Well, this has been a LOOOONG winter. I am absolutely dying to get my baby back on the road. Given all the indoor time we've had together, I thought I'd share some of the projects I've accomplished over the last couple months After seeing Shadows car apart and up on stands as well as Mark O's, it gave me the idea to post all these pics. Enjoy!
First, here are some pics of the car as she currently sits. I have Alex's lowering spring perches arriving tomorrow so I thought I'd get things ready for what should be a very simple install. You'll notice that the front and rear are a little different than stock. That's because I installed the Stillen front splitter and longer rear diffusers. A couple points on the install:
1) The front stock splitter is dirt cheap by GT replacement standards so I bought an extra just in case.($150 from the dealer) You have to drill into the stock splitter to attach the Stillen piece with button head screws and nylock nuts. The only recommendation I have is to replace the silver stainless screws with black ones so they are not so visible. Otherwise, it really looks like you just tacked something on, almost kit-carish. I bought the same screws but in black from our local Fastenall shop and they look MUCH better! Also, on the stock splitter, there are two plastic supports right in the center/front which I dremeled smooth to allow the Stillen piece to sit flush.
2) The rear diffuser install was somewhat of a pain. Drilling out the stock rivets was not as easy as it looked. Those rivets are massive! You will also invariably enlarge the holes in the metal pan which these rivets go into which will affect the way the new rivets sit/attach. Therefore, instead of using the rivets that came with the Stillen diffusers, I just used quality stainless button head screws with nylock washers which work just fine. I love the aggressive look of the longer fins and the fact that they won't break if I accidentally hit something. As for aerodynamics, it doesn't concern me much since I don't speed anyway!:biggrin
You'll notice that the above pic shows the fogs with a yellow tint. I have always liked this race look on different sports cars I've owned in the past. I'm not sure I'm gonna keep the look but the tint comes off easy if I decide to remove them. Plus, they protect the lenses from rock chips as an added bonus. I bought them from Headlightarmor for $17.95 a pair. Here's the link:
http://www.headlightarmor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWSERIES&ManfID=13&SeriesID=111
Next, I decided to paint the tow-hook red since I keep it attached all the time. I bought some paint called Plasti-dip that I have used in the past for rubber coating bare-metal tool handles. It goes on extremely easy and you can put as many coats as you want. I bought this stuff at Lowe's.
Next, I was having issues with droning inside the cabin when I tweaked the exhaust last fall. Here's a little history: I initially replaced the heavy stocker with a Bob Ida catback. Loved the sound from the outside and had very minimal drone on the inside. Certainly not enough to bug me, even on extended trips. Of course being me, I wanted a little louder and a little deeper so I decided to remove the stocks cats and replace them with the FORD off-road cats (cat-delete M-5230-GTX). Holy crap!!!!! With the cats out and the IDA, this car was loud and mean! I absolutely loved the sound OUTSIDE. Kinda neat having flames shoot out the ass too!:biggrin However, my love quickly turned into despair when in the drivers seat for more than a few minutes. The drone increased 10 fold, and she was no longer fun to drive.:thumbsdow I just couldn't stand the constant drone, worse at 2000rpm. My ears rang for days after driving the car and I would get headaches for an hour after. First, I tried Vortex cones which I bought from Summitracing for $75 dollars a piece! Here's a link to Dynatech which explains how they are suppose to work: http://www.afabcorp.com/AFCO_Dynate..._Code=Dynatech&Category_Code=vortex_conesonly
What a joke, they actually increased drone and were a waste of time and money! I contacted Shadowman who advised me against it but I did it anyway. Well, to cut the story short, I removed the cones, sent my catback to Shadowman, and he made me some nice baffles which insert into the tips, and are held in mainly by friction and one button head screw at the bottoms. Now the car still sounds fantastic and guess what....NO DRONE! Thanks a bunch Shadow, I should have listened to you in the first place!
You'll notice that the tips are black. I actually had the entire catback sent to http://www.jet-hot.com to be completely painted semi-gloss black. I really like the understated look. Hopefully it will keep engine temps down as well. The cost was about $200. I also wrapped the catback with Thermo-tec black header wrap that I bought from Summit Racing: http://store.summitracing.com/partd...&part=THE-11022&N=700+400356+115&autoview=sku
If you decide to wrap your exhaust, my advice would be to use standard stainless worm drive clamps instead of the stainless tie-wraps which do not hold well.
In the exhaust tip pics, you will notice that I currently have the carbon fiber surround. My intentions were to have numerous carbon pieces on the exterior as well as interior but I have decided not to go that route so it is for sale if anyone wants it. PM me.
Next, a different shifter ball from http://www.monsterknobs.com I like the all black look. And, it's the same size as the stocker. For anyone who has wondered, the thread size/pitch of our shaft, it's metric 12 x 1.75, same as 1979-2004mustangs so that's how I ordered it from the website.
Next, I had been thinking of ways to mount my Valentine radar detector without attaching it to the dash, without using the suction cup mounts, and without using the cigarette lighter power cord. I really dislike all the muss and fuss of these things in the car! I did some research for different mounting options on different cars and found two absolutely awesome items.
#1 is the mounting bracket. It is a beautifully made piece from this place:
http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/ConnectorForRadarDetector.htm
I guess the guy has a 350Z that he made these for but they fit many different applications including our GT. Make sure to order the plain black Valentine mount that fits 3/4 inch stalk!
#2 you must also buy this item :http://invisicord.com/install.html
It allows you to get direct power from the rear-view mirror light harness so you don't have a dangling cord to the cigarette lighter. It's cheap, easy to install, and it works perfectly!
Next, I wanted an emblem on the rear of my car that had some meaning. Ever since I purchased my GT I have wanted to honor the 1967 Lemans winner since it was also red. That's also why I chose the number (1). Because the car was piloted by Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt, I have been thinking of ways to subtley honor them as well. I haven't thought of a way yet for AJ Foyt but I did think of this for Dan Gurney:
For those of you who are familiar with Dan and his company All American Racers (AAR), you will notice that this emblem is like the American shield on his logo and the Eagle symbolizes what Dan is well known for, his Eagle Racing cars!!!:thumbsup Here's a link to his website, lots of great histroical info and pics: http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/jdoc7/GTonJackStands019.jpg?t=1203529008
This piece is actually a trailer hitch emblem that is suppose to cover the trailer hitch hole when not in use. I just ground down the back so it was flat, stuck some 5/16 stainless screws into the back and epoxied them in place. They ain't going anywhere. Then just a washer and nut to attach through the rear grill.
If anyone has any ideas on an emblem to honor AJ Foyt, please let me know!
Lastly, you may have noticed in the first few pictures, that the front amber side indicators were missing. That's because I'm currently working with someone who is custom hand molding some clear ones for me. I have been looking for clear lenses ever since I bought the car and no one makes them! So, I am having them made for me! I just like how they clean up the look of the front. This is why I'll probably remove the yellow fog light tint sometime in the future as I think they kinda clash. Below are some pics of the prototypes on and off the car. The protos didn't fit as well as I wanted so another set is on the way as I type. Personally, I love the look of this mod on red, black, blue, and tungsten. Not so sure about Heritage, yellow, or white. If anyone else is interested in a set, PM me!
Well folks, that's all for now. I hope I gave you some ideas on what you may or may not want to do to your GT, and hopefully there is some useful information in here for others and their own projects! Take care!:thumbsup:thumbsup
First, here are some pics of the car as she currently sits. I have Alex's lowering spring perches arriving tomorrow so I thought I'd get things ready for what should be a very simple install. You'll notice that the front and rear are a little different than stock. That's because I installed the Stillen front splitter and longer rear diffusers. A couple points on the install:
1) The front stock splitter is dirt cheap by GT replacement standards so I bought an extra just in case.($150 from the dealer) You have to drill into the stock splitter to attach the Stillen piece with button head screws and nylock nuts. The only recommendation I have is to replace the silver stainless screws with black ones so they are not so visible. Otherwise, it really looks like you just tacked something on, almost kit-carish. I bought the same screws but in black from our local Fastenall shop and they look MUCH better! Also, on the stock splitter, there are two plastic supports right in the center/front which I dremeled smooth to allow the Stillen piece to sit flush.
2) The rear diffuser install was somewhat of a pain. Drilling out the stock rivets was not as easy as it looked. Those rivets are massive! You will also invariably enlarge the holes in the metal pan which these rivets go into which will affect the way the new rivets sit/attach. Therefore, instead of using the rivets that came with the Stillen diffusers, I just used quality stainless button head screws with nylock washers which work just fine. I love the aggressive look of the longer fins and the fact that they won't break if I accidentally hit something. As for aerodynamics, it doesn't concern me much since I don't speed anyway!:biggrin
You'll notice that the above pic shows the fogs with a yellow tint. I have always liked this race look on different sports cars I've owned in the past. I'm not sure I'm gonna keep the look but the tint comes off easy if I decide to remove them. Plus, they protect the lenses from rock chips as an added bonus. I bought them from Headlightarmor for $17.95 a pair. Here's the link:
http://www.headlightarmor.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWSERIES&ManfID=13&SeriesID=111
Next, I decided to paint the tow-hook red since I keep it attached all the time. I bought some paint called Plasti-dip that I have used in the past for rubber coating bare-metal tool handles. It goes on extremely easy and you can put as many coats as you want. I bought this stuff at Lowe's.
Next, I was having issues with droning inside the cabin when I tweaked the exhaust last fall. Here's a little history: I initially replaced the heavy stocker with a Bob Ida catback. Loved the sound from the outside and had very minimal drone on the inside. Certainly not enough to bug me, even on extended trips. Of course being me, I wanted a little louder and a little deeper so I decided to remove the stocks cats and replace them with the FORD off-road cats (cat-delete M-5230-GTX). Holy crap!!!!! With the cats out and the IDA, this car was loud and mean! I absolutely loved the sound OUTSIDE. Kinda neat having flames shoot out the ass too!:biggrin However, my love quickly turned into despair when in the drivers seat for more than a few minutes. The drone increased 10 fold, and she was no longer fun to drive.:thumbsdow I just couldn't stand the constant drone, worse at 2000rpm. My ears rang for days after driving the car and I would get headaches for an hour after. First, I tried Vortex cones which I bought from Summitracing for $75 dollars a piece! Here's a link to Dynatech which explains how they are suppose to work: http://www.afabcorp.com/AFCO_Dynate..._Code=Dynatech&Category_Code=vortex_conesonly
What a joke, they actually increased drone and were a waste of time and money! I contacted Shadowman who advised me against it but I did it anyway. Well, to cut the story short, I removed the cones, sent my catback to Shadowman, and he made me some nice baffles which insert into the tips, and are held in mainly by friction and one button head screw at the bottoms. Now the car still sounds fantastic and guess what....NO DRONE! Thanks a bunch Shadow, I should have listened to you in the first place!
You'll notice that the tips are black. I actually had the entire catback sent to http://www.jet-hot.com to be completely painted semi-gloss black. I really like the understated look. Hopefully it will keep engine temps down as well. The cost was about $200. I also wrapped the catback with Thermo-tec black header wrap that I bought from Summit Racing: http://store.summitracing.com/partd...&part=THE-11022&N=700+400356+115&autoview=sku
If you decide to wrap your exhaust, my advice would be to use standard stainless worm drive clamps instead of the stainless tie-wraps which do not hold well.
In the exhaust tip pics, you will notice that I currently have the carbon fiber surround. My intentions were to have numerous carbon pieces on the exterior as well as interior but I have decided not to go that route so it is for sale if anyone wants it. PM me.
Next, a different shifter ball from http://www.monsterknobs.com I like the all black look. And, it's the same size as the stocker. For anyone who has wondered, the thread size/pitch of our shaft, it's metric 12 x 1.75, same as 1979-2004mustangs so that's how I ordered it from the website.
Next, I had been thinking of ways to mount my Valentine radar detector without attaching it to the dash, without using the suction cup mounts, and without using the cigarette lighter power cord. I really dislike all the muss and fuss of these things in the car! I did some research for different mounting options on different cars and found two absolutely awesome items.
#1 is the mounting bracket. It is a beautifully made piece from this place:
http://www.countryjoycrafts.com/ConnectorForRadarDetector.htm
I guess the guy has a 350Z that he made these for but they fit many different applications including our GT. Make sure to order the plain black Valentine mount that fits 3/4 inch stalk!
#2 you must also buy this item :http://invisicord.com/install.html
It allows you to get direct power from the rear-view mirror light harness so you don't have a dangling cord to the cigarette lighter. It's cheap, easy to install, and it works perfectly!
Next, I wanted an emblem on the rear of my car that had some meaning. Ever since I purchased my GT I have wanted to honor the 1967 Lemans winner since it was also red. That's also why I chose the number (1). Because the car was piloted by Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt, I have been thinking of ways to subtley honor them as well. I haven't thought of a way yet for AJ Foyt but I did think of this for Dan Gurney:
For those of you who are familiar with Dan and his company All American Racers (AAR), you will notice that this emblem is like the American shield on his logo and the Eagle symbolizes what Dan is well known for, his Eagle Racing cars!!!:thumbsup Here's a link to his website, lots of great histroical info and pics: http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/jdoc7/GTonJackStands019.jpg?t=1203529008
This piece is actually a trailer hitch emblem that is suppose to cover the trailer hitch hole when not in use. I just ground down the back so it was flat, stuck some 5/16 stainless screws into the back and epoxied them in place. They ain't going anywhere. Then just a washer and nut to attach through the rear grill.
If anyone has any ideas on an emblem to honor AJ Foyt, please let me know!
Lastly, you may have noticed in the first few pictures, that the front amber side indicators were missing. That's because I'm currently working with someone who is custom hand molding some clear ones for me. I have been looking for clear lenses ever since I bought the car and no one makes them! So, I am having them made for me! I just like how they clean up the look of the front. This is why I'll probably remove the yellow fog light tint sometime in the future as I think they kinda clash. Below are some pics of the prototypes on and off the car. The protos didn't fit as well as I wanted so another set is on the way as I type. Personally, I love the look of this mod on red, black, blue, and tungsten. Not so sure about Heritage, yellow, or white. If anyone else is interested in a set, PM me!
Well folks, that's all for now. I hope I gave you some ideas on what you may or may not want to do to your GT, and hopefully there is some useful information in here for others and their own projects! Take care!:thumbsup:thumbsup
