fotki.com/v565/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg

[under driver's seat along rocker]
http://images12.fotki.com/v252/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo1-vi.jpg

[near driver's seat along trans tunnel]
http://images59.fotki.com/v222/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo1-vi.jpg

[top of rear tunnel by the back seat]
http://images58.fotki.com/v156/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg

[enlarged opening made around shifter]
http://images58.fotki.com/v612/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo-vi.jpg

[28HopUp]

So all of those cracks/repairs will have to be smoothed out, welded, and smoothed again. It's not uncommon, but sad to see so much damage underneath. Here is a shot of the custom bracketry made for the motor -

http://images14.fotki.com/v219/photos/1/1804951/11110193/photo1-vi.jpg


Again, it's not anything that cannot be undone. The whole front suspension/steering is shot, and the k-member may need to be dropped/repaired/replaced (it has a 1" cut in it). The initial measurements look good, so it should not need any time on a frame machine. The pinion in the rear is wobbly, and the clutches are gone in the differential. New control arms and bushings will be needed for sure out back as well.

It's a good thing this car didn't end up in the wrong hands because the amount of work involved to make it safe may have been enough for others to scrap it.

[John10608]

Congrats Bill !

I am sure it will all be done correctly and the right way.
Once this stuff is done, it's a lot easier and will look better faster.

I bet it feels good to be starting on it !
Keep the pictures coming !
Thanks !

[MOstang]

Hang in there....will all be worth it in the end.

[kapracing]

X's 2

[28HopUp]

Thanks guys. It will certainly be worth the effort.

[mac88chp]

Congrats Bill !

I am sure it will all be done correctly and the right way.
Once this stuff is done, it's a lot easier and will look better faster.

I bet it feels good to be starting on it !
Keep the pictures coming !
Thanks !x2

This is an important addition to the preservation of CHP vehicle heritage...keep it coming Bill! :2thumbs:

[Mustang Kid]

Looks good!
I personally would still put in on a frame rack, unless the measurements that were taken were to the standards of a body shop with a frame rack. With that many problem areas I would think the front end would be a tad tweaked. My 85 was off by over an inch down and to the side, but it didn't look very noticible other than the front end was a tad slanted to one side.

Are you still going to paint it black and white first, Bill? Again if it were my car I would do that, since most likely when it was repainted white the new shade would have been a bit off from the doors and the paint break on the C pillar probably would have been visible. Most people probably wouldn't notice though, it's up to you:)

[E435300_SMPV]

Everything shown can be fixed, obviously taking more time and work, but the final product I can't wait to see. I also would put it up on a fame rack. So much of a car depends on the frame being staight, steering, tire wear, body alignment, ect.. Glad to see this car is on the right path. Good job Bill!!

[28HopUp]

Are you still going to paint it black and white first, Bill? Again if it were my car I would do that, since most likely when it was repainted white the new shade would have been a bit off from the doors and the paint break on the C pillar probably would have been visible. Most people probably wouldn't notice though, it's up to you:)

That will be the plan eventually, Sam. The first pass on the car will be single-stage white, just like Ford applied the paint. Then certain areas will be painted black, like the undersides of the hood and decklid, and the trunk area. This will be the base for a future full-blown restoration in the correct layers of paint.


Everything shown can be fixed, obviously taking more time and work, but the final product I can't wait to see. I also would put it up on a fame rack. So much of a car depends on the frame being staight, steering, tire wear, body alignment, ect.. Glad to see this car is on the right path. Good job Bill!!

Ken, I owe you a phone call. My apologies! I just got caught up in getting ready for my trip to the MCA Show in Beaumont. I think a visit to a frame machine would be a very good idea too.

Here is a quick picture showing some of the CHP parts I picked up from Mike. Since I brought along an extra full-size spare for the long trip, I had to fold the rear seats down. :) Thanks Mike!

[NoDrama43]

Bill,

they all crack bro....especially when driven hard, jumped over crap in the median, etc. My 92 CHP car had so many stress cracks in the floor, trans tunnel, firewall, torque boxes and core support that I thought we would never get them all welded. After welding it all up and grinding it plus epoxy primer you couldn't even tell. Hell I had to torch off the most God aweful set of aftermarket frame rails you have ever seen in your life.

it can all be fixed and bringing one back that is in that condition is well worth the effort.

just think of Mikes 85 FHP and realize how lucky you really are. lol

[mac88chp]

Bill,

they all crack bro....especially when driven hard, jumped over crap in the median, etc. My 92 CHP car had so many stress cracks in the floor, trans tunnel, firewall, torque boxes and core support that I thought we would never get them all welded. After welding it all up and grinding it plus epoxy primer you couldn't even tell. Hell I had to torch off the most God aweful set of aftermarket frame rails you have ever seen in your life.

it can all be fixed and bringing one back that is in that condition is well worth the effort.

just think of Mikes 85 FHP and realize how lucky you really are. lolI guess I'm one of the lucky ones too. Even though my car endured 10 years of Academy use on top of 2 years of patrol work, the bottom of it is just as clean as a whistle with no cracks or other related damage. The guys at the Mustang shop I took it to when I first bought it were absolutely amazed at the great condition of the unit body.

[28HopUp]

Although the car is farther along than the attached picture indicates, I thought it was worth sharing. This is the cowl with it sanded to show the number of paint layers. :p

[kapracing]

That's pretty Kewl ...
Are you gonna have it stripped all down to metal or just block it real good?

[28HopUp]

Bobby, it has snowballed into more than just a quick scuff and a splash of color :p

[kapracing]

Bobby, it has snowballed into more than just a quick scuff and a splash of color :p

I'd say so ! Lol
Looking good though... And you'll feel a lot better about it when your done...

[E435300_SMPV]

Hey Bill great pics. Looks like pogress, unfortunately all that paint must go in order to do it right. I have the same issue too. Sealer, white, black, sealer, blue, white and white again. That's a lot of paint layers.

[nighthawk756]

Wow, that IS a lot of layers. :D

[bmt336]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sacramento-Senator-Ford-Vintage-California-License-Plate-Frame-/251270933446?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessorie s&hash=item3a80ea2bc6&vxp=mtr#ht_38wt_904

and

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Sacramento-California-Senator-Ford-Vintage-Dealer-License-Plate-Frame-/120995992946?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2bec5572#ht_25wt_1399

as is shown in the in service pic.

[kapracing]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sacramento-Senator-Ford-Vintage-California-License-Plate-Frame-/251270933446?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessorie s&hash=item3a80ea2bc6&vxp=mtr#ht_38wt_904

and

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Sacramento-California-Senator-Ford-Vintage-Dealer-License-Plate-Frame-/120995992946?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2bec5572#ht_25wt_1399

as is shown in the in service pic.

Bill has to get these frames!!!!
Kewl find!!!

[28HopUp]

Bret, THANK YOU for taking the time to search for those Senator license plate frames. I already picked up two of those -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/forums/showpost.php?p=36805&postcount=31


:)

[bmt336]

yea, they were pretty cheap, thought you might want spares. My '67 Thunderbird was sold new through SouthCoast Ford in Laguna Beach and it took me YEARS to find a frame from that dealership. Actually Todd, you met at Beamont, found one for me. Looks right on the car.

[28HopUp]

My apologies for not including photos in this post, but I need to run down to the shop and take more pictures.

The car will be coming apart even more, since we decided to replace the passenger side front apron and give a little "tug" on the shock tower. I contacted Matt at FMR, and he has a complete used passenger apron/rail for an 85 which I am having shipped up this week. The factory radiator support will be repaired. I may end up replacing the passenger door due to the amount of bondo (not sure how the window was able to go down!).

[NoDrama43]

Bobby, it has snowballed into more than just a quick scuff and a splash of color :p

yeh I told my paint guy to just scuff and spray the Idaho car roof white. That turned into fender aprons, core support, and a complete strip and paint job....... been there.

You WILL be much happier now that you are taking it down all the way and doing it right.

[28HopUp]

You WILL be much happier now that you are taking it down all the way and doing it right.

You are 100% correct on that, Jim. I wasn't planning to get this "involved" with the SMPV at this time, but I cannot see doing things half-@ssed when the car is at this stage. It will take a bit more time (and money), but in the end I will be much happier with the final result.

[28HopUp]

The new (used) passenger engine apron from FMR will be delivered tomorrow, which should be installed later this week. The car is almost done being sanded, and should be in primer shortly. The roof hole for the original antenna location was being welded up yesterday. That hole will not be needed for the SMPV because the antenna was moved to the trunklid.

Kris found an interesting small hole in the roof. It is located near the roofline edge above the driver's side window jam. Here it is to the left of the $1 piece, used for perspective:

http://images57.fotki.com/v139/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop21a-vi.jpg


There is also an indentation to the left edge of the photo. I am not sure why that was drilled. It looks like a slide hammer hole to pull a dent, but there doesn't appear to be any repairs in the area. I will take more photos as the car comes apart and back together.

[kapracing]

Can't wait to see this come together :-)

[John10608]

Is there identical holes on the passenger side, same area ?
Wonder if before it became an SMPV it had a lightbar ?
OR... they WERE going to put a lightbar on the vehicle then changed their minds and patched the holes ?

Just a thought.

[28HopUp]

I'm not sure, John. I do not remember seeing holes on the passenger side of the roof, but I will check again.

I received a few parts today from FMR. The first is a used LX nose that will need to be stripped and prepped (I will replicate the CHP hole on the driver's side using mine as a template):

http://images51.fotki.com/v102/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop22a-vi.jpg


The second item is a used passenger side apron:

http://images59.fotki.com/v1579/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop23a-vi.jpg


Kris just came by my office and picked up the parts. I will go down to his shop on Thursday (with my camera) to see how far along he's gotten with the apron. Does anybody have some recommendations for sourcing front suspension pieces? I have a good used rack for it, but everything else needs to be replaced. Ford parts preferred...

[mac88chp]

Keep 'em coming Bill...photos are good! :yes:

[28HopUp]

Despite my best intentions to get down to the shop to take more pictures, I didn't quite make it there. Yesterday, I ran my 66 Mustang through DMV inspection to renew the tags for 2 years. The car had been at my parent's place all winter, and I just had all of the fluids changed and a few little items fixed. While tooling down I-95 yesterday, the car started acting up. I got it onto the shoulder before it shut down completely. There is an electrical issue because the battery would barely turn the engine over - bad alternator most likely. I called Kris and he came with a trailer. One guy in a Dodge truck stopped, and a DelDOT worker stayed with me with his emergency lights on until we got the car winched onto the trailer. We headed home and unloaded the car in the driveway.

Upon closer inspection in the safety of our driveway, there was no fuel in the clear in-line fuel filter cartridge. So it is either a bad sender in the fuel tank (and I ran it outa gas), the fuel pump went bad after sitting so long (it is about 25 years old now), or there is crud in the line that plugged it up. But the car and I made it home safely (with Kris's help!). So it's all good. :)

Given the circumstances, this is the only picture I have from yesterday...

[nighthawk756]

Wow....that's Delaware traffic? Are you sure you weren't really in downtown L.A.?? Haha....

Glad you made it home safely! ;)

[28HopUp]

Between I-95, I-495 (Wilmington by-pass), and I-295 (the split to New Jersey), the entire state of Delaware has an estimated 40 miles of Interstate. By itself, I-95 runs about 24 miles through the northern county in Delaware (there are only three counties in Delaware too). At times, we pack a lot of cars onto a tiny section of road. :rolleyes:

[John10608]

I do NOT miss those days ! That looks like the 91 or the Long beach freeway ( 710 )

I used to park on an on ramp, stand at the edge, look down at traffic, great way to find drivers with road cokes. ( open containers )
Got a stolen doing that once on the 405 freeway.
Sometimes I had a motor work with me, he'd chase em down, site em, or I'd drive along side of them and motion them to pull to the shoulder.

LOL They would always ask............ " how did you know I had that ? "

The CHP knows EVERYTHING !

lolol

[Mustang Kid]

Bill, you really need to find a parts car, maybe a 5.0 hatch. It will save you more money if it has good parts than separately buying the pieces. Can even make a little more money selling what you don't need and scrapping the body :)

[28HopUp]

Bill, you really need to find a parts car, maybe a 5.0 hatch. :)

Sam, I think you must have been talking with Rich lately. He said the same thing, and has a specific black 85 GT in mind for me! :yes: Lack of funds and lack of space are the only two things holding me back...

[Mustang Kid]

Sam, I think you must have been talking with Rich lately. He said the same thing, and has a specific black 85 GT in mind for me! :yes: Lack of funds and lack of space are the only two things holding me back...

I actually can't remember the last time I talked to him :(

I guess the nice thing about living on the east coast is when you need a parts car, there are rusty donors worthy of being parted out around, instead of nice rust free cars here on the west coast lol

[28HopUp]

Still working the metal at this point. Here is a shot of the roof with the antenna hole filled and pulled. It won't need much filler. (as a reminder, the CHP moved the roof antenna to the trunklid on the SMPVs.)

http://images55.fotki.com/v509/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop33-vi.jpg


As I may have said before, the passenger door is not worth saving. The lower portion is deep with filler:

http://images61.fotki.com/v52/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop32-vi.jpg


Whereas the driver's door is slightly rippled but still salvageable:

http://images108.fotki.com/v613/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop34-vi.jpg


The front part of the driver's side rocker still needs a gentle pull:

http://images52.fotki.com/v638/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop31-vi.jpg


Finally, the new nose was placed for effect (it still needs to be stripped):

http://images59.fotki.com/v426/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop30-vi.jpg


The passenger side apron needs to be tackled, but progress can still be seen.

[ChrisL]

Looking killer Bill!

[kapracing]

Progress is a great thing ! Keep it up :-) She's lookin good Bill ...
Hope to make some more on the 92 GSP this week.

[28HopUp]

The dent on the driver's side rocker is getting some attention -

http://images58.fotki.com/v511/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop34-vi.jpg

http://images50.fotki.com/v1559/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop35-vi.jpg

http://images51.fotki.com/v299/photos/1/1804951/11110193/Shop36-vi.jpg


:)

[ChrisL]

Great progress!

[CHP8336]

Looking Great Bill !!!

[John10608]

S W E E E E T deal Bill !

[28HopUp]

Since that 1993 SMPV popped up for sale, I figured that I would give y'all an update on my 85 SMPV. The car hasn't made much progress since the Summer, but we now have a plan to move it forward. Two body-guys have looked it over closely and measured it. The car is bent up pretty badly. The passenger shock tower needs to be pulled, and the apron fixed. But the cowl also has an arch to it from being hit, and the front pillar where the door is hinged is also outa whack. So the car will be farmed out to another body shop to straighten the frame. That should happen in January, and then it will go back to shop #1 to have the new apron installed and the engine compartment painted. Then the body (about 90% done) will be blocked, primed, and painted.

I have a line on an 85 GT that I need to have shipped here ;), and it will be used as a donor car for its drivetrain and harnesses. Once I have that installed I will turn my attention to the interior. It will not be ready by the 50th, but it will be looking like a car again by then. :)

[kapracing]

Glad to hear your making progress :-)

Progress is GOOD!

[nighthawk756]

That's awesome Bill!! It's great that progress is getting made on it!!

SMPV or not, I sure hope you can find a way to make it down to Charlotte! It'd be nice to have you.

[kapracing]

That's awesome Bill!! It's great that progress is getting made on it!!

SMPV or not, I sure hope you can find a way to make it down to Charlotte! It'd be nice to have you.

X's 2

[John10608]

Congrats Bill ! Glad to hear you are working on it !
Can't wait to see pictures.
Happy New Year !
John

[chp1982]

Bill,
I found this picture on Ebay and was curious if you had seen it and if this is your ride?

[28HopUp]

Thanks for posting that! The car in the photo is the only SMPV Mustang that the CHP painted silver & white during that first year of the program - #E408445. The other four Mustangs (with at least one Mustang being an 84) were all painted white with black lower bumpers front and back. I bought that photo for my collection. :)

[28HopUp]

There's not much to update, but progress, albeit it slow, is still progress. The shock tower and cowl were pulled and put back square. The passenger side apron in front of the shock tower is now cut out, and the replacement panel will go in soon. The 85 GT parts car is safely stowed away for future use. I just put it in my name, so Rich will not be getting any more notices from California DMV. ;)

[kapracing]

Good deal progress is progress ;)

[nighthawk756]

Good to hear! Slow progress is still progress. Can't wait to see some pics. :thumbsup:

[CHP8336]

Hang in there Bill.... restoring car is not an easy task. I'm sure the car will be beautiful when you're finished. I'm very happy this car is in great hands.

[mac88chp]

Good to hear! Slow progress is still progress. Can't wait to see some pics. :thumbsup:

Hang in there Bill.... restoring car is not an easy task. I'm sure the car will be beautiful when you're finished. I'm very happy this car is in great hands.

X2 :thumbsup:

[28HopUp]

Thanks guys. With Jack in college now, my "fun money" is limited. But I figure I can slowly advance the progress without letting it languish as an unfinished project that sits untouched and tarped in the corner of the garage. I will get some pictures together and posted...

[28HopUp]

As an update, the rusted-out apron under the battery has been replaced, and the SMPV should be in epoxy primer shortly. If all goes well it will be coming back to my garage this week. I will be taking plenty of pictures of it, as well as the 85 GT parts car from Rich.

[nighthawk756]

As an update, the rusted-out apron under the battery has been replaced, and the SMPV should be in epoxy primer shortly. If all goes well it will be coming back to my garage this week. I will be taking plenty of pictures of it, as well as the 85 GT parts car from Rich.

WooHoo! Can't wait to see the progress! :thumbsup:

[John10608]

Good job Bill. Can't wait to see the pictures !

[28HopUp]

OK guys. Here is a teaser picture, with the car having been shot in epoxy primer. I have more in-progress photos that I need to sort through. I will probably upload them to my Fotki album. I helped Kris block sand it last night, and the car was sprayed again with _____ primer (I forget what he called it). The fenders and bumper will be hung today, and the electrical stuff installed back on the fender apron which was replaced. The car should be back under its own power again, and coming back to my garage (in primer) within the next day or so.

[mac88chp]

Nice...keep at it and keep 'em coming!

[kapracing]

Bill,
She's lookin' good :2thumbs:

More pics though !!!!:D

[28HopUp]

I spent some time going through my picture folder, and updating my Fotki album, as seen here -

http://public.fotki.com/28HopUp/1985-chp-e408383-smpv/


I added comments as needed under many of the photos. Some of them dart in and out of being chronologically correct, but it shows the general progress of the car so far. I also changed the link in my signature to take you to the Fotki album. I expect to take more picture once the car comes home, and then also of the 1985 GT parts car I bought from Rich/CHP8336. :)

[MOstang]

Progress is always good...your SMPV was all white, Bill?

[28HopUp]

Mike, the CHP took the car out of patrol duty and repainted it white, except for the lower portion of both bumpers which they left black. Here is an in-service picture of my car -

http://www.specialservicemustang.net/VINlist/CHP/1985CHP234896A/85-234896pic1.jpg

[MOstang]

Thanks, that will be a very unique SSP!

[John10608]

It's coming along nicely Bill ! Great pictures.
A lot of work, but it will be well worth it when finished !

I can't wait to see it when it is finished !

[28HopUp]

Kris dropped off the SMPV last night. That's the 85 GT parts car next to it. It's nice to have the SMPV back, although I find it ironic that the two worst cars I own are parked INSIDE, while the better iron sits in the driveway exposed to the elements. I won't complain, since many of my neighbors cannot fit a single car in their garages because they are filled with junk.

The weather is turning sour this week, but I will take more pictures over the next few days as time and sunlight allow. :)

[mac88chp]

It's nice to have the SMPV back, although I find it ironic that the two worst cars I own are parked INSIDE, while the better iron sits in the driveway exposed to the elements. Yep, I can relate to that! I found myself in the same position while working on my SSP. Worse yet, a freak hailstorm, the likes never seen along the coast where I was living, hit while my other rides sat unprotected outside! Luckily no damage to anything but what a heart attack to get awaken in the middle of the night with that event.

http://media.fotki.com/1_p,frtsbdwqtqkdfqxstkbkdwsrgwg,vi/ddbrgwfdk/4/438439/3322350/10Mar06-vi.jpg

[nighthawk756]

Woohoo! She's not "out of sight, out of mind" anymore Bill! :D

J/K, glad she's back under your roof now. Keep the pics coming!

[28HopUp]

It's nice having the car back. I uploaded more photos in Fotki album, which is linked in my signagture. Worth noting is the following picture of the CHP decals I recently purchased from John -

http://images45.fotki.com/v1310/photos/1/1804951/13428015/parts01-vi.jpg


These really look great! Thank you, sir! :)

I also wanted to post a photo of the parts car, which I bought from Rich as noted earlier in this thread -

http://images108.fotki.com/v1629/photos/1/1804951/13428015/IMG25-vi.jpg


The restoration of the SMPV will be much easier with the parts car! ;) And finally, a picture of the two cars after driving them back into the garage -

http://images43.fotki.com/v1439/photos/1/1804951/11110193/IMG_20141116_141511_396-vi.jpg

[28HopUp]

I wanted to provide an update on this unique SSP. A few years ago, I sold it and the 85 GT parts car to Jim/NoDrama. It was again sold to a gentleman in Arkansas, who was not active on the forum or social media. He now is comfortable posting about the car on FB, and intends to restore it to its former glory. I hope he joins here so he can update this thread as the project moves forward.

[chp1982]

That’s good to hear, Bill. It’s always nice to know where they all are.

[MOstang]

Always fun when cars pop back up after being out of sight for so long.