Getting ready for my 289 USRRC build - she's here!!!

[Stangrob]

With my 289 USRRC kit scheduled for delivery in early November, I'm trying to get things done before all of the boxes arrive. My garage renovation is well underway, but yesterday I checked off a major item on my list. I picked up my 'donor car'.

The plan for my 289 build is to use a vintage 289 block as the foundation for my engine. Outside of the block, everything else will be new in the engine. However, in Jersey if you use a vintage block in your replica build, you're required to provide evidence that the block came from a car that YOU own. This entails providing a title to the car (in your name) and rubbings from the block that allow DMV to know the block came from that car. There are different ways to approach this, but regardless, you need the title for a vehicle that the engine came from (or could have come from ;)). Yesterday I finally found that car and towed it back to Jersey, where it's sitting in my driveway.

I'm amazed at how challenging it is to even find a '65 to '68 Ford roller that either hasn't been snagged by someone else or is not priced at some crazy number. But I was able to find a '68 289 Mustang that will work for my needs. It's a basket case, and definitely beyond its sell-by date, but for my purposes it works just fine.

Rob

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[tundra2050]

That's an amazing hoop you have to go through. Congratulations on your purchase! I just purchased a 289 FIA today. I have some work in my garage to do as well. I would like to do the same with a vintage 289 engine, but will probably have to settle with a 302.

I look forward to seeing how your build progresses.

All the best!
James

[Shamilton289]

With my 289 USRRC kit scheduled for delivery in early November, I'm trying to get things done before all of the boxes arrive. My garage renovation is well underway, but yesterday I checked off a major item on my list. I picked up my 'donor car'.

The plan for my 289 build is to use a vintage 289 block as the foundation for my engine. Outside of the block, everything else will be new in the engine. However, in Jersey if you use a vintage block in your replica build, you're required to provide evidence that the block came from a car that YOU own. This entails providing a title to the car (in your name) and rubbings from the block that allow DMV to know the block came from that car. There are different ways to approach this, but regardless, you need the title for a vehicle that the engine came from (or could have come from ;)). Yesterday I finally found that car and towed it back to Jersey, where it's sitting in my driveway.

I'm amazed at how challenging it is to even find a '65 to '68 Ford roller that either hasn't been snagged by someone else or is not priced at some crazy number. But I was able to find a '68 289 Mustang that will work for my needs. It's a basket case, and definitely beyond its sell-by date, but for my purposes it works just fine.

Rob

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That’s really messed up that Jersey expects no one to ever use a junkyard block? Only a block from a car you own?!?
I’m glad I’m in Indiana where most of the rules are pretty relaxed. No emissions testing.

[Stangrob]

That’s really messed up that Jersey expects no one to ever use a junkyard block? Only a block from a car you own?!?
I’m glad I’m in Indiana where most of the rules are pretty relaxed. No emissions testing.

Yeah, it is definitely a PITA. I'm glad that I'm doing all of the research before I try titling the car (or building the engine!). It's amazing how much it varies from state to state. But hopefully if I cross my T's and dot my I's the titling process will go OK.

Rob

[Stangrob]

So the big day is right around the corner - more specifically, this Wednesday or Thursday! I'll get the call tomorrow from the driver to let me know which day he'll be arriving with the big FFR semi. It'll be interesting to see my neighbors' reaction :D

I'm so glad that I kept the pressure on myself to get the garage done before the kit's arrival. With a one-car garage build I really had to make the most of the space I have, and I think I succeeded with that. The proof will be in the pudding, or more specifically, when the 40-odd boxes show up plus the chassis and body. But at least I'll have a warm place to work on her this winter - adding a mini split made a HUGE difference.

I'll post some pics when the big day arrives!

Rob

[tundra2050]

That's exciting! I just got the email from Cunningham with a delivery date around or on Thanksgiving. Luckily my older boys will be home to see the action and maybe help kick off the inventory before heading back to school. I'm hoping to do a build thread, but I'm still a novice with social media and hope i don't look like a complete idiot when posting.

Looking forward to watching how your build goes. Enjoy!

[Stangrob]

That's exciting! I just got the email from Cunningham with a delivery date around or on Thanksgiving. Luckily my older boys will be home to see the action and maybe help kick off the inventory before heading back to school. I'm hoping to do a build thread, but I'm still a novice with social media and hope i don't look like a complete idiot when posting.

Looking forward to watching how your build goes. Enjoy!

I’m wondering if our kits are on the same truck? I know mine is the first delivery, and with yours being scheduled for next week it seems like the timing works :D

Rob

[Stangrob]

So, I got a call from Todd at Cunningham Transport this morning. It looks like they won't be getting to Factory Five until Friday (HVAC issue with the truck), so I'll likely get the delivery on Saturday or Sunday. Thankfully there isn't a rush - this is supposed to be a fun project and it's more important that the driver is comfortable and warm while delivering our kits! It'll definitely be worth the wait :)

Rob

[PNWTim]

Mine was delayed a bit last year due to weather then the driver made up a day so it all worked out. I am on the other side of the country and my delivery was in December so there were all kinds of variables. And if it's delivered on the weekend all your neighbors will see the big truck and wonder what's going on. Regardless, delivery day is pretty awesome!

[Takis31gk]

With my 289 USRRC kit scheduled for delivery in early November, I'm trying to get things done before all of the boxes arrive. My garage renovation is well underway, but yesterday I checked off a major item on my list. I picked up my 'donor car'.

The plan for my 289 build is to use a vintage 289 block as the foundation for my engine. Outside of the block, everything else will be new in the engine. However, in Jersey if you use a vintage block in your replica build, you're required to provide evidence that the block came from a car that YOU own. This entails providing a title to the car (in your name) and rubbings from the block that allow DMV to know the block came from that car. There are different ways to approach this, but regardless, you need the title for a vehicle that the engine came from (or could have come from ;)). Yesterday I finally found that car and towed it back to Jersey, where it's sitting in my driveway.

I'm amazed at how challenging it is to even find a '65 to '68 Ford roller that either hasn't been snagged by someone else or is not priced at some crazy number. But I was able to find a '68 289 Mustang that will work for my needs. It's a basket case, and definitely beyond its sell-by date, but for my purposes it works just fine.

Rob

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Best of luck! The 289 cars are gorgeous. You'll be cruising down to Strollo's Lighthouse for ice cream in no time!

[Stangrob]

Best of luck! The 289 cars are gorgeous. You'll be cruising down to Strollo's Lighthouse for ice cream in no time!

Thanks! And it sounds like you know the area around here pretty well - spent much time in Jersey?

Rob

[tundra2050]

I agree. I was told pickup would be this Friday. No doubt you'll be one of the first for delivery all the way up north. I would be happy to receive the kit the day after Thanksgiving just as well.

[Stangrob]

I didn’t hear from the delivery driver today so I’m figuring I’ll get a call tomorrow. Feel a little like an expectant dad 😋

In the meantime the delivery thank-you cookies are done - Tollhouse chocolate chip 😉

Rob

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[RobHartley]

Awesome news classmate! My boys and I are itching to get our MK5 up here in Vancouver BC, still waiting on Transport Canada for the paperwork. Will be following your build!

[Stangrob]

So Christmas came early for me today - Mark from Cunningham Transport arrived at my house late this morning with my new 289 roadster kit! It’s so exciting when you hear the truck coming before it’s in sight. The whole delivery went very smoothly and Mark was quite happy to see had a chassis dolly ready for the car. I had several friends and one of my sons on hand to help move all of the boxes and the chassis into my garage. She fits great, and I’m in the midst of doing inventory, which I figure will take a few days to complete. Once I get that done I’ll start up my build thread and get to work on this puppy. Woohoo!!!

Rob

(PS - I’ll post pics shortly)

[Stangrob]

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[Stangrob]

And after we got her into the garage :D

[tundra2050]

Congratulations! Finally got it. Fits perfectly. So jealous of the climate controlled shop.

You didn't happen to see another one in there? Can't wait to see how your build progresses.

[jts359]

Congrats on the delivery and the shop looks great, Ed

[Stangrob]

Congratulations! Finally got it. Fits perfectly. So jealous of the climate controlled shop.

You didn't happen to see another one in there? Can't wait to see how your build progresses.

I did ask - I was told that it was the only 289 car in the trailer :(

Rob

[Grubester]

That's pretty funny... when Mark from Transport delivered my Mk4 289 in Aug 2024 my wife had made a full batch of choc chip cookies for him.
He had done a great job turning around in the cul-de-sac and then dolly-ing it into the garage.
He refused the cookies at first, feigning diet concerns, but the plate of cookies won-out!