1982 CHP Mustang E870255

[mac88chp]

Wow, they paid a whole $225 to repaint your car. Perfect illustration of what you got with that service - not much!

The installation of a vinyl top is interesting, wonder how many of those they did?

[28HopUp]

I think the number shown in the row for a vinyl top is actually the total $$$ spent on the vehicle reconditioning/repaint.

[NoDrama43]

Correct. Mine is the same. The paint and repairs add up to the vinyl top price.

[Steve]

Well, the search for 870255 has come to an end. Didn't take long; the vehicle still exists---or at least part of it does.

I called the shop that last smogged the veh in 2001, and they were able to put me in touch with the owner. I called and talked with him, and he still has the car. Or what's left of it.

A number of years ago, he was driving on a mountain road at night when a fox ran out into the road into his path. He swerved to avoid it and struck a concrete utility fixture, severely damaging the body and suspension. Being unibody construction, there wasn't much he could do with the body. He pulled out all the running gear and put it into another 1982 Mustang body. He says it was a lot of work, but he liked the car so much he did it. Along the way, the car has been through three transmissions and two differentials. Yeah, they had fun with it (sounds like they ran it a lot harder than I did). He bought the car from his Nephew for $300 in 2000. Can you imagine that?

Anyway, I am going to visit him, see the car, and show him the pics. But at this point, I'm not feeling like trying to buy it or do anything with it. I think a completely new body takes it out of the restoration realm. Really, only the engine is the same at this point. I juts don't see how it can be worth it.

What do you guys think?

[ImEvil1]

I'm glad you were able to find out about the car, but sad that the news wasn't better. If anyone deserved to find and restore it, it was definitely you.

Appropriate that it was another story from you as well.

I'd try to buy it, just for the engine. I'd clean it up, mount it on an engine stand, and keep it in my garage on display.

[chp1982]

I am really sorry about that. I suppose the chances were slim that any of it still existed but I do hope you get to salvage something from it, if not the whole car. Best of luck.

[Wolfe1013]

Steve, I'm really sorry to hear how the story turned out. But what a quick search it was. About the fastest I've heard of.

You've found a new family here and we welcome your input as much as you can provide. Maybe he saved something that you can have as a momento to add to your photos, or maybe you can buy what's left.

Keep us posted on your reunion. This is the opposite of what I've always heard and done - the driver is searching out the car. I'm searching out the driver. Found one - my Colorado State Patrol Camaro - now I need to find the other one for my '82 CHP.

I missed my '95 Mustang GT so much that I ran a carfax on it a few years ago. It sat for a while at the dealership, then finally sold and went to Mississippi. It was reported stolen, then recovered with moderate damage. It sat idle for at least a year or more, then finally was registered and titled again. I was heartbroken. I took such good care of that car and had the inside looking so new that the dealership didn't have to do anything to ready it for sale when I traded her in. I don't know that I would want to see her today. Part of me really wants her back and if I had the space and the funds, I would track her down. It would be a tearful reunion and restoration.

So, best of luck to you.

Greg

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by ImEvil1

I'd try to buy it, just for the engine. I'd clean it up, mount it on an engine stand, and keep it in my garage on display.

I tend to agree, but you'll need to see the car for yourself to determine if you think the damage is repairable or not. Bring your camera with you to take pictures. It is a very special car to you, so you will need to determine how much you're willing to take on. If it is too far gone, ask the seller for a momento.

[ImEvil1]

Originally Posted by 28HopUp

I tend to agree, but you'll need to see the car for yourself to determine if you think the damage is repairable or not.

I think the original car is gone....and the drivetrain from it was swapped into the car Steve found.