86 CHP #3852

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by Ford-Dealer

Ummmm... I am confused. All the pix of the 1986 CHP SSPs HAD door mouldings. Please advise?

Thanks!

David

David,

The rubber moldings on the doors were not installed on the CHP cars, which allowed the logo/lettering to be put on the doors. The door has a horizontal ridge along the molding line, which you can see in this in-service shot of a 1986 CHP Mustang -




...but the door molding isn't installed on the CHP Mustangs. There are add'l pictures in our CHP picture gallery.

Originally Posted by Ford-Dealer

As far as the restoration is concerned, yes, I am conflicted. Part of me wants to paint her black/white, however part of me doesn't. In a way, I feel that I am doing her an injustice by painting her black/white. I am a LEO here in TX, and with that comes the ability to work traffic control duties (Off Duty Work), for lane closures, construction etc.... My intent is to put her back "In Service" performing those types of duties.

I do not know what the requirements are in your area for using a personal vehicle during off-duty traffic control, but it sounds like that is your intention with your new SSP. You will need to ensure that you are operating your vehicle within the constraints of the local/state laws. LEO or not, you will be inviting the interest of other LEO's (i.e. getting stopped) if your car has visible lights if they're not allowed. As I recall, you had been planning to repaint the car all-black, but with the correct lights. Just be aware of your public perception while operating your classic/antique police car. There have been some incidents where the owners used poor judgment while operating their former police cars on public roadways which could have ended badly for the hobby in general, and for those owners in particular.

[Ford-Dealer]

In regards to the TX state laws regarding OFF DUTY use of personal motor vehicles for the purposes of TRAFFIC CONTROL/FUNERAL ESCORTs, we are REQUIRED to have "POLICE" markings on the cars. We are also REQUIRED to have 360 degree of warning lights with RED being required, and BLUE/AMBER being optional. Most officers have picked up retired CVPIs, and use them, while others use misc. vehicle types. I understand that most of you don't know this, however, in TX, construction companies are REQUIRED to hire Full-Time Off Duty Peace Officers to perform traffic control duties on job sites where 'Lane Closure(s)", or normal flow of traffic is to be interupted for periods of time. So how is this RETARDED? I am a little taken aback by your comment. I feel it was uncalled for at best. The side jobs pay between $25-$35 an hour, and will PAY for the restoration in no time. (Or Re-Pay) as I am restoring her first... LOL

As far as the restoration is concerned, I have decided to stick to the "ALL BLACK" route. I am otherwise, going to equip it with the correct CHP gear that was used in 1986.

Another "Bright Spot" is that Chris has graciously allowed me to retain her TX Vanity plates that he had for her. They read "86 CHP" and are in the new Black/White "Lone Star State" style, which will look killer on her when she is all black.

I am open to hearing differing opinions here.

[ChrisL]

As we discussed before David, you aren't doing anything to the car that isn't easily reversible. When I purchased the car, I planned on repainting it all black as well to use as a driver as I didn't want a black/white car for daily use (drawing too much attention). So you are continuing with my original goal for the car anyway, with the added super-cool perk of putting it back in duty. All of that said, it wouldn't take any time for the next person who owns the car to repaint the doors white and the roof and they are good to go. And for everyone's info, I showed David where the unit number is on the door so he will take special care to not have that covered.

And I'm glad you'll get to use the plates, I purchased them in those colors specifically because I knew the car would be black or black/white someday and the black/white plates would look killer. Can't wait to see some progress pictures!

[ImEvil1]

David,

Your car, and your call. We've had some pretty decent threads going on here in recent times, and all are encouraged to share their OPINIONS without name calling or childish remarks.

Personally, if I were in your situation, I'd find a much-newer and more disposable Crown Vic and use it. If someone smashes into it at a construction EJ, as an example, you probably wouldn't care too much. The Mustang, on the other hand, is not as easily replaced. I know....odds are that nothing like that would ever happen...but there's still a chance.

[mac88chp]

Originally Posted by ImEvil1

David,

Your car, and your call. We've had some pretty decent threads going on here in recent times, and all are encouraged to share their OPINIONS without name calling or childish remarks.

Personally, if I were in your situation, I'd find a much-newer and more disposable Crown Vic and use it. If someone smashes into it at a construction EJ, as an example, you probably wouldn't care too much. The Mustang, on the other hand, is not as easily replaced. I know....odds are that nothing like that would ever happen...but there's still a chance.

My thoughts exactly. Why put an antique and not so easily replaced vehicle at such risk? And by the way, I worked for a national heavy civil construction firm for a number of years and can tell you first hand that collisions in highway work zones, esp. at night, were frighteningly frequent. States where we experienced high numbers included Texas...

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by Ford-Dealer

In regards to the TX state laws regarding OFF DUTY use of personal motor vehicles for the purposes of TRAFFIC CONTROL/FUNERAL ESCORTs, we are REQUIRED to have "POLICE" markings on the cars. We are also REQUIRED to have 360 degree of warning lights with RED being required, and BLUE/AMBER being optional.

David, obviously the original CHP rear deck lights and Ruby Red spotlight will not satisfy the requirement in Texas for 360* warning lights. So you will need to use supplemental lighting, not only to meet the letter of the law, but also to improve your visibility (and safety) around other drivers. In addition to safety concerns, you should give some consideration to your comfort. The Mustang seats are not comfy for a long stretch. Is your 25yo A/C system up to the task of keeping you cool in warm weather for an entire overtime assignment? Is your car's cooling system going to keep the engine from overheating while idling for an extended period?

I'm just throwing ideas out there for you to consider.