[FrankR105]

Just finished my build of a Lone Star originally manufactured in 1997. I purchased it in 2008 from the original owner's family that claimed it was 80% complete (was a rolling chassis without engine/trans installed). It came with most everything needed to complete (but not all!). The guy that bought it passed away before he could finish it (let that be a lesson, guys!) and I was the benefactor. Shorty after I bought it, my wife passed away, so it sat for about 4 years for lack of wind in my sails. I started working on it in earnest at the beginning of 2012, and got it registered in Dec. 2016.
Because the overall craftsmanship on work that was completed wasn't really up to my standards, I disassembled the whole thing and pretty much started over. The only good thing the previous owner did that did me any good was the bodywork and expensive paint job, so preserving it while hoisting the body off the frame was a challenge. The car came with a stock ~'83 Mustang 5.0 long block, GT-40 factory EFI with some aftermarket enhancements, a T-5 trans, and the standard Ford 9" rear (with a Curry tag) and 4 link/coil-over suspension. I cut up the driver's side firewall and widened the footbox so a person with normal size feet can safely drive it with some degree of comfort. Installed the factory EFI system with better fuel rails, Accel distributor, a better intake system, and other trinkets. Double fuel lines, brake lines, and battery cables running between the body and chassis were a challenge, along with the clutch slave cylinder mounts. Talked to Brian many times about obtaining upgraded suspension parts and pieces, and several other missing components (there were many), then when he left Ashley helped as much as she could.
Since I've been involved building and running race cars and hot rods my entire life for other people, this was the first one that was for me (not counting the '57 Chevy I built in high school). There were many problems that needed design and fabrication, so I was able to easily overcome them with my engineering background and the little machine shop I have in my cellar.
Super happy with the thing, though I originally thought I'd be taking it to track days at Lime Rock (~60 miles away), but it still has the original coil-overs (Aldean?), the junkyard brakes and the 15 year old tires (with zero wear) that would all have to be replaced before doing such a thing, not to mention doing something about the horrendous bump steer in the front end. So it'll just live the life of a street cruiser for a while.
Will be happy to field any questions and share any knowledge if needed.