Project Lazarus

1966 Ford Mustang Coupe

This car was sitting in a back yard for over 18 years.  It was rescued April 1st, 1999 and towed to a garage for work.

Specifications

Note: As any restorer knows, "completion" is a relative term.   The car was dubbed "street ready" on November 20th, 1999.  This represents 95% complete

Check out the Before pictures...

Results (Click the thumbnails for a better image)

(Did you ever notice that nothing makes a car look better than a pretty girl?)

RAD - Rapid Automotive Development

Here are 10 tips for RAD (Rapid Automotive Development):

1. Get funding up front.
2. Get the family involved.  Almost anyone can wash, scrape, clean and polish.  Keep the kids away from the chemicals though.
3. Prepare a workplace. Get the right tools up from (esp. a power screwdriver and an air compressor!)
4. Decide what kind of car this is going to be (stock, restomod, concourse, hot rod, etc.) and STAY with the plan!
5. Get a new pair of safety goggles, a new jump suit, a good pair of work gloves, and a new first aid kit.  If it has been over 10 years, get a Tetanus shot!
6. When buying parts, buy complete kits instead of individual parts when possible.  It is cheaper in the long run and you'll have everything you need all at once.
7. Get several vendors, and even if you have a classic, use your local auto parts store, and get to know the manager.
8. When (not if) you get the feeling that this project will NEVER get completed, go to a car show, visit a completed project, and read a few magazines.
9. Trade money for time.  A complete, in the box engine will cost more, but will complete the project MUCH FASTER.
10. When the car is at a shop (paint, framer, engine, etc.) visit it often with a camera.  DON'T hassle the shop owners, but visiting often with a camera will motivate them to keep working.
11. Work from the bottom up, and the outside in.  This means the interior is last.  And keep washing your hands!
12. Plan to be over budget by at least 20%.

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