It has begun - G-Pete's 289FIA Scratch Build

G-Pete · #1 (**permalink**) 02-05-2011, 02:59 PM

It starts with a vision and after awhile it is a project. 1999 I looked into building a Cobra - got vendor lists and prices. For 11 years the project was set aside, until winter 2010. The model (1:18) was sitting for too long on my desk...

The decision was to make what I build, a 427 or a 289. The 289 is my choice of poison

I heart they are highly addictive.

The donor is a 2000 Mustang GT - I will use as much I can out of this car. It has different shocks and springs and the handling of that car is not bad for a fat car (3000#++).

There is nothing major wrong with the suspension setup of the newer Mustangs, just the car is overweight.

The car will be kept as original as possible - that means the main rails will be a ladder construction with 3 inch OD tubes. I hope I can keep the weight close to 1800 pounds dry.

Stay tuned for the first pictures...

G-Pete · #2 (**permalink**) 02-05-2011, 03:17 PM

...one thing more: Please don't expect lots of chrome and blink blink. The car will be painted but not in a metallic, it will be loud, raw, powerful and hard.
With other words a sports car.
Nicki Lauda said ones "You take your Grandpa for a spin and his dentures fell out - you have a real sports car"

LMH · #3 (**permalink**) 02-05-2011, 07:20 PM

Cool G-Pete!
Are you going off of plans for the frame? Are you going to build a body or buy one?
Larry

BTW, original 289FIA's used 3" tubes for the main frame. Of course, you can use whatever you want!

G-Pete · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 11:56 AM

Larry you are right the frame was constructed with 3 inch main rails - the 4 inch was a typo. Just looked up what I ordered on steel, 3.00" OD 0.165" wall.

I will draw my own plans.

The body will be picked up in Kansas City this Friday. It is a carbon fiber body...

1985 CCX · #5 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 02:53 PM

G-Pete

"No bling" I am with you......
Welcome to the sickness, a original style 289 with take a some time as parts are scarce and hard to find. In the process myself. Time is mostly my downfall, best in your build...........

tkb289 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 03:20 PM

G-Pete,

Sounds like a great project

... look forward to watching your build!

Looks like you planning to use the motor and drive line from the donor Mustang ... do you anticipate any fitment issues?

1985 CCX · #7 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 03:36 PM

Pictures pictures pictures......................

G-Pete · #8 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 04:11 PM

Yes pictures...
Pic1 --- the general idea how the car will look like (yep it is a 427 can't find a 1:18 289)
Pic2 --- The 2000 mustang former driven by a 23yr old kid.
Pic3 --- engine compartment, ones the engine is out I see greasy hands for a while.

LMH · #9 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 04:22 PM

Here's what you're shooting for if you build an original style frame.
Sagebrush FIA 289:

Sorry for the shamless plug... but I just had to!

Larry

G-Pete · #10 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkb289

G-Pete,
Sounds like a great project

... look forward to watching your build!
Looks like you planning to use the motor and drive line from the donor Mustang ... do you anticipate any fitment issues?

Not really, most is planned and executed "on the fly".
Right now I'm contemplating about the rear end. A "regular" 8.8 from the donor or a 8.8 IRS from a cobra. I could use the additional weight in the back to balance the car more...I just don't like the idea to have a 50gal fuel cell in the back like the guys did back in time.

As I said, on Friday I drive to Missouri and get the body. I take measuerments and refine my drawings. Here below my first drawing - more or less a copy of an 4x2 inch tubing box frame. After looking at that I scratched this idea....

G-Pete · #11 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 04:53 PM

Larry, you just hit the nail!! I will try to come as close as possible! Is my assumption of the distance of the main rails correct (center to center) - 20.25 inches?

LMH · #12 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 04:56 PM

I'm not sure, I'd have to measure it the next time I'm in the shop. Jeff Gagnon can probably tell you before I could.
Jeff...?
Larry

1985 CCX · #13 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 05:36 PM

I measure : 17.5" on center from a 289 leaf spring chassis. Maybe the 427 is 20.25" as they spread that out a bit further.... Don't have one to measure....

mickmate · #14 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 08:43 PM

427 is 20.

G-Pete · #15 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011, 09:36 AM

This weekend I drove to Missouri to get my body. The body is carbon fiber and weighs 39 pounds. The tensile strength is higher than the original alu body. That shaves off the car easy 200 pounds compare to the fiberglass body with at least 250 pounds.

To transport that thang I got a trailer from Harbor Freight and constructed a buck for the ride.

This picture shows the rig - half way back home.

Here a shot of the fire wall.

Very little seams on the mold parting - Bryan did a fine job.

Side shot

Rear end - who don't love these outlines...

The trunk lid. The doors were not ready by this weekend. The boys up there will sent me the doors within two weeks.
Monday I get all the measurements of the body and start to draw the new chassis.

PDUB · #16 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011, 12:29 PM

Who did it for you... B & B ? Carbon fiber looks so cool!

1985 CCX · #17 (**permalink**) 02-13-2011, 02:52 PM

Who's glass body is 250lbs?

I would estimate mine at 125lbs, give or take, tops as i can lift it solo its just bulky. Maybe chopper gun is 250lbs?

Carbon is cool though........

G-Pete · #18 (**permalink**) 02-22-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDUB

Who did it for you... B & B ? Carbon fiber looks so cool!

No it's not from B&B, the body is made by Bryan in Missouri. I sent him a link to this thread - he may chime in here.
Yeah that looks cool...

G-Pete · #19 (**permalink**) 02-22-2011, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Who's glass body is 250lbs?
I would estimate mine at 125lbs, give or take, tops as i can lift it solo its just bulky. Maybe chopper gun is 250lbs?
Carbon is cool though........

Most companies which I called gave me a number between 200 and 250 pounds.
How is yours coming along?

G-Pete · #20 (**permalink**) 02-27-2011, 10:24 AM

Pretty greasy progress right now. All parts from the donor Mustang removed and the rest of the cherry red went to the salvage yard R.I.P.

For now is is cleaning and cleaning...not that attractive part of that project, but it has to be done.
The front and the rear crank seals are dry but the oil pan was leaking. So it leaked over the engine and steering part and collected dirt. Hot summers baked the grease on - even with a very aggressive degrease agent is takes quite some time.

The engine removal was easier than the complete wiring harness and all the other parts. A forklift helps tremendous, dropping the engine with the K-Member and transmission to the floor and lift the body up. Parting the engine from its buddies on a table in upright position is the way to go.

http://werk77.com