I'm enjoying this build. There are so many first gen Mustangs out there and it seems like most are done to look original. it is no loss to the Mustang community to modify this one. It'll live a new life as a cool modified car. And I love a modified car.
Same. My 65 is lightly modified. Its currently factory 86 Lincoln fuel injected, stripped of most of the emissions and a 5 speed. I'm thinking of going back to a carb.
@@HotRodGuyGarage measure out the rear irs pan from a T-bird should be a longer pan in both directions but based off the same fox body pan or a late 90's cougar with the regular 8.8 setup my be bout perfect
This video was very good. I'm older than you and have done a bunch of cars and trucks. One thing you said that was the key to building I think. After all the measurements, napkin sketches and pizza box templates when you make the first cut the worries disappear, now it's just a matter of executing all the steps. I'm working on my '64 Galaxie fastback and I'm looking for a donor Lincoln MKVIII for the independent rear suspension and rear, it should be a huge upgrade from the leaf springs.
Absolutely, I've cut and mixed alot. Most seem scared of it but it's not that bad to do just got to make that first plunge. And the independent rear should make your galaxie ride and handle nice
Russ I gotta say that you make that fox body conversion look easy and it is for you but is probably beyond most body shops I do like the idea of having big rubber under the rear Daisy was just being super affectionate at the start of the video she loves being around you.
The first cut on a project like this can be scary , people thought i was crazy when I cut up my long bed chevy truck and made it into a short bed , with careful measuring everything turned out fine when i put it on the alignment rack. Looking forward to the next video 🇺🇸
Hi Russ, great job so far! Your really showing us a serious upgrade on your 66 and explaining in great detail how to go about it doing such a project. Thank you for showing us this project. It's nice that Daisy is really supervising lol.
Don't worry about those who think this car should be redone as a stocker. The channel is titled Hot Rod Guy Garage, not Restoration Shop. This kind of content is exactly what to expect from your channel. Great work and Merry Xmas to you and Daisy.
Years ago, I had a Mustang monthly magazine, there was an article about a 65-66, that they swapped the entire floor/frame structure from a fox body into it. Even used the firewall and dash from the fox body
Daisy is bucking for a treat raise! And I have to say, growing up and living most of my life in the desert Southwest (where even surface rust is a rarity) and seeing what you guys "East" do with rusted cars we wouldn't even look at and send to the crusher. It is an amazing thing to see such tenacity and patients on all the work that is actually involved! And I never would have thought to cut out pretty much the whole back end off a fox to install the 4 link. Looking forward to the progress!
Excellent vid. I enjoy watching you fabricate the Fox body into the 66. If possible I would use the original back seat so the car would look stock but have the much better rear suspension. The coil overs are a good option to give you room for whatever wheel you end up using. It's early in the process but painting the 66 Mustang red would look awesome.
Russ, looking at that 2X6 bolted under the rear of that Mustang brings out a whole new interpretation of exactly what "Body Rot" is on a car! On a serious note, it appears that if you already had the Fox Body parts available and prepped as much as possible they could be swapped into the First Gen Mustang as a weekend project.
I agree with you on that first cut. It is a lot easier to cut things up AFTER you get past that one. As for your concept, you have done a great service to anyone that wants to upgrade the first series Mustang. It does make me wonder if the rear section from a Fairmont platform would work in the 67 to 69 cars, being as they are just a bit wider. I like the direction you are going with this and having your own test mule is not a bad idea at all. I worked as a test driver for American Motors in the seventies and we had a Gremlin test mule that got everything from a four cylinder to a 360 V8 thrown in it. When you were assigned that car, you never knew if it was going to be a snail or a jackrabbit. I'm looking forward to this series. Give daisy a head rub for me, she's doing a good job of inspecting things and keeping you company.
A Fairmont, or T bird would be longer in the back half im working on a video on how I'm addressing that one now. This car will be to the channel what project X was to Car Craft in the 60's to 80's
Great video brother, it’s amazing to watch you work. You make it seem simple the way you explain what you’re doing. Thanks Russ for sharing your knowledge with all of your fans 👍
Russ, amazing watching you work these details. I would have been losing my s**t trying to figure this build. You make it look pretty easy, much respect to you! This is really fun watching you do this stuff. But I'll be honest, there is no way I could do this. I mean I don't have the space or the equipment. Anyway, another great video, man! 👍
Been trying to boost you and Kentucky Mustang on some FB groups, and seems like there might be some positive results from that. I've noticed some other folks mentioning Kentucky Mustang since. Your skillset is pretty amazing. It all looks easy when you do it!
This project is going better than I thought it would. Plus you have more choices for your rear differential because the Fox bodies are still in the junk yards and easier to find. All kinds of spring options. This is going to turn out nice.
Guss, this looks even to me,a trained mechanic, like a very complicated, but the way you have explained the process, its easy to follow. great video ahd supervisor Daisy is doing a great job and earning her treats/
Russ this is an amazing build but I’m sure there are those out there that don’t agree. I am a Mustang guy and always was. I grew up through all these Mustangs and currently own a beautiful 67 coup but my feelings are “your car, your choice”. Those who don’t like what you are doing need to get their own car and build it the way they like……………..that’s what hot rods are all about. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I own a very nice 66 mustang coupe that is completely stock. I like it that way, but also appreciate those that have been modified in a good way. This series is really fun to watch and I can’t wait to see the rest of it. Since I have also owned a fox body i’m very familiar with how these cars are put together. Keep up the good work and give Daisy a pat for me.
Watching folks cut into things always makes me cringe, but I don't have any skill doing things like that so that's why. I like how close two different gens match up though.
If you need more room for rear tires. A slight flare would help. Correct me if im wrong, but i believe the outer rear wheel house from a 67-68 will fit a 65-66 with a bit of slight massaging of the quarter and give an extra inch of room on each side. Obviously, they are not intended to fit, so they are tight.
I’m sure someone, living in some kind of “time locked” museum, would want to restore a six cylinder mustang - but I’m fairly sure most people won’t! Daisy, tell Russ to GO FOR IT! Wooden “subframe connectors!!!”🤣🤣🤣
Question, are you spraying any weld lthrough primer and areas where it’s never gonna get painted again between the 66 in the fox body as you’re doing your welding so it’s protected in the future?
@HotRodGuyGarage the front lower control arms on a t-bird are longer than a mustang. I'm sure you know this. I found out when I put mustang front arms on an 88 bird. Took it in for an alignment and was told it couldn't be done. They adjust the stut top all the way out and I ate a pair of tires (outside edge) in less than 6 months. I moved them all the way in and problem went away at the expense of a slightly narrower front track width.
Supervisor Daisy making sure you are doing it right!! Great video....
She makes sure it's done right!
I'm enjoying this build. There are so many first gen Mustangs out there and it seems like most are done to look original. it is no loss to the Mustang community to modify this one. It'll live a new life as a cool modified car. And I love a modified car.
It's nice to see some people that get it 😁
Same. My 65 is lightly modified. Its currently factory 86 Lincoln fuel injected, stripped of most of the emissions and a 5 speed. I'm thinking of going back to a carb.
@@HotRodGuyGarage measure out the rear irs pan from a T-bird should be a longer pan in both directions but based off the same fox body pan or a late 90's cougar with the regular 8.8 setup my be bout perfect
This video was very good. I'm older than you and have done a bunch of cars and trucks. One thing you said that was the key to building I think. After all the measurements, napkin sketches and pizza box templates when you make the first cut the worries disappear, now it's just a matter of executing all the steps. I'm working on my '64 Galaxie fastback and I'm looking for a donor Lincoln MKVIII for the independent rear suspension and rear, it should be a huge upgrade from the leaf springs.
Absolutely, I've cut and mixed alot. Most seem scared of it but it's not that bad to do just got to make that first plunge. And the independent rear should make your galaxie ride and handle nice
I didn't think you would get this far so fast. Impressed.
Definitely been trying to get it to a roller as fast as I can
Nice to see the Safety Inspector on duty.😎❤️🐈
Yes, gotta stay safe!
Glad to see you went with the Fox body rear half, gonna be a cool project 👍
Absolutely, the cheapest way to get a 4-link and a stronger rear end
Love daisy's attitude to a noisy and dangerous environment, my cat you only have to sneeze and he is gone lol.
She is definitely pretty relaxed
The fox stuff is actually a lot closer than one would think. Can't wait to see where this goes.
Absolutely probably the closest to using as much as possible
1960-70 Falcon, 1970-77 Maverick, 1978-93 Fox body.........apparently, all three or four platforms are quite close in many critical dimensions.
@@piercehawke8021 your correct
Russ I gotta say that you make that fox body conversion look easy and it is for you but is probably beyond most body shops I do like the idea of having big rubber under the rear
Daisy was just being super affectionate at the start of the video she loves being around you.
She is a good Lil cat 🐈
The first cut on a project like this can be scary , people thought i was crazy when I cut up my long bed chevy truck and made it into a short bed , with careful measuring everything turned out fine when i put it on the alignment rack. Looking forward to the next video 🇺🇸
Absolutely, the first cut is always the scariest, but you just gotta go for it. It all works out in the end! If not it's just metal that can be fixed
Hi Russ, great job so far! Your really showing us a serious upgrade on your 66 and explaining in great detail how to go about it doing such a project. Thank you for showing us this project. It's nice that Daisy is really supervising lol.
I'm trying to show as much as I can, hopefully a few won't find it scary as it seems
Very cool project,I have a 63 Falcon hardtop so I'm all eyes LOL. Appreciate u sharing with fellow gearheads
The falcon would be a good fit also
@HotRodGuyGarage 10/4
I had the 63 Comet convertible. 6 cyl 2 speed auto YAWN
Don't worry about those who think this car should be redone as a stocker. The channel is titled Hot Rod Guy Garage, not Restoration Shop. This kind of content is exactly what to expect from your channel. Great work and Merry Xmas to you and Daisy.
Thanks for the support, I appreciate it! Hope you had a good Christmas ⛄
@HotRodGuyGarage we did indeed have a great Christmas Russ, thanks for the thought.😊
I'm all in I get ur vision on pins & needles daisy keep on eye on this lol 😊
It's going to be a wild ride!
😎
Trusting the process! You've got a vision for this thing, and I'm sure you'll be able to see it through.
It's going to be a long process but I think it's going to be worth it.
Nice job Russ moving that rear trunk pan down 2° from 4 to 2 made that look a lot better.
Absolutely, that made a huge difference! And I'm working on another video now bringing it down to stock height
We don't always need to buy the over priced aftermarket stuff.
Absolutely true
I can see it man.
It's all gonna come together pretty well
This is really cool, seems a pretty easy way to put a factory four link setup under this car
It's definitely a cheaper option vs the bolt in kits but as always budget come in at a cost of more work
Ws not sure at first love it u go Russ 😊
Thanks Dave
🔥😎
Awesome content as always. I'm looking forward to the hours of educational entertainment of this build!
Hope you enjoy it!
@@ApesterA this was the best choice for the build excellent
Very interesting how close the fox body fits the 66
It fits pretty well
Good information, thanks.
I'm trying to make sure this build is as informative as possible!
Looking forward to an interesting build
It will be a long process, but I think it will be worth it.
It fits in there nicely.
Definitely
Custom fabbin! oh yeahhh. Daisy making sure all is in order from previous visitors - and giving her snooze of approval :)
Absolutely, lots of welding going on!
Years ago, I had a Mustang monthly magazine, there was an article about a 65-66, that they swapped the entire floor/frame structure from a fox body into it. Even used the firewall and dash from the fox body
Absolutely a body swap would had been easier in the end I've seen a few done
Daisy is bucking for a treat raise! And I have to say, growing up and living most of my life in the desert Southwest (where even surface rust is a rarity) and seeing what you guys "East" do with rusted cars we wouldn't even look at and send to the crusher. It is an amazing thing to see such tenacity and patients on all the work that is actually involved! And I never would have thought to cut out pretty much the whole back end off a fox to install the 4 link. Looking forward to the progress!
Absolutely more treats more sleep! , rust usually isn't a huge deal around here usually more neglect then salt related
A 2×4 same guys must have owned my 64 Rancharo lol 😊
Definitely odd , but it was hanging from a A frame when I bought it
🥂
Excellent vid. I enjoy watching you fabricate the Fox body into the 66. If possible I would use the original back seat so the car would look stock but have the much better rear suspension. The coil overs are a good option to give you room for whatever wheel you end up using. It's early in the process but painting the 66 Mustang red would look awesome.
At this point a factory back seat should be easy to adapt or even the fox body coupe or hatch fold down rear seat
Great work Russ. Very informative and enjoyable to see your work and methods.
Appreciate the kind words! Hopefully it will help someone with a few cars laying around
Russ, looking at that 2X6 bolted under the rear of that Mustang brings out a whole new interpretation of exactly what "Body Rot" is on a car! On a serious note, it appears that if you already had the Fox Body parts available and prepped as much as possible they could be swapped into the First Gen Mustang as a weekend project.
Definitely
This looks like it is going to be a cool project.
It definitely should be
Great video! Can't wait for the next one!
Coming soon! 😁
Awesome job Russ !!
Thanks for watching!
Anyone that doesn't have faith has not watched the project Phenix playlist.
Absolutely 😁
NEAT!!!!
Absolutely 😁
Merry Christmas 🎄
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Nice walk-through assessment of the car before you ever get started on it. I love an old Mustang. Glad you’re saving them all as you can.
Appreciate you! Glad you’re enjoying the process.
I agree with you on that first cut. It is a lot easier to cut things up AFTER you get past that one. As for your concept, you have done a great service to anyone that wants to upgrade the first series Mustang. It does make me wonder if the rear section from a Fairmont platform would work in the 67 to 69 cars, being as they are just a bit wider. I like the direction you are going with this and having your own test mule is not a bad idea at all. I worked as a test driver for American Motors in the seventies and we had a Gremlin test mule that got everything from a four cylinder to a 360 V8 thrown in it. When you were assigned that car, you never knew if it was going to be a snail or a jackrabbit. I'm looking forward to this series. Give daisy a head rub for me, she's doing a good job of inspecting things and keeping you company.
A Fairmont, or T bird would be longer in the back half im working on a video on how I'm addressing that one now. This car will be to the channel what project X was to Car Craft in the 60's to 80's
@@HotRodGuyGarage Project X is an iconic ride.........
@@piercehawke8021 absolutely has been my favorite magazine test bed car
Wow...
That's awsome...
Love the way it's going together...
Thank you! Cheers!
Good call. I had a 1968 when I was 21. More power than I had brains/driving skill!
Great video brother, it’s amazing to watch you work. You make it seem simple the way you explain what you’re doing. Thanks Russ for sharing your knowledge with all of your fans 👍
Thanks,I've been trying to explain it the best I can
Great engineering. The trunk will be interesting and you are going to end up with a super car.
It's going to be a fun build! Trunk area video is next up
I wasn't sure how I felt about this direction but I'm beginning to see the light. Super interesting. I'm on board.
It's gonna be fun, come into the light :)
Im enjoying your video of combining a fox body with a classic mustang. Keep up the good videos.
Glad you liked it, more to come!
Well I’m hooked in again just like the other mustang I can’t wait to watch you work some magic into this project. Love these videos!!
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Wow that worked out well the two cars went together well .
Definitely not to far off
Russ, amazing watching you work these details. I would have been losing my s**t trying to figure this build. You make it look pretty easy, much respect to you!
This is really fun watching you do this stuff. But I'll be honest, there is no way I could do this. I mean I don't have the space or the equipment. Anyway, another great video, man! 👍
Understand, I've even done this stuff in a gravel driveway it's all about using your base measurements to compensate
With you all the way buddy
Thanks see ya in the next one!
Been trying to boost you and Kentucky Mustang on some FB groups, and seems like there might be some positive results from that. I've noticed some other folks mentioning Kentucky Mustang since. Your skillset is pretty amazing. It all looks easy when you do it!
Thanks, I’m hoping I’m inspiring folks to try new things.
This project is going better than I thought it would. Plus you have more choices for your rear differential because the Fox bodies are still in the junk yards and easier to find. All kinds of spring options. This is going to turn out nice.
I agree, lots of options!
Ya have me thinking ! Seen another car done like this a few years ago, stuck in back of my mind for while . Good video !
Nothing but gains to be had and can be multi use with few changes
Guss, this looks even to me,a trained mechanic, like a very complicated, but the way you have explained the process, its easy to follow. great video ahd supervisor Daisy is doing a great job and earning her treats/
It's more of a fiddly deal not horrible just monotonous
Wow! That fit great
Get lucky from time to time 😁
Great job making it fit fella.
Thank you! Cheers!
Looking great!
Thank you! Cheers!
Russ this is an amazing build but I’m sure there are those out there that don’t agree. I am a Mustang guy and always was. I grew up through all these Mustangs and currently own a beautiful 67 coup but my feelings are “your car, your choice”. Those who don’t like what you are doing need to get their own car and build it the way they like……………..that’s what hot rods are all about. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I agree with you, it's all about building what you want!
I own a very nice 66 mustang coupe that is completely stock. I like it that way, but also appreciate those that have been modified in a good way. This series is really fun to watch and I can’t wait to see the rest of it. Since I have also owned a fox body i’m very familiar with how these cars are put together. Keep up the good work and give Daisy a pat for me.
@@rickpowers4356 hopefully it turns out to be a great old car and I'll give Daisy some extra pets
Merry Xmas MR Mustang- Russ brilliant videos in 2024 cheers mate
Merry Christmas to you too ⛄
Watching folks cut into things always makes me cringe, but I don't have any skill doing things like that so that's why. I like how close two different gens match up though.
Understand, hopefully this one will help people feel more comfortable trying something like this
Hell yeah very interesting video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Good stuff
Thanks for the visit
It's very interesting how close the fit was and how easy it was for you to get it in there all flush.
They dont differ very far in demensions surprisingly
Nice job! Merry Christmas. My garage is damp a lot. I use Ospho to treat bare metal to keep it from flash rusting here.
Another good trick!
Besides being a great spot for rust, what was the thinking on making the trunk drops on cars???
It provides structure and a place for water to drain
If you need more room for rear tires. A slight flare would help. Correct me if im wrong, but i believe the outer rear wheel house from a 67-68 will fit a 65-66 with a bit of slight massaging of the quarter and give an extra inch of room on each side. Obviously, they are not intended to fit, so they are tight.
Definitely could do some light massaging
I’m sure someone, living in some kind of “time locked” museum, would want to restore a six cylinder mustang - but I’m fairly sure most people won’t! Daisy, tell Russ to GO FOR IT!
Wooden “subframe connectors!!!”🤣🤣🤣
You're exactly right, it's time for this car to get a new life!
Question, are you spraying any weld lthrough primer and areas where it’s never gonna get painted again between the 66 in the fox body as you’re doing your welding so it’s protected in the future?
Yes always,and in the end I will go back and spray internally also
As i once heard. "Anyone can restore a car...it takes a real man to CUT ONE UP" lol
Truth
I have a 1962 Falcon I've thought about doing about the same to it. There is not much difference between the Falcon and the older Mustang.
The Falcon would be a perfect candidate for a swap.
Haha, Daisy is attention deprived on this video!
She's supervising the entire project, it's her job!
Put some upr upper and boxes in and weld.
Definitely gonna do some add ons
What years are considered the fox body platform?
79-93 on mustangs
79-88 on T birds and cougars
78 was the start on Fairmonts
@HotRodGuyGarage the front lower control arms on a t-bird are longer than a mustang. I'm sure you know this. I found out when I put mustang front arms on an 88 bird. Took it in for an alignment and was told it couldn't be done. They adjust the stut top all the way out and I ate a pair of tires (outside edge) in less than 6 months. I moved them all the way in and problem went away at the expense of a slightly narrower front track width.
There was a Mercury counterpart to the mustang. Wasn't that also a fox body ??
Thank you!@@HotRodGuyGarage
Absolutely the variants have some small changes
Rear seat delete
That's the plan
Wax on and off. Cutting not a problem with race cars etc
Absolutely
Cat scan
Important part for sure
And lower