Well, It's been interesting so far. Had a nice visit with Mom. She was very happy to see me. My brother and sister didn't tell her I was coming in case something went wrong. Good thing too because the first trip had to be postponed for two weeks when I got sick. She seems to be coming along nicely for a 76 year old woman recovering from chemo-therapy. The cancer is in remission for now and her strength seems to be coming back slowly but surely. We'll see about the future as it unfolds.



Got back and was anxious to start installing parts. The thin washers I got from Fastenal helped gain some clearance but the bolt heads still scraped the spring and a little nub on the parking brake actuation lever. I decided to remove the nubs on both sides. Can you say: "Minor modification may be necessary?" Sure. I knew you could!



I got out my grinder and file and removed the nub.



Consulted with Strange engineering about the bolts and how much I could remove from the heads to gain clearance and took some measurements then brought the bolts to a machinist to have the heads turned down to .150 thickness. Here are an original washer, my thinner washer and one of the bolts after turning.



Then I checked the clearance. Miracle of miracles there was enough room for everything to fit and turn with no contact so I started to reassemble it.



Installed backing plates, axles and retaining brackets.



Placed discs on axles and fastened in place with 2 lug nuts then installed calipers.



Torqued the bolts and safety wired them in place.



Next I reinstalled the air springs.



Torqued all the nuts for the 4-link and Shockwaves and put the wheels on. Aired it up and removed the jack stands.



I love how these look on the old girl.



Viola!! Baby got a new pair of shoes!!



I still need to plumb the brake lines but that can wait until I get the master cylinder and the front brakes installed. Meanwhile I will leave the calipers sealed with the little stickers that came on them from the factory.

I haven't decided if I want to use these wheels in the front or back. I was planning to put the 18's on the front and put some 20's on the back. We'll see what they look like when I get the front end in and I will decide then.

Now to the process of saving money for the next step.

 

Great work it's coming along nicely, I like those wheels/tire

 

looking good, what kind of rims are those?

 

What they said,………..plus, good work and great rims, can’t wait to see what the “anti sly wheels club” has to say! I would also like more info?

 

nice set up, those wheels look great

 

The rims are Bullitt Motorsport 18x9, 5x4.5 Mustang bolt pattern from American Muscle. Tires are Nitto Invo.