Starting My Dream

[Broncoman75]

I am new to the Forum as I just received my Complete MK4 Kit in May 2024. Wanted a replica Cobra since I saw my first one in 1988. It was a Butler Engineering kit in Goleta Ca. Glad I waited almost 40 years as the MK4 is far better than were being produced back then. I restored a 65 Mustang Fastback that my brother bought new in 65. He sold to my dad in 67 and I bought it from him 1981. Took me 20 years to complete due to $, moving 3 times and it was in storage for 10 of those years. My second project was a 1975 Bronco I bought in 2015 as a retirement project Finished that about 2 years ago.

I got tired of grease and rust so I pulled the trigger on my "dream". My kit will be built with a Coyote and 5 speed, IRS and Wilwood Disc. Plan on going traditional Cobra Red with White Stripes. I am sure I will have lots of questions.

[Alan_C]

I restored a 65 Mustang Fastback that my brother bought new in 65. He sold to my dad in 67 and I bought it from him 1981. Took me 20 years to complete due to $, moving 3 times and it was in storage for 10 of those years. My second project was a 1975 Bronco I bought in 2015 as a retirement project Finished that about 2 years ago.

I got tired of grease and rust so I pulled the trigger on my "dream". My kit will be built with a Coyote and 5 speed, IRS and Wilwood Disc. Plan on going traditional Cobra Red with White Stripes. I am sure I will have lots of questions.

Boy oh boy I can identify with what you are saying. My first project was an early MK4 I started back in 2011, finished in 2014 and sold in 2018. Loved many aspects of the car but got tired of an open cockpit. I decided I wanted a car with a roof, so I have been restomoding a 1970 Mach 1 since 2017 and should complete it in 2025. The dirt and rust you have to deal with when restoring a 50 plus year old car gets old quickly, but not finishing was never an option. I have a coupe on order for delivery in September, should be a piece of cake compared to the Mustang.
Enjoy your MK4, I did as the kit will become an amazing driver.

[Rebostar]

Broncoman75
Welcome aboard! Your gonna find building the MKIV SOOOO much more fun than the Mustang restoration. Having restored 6 vehicles in the last 20 years, Now I've found I cant wait to get in the shop every day. No cutting out rust! No greasy corroded parts. Just nice clean new parts! I even look forward to the fabrication when it comes up. We've all put our time in turning junk into jewels. Its quite refreashing starting with the nice shinney new stuff. I especaily like working with the "fiddly bits", like wiring up the dash you just designed!
Enjoy... use the forum. There is a LOT of very good knowledge here and with but one or two exceptions everyone here is more that willing to help. I do a "forum google search" for most everything before I start the process.
Again, welcome aboard!
Allyn...aka "rebostar"

[fauxbra5.0]

I am new to the Forum as I just received my Complete MK4 Kit in May 2024. Wanted a replica Cobra since I saw my first one in 1988. It was a Butler Engineering kit in Goleta Ca. Glad I waited almost 40 years as the MK4 is far better than were being produced back then. I restored a 65 Mustang Fastback that my brother bought new in 65. He sold to my dad in 67 and I bought it from him 1981. Took me 20 years to complete due to $, moving 3 times and it was in storage for 10 of those years. My second project was a 1975 Bronco I bought in 2015 as a retirement project Finished that about 2 years ago.

I got tired of grease and rust so I pulled the trigger on my "dream". My kit will be built with a Coyote and 5 speed, IRS and Wilwood Disc. Plan on going traditional Cobra Red with White Stripes. I am sure I will have lots of questions.

Welcome Broncoman! I noticed your post didn't mention your build including power steering or not, but you will find that the majority here will strongly recommend that you have it. With these cars, its not an issue with steering weight or being "macho", but the PS allows much more caster to be added to make the cars feel more planted and less twitchy. Good luck with your build, excited to see it!

[Jeff Kleiner]

Welcome Broncoman! I noticed your post didn't mention your build including power steering or not, but you will find that the majority here will strongly recommend that you have it. With these cars, its not an issue with steering weight or being "macho", but the PS allows much more camber to be added to make the cars feel more planted and less twitchy. Good luck with your build, excited to see it!

Caster, not camber ;)

Jeff

[fauxbra5.0]

caster, not camber ;)

jeff

doh!

[Broncoman75]

Thanks to all for the reply. Sorry for not getting back earlier, but busy with the build, plus it took me a while to understand the forum. Still cannot figure out how to post photos.


My build will consist of a MKIV with Gen 3 Coyote backed by a TKX and 3.55 gears, IRS, Power Steering, Wilwood all around. I also used the stock Mustang E-Brake and cables as they work better. On the TKX I installed the Mid Shift kit from Forte, which I recommend it puts the gear shift in an excellent and comfortable position. I installed the Vinyl "Padded" Dash w/glove box. also had to add the Windshield wipers because Idaho requires them on ALL autos. Other item I am using are mostly from the FFR Vendors and include the following;

Firewall forward and Windshield mount for rear view mirror from FF Metals, he also recommended a bracket for the battery hold down from Schwartz Performance - it works and looks great.
Warm Seat Heaters from Forte, Self Cancelling turn signal hub assembly from i.e.427
Bilge fan assisted cabin venting from Period Correct.
The following from Breeze; Fan shroud, Seat Installation Kit, Zero Clearance Insulation, Dead Pedal Kit, Koolmat for entire cabin, Traditional Hood Hinges, Radiator Cowl Cover, Roll Bar, Billet Wing Window Mount Rear View Mirrors, Upper and Lower Radiator mounts.

I plan (I think) to go with Randyapple III for a paint.


So far it has be better than my expectations. Even my wife likes the project, as it keeps me busy and out of her hair during my retirement.

When I finish the MKIV, I think I will build the truck. I have a 351 C 4 bolt main out of a Torino I bought in 1982 for my Mustang. Luckily I decided to stay with the original 289 and glad I did.. I think it will go nicely in the Truck. I realize I may have to do some fabrication as the 351C is a little different. Luckily I have a grandson to lean on.

[AC Bill]

My only regret was not buying/building my roadster many years earlier. Enjoy your experience!