Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

I am going for a real "Raven" interior as Raven's are black...not blue.  I will update as I install pieces in the car.  First thing is dashpad, headliner, and carpet.  I redid the headliner first.  It is pretty easy actually.  Get the material from JoAnn's (2 yards)and you will need 2 cans of 3M Headliner($11ea) glue from Autozone....total cost @$50.  Just got the carpet and dashpad today. They were about $240.  I got a can of interior plastic paint from Autozone to try, and it works really well.  It's not too shiny, but looks like it is Armorall'd, and it doesn't scratch off.  First pics are the starting point.  It may take me awhile but at least it's a start.

couple more pics.  Man it is sooooooo tempting to throw a cage in there.

Cool!! keep us all updated with lots of pics :D

I don't know how one even gets the dash removed like that...and reinstalled. How do you get the wires through the area behind the instrument cluster and how do you remember what goes where?! No amount of pictures can help that...

PRACTISE!  Just take your time, label EVERY connector(I mark each side of every connector I pull apart with a permanent marker and number), take LOTS of digital pics so you can blow them up on the puter, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, keep in good graces with people on this website so when you screw it up you can ask questions! ;)

I've replaced all of my interior as well.Holy ,what a c,but,if you're not on a time schedule,and you just take your time,not that bad in the long run.I did the "number marking" system as well.Makes things fall together a LOT easier.Good luck,and keep the pics posted as you go.

You can order new carpet for our cars? Or did you get some used stuff?

New carpet is readily available.I got dark graphite for mine a few years ago.I'll probably swap it after the seats are recovered.It'll depend on the color I end up choosing.Go to Ebay and look up (Thunderbird Carpet". Companies will pop right up for you. One piece pre molded.You do have to cut the holes for the bolts to the seats and power seat harness and console harness if you have one.

Hey, that looks familiar..lol. Did the same thing on my old Cougar.


(http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/1994/3081/4984040020_medium.jpg)
 (http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/1/1994/3081/4984040019_medium.jpg)

 
 
Look at the pictures early in my resto thread. I am a master at removing and installing the dash. When I settled on using a modified to fit 1994-04 Mustang dash in my Bird, I managed to wire up the Mustang instrument cluster to function with all it's extra gauges with absolutely no difficulty. I was also able to wire up the late model audio system and add a keyless entry system. I even was able to do away with the factory joystick power antenna control switch and wire a three wire Mustang convertible top switch to operate with relays so that the up and down function of the power antenna would have isolated circuits.
 
I am at the point that I sorta laugh when people scoff at the idea of removing a complete dash as I have really taken for granted the skill I have to disassemble anything and put it back together without screws missing or extra screws leftoever. It's an aquired skill and not so much for the inexperienced but you learn by doing even if you make a few mistakes along the way. Every time you do something sucessfully you gain confidence that you can tackle something bigger.
 
Apart:
 
(http://forums.themustangsource.com/gallery/files/1/0/5/6/2/5/may_2009_f1.jpg)
 
All rust removed and painted black:
 
(http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=19885&stc=1&d=1244600734)
 
Original Dash Reinstalled:
 
(http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=20888&stc=1&d=1253373007)
 
1994-04 Dash Installed:
 
 
 
(http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23518&stc=1&d=1276872693)

It's fine outside of the few issues of where the harness attaches to the dash and I have no idea right now how they routed certain pieces of harness. I'd like to do the de-rusting thing also at some point. I figure if it can easily be done by working on it daily for 2-4 hours a day, within a month, then the job's not all that bad.

The headliner and dash are back in.

Nice work,now for all the little stuff.

Looking good :D

I gotta figure out how to re-cover the visors.  I painted all the interior pieces today, but I am waiting to put it all together cuz I have decided to but a 6 point bar inside.

the material just wraps around 1 side and pushes into the slot on the outer edges

some more pics
carpet is in ans some dash stuff painted. Oh, and I ordered an 8 pt cage from Jegs!!!!!!!!  Always wanted a 5pt harness and a cage.

Wow, pretty quick progress.  Any hard-to-replace parts break along the way?

Nice work so far. Are you going to do something with the glove box door? Did you install sound proofing on the roof? I just installed it everywhere. It made a great difference.

Nice work!  One of these days I'm going to redo my interior.

That black you went with looks very nice.  It will be an oven in the summer, though (my 'stang has black interior).

These threads make me glad all I have to do is replace the carpet at some point and install a dash top.

Well, several pieces have broken tabs, so they arent pristine, but most are hidden.  What I found with the dash cap is that you have to trim the speaker covers to make them fit.  Just waiting on my roll bar now and I will finish up, as everything is painted.  I need to redo the seats and door panels, so that may be awhile. I dyed the backseat, but hate the texture it leaves.

Looking forward to see the cage inside, i have plans for a cage in my own 87 T-Bird. Do you or anyone else know if a Mustang cage can be used in a T-Bird? Im thinking of a bolt-in cagefor my car....

Vegar

I would think that the interior cabin would be longer than a Stang's by 5 or 6 inches.

Idk about you, but I think white face gauges would look awesome in that black interior....

OH yeah, I got my eye on a set of phantom gauges.  I want to get a set of mechanical gauges set against black plastic.  I an gonna replace the clock with one as well.  Hopefully these pics are more clear...

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I just mocked these pieces in temporarily.

Couple of cage pics.  I've never done this before so gonna take my time.  How much gap should there be between the hoop and roof?  My concern is how to weld on the rear braces and not burn up the headliner.  I'm not sure if I can even remove it beforehand and get it back in.

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Now,what drive train is in this car?

2.3...the head is being built right now.  Soon as that's done I have an he-351 ready to go.  It's a 5-speed car w/3.73 gears.  I am hoping for @325-350 hp.  After the interior and engine are done, I am going to build a griggs or MM suspension.

Nice !!!

This thread horrifies me. I think I'd get sick if I saw the inside of my car like this. This is time consuming on a WHOLE other scale, lol.

Mine looked like that a few weeks ago.It only takes a couple of hours to bolt everything in.It looks worse than it is.LOL.

On another note...is the interior black and the headliner blue,or is it a camera trick?

wich paint did you use? it looks very glossy

yeah, that is weird...it is definitely black.  The paint is from Autozone...Gloss Black.  It's not bad, and I wont need any armorall. The camera makes it look shinier than it is.

I remove the back tray and cut out some braces on the package tray.  Does anyone know what that black box is on the far right?  The car doesn't have ride control or ABS so if anyone wants one of the computers let me know. I have several of each.  And, no...the rear seat is not going back in...I have a plan.  Evil laugh!

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the black box on the drivers side is the Keyless entry module

Rear seat delete with a carpeted panel that also folds down???

Cool thanks hypostang, I WILL be keeping that option.
Vinnie, nearly.  A carpeted rear seat delete with speakers and an amp or 2. I was thinking of a good sized Thunderbird emblem in the upper middle. I dont want it to be tacky though, this is something I want to take to show eventually.  I was pricing redoing my seats and for the same money I decided to get these.
http://www.corbeau.com/products/reclining_seats/cr1/

I had, at one time, thought about going with a set of seats like those,but, I REALLY like the Sport seats,and the upholstery shop said they could do all of my seats (TC style with the arm rest) for $550.00. I'll take them up on it when the time comes.

As far as amps and big speakers,I can't do it. I've seen them in other cars,and when they turn the stereo up so loud,I can't make out what they're saying anyway,so I decided to keep a nice stereo that was all function and I could here it over the exhaust. Now with the sound deadener,I can keep it a little lower. I also don't like the thumping sounds.I hear thumping and rattling cars. It is up to the owner though. I can only apply my ideas and opinions to my own Thunderbird. I'm big on function.

upholstery is easy, as long as you can work a sewing machine.. you just cut the stitches on the old stuff and use it as a pattern.. it was easy enough that i was able to teach myself how to do it lol

I am hoping to bolt them to my exiting power seat rails.  Vinnie, I know what ya mean, but this isnt gonna be one of those thump machines.  I prefer nice and clean. It wont have subwoofers, just some really good infinty's. I am 43, some things are past my age! I prefer Bach to Eminem anyway.
I am sure upholstery is easy, but these seats have like 30 pieces and that Corbeau is just soooo sweet looking.
I was thinking, on the door panels, the side bar will not interfere with anything, but has anyone done a Mustang style door release?  I am thinking a flat profile on the new door panels.

I'm 43 as well. LOL. I do like your plan for the car. The seats you chose are nice,plus,with those,and no back seats, no worries about matching them together. The Sport seats I like simply because for me,I haven't found a more comfy seat when they are "right" with new foam and covers. I'm on hold for some of the bigger stuff...like seats and window tint. The Sport's funds are depleted for now.Maybe I can pocket a few bucks this month for the windows.We'll see.LOL. Christmas is near,new furniture,and a new TV,that's all in the month of December.That should pretty much wipe out my bonus check.

Yeah, after the cage is finished, I am probably done for the year.  My wife calls it the scaffolding. LOL I remember seeing the first 87 at a car show in Columbus @86 and I have been in love since.  I honestly wouldn't take a new car over these things(money being equal of course).  BTW, I need a pair of power seat switches if you have them.  And the oval and round plastic panels on the passenger side engine bay.

I have those. Send me your address with anote of what you need.

Did Ford change the seat mount bolt pattern from 86 to 87/88?  Corbeau's catalog for adapters stops at 86 and skips to the MN-12.  My guess is no, but....
Also, I found a lot of surface rust on the floor pans, so I ended up sing all the sound deadner off and spraying it with Ospho.  Luv that stuff, you can buy it at ACE.  It kills rust.

Looking good...I can relate to the scaffolding comment.  Sounds like something I would hear.

sloppyjoe,
Are you the guy I talked to on craigslist?

Yea...That's me.

well, no progress really.  I prepped the floor pan and cut the plates ready for welding.  Howevr, my "welder" isnt very  reliable.

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still no update, BUT, the guy welding in the cage came over and we had a look.  He will be by soon and hopefully the cage will be in before the new year.  I will do a step by step w/photos in case anyone else plans on doing the same. I am stoked, gonna look cool...I hope.  Big plans for the rear seat delete as well.

my welder buddy is coming over tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hopefully we'll get the whole thing in!  Pics to come.

Just a little food for thought.  your side bars are to low for NHRA Tech and the floor plates need to be
6x6 according to the NHRA tech.  Just incase you aregoing to drag race the car.

 I've also seen guys cut a hole in the floor and drop the bar down to be able to weld the the rear
bars all the way around them.

 Just wanting you to be informed.

Thanks fastcat....it's more just for the street.  The side bars are a lot higher, I couldnt really fit the other bars til the hoop was tacked in.  We finished it up last nite, so picks to come.  It looks good, but needs paint, as soon as it warms up a bit.  Sheesh, I thought I lived in Florida!

All right, everything went pretty smooth.  I bought a welding blanket and used some of the fiberglass insulation off the old carpet to buffer against the heat when welding the back braces on.  You just drape the blanket over the hoop. Other than that, you just need a second person to keep a spray bottle handy as the undercoating doesnt like heat. LOL  Now I just got to start putting the trim back on and design some new door panels and a rear seat delete package tray.

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The cage is painted and the carpet is in.  Now just have to save up for seats and door panels.

couple more..

To be honest,it looks really cool (and I must say,I had thought about one for the Sport at one point)...,but for a street driven daily driver kind of car,it seems really impractical. I just can't see myself climbing over a bar like that all the time. With the bar on the driver side in relation to the steering wheel,it looks like a tough entry and a worse egress. Are you a little guy? I'd like to see pics of it when you get the seats in,and hear how it all works out. Have you had a seat in there since the bar was installed?

vinnie,
It's the most impractical thing I could have done, and that's what makes it so fun for me.  I am bored of practical. Been washin' and wipin kids for too long and I just wanted to do something stoopid.  I am 6'3 and 240, but I can deal with it and I get some exercise.  Besides that, I am gonna get one of those NASCAR quick release wheels.  BTW, this is not my DD.

we had a seat in before we welded it so I had it positioned to how I like to drive.

LOL. I have to imagine you at over 6 foot trying to get in and out. I'm 6 even and would probably end up in a chiropractor's office. LOL. How is the rear seat going in,or,are you going rear seat delete?

Dude, Nascar style. Just exit through the window. shiznit, why not delete the driver window and replace it with a net?  :)

More like Bo and Luke Duke. LOL
I found a guy today who is going to do the rear package tray, and door panels for me.  He is also going to do the rear seat delete.  I am thinking about how I want it to look, but in the middle will be a good sized T-bird emblem....I was thinking the 1958 version.  He will blend it all in to follow the curves of the rear trim pieces.  As far as the door panels, the only thing I am going to keep are the pull straps, I want it to be unrecognizable from stock.  I am putting in mustang style door latches, and getting rid of the whole arm piece.  The door lock switch will go in a custom plastic or billet frame, and I need to find a car with a flat door light to use. It will have a round speaker grill and I want to embroider a script tbird like the 65 model in the upper middle somewhere.

I started messing around with the door panels today.  Those are 89 mustang handles.  It took a minimal amount of cutting the door panel out to make it fit.  Other than that, I went to Lowes and got 2 sections of 3/16" rod to extend the release handle.  If anyone has any ideas on reskinning the door panel, I'd like to hear 'em!!

with the panel on...

I hit the j/y today and found these....the lights are from a Lincoln, and the speaker covers are from a Hyundai.  I think I will have one redone Monday.

Lookin good man!!!  Hats off to you, that is a ton of work..

Thanks!  I found a great big piece of the heater ducting I forgot to put back in, so I had to pull the dash out again...DOH!

Monday, fingers crossed...the door panels will be done. I'm not good at keepin secrets so here is a sneak peek.  The script T-bird is gonna be dark grey and the width of the pull strap.  The vinyl area is this cool marine grade vinyl that looks like carbon fiber.  The carpet will match the floor carpet and there will be dark grey piping to match the tbird script.  I am anxious to see it on the car.

here is the vinyl I am using.

That´s good work!

It sounds really cool. I can't wait to see the results. I'm very curious how they are going to look.

Millions of people out of work and I give an upholstery shop a job and these ass clowns cant even get 2 door panels done in 3 f'ing weeks! I am stompin mad.  I called em up and told  them to be ready by wenesday or give me the originals back.  There better not be one freaking stitch out of place.  grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Bummer. I hope they get 'em done for you. I am itching to see how they look. It sounds fantastic.

I had an idea today...I hate the quarter window molding as it is pitted badly, so I was thinking of having one of the boat rebuilding dudes make me a fiberglass sail panel that will fit perfectly flush all the way around where the window is.  I got an overall idea for the car and it is very NASCAR inspired.  If I do it, it will have ducts to the rear brakes. This is my ultimate model.

Well here they are. I am happy overall, but have a few nitpicks.  I still have to put the door lock switch in and that is it.  They didnt use the vinyl I picked out. Major foul.  Wont go back probably.

Looks great!! :bowdown:

Looks pretty nice. WTF, they didn't use your vinyl??????

I was going to do a gauge pod, but it was gonna be over $500.  So instead I got these.

That's a lot of work done. How much longer til you're finished? Looking good, Mang.

thanks Vin. If you mean the interior, I need seats, a steering wheel, and the rear delete done. Then it's on to the 5 lug conversion.  It'll be a year to get it all done.....funds allowing.  I am sanding down the body for paint, and the engine is in work.  I have to send off the holset for some mods and save up for all the engine goodies. 
  This is pretty funny...when i turn on the lights or work the dimmer switch...the fuel pump primes.  I cant wait to figure that one out!

Yep, you have a plate full.LOL. What kind of steering wheel and seats are you going with?I looked and looked, and can't find any seats I like better than the Sport seats the Sport  has now. I'm going to have them recovered, but I just love them.

Seats are gonna be corbeau lg1's and I want a grant evolution wheel w/quick release hub.  I know they aint street legal, but really, i f dudes trust em a 200 mph then i aint gonna sweat it.

You sir are epic win :) keep up the good work , looks good

thanks shannun.  I am originally from Columbus...used to pass Chilocothe on the way to granny's house in KY.  I remember that stinky ole paper plant...LOL  Do they still do the Tespoogeseh outdoor theater?

yeah it still stinks here and yes they still do that outdoor drama thing from what i know...
if you were to restore the insides of someone elses car how much do you thing it would set them back? :)

well, depends on what all someone would want done.  Mine has gone from a restoration to custom. LOL

Well I have been saving up for some seats, and saw these on Craigslist.  They are half the price of the Corbeau's I want, and look pretty cool. I think i am gonna go for them.  I will just pull the frame off and mate it up to my stock power seat frames..if possible.  Not mad on the grey, but maybe one of the local shops can dye them? 

http://pensacola.craigslist.org/pts/2528349745.html

Nice seats. Will they fit right? I have questioned dyeing seats like that. I'd be afraid that the dye would rub off or "scratch".

Here are the seats...now just have to make brackets.  They are ed comfortable.  I am going to try and mate them to the stock power seat tracks.
Not good pics...it's a cell phone.

great work man!
let us know if you want to unload those behind the seat computers.

thanks!  I got so much stuff laying around, what were you looking for?  I have a couple ride control and abs computers available.
Also, I may have several seat brackets made, so if anyone else wants to put some 05 and newer mustang seats in you'll have brackets.

Preliminary results looks like the seat will mount to the TC seat frame with a minimum off fuss....AKA drill four new holes and bolt em on.  All ya gotta do is loosen up the tabs holding the fabric to the frame, and loosen up the 4 bolts(15MM).

I swapped the seat tracks over, and all ya gotta do is center the TC track on the Mustang seat rails, drill 4 new holes and bolt em in.  Clearance is perfect, height is perfect.  Saved me mad cash from buying new seats, plus the requisite $100 a piece brackets.

Slow progress, but got some motivation back this week. Ordered a Grant GT wheel with quick release hub, and will order some 5 point harnesses next.

Hey, any progress is GOOD progress !! lol.

Very nice!!  Love the door panels.

do you have a part # for the quick release wheel and some side pictures, does it make the wheel stick out more??

thx cougarman...
the quick release # is a Grant 3025.  It sticks out a bit, yes....3/4" maybe?  I will post a pic later.

thanks

I just gotta ask, why would you delete all of that stuff, but use the stock power seat tracks? They probably weigh 40lbs or more each.

Great progress, looking good.

I just gotta ask, why would you delete all of that stuff, but use the stock power seat tracks? They probably weigh 40lbs or more each.

Great progress, looking good.

I haven't deleted anything...except the back seat.  I just thought the Mustang seats were cool, and they bolted right up, so I went with the path of least resistance...

I like the progress you've made. I like the power seats myself. I wanted to get new front seats then realized how much I really like the Sport seats, so, they will be re-covered. Again, keep up the great work and keep us posted on the progress.

I am starting to build the rear seat delete.  I got the bottom tray finished.  It hinges so I can  get to the speaker and light wiring.  Of course they will be covered later...

Almost done.  I didnt do any speaker cutouts, yet and I ran out of material to do the package tray.  I just have to cut 2 trim pieces for the corners.  The bird is from a roof pillar

Nice work. You've done some quality mods.

Nice job. It really looks top notch!

Looks great! Bird is a nice touch.

black kinda sucks to photograph, but this is the package tray completed.  Also, props to the newest bad guy killer.  This is my jet, #0746.
I was on Jegs today and "accidentally" ordered a couple 5 point harnesses.  Really wifey, it was an accident!

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Mods....any chance of getting this thread moved to User Rides?  I am getting ready to start the motor and this thing is going to Bonneville within the next 2-3 years.

Is that the new Joint Strike Fighter?

Your jet? Are you a Crew Chief? I was on the KC-135R. Loved that jet.

yep, it's the f-35....first one off the production line.  Vin, I am weapons by trade, but all systems on this one.  only thing I dont do is egress.

Awesome great plane!!  May I ask, did you fab the roll cage? It's something Id like to add to the Sport.

The cage is from Jegs.  Cant remember the part number offhand.  You do have to trim/cut the ends of the poles, but the hoop is already bent.

good lord, it's amazing how fast time goes by.  I got a new starter panel and rearranged the console.  I am going to make a template to go behind the plastic piece to frame in all the gaps.  I also got my 5pt harnesses installed.  I need to get a battery and start making sure everything works, then I decided to go for a autometer gauge cluster to replace the stock cluster.  I remember someone on here made them....does anyone have that link?

Just ordered a whole maximum motorsports front suspension kit....man am I stoked.  Coil overs, tube k member wooohooo.  Thx to Aerocoupe for the hookup.  I will do a pic by pic install.

Looks good! Sounds like a nice suspension package, too. Keep plugging, man!

Here is stage one.  Just found out I am going overseas in 3 weeks for at least a year, so I gotta complete the front suspension just so I can roll it onto a wrecker and get it to storage.  .

Here is the front installed, everything is "loose".  I temped everything in just so I can roll it onto a flatbed and into storage. Gonna be sad.....

That is a sweet ride, hope to see it on the road when you get back. Be safe buddy.

Very nice set up!!

Ya, nice looking setup. Take care over there. Thanks for your service.

Cool thx.  it was a bit heartbraking rolling it into storage for God knows how long.  Cool thing is, when I come back, I will be able to finish the whole car in one go.  I MAY, even have enough to do a nice crate motor and a 6 speed.  I am right acroos the street from the AbuDhabi F1 racetrack at the moment.  For $400 I can have a track day with an Aston Martin GT4 racecar, which I shall do soon!

Great thread! I just read it from the start and your build is looking good. I have a six point bar in my 88 vert and it is no problem getting in or out, just go in butt first and you always get great views of your lady trying to get into the passenger seat! I am looking for a cage for my 85 TC and will check out jegs, thanks for all the pics and info posted. I would go for that deal on the Aston Martin, bet it would be a blast.

Just ordered the rear MM suspension.  I have a friend helping me with welding.  I will do as detailed a writeup as I can.  This will include k member setup, 4x coilover setup and torque arm/panhard bar weld in.  Finally going forward!

did you just carpet of the little fender well spots that were left on each side of the delete panel you built?

Hi 83....  Yes, the little patches were covered, and it has some hidden blue led strip lights that come on when the doors are open.  I am working on the suspension at the moment but that ed thing called life keeps gettting in the way.

Just bought some "new" wheels.  Bullits should complete the triple black nicely...

Nice, I am working on my interior now days too, if Life don't get in the way, lol

heres the wheels on he car finally.

The subframes and rear suspension is finally in.  Torque arm setup is nice looking.

The torque arm setup looks great.  What size are the wheels and tires?

17x9  275/40x17