Author Topic: 1969 Mustang race car that I have owned since 1970 (Read 26701 times)

GPR · « **on:** November 09, 2016, 08:45:20 AM »

Mustang is back at the shop. Need to do a lot of work getting it ready to race in A/SA or B/SA. The 428 CJ will be on the dyno later this week. I painted this in 2005 using SPI clear and it has never been waxed. It has been in an enclosed trailer for 6 years in the Florida heat. I wasn't sure what to expect when we unloaded it. After washing it the paint still looks great.

fekbmax · « **Reply #1 on:** November 09, 2016, 09:50:55 AM »

Sweet,,
Keep us posted..

428kidd · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2016, 03:45:15 PM »

Looks awesome !! I love it! Great job Rusty.

GPR · « **Reply #3 on:** November 09, 2016, 04:13:56 PM »

GPR · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2016, 07:59:38 AM »

Hubert Platt told me he had a 1969 body for sale with no drive train. It was a Q code that had been used as a Boss 302 test car. It was built in Oct 1968 and had no quarter scoops, had the front fenders rolled, blacked out hood, deck lid, taillight panel and around the headlights. The quarter panels were made with no brackets for the scoops. Hubert saved it from the crusher

This was the first race after I turned it into a Super Stocker in July 1971 before paint.

Heo · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2016, 04:17:17 PM »

Like it a lot

GPR · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2016, 11:39:31 AM »

I think it looks better without the wheels and tires used for storage

jayb · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2016, 02:42:33 PM »

That paint job is a blast from the past! When do you expect to have race wheels and rubber on it? Gonna look cool...

wsu0702 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2016, 09:47:53 PM »

Quote from: GPR on November 10, 2016, 07:59:38 AM

Hubert Platt told me he had a 1969 body for sale with no drive train. It was a Q code that had been used as a Boss 302 test car. It was built in Oct 1968 and had no quarter scoops, had the front fenders rolled, blacked out hood, deck lid, taillight panel and around the headlights. The quarter panels were made with no brackets for the scoops. Hubert saved it from the crusher

This was the first race after I turned it into a Super Stocker in July 1971 before paint.

The 69 Boss 302 (and Rusty's car) is the best looking mustang IMHO. Larry Shinoda got it right he said get rid of the quarter scoops and the c-pillar medallions.

GPR · « **Reply #9 on:** November 14, 2016, 08:30:15 AM »

Quote from: jayb on November 12, 2016, 02:42:33 PM

That paint job is a blast from the past! When do you expect to have race wheels and rubber on it? Gonna look cool...

I hope to have it back together early next year. I still have these wheels but need new tires.

GPR · « **Reply #10 on:** November 14, 2016, 08:32:22 AM »

Picked up 12 hp with Harland Sharp rockers. Peak hp was at 5850 rpm now it has 512 at 6200 and 509 at 6500. We will be testing the PI intake next.

machoneman · « **Reply #11 on:** November 14, 2016, 10:35:39 AM »

Cool! Can you run modern thin rings in your class? Could be a good back-to-back test of their effectiveness in gaining some more hp. Maybe a pro-stock super thin syn oil test too? Some draw-backs though......

http://rehermorrison.com/tech-talk-67-the-hidden-cost-of-free-horsepower/

mike7570 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2016, 12:55:06 PM »

Nostalgia paint needs nostalgia wheels, the keystones are cool but probably too heavy maybe some super tricks or old centerlines.

GPR · « **Reply #13 on:** November 15, 2016, 07:28:49 AM »

Quote from: machoneman on November 14, 2016, 10:35:39 AM

Cool! Can you run modern thin rings in your class? Could be a good back-to-back test of their effectiveness in gaining some more hp. Maybe a pro-stock super thin syn oil test too? Some draw-backs though......

http://rehermorrison.com/tech-talk-67-the-hidden-cost-of-free-horsepower/

It does have modern total seal rings.

jayb · « **Reply #14 on:** November 15, 2016, 12:31:18 PM »

Quote from: GPR on November 14, 2016, 08:32:22 AM

Picked up 12 hp with Harland Sharp rockers. Peak hp was at 5850 rpm now it has 512 at 6200 and 509 at 6500. We will be testing the PI intake next.

What rockers did you have on there to begin with, factory stuff? Did you happen to check total lift before and after the change to the Harland Sharps? I've seen a fair number of factory rockers that are not 1.76:1 for the rocker ratio; if the Harland Sharps are a higher ratio than the ones you replaced, your HP increase makes sense.

Your test with the PI intake will be interesting also. During the intake testing for my book I found that at horsepower levels around 425, the factory iron CJ intake clearly outperformed the PI intake. However, as horsepower levels increased, the PI intake started doing better. Contrary to popular belief, the PI intake is not the same as the factory iron CJ intake, in terms of runner design and volume - Jay

GPR · « **Reply #15 on:** November 16, 2016, 09:01:01 AM »

Quote from: jayb on November 15, 2016, 12:31:18 PM

Quote from: GPR on November 14, 2016, 08:32:22 AM
Picked up 12 hp with Harland Sharp rockers. Peak hp was at 5850 rpm now it has 512 at 6200 and 509 at 6500. We will be testing the PI intake next.

What rockers did you have on there to begin with, factory stuff? Did you happen to check total lift before and after the change to the Harland Sharps? I've seen a fair number of factory rockers that are not 1.76:1 for the rocker ratio; if the Harland Sharps are a higher ratio than the ones you replaced, your HP increase makes sense.

Your test with the PI intake will be interesting also. During the intake testing for my book I found that at horsepower levels around 425, the factory iron CJ intake clearly outperformed the PI intake. However, as horsepower levels increased, the PI intake started doing better. Contrary to popular belief, the PI intake is not the same as the factory iron CJ intake, in terms of runner design and volume - Jay

Rockers were cast iron 427 adjustable with aluminum spacers instead of springs.

I wasn't there but my engine builder did say that the push rod length should be different between the two rockers.

Back when I was racing SS/GA I ran quicker with the PI intake with a 1" spacer over the sidewinder. Ken McLellan's SS/G Cobrastang also used the PI intake.

GPR · « **Reply #16 on:** November 28, 2016, 08:29:43 AM »

Fitting Kirkey seats is not just a bolt in. The problem is the roll bar design won't let me have the seat back tilted enough so I will need to use a different steering wheel with less dish. We are mounting the Kirkey brackets to the stock seat tracks that will need to be modified.

GPR · « **Reply #17 on:** November 28, 2016, 04:41:12 PM »

Welding is finished on the seat tracks. I need to take them apart sand and epoxy prime black.

GPR · « **Reply #18 on:** December 03, 2016, 12:14:39 PM »

Seat tracks are finished now I need Brian to fab a back brace to the roll bar.

GPR · « **Reply #19 on:** December 03, 2016, 02:29:20 PM »

Today I installed a quick release steering wheel. It wasn't a simple bolt in.

turbohunter · « **Reply #20 on:** December 03, 2016, 03:27:40 PM »

"It wasn't a simple bolt in."

Why?

GPR · « **Reply #21 on:** December 05, 2016, 09:15:50 AM »

Quote from: turbohunter on December 03, 2016, 03:27:40 PM

"It wasn't a simple bolt in."

Why?

The steering column had to be cut about 3/8" for clearance for my fingers to be able to install and release the wheel. The first time I tried it once it snapped in place it almost cut my fingers. The original steering wheel nut that now holds the inner spline on had to be ground down because it did not allow the quick release adapter to go down far enough to snap into place. I bought a 3 bolt release because I already had a 3 bolt to 5/6 bolt steering wheel adapter. They make a 5 hole release but I have a 5 and 6 bolt wheel and wasn't sure which one I would be using. If I had to do it again I would buy the 5 hole and not have the additional 1/2" adapter.

turbohunter · « **Reply #22 on:** December 05, 2016, 09:18:23 AM »

Thanks Rusty.
I'm about to go there. Thanks for the heads up.

Russ67Scode · « **Reply #23 on:** December 05, 2016, 12:17:29 PM »

Quote from: GPR on November 28, 2016, 08:29:43 AM

Fitting Kirkey seats is not just a bolt in. The problem is the roll bar design won't let me have the seat back tilted enough so I will need to use a different steering wheel with less dish. We are mounting the Kirkey brackets to the stock seat tracks that will need to be modified.

IF you need a short guy to drive for you I am willing to give up my time just to help you out Rusty !!!
I am positive I can fit in the seat no matter the position

Drew Pojedinec · « **Reply #24 on:** December 05, 2016, 12:32:53 PM »

Quote

IF you need a short guy to drive for you I am willing to give up my time just to help you out Rusty !!!
I am positive I can fit in the seat no matter the position

Haha! I got in trouble for making this offer to someone. He mentioned needing to get 100lbs more off his car. So I offered to drive (I'm 5ft 9, and 155lbs).

GPR · « **Reply #25 on:** December 05, 2016, 02:10:05 PM »

I'm the only person that has driven it since I made it a race car in 1971.

GPR · « **Reply #26 on:** December 09, 2016, 10:21:35 AM »

The engine has been smoking a lot but clears up during a pull on the dyno. He is not happy with all the smoking and has the engine apart. The guides were knurled a long time ago and he is installing bronze guides. The rear main seal has a leak and while he has the pan off is going to change the oil rings. We ordered total seal rings and he thinks maybe they sent low tension oil rings.

babybolt · « **Reply #27 on:** December 09, 2016, 10:34:16 AM »

Did you do any modifications to the rear suspension back in the day or is close to stock?

If that's a real original dash pad, you might want to take it out and safely store it away as they are getting to be very rare.

GPR · « **Reply #28 on:** December 10, 2016, 12:19:40 PM »

Stock springs with worn out shocks

The rear suspension came out of the 1968 Mustang I bought from Hubert Platt . Not sure if Hubert Platt or Holman Moody did this modification for more tire clearance.

babybolt · « **Reply #29 on:** December 12, 2016, 08:28:02 PM »

I have never seen the rear springs cut like that. The Trans Am cars used narrower springs from the 62-65 Fairlanes for more tire clearance.

babybolt · « **Reply #30 on:** January 11, 2017, 02:44:11 PM »

Rusty, are you leaving the rear suspension like that or updating to Caltracs or something similar?

GPR · « **Reply #31 on:** January 12, 2017, 09:40:03 AM »

Those photos were taken in 1972 when I restored it to race in stock ladder bars are not allowed so I started with homemade slapper bars. I ran it that way for awhile but changed to Caltracs a long time ago.

GPR · « **Reply #32 on:** January 14, 2017, 02:34:22 PM »

NHRA rules require a brace between the race seat and roll bar. Brian fabricated this for our 1969 Mustang. I will epoxy prime black.

JERICOGTX · « **Reply #33 on:** July 22, 2017, 01:08:33 PM »

Rusty, any updates on the Mustang lately?

George vega · « **Reply #34 on:** July 23, 2017, 12:56:13 PM »

Hey Rusty, glad to see you still have your stang. I'm still working on mine also. Come to lakeland for the next nostalgia event. Take care.

machoneman · « **Reply #35 on:** July 24, 2017, 08:23:32 AM »

Nice! I'm envious since two race cars I owned in the 70's I wish I had not sold. But the sale of the first funded the purchase of the second. The second was a dragster we had fun with but after blowing up 3 engines in one season (!) we left drag racing for good.

cjetmech · « **Reply #36 on:** July 24, 2017, 09:21:08 AM »

Rusty not to sidetrack your thread, but how's that Fairlane coming along? Last I remember you were thinking of going with a small block. It's a super nice car.

scott foxwell · « **Reply #37 on:** July 24, 2017, 12:18:04 PM »

Quote from: GPR on January 14, 2017, 02:34:22 PM

NHRA rules require a brace between the race seat and roll bar. Brian fabricated this for our 1969 Mustang. I will epoxy prime black.

Just an observation, but that seat support could act like a spear right in your back. A better method is with some heavy sheet metal with a "Z" break in it. Like I said, just an observation. Love the car!

cjshaker · « **Reply #38 on:** July 24, 2017, 02:11:23 PM »

Quote from: scott foxwell on July 24, 2017, 12:18:04 PM

Just an observation, but that seat support could act like a spear right in your back. A better method is with some heavy sheet metal with a "Z" break in it. Like I said, just an observation. Love the car!
[/quote]

I'm pretty sure there's a plate welded to the tube where it bolts to the seat, just for that purpose.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #39 on:** August 02, 2017, 10:22:18 PM »

Rusty, I spotted this picture posted by Bob Smith on Facebook tonight, not sure if it was something you had seen before.

GPR · « **Reply #40 on:** August 26, 2017, 11:42:11 AM »

Quote from: thatdarncat on August 02, 2017, 10:22:18 PM

Rusty, I spotted this picture posted by Bob Smith on Facebook tonight, not sure if it was something you had seen before.

Yes that is my photo. I had it on display at a car show in St. Petersburg Fl in 1970 and Ohio George Montgomery had his Gasser on display also. I had to leave before the show was over because I needed to go to the Winternationals in Pomona. I was on the second floor started it up and drove down the hall to an elevator.

Stangman · « **Reply #41 on:** August 26, 2017, 04:58:23 PM »

Just curious we're the 68 was do you still have that one to.

GPR · « **Reply #42 on:** August 29, 2017, 08:08:33 AM »

Quote from: Stangman on August 26, 2017, 04:58:23 PM

Just curious we're the 68 was do you still have that one to.

I wish. I removed the drive train and started to tub it for the current rules when the so called gas shortage put my Dad's used car and truck lot out of business plus we both lost our houses. I was renting a small shop painting cars and the body sat out back. Someone smashed the front fender. I had to move out of the shop and had nowhere to take it. A friend of mine saw it in a junk yard in Bradenton back in the 80's.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #43 on:** October 16, 2017, 09:44:47 PM »

Rusty, another picture of your '68 surfaced on the internet today.

GPR · « **Reply #44 on:** October 31, 2017, 07:54:50 AM »

Thanks I have that one also. I have not seen very many photos of my 69.

GPR · « **Reply #45 on:** December 13, 2017, 09:54:48 PM »

I decided it was time to get it out of storage and start getting it ready for the 50th Anniversary Cobra Jet Reunion.

The wiring was done over 20 years ago and it's time to upgrade. I bought a Ron Francis race car harness and switch panel. I assembled the switch panel tonight after supper on the kitchen table.

turbohunter · « **Reply #46 on:** December 13, 2017, 10:54:08 PM »

Rusty that's just a bad ass car.
Have fun freshening it up.

machoneman · « **Reply #47 on:** December 14, 2017, 07:41:03 AM »

So Rusty, tell us what you need to do. Is it mainly an engine re-do and installation? Thanks!

Stangman · « **Reply #48 on:** December 14, 2017, 10:34:30 AM »

Sorry to hear about the 68 and your other bad luck at the time, hopefully it sweetens the pot putting the 69 together

Jim Demmitt Jr · « **Reply #49 on:** December 16, 2017, 02:17:23 AM »

Rusty

I am so glad you got the Cobra Jet out of storage and getting her updated for the 50th Anniversary Cobra Jet Reunion. I wish I could go to that your car is outstanding in every detail. One historic car and a true Ford racing hero of mine looking forward to the updates as you go along

GPR · « **Reply #50 on:** December 17, 2017, 08:23:25 PM »

Ron Francis Bare Bonz race car wiring kit.

I mounted the fuse panel on the right kick panel

Switch panel right in front of the shifter on the trans tunnel within easy reach when I have belts tight.

GPR · « **Reply #51 on:** February 02, 2018, 09:37:11 PM »

I bought this Q code 428 Mach 1 body that was used as a Boss 302 test car from Hubert Platt in 1970 and July 1971 turned it into a SS/GA that set the NHRA National record twice. I quit racing it at the end of the 1974 season. I painted it in my shop in 2005 close to the way it was raced in the 70's. At this time it is being updated to race in B/SA and will be at the 50th Cobra Jet Anniversary Reunion in Norwalk Ohio. This week in my spare time I sandblasted and painted the headers.

GPR · « **Reply #52 on:** March 10, 2018, 09:10:54 AM »

I have been working on my 1969 Cobra Jet Mustang between customer cars in my spare time getting ready for the 50th Anniversary of the Cobra Jet.

I have had a few questions about my shifter. It is a reverse pattern shifter from Turbo Action for the C4. I don't have the decal on it showing the shift pattern.

I have the wiring finished and everything works

I still have to wire the alternator and my new water pump when the engine is installed.

cjshaker · « **Reply #53 on:** March 10, 2018, 08:15:27 PM »

Quote from: GPR on March 10, 2018, 09:10:54 AM

I have been working on my 1969 Cobra Jet Mustang between customer cars in my spare time getting ready for the 50th Anniversary of the Cobra Jet.

I'm planning on taking my '69 CJ Mustang there also. Can't wait to see your car, Rusty. Are you planning on running it, or showing it?

GPR · « **Reply #54 on:** March 11, 2018, 09:28:21 AM »

Not sure if it will be ready to race.

GPR · « **Reply #55 on:** August 11, 2018, 06:06:14 PM »

I have been working on my Mustang getting it ready for the 50th Cobra Jet Reunion.

I'm replacing the weather strip. A lot of people never noticed it was red on one side and blue on the other.

I decided to remove all the Mach 1 trim so it would be lighter.

Roll bar was brush painted with Rustoleum Hammered paint.

Finally installing the 428 CJ

Hooker headers are fun to install

thatdarncat · « **Reply #56 on:** August 11, 2018, 08:51:21 PM »

Looks really good, thanks for posting the progress.

Stangman · « **Reply #57 on:** August 11, 2018, 09:14:32 PM »

Coming out real nice. I can’t make the event going somewhere else. Please post some pics of the event. I would appreciate it.

babybolt · « **Reply #58 on:** August 12, 2018, 03:12:31 PM »

Are the lower front arm strut rods off the shelf from a vendor or did you make your own?

GPR · « **Reply #59 on:** August 12, 2018, 04:12:11 PM »

Quote from: babybolt on August 12, 2018, 03:12:31 PM

Are the lower front arm strut rods off the shelf from a vendor or did you make your own?

http://www.streetortrack.com/

cjshaker · « **Reply #60 on:** August 12, 2018, 09:03:10 PM »

Looking really good, Rusty. I hope I'll have the time to make it to the event, if for no other reason than to see your car.

Question; do you still run the stock '69 spindles? Just curious if you ever had to upgrade to the beefier '70+ version because of wheelies.

GPR · « **Reply #61 on:** August 14, 2018, 08:33:47 AM »

Quote from: cjshaker on August 12, 2018, 09:03:10 PM

Looking really good, Rusty. I hope I'll have the time to make it to the event, if for no other reason than to see your car.

Question; do you still run the stock '69 spindles? Just curious if you ever had to upgrade to the beefier '70+ version because of wheelies.

To be honest I don't know what spindles they are. When I ordered disc brakes for a 69 they would not work because they were 4 bolt and my spindles are 3 bolt.

babybolt · « **Reply #62 on:** August 14, 2018, 01:56:01 PM »

Disc brake spindles had 3 bolts for the dust plate while drum brake spindles have 4 bolts for the backing plate. 69 was the last year for the smaller bearings (except Boss 302 and 429) and then in 70 pretty much all the unibody cars got the same larger front wheel bearings.

GPR · « **Reply #63 on:** August 20, 2018, 02:22:35 PM »

It has been a long time but it's back together and running

Getting ready to leave for Norwalk Wednesday.

cjshaker · « **Reply #64 on:** August 20, 2018, 05:20:25 PM »

Looks great, Rusty. And it looks like you're going to have great weather for the entire event. Good luck, hope you enjoy yourself.

thatdarncat · « **Reply #65 on:** August 20, 2018, 05:34:24 PM »

Absolutely stunning!

GPR · « **Reply #66 on:** September 09, 2018, 11:34:51 AM »

We made it to the 50th Cobra Jet Reunion on Thursday morning before they had all the tents set up.

My car was on display with other historic Cobra Jets

2018 Cobra Jet

turbohunter · « **Reply #67 on:** September 09, 2018, 02:30:51 PM »

Saw your car on the BangShift site.
Looks beautiful Rusty.

GPR · « **Reply #68 on:** October 26, 2018, 02:24:31 PM »

I decided to lower the rear it was way too high.

I've had a set of Calvert split mono leaf springs a long time I decided to see if they would work.

Looks a lot better now.

turbohunter · « **Reply #69 on:** October 26, 2018, 02:36:38 PM »

It’s a jaw dropper Rusty.

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Author Topic: 1969 Mustang race car that I have owned since 1970 (Read 26701 times)

mike7570

scott foxwell