Project LX started out as Project Commuter, a low option Medium Shadow Blue Metallic 1987 Mustang LX Sedan with a Blue Cloth interior. It later became a Black 1989 Mustang LX Sedan with a Tan Cloth interior that was an ex-Florida Highway Patrol Car. That one was a disaster and was replaced – briefly – with a 1993 Mustang LX Hatchback. The '93 hatch has since traded places with the Project Commuter Mustang.
The current Project LX car is a Light Grey 1987 Ford Mustang LX Sedan with a Grey Cloth interior, a five-speed and a 3.08:1 Traction-Lok rear end. Although it has only 14,608 original miles on the odometer, the body has been infected with rot due to spending most of its life back east and will need some intensive work to get into shape.
Since it is going to take me some time to get to the new chassis, I’m going to go all the way back to the original car and start the Project LX story from there to provide some perspective on the whole project.
To see the plan for each stage of the project, click the Stage links below. To get the details of each step in the project, click on the Chapter links. Check back here for updates to Project LX!
Chapter 1
The Ideal Commuter
It was long about 10 AM on a Sunday morning in February of 1999 when my Mother brought a car ad in the local paper to my attention.
Chapter 2
Upping the Ante
Even though the Project LX Mustang was an unmolested original when I bought it, it needed quite a bit of work to be in good working order. The original owner apparently didn't feel it was necessary to do those pesky oil changes and tune-ups.
Chapter 3
Getting in Deep
It was a gorgeous evening in June of 2000 when the Project LX ‘87 Mustang gave up the ghost.
Chapter 4
Option C
As Patty is so fond of telling me, when asked whether I'd prefer option A or option B, I usually opt for C.
Chapter 5
The Plan
Since I had a working model for my project I was prepared to begin.
Chapter 6
Rebuilding the Transmission
Let me start out by saying – again – that having a model to follow in building one’s ride is necessary, but it is by no means, a plan.
Chapter 7
Building the Engine
When I finally got to the engine, I really felt like things were going well. I’d successfully rebuilt the transmission and was ready to tackle the next step.
Chapter 8
Engine Acrobatics
When I was mired in the middle of this project, I was starting to think I’d never get to this point. I was patient and driven to be sure, but it was taking a good long time.
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