Project Blue Collar: Fox Body Mustang Restoration

Before we could do anything with Project Blue Collar, we had to get it moving under its own power! Pushing a Fox Body Mustang around the garage with no power steering fluid and a full tank of couple year old gas was getting tiring. So Stage 1 was going to be strictly a complete fuel system overhaul that included a new fuel pump and fuel filter. As soon as we removed the gas tank from our Fox Body Mustang we quickly discovered Stage 1 of Project Blue Collar would be more than simple fuel pump install.

We found that the fuel tank baffles had broken lose and torn the fuel sock off the pump. The fuel level sending unit was also damaged by the baffles. Because we had complete failure, we turned to 5.0Resto and picked up a new fuel tank, new pump bracket, fuel level sending unit and vapor valve seal. For the pump we turned to BBK and picked up one of their 255 Fuel Pumps. To finish off the install we picked up a 5.0Resto fuel filler neck grommet and filler pipe to trunk floor seal. Lastly we used a Motorcraft fuel filter because we were sure the old one was full of lacquered old fuel.

After the fuel system upgrade was complete Blue Collar fired right up; however, it revealed yet another set back! It had a TFI module failure that led to rough idle and poor performance. This again made us extended Stage 1 out to include a full ignition system upgrade. We turned to the PDI (Performance Distributor) complete 5.0L Performance Ignition Kit to solve our entire ignition system problem. After this installation was complete, Project Blue Collar was roasting tires in no time.

With the fuel system and ignition systems completely replaced on our project Fox Body Mustang it was time to make sure we optimized its performance with some “free” tuning! One of the best things about owning a Fox Body Mustang is the fact that you don’t need a tuner or performance chip to improve your performance. Advancing timing and improving idle can be done in your garage for free!

After installing a distributor you need to also check your timing. Setting your timing is key to maximizing your performance and drivability. That is why we created the video below! Watch as we show you how to properly set the timing on a 5.0L V8 Mustang. We were able to advance the timing and free up some extra horsepower in Project Blue Collar.

Project Blue Collar was also experiencing an idle that was sitting a little bit higher than we wanted. Since it had an aftermarket throttle body on it, we suspected that the TPS (throttle position sensor) wasn’t adjusted properly. We created a video to show everyone how to properly adjust your TPS and while doing so we found that our project Fox Body Mustang needed some small adjustments. After the adjustments were complete our idle issues were solved.

Lastly we had a starting issue with Project Blue Collar that we traced back to an ignition switch. This is a common failure on Fox Body Mustangs so we figured we would highlight the installation on video. We also replaced the sunroof weatherstripping so we could park Blue Collar outside when we weren’t working on it. Stay tuned we have plenty more video and updates on the way!!

Stage 3 of Project Blue Collar is our first step toward prepping our Fox Body Mustang for paint! The interior is nasty to say the least. We figured this was the perfect opportunity to remove the seats so we could get them ready for some upholstery work. In true LatemodelResto fashion, we decided to take the opportunity to show you how to remove your seats.

We were slightly torn on what we wanted to use for upholstery – factory replacement or something a little bit more custom. Once we saw the new TMI 03-04 Cobra Upholstery kits for Fox Body Mustangs we made our minds up. Lucky for us, Dean Satterfield from TMI decided to come visit us when the upholstery was delivered. Dean was even kind enough to jump on video to lend a hand with the installation. Watch our full installation video below.

We also took this time to fix a few broken parts such as inner door handles and hatch struts. In the next stage of Project Blue Collar we will be tackling some of the exterior tear down and prep work for paint!

With the major interior components removed, it was time to turn to the exterior and prep it for paint. It was at this point we all got a little bit more excited about the project. The faded and peeling clear coat had been an eyesore since Project Blue Collar rolled into the garage.

The first step was to start removing the paneling, body components, and quarter windows. Since it was going into paint we figured it was time to upgrade the exterior with a 1993 Cobra body kit and replace the worn quarter windows. We also opted to paint this Fox Body with a custom pearl blue paint job.

You will find plenty of removal and installation videos below to help you prep your Fox Body Mustang for paint. We also took the time to repair the worn out door hinges while doing this work and decided to go with a 5.0Resto 5 lug conversion kit. Stay tuned because the next time you see blue collar we will be putting it back together after paint.

Project Blue Collar is back from paint! This stage in the build has been a mad rush to get our Fox Body Mustang build back together. We had plenty of to-dos and action items to take care of once Blue Collar was back in our garage. The bulk of these revolved around putting the exterior and interior back together.

To get the exterior back together, we turned to the 5.0Resto brand for all of our needs. We installed new 5.0Resto quarter windows, exterior renewal kit, headlights, tail lights (we were excited to see those clear tail lights go away), and weatherstripping. We gave this Fox Body Mustang an aggressive new look with the 93 Cobra conversion kit and SVE Drag Wheels.

Next up, we turned our attention to the interior. We found out that Project Blue Collar was originally and automatic car so we installed a 5.0Resto transmission tunnel hump before we installed the new ACC floor carpet. We also installed new hatch carpet and floor mats from ACC. With the carpet in place we installed our TMI 03-04 Cobra Seats, new 5.0Resto seatbelt kit and pedals. Lastly we finished off the interior with TMI black suede headliner and door panels.

We decided to replace the old rusted exhaust with one of Pypes Pype Bomb Cat-back exhaust systems. This gave our Fox Body an aggressive exhaust tone to match the new looks. The final performance mod was the installation of the SVE 70mm throttle to improve air flow to the engine!

With Blue Collar fully assembled and back on the streets, you will see it grace more videos and maybe even a car show or two. Who knows what is next for Blue Collar? Maybe some track time and more power. Stay tuned to find out!