82 GT Restoration Project

[JPaul]

How’s it going? I saved this 82 from being scrapped and I am just getting started on it. It’s been sitting in a backyard in Texas for 25 years, unprotected from the elements. The Mustang came with a "rebuilt" engine that was sitting in a garage on a motor mount for the same amount of time, but from what another individual told me, the rebuilt engine appears to be from an 85. I’m looking forward to bringing this car back from the brink and it’s going to be the first full restoration I’ve undertaken. I’ve worked on vehicles for a while now, but nothing in this shape or age. I’m here to get assistance when and where I can as the car is 14 years older than I am and after popping the hood I realized there was a lot different from the engines I’m used to working with. Here are some of the initial photos from the first day she arrived.

 

[JPaul]

Just a little bit of shop-vacing makes a lot of difference

 

[JPaul]

Started on cleaning out the interior to see the damages. 25 years in the sun wasn’t good for her, it also appears that some rats took up their home here. After cleaning it all out I discovered multiple sections of rust that rotted through and will have to be repaired. I was already aware the upholstery was going to have to be replaced so no shock there.

I know cleaning the car doesn’t help with the overall project but I like to do it first to show that someone gives a damn and is going to make it right.

 

[broncojunkie]

Already looking much better! The 82gt's are getting hard to come by these days. I have one in similar condition sitting in my garage now. I already have an engine together, but been busy with other projects. Looking forward to following along!

 

[540Hotrod]

I had some similar fun with my 82 GT I just bought back. Removed a ton of mouse/squirrel trash from the evaporator fan blower, They also chewed up my left quarter panel interior panel like yours. Feisty little critters!

 

[540Hotrod]

Just a little bit of shop-vacing makes a lot of difference

This was mine when I got it...and now. making progress!