1986 Utah SSP Rescue

[86UtahSSP]

Bill,
Thanks for the add. The guy I purchased this one from supposedly had a second 86 Utah SSP. Maybe he will share some pics or info on that one if I reach back out.

brinkjm,
I bought most of the parts from Rock Auto. They seem to have the cheapest price point, however they ship from multiple hubs causing shipping charges from each hub that is ordered from. Otherwise, LMR and CJ's have exactly what you need. I admittedly got hung up on the difference between rotors from 86-87, which resulted in bearing and seal differences. So little to no money saved in the learning process, but that's what this was about.

Thanks to everyone following along the process. Hoping to bring the car to Carlisle and Foxtoberfest.

[86UtahSSP]

I was working on some documentation/cataloging and stumbled upon some factory stamps on the fenders and hood that I am unfamiliar with. Any thoughts?

I still have VIN stamps on the inner fenders which was nice, considering it has had front end damage from an accident. Also, I still had the T5 tag that seems to be correct as a June 23, 1986 3rd shift build (F2363). I could definitely be wrong though. Overall I was just checking for originality of what's left. I would like to remove the interior at some point to check for a build sheet.

Where else should I check for factory codes/stamps?

[Cobra Jet]

The stampings you see on the topside of the fenders (inside edge with hood open) and the Ford oval - those are the date stampings of the sheet metal. Those are genuine original Ford parts put on the vehicle as it went down the line.

The one pic where you see an additional flat piece of steel and numbers on it under the fender - depending on where it’s located (hard to tell in your image), but if it’s forward towards the front nose cone, that is the winglet that is welded to the inner fender structure and contains the last few digits of the actual VIN. There should be one on each side at the front of the car and are visible if you remove the fenders. If you remove the black plastic inner front wheel liners you can see those winglets, but won’t be able to really read the VIN if the fenders are still on.

This is a thread I posted over on Corral a few years back that contains A LOT of the info for where all the VIN’s should be and coding etc. It’s too lengthy to repost here, but there’s additional info posted by others too which is helpful for any Fox Mustang research.
https://www.corral.net/threads/ultim...#post-18639446

[86UtahSSP]

Cobra Jet,

Thank you for the info, sir. It was very informative. It sounds like aside from verifying the transmission date stamping on the housing and the topside rear VIN on the engine block, I probably have found everything that remains. I was able to locate the build sheet under the rear passenger carpet. Just the outline remains. I could only make out the last 5 digits of the VIN and most of the transmission code.

[Cobra Jet]

Glad the info helped.

At least you found a partial of the build sheet! Take pics of what remains of it, it’s still documentation to keep with the car.

How’s the restoration coming along or work your doing with the car? Have any recent pics to share?

[86UtahSSP]

No good updates since the brakes were finished. I think I decided on an LMR rack and pinion to replace my leaking unit, but I still need to order it. I slowly started cleaning interior trim pieces as I removed them to find the build sheet. Considering the significant improvement in weather, I may clean the carpet and remove the dash. I want to install an OEM AM/FM radio and a replacement seat belt chime.

[86UtahSSP]

Power steering update. I have removed everything except for the pump. I decided to go with a reman rack. I am hoping to reassemble over the next week or so. Parts list below:

BBB Rack and Pinion
Dorman Pump Reservoir
Edelmann Pressure and Return Lines
LMR Power Steering Cooler Tube
BBB inline filter
Dorman Rag Joint
HPS stainless hose clamps
Moog Outer Tie Rods

Interior update. I pulled the carpet and cleaned that up. I want to touch up some rust on the floor boards before I reinstall the carpet. I was able to fit an OEM radio back in, but can't get the it to mount properly. I also replaced the seat belt chime. I would like to get the worn headliner out before I get the interior put back together. Ill add some photos tomorrow.

[86UtahSSP]

I have been a little behind and haven’t gotten anything installed yet. Hopeful that it’ll get done this week. I’m not sure why, but I’m overly concerned about leaks from the lines connected to the rack. Probably due to all the posts and articles saying how easy the threads are to cross thread and/or strip. Hoping I get it right the first time. Thanks for following along.