Orange and White 73 Grabber Restoration

Thanks for the compliments Chip! It seems I take one step forward, then go back two steps on this project. When you are changing and modifying just about every aspect of the car mechanically it seems there is no clear answer if things will work or not. Every application seems to be slightly different than others. You just have to try and see for yourself.
I wanted to put a Lakewood Bellhousing in the car, some have told me it does not work/fit, some have told me that they have one in their car and I have seen them. So I decided to try it myself and of coarse it does not fit. I can get it to fit if I put the motor mounts in backwards, it just clears by 3/8" on the passenger side, but my headers to not clear (Crites 1 3/4" tubed headers for a 351W in a Maverick). If I flip the motor mounts and put the offset to the back it moves the motor back so the headers fit but the bellhousing does not clear the floor pan. It would have to be hammered out some for clearance. So back out comes the motor and trans, Lakewood Scattershield comes off and stock 4 speed bellhousing goes back on. That should solve most of my current issues, but boy to I hate doing stuff twice!
Your website is where I got the original idea to add the Mustang reverse lights to start with, then I decided to add the notches for the exhaust too. I am looking at adding the Mustang Round/Recessed turn signal units up front on the front valance soon too. Have you done that to any Maverick or Comets yet? I did not see it on your website where you had.

Thanks
Allen Small

 

Hi Allen:
I kind of like the Stock Small Parking Lights that fit under the splash guard so I just increased their "visibility" by removing the lens, cleaning the inner area.. painting that FLAT White Paint .. and Install a new LED bulb in those
as well as the Side Marker Lights.. What a Difference !! I've done the Comet and the Maverick so far and my Daughter noticed them and want's " Her " Maverick to look like that .. So I'm changing the clear lenses out of her
'72 and installing Amber Lenses with the LED's .. that should do it ! Also .. I completely understand what you're going through with the engine and tranny.. I've converted my Comet to a 408 with a Tremec 5 speed and I had to "massage" the floor a little and remove the Shock Towers. I installed a Mustang 11 Rack with power steering and there was a little " surgery" required there also .. My headers are 1-7/8ths diam off an early Mustang .. and I had to
cut five of the eight pipes to get everything to work . ( Worth the effort) . After they were fitted , I had them ceramic
coated before I hooked everything up. I think the Mustang Round Lights would look neat on our type cars.. It's justeasier for me to utilize the stock setup. I tried the Stock 68 Mustang Amber FRONT lights but the angle isn't correct for my valance. ( Still got them in their original boxes) ..Looking forward to seeing your car . Lemmeno if
I can do anything to help. Thanks,
Chip

 

Well after putting the motor in and taking it out, switching bell housings from Lakewood to stock aluminum bell housing (Lakewood Scatter Shield would not clear trans tunnel with out banging it with a big **** hammer and I was not doing that. It fit if you flipped the motor mounts and it moved the motor about an inch forward, but then the headers would not work. ) I finally got the motor back in and everything all bolted up including the Crites headers. Now just finalize all the wiring and other under hood items. Then it is time to go to the rear of the car and do the early model Mustang gas tank swap so I can get my exhaust to exit the way I want them too.
I have attached a pic of the motor as it sits in the car now. 351W stroked to 427 CI, Price Motorsports Dual four barrel aluminum intake with 450 Holley Carbs and top loader 4 speed, 9" rear with 3:50 posi unit, RRS Rack&Pinion Steering unit, Cal Tracs, Dan Starnes's custom subframe connectors and 4 wheel cross drilled and slotted rotors and disc brakes. I think it is looking rather nice right now. I am trying to keep it all looking sort of OEM/Factory type build and not so much of a race car. Making progress but it is slow.
I am in need of a good drive shaft to use in this car. If anyone has any ideas or know what mustang aluminum drive shafts might just swap, If you could let me know of the options other there I would appreciate it.
I am dying to hear this thing run for once! Getting close!

 

Nice and Clean install!! Taking your time will be worth it! I wrote the book on "Slow"...

 

the rack and pinion kit was made by revolution racing suspension out of australia. I think gateway mustang bought all the rights to there products.