Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction Shed/Shop Build

Flame, it is a '65 hardtop. I've had it for about thirty years now. Stored for 17 years when I was active duty AF, I hauled it out to Texas and started "working on it". So far, I have a TCI Mustang II-based front end and a narrowed 8.8 rear end from a 98 4x4 Ford Exploder. Picked up a 5.3L motor that needs rebuilding and modding to fit the car, but have a 350 that was in it before. Still not sure if the fuel injection route is worth it.

Starts and stops, separated by years...but I seriously plan on making some progress now that I have the shop.

You GOTTA love those Ford Exploders!

I do...they make great donor vehicles! From all I read, the 8.8 posi is nearly as strong as an old 9-inch, but has c-clipped axles... so if it were headed to the track, it wouldn't have been the right choice. But it is an affordable option since I just want a street cruiser.

would an old 12 bolt work? Was it originally a SS with that 350? That is probably the most collectible year for the Nova. I have restored many old muscle cars and still have a 1969 Mustang Mach1 completely restored and a 1933 Ford Bonnie and Clyde 4 door street rod. Do all my own work from top to bottom. Thus the reason for the lift in my shop. Good luck with your project!!

I guess you could make it work, but the beauty of the 8.8 is that in the Exploder, the punkin is off-center by 2 7/8 inches. You just have a fab shop cut the long tube down by that same amount and get another short-side axle.

And no, the car had a 194 ci straight six in it when I bought it. It really was in good shape, and my dad said I'd regret hot rodding it. If I could have it in the same shape as when I bought it today, I'd do it in a minute. I bought the 350 from a guy in Tampa when I rode in the Camaro it was in and the guy pulled the front end off the street...impressed me and I was too intimidated at the time to try to rebuild a motor, so I bought it. Dirt cheap, too, because big blocks were all the rage.

Your cars sound too cool, Flame!

Sorry for all the car talk, folks...I know that this is a pond forum!

I drove my car down by the pond?? OK I'm done. Again, good luck on your project MOBILUS

Don't apologize Mark. We go in a lot of fun directions here.

Speaking of 9" Fords ... My 1978 Bronco.

Very nice ride, basslover! I like those old Broncos. I heard Ford was contemplating bring them back in 2020.

About 25+ years ago I had one of the old half cab Broncs. I don't think I knew what reverse gear was good for.

Jacked up, big tires and 4WD

Thank you. Spend 8 months restoring / rebuilding it. Frame-off.

Went from:


to:


Original interior was in fantastic condition.

Sweet ride!!! Dwight has some serious shop organization competition!!!

Nice Basslover, I have owned two Bronco's in the 90's and would like to have another to get around the place. I wished I had your experience in rebuilding because I would love to have one like Dave mentioned for rough housing around the place.

Tracy

PS, I am a ragtop guy and my eyes went right to the covered up one in the background. Got pictures

Covered one looks like a early Corvette or baby bird.

The saran wrapped 'vette is a '57 IIRC. Blown motor. Owner was spending a long time looking for a period correct replacement.

I replaced everything on my 78 Bronco leaving only the transmission and engine for this Autumn. Replacing with a new tranny and a built engine. And when I say I replaced everything, that means everything. All grade 8 hardware, Tom Wood's custom drive shafts, new front and rear brakes, swapped over to a new hydratech braking system, new water cooler, new aluminum radiator, blah blah blah. I've narrowed down to two engines and tranny. The transfer case will be gone through and made whole if needed.