Fox Chassis (Ford) community build anyone?

[Maindrian Pace]

The masking tape mockup:

The rear spoiler is a Saleen whale tail, popular then but not so much now. In a way, I think it goes with the styling, but also it may be a little too much. To my now older eyes, the stock spoiler looks like a better fit:

Opinions welcome here too.

-MJS

[Eric Stone]

How bout Grabber Orange over silver? It reminds me of what an SN95 McLaren M81 would look like. I like it, BTW. Maybe more without the whale tail... I'm partial to spoiler deletes on cars like SN95s, New Edge Mustangs, S197s, 04-06 GTOs...

Edited September 5, 2011 by Eric Stone

[Dr. Cranky]

Wonderful models!

[Olskoolrodder]

Brother,that thing SO deserves to be finished!!! I like the stocker wing on it better too (but admit I would dug the whale tail back when,LOL,does that mean my eyes are older too?),REALLY diggin that hood conversion,I always wondered what the SN's would look like with a ram air hood like those (never seen em in 1:1 either).

I built one of those kits back wen they were released,but that was long enough ago (and before my injuries in '01 that affects some years of memory) that I can't recall how it went together. I had bought a NIB one off eBay back in the Spring but it burned wth the house in June. FORTUNATELY I just scored one off eBay last week (in transit to me now according to USPS tracking info ),maybe it'll jog my memory,LOL! I was gifted a '94 ('96 also) Cobra ragtop kits (both Monogram,1:24 I think),I'm thinking HARD about kitbashing the ht and ragtop to semi-replicate my 1:1 (see my avatar)...wat do y'all think,is there enough interest in a never ending CBP (as in,no end date,not a real contest but a place to hang your SN hat) to put these in? I'm going to b building at least 3-4 myself...

BTW,I ddn't like them in '94 either,LOL! I liked the look of em,but after test driving a GT automatic,it took all of 3 gears to decide to keep my 1LE option'd '89 IROC Z,LOL! Despite liking the old F-bodies though (Camaros and T/A's),I was always a Mustang guy. I'd LOVE to have a blower and heads to put on mine,but it's not so bad with the few (well chosen) mods it has

Edited September 5, 2011 by Olskoolrodder

[Maindrian Pace]

How bout Grabber Orange over silver? It reminds me of what an SN95 McLaren M81 would look like. I like it, BTW. Maybe more without the whale tail... I'm partial to spoiler deletes on cars like SN95s, New Edge Mustangs, S197s, 04-06 GTOs...

I like the idea of the Grabber Orange, I'd like to keep this one a single color because this body style doesn't break up very naturally into a two tone below the upper body line. The spoiler delete has possibilities:

The car has a high trunk line, and the upswept body line suggests a spoiler. But the eye seems to expect something back there to counter the flares and scoops, so tough to say at this point. Maybe a Terminator style lip?

Brother,that thing SO deserves to be finished!!! I like the stocker wing on it better too (but admit I would dug the whale tail back when,LOL,does that mean my eyes are older too?),REALLY diggin that hood conversion,I always wondered what the SN's would look like with a ram air hood like those (never seen em in 1:1 either).

I built one of those kits back wen they were released,but that was long enough ago (and before my injuries in '01 that affects some years of memory) that I can't recall how it went together. I had bought a NIB one off eBay back in the Spring but it burned wth the house in June. FORTUNATELY I just scored one off eBay last week (in transit to me now according to USPS tracking info ),maybe it'll jog my memory,LOL! I was gifted a '94 ('96 also) Cobra ragtop kits (both Monogram,1:24 I think),I'm thinking HARD about kitbashing the ht and ragtop to semi-replicate my 1:1 (see my avatar)...wat do y'all think,is there enough interest in a never ending CBP (as in,no end date,not a real contest but a place to hang your SN hat) to put these in? I'm going to b building at least 3-4 myself...

BTW,I ddn't like them in '94 either,LOL! I liked the look of em,but after test driving a GT automatic,it took all of 3 gears to decide to keep my 1LE option'd '89 IROC Z,LOL! Despite liking the old F-bodies though (Camaros and T/A's),I was always a Mustang guy. I'd LOVE to have a blower and heads to put on mine,but it's not so bad with the few (well chosen) mods it has

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Getting back into a 16 year old project isn't easy, especially when I have to build my skills back up so I don't screw up something important. A few other things will come first so that doesn't happen. I hate redoing stuff.

All the Monogram and AMT SNs were 1:25 scale, the Tamiya '94 GT convertible and 95 Cobra R were 1:24. As for the SN CBP, I don't see anyone else planning one, so there doesn't seem to be enough interest in doing one separate from this thread. The SN-95 is a Fox chassis, after all, with almost everything mechanical compatible with earlier Foxes, and is also referred to as the Fox-4. And since this thread includes T-Birds, Fairmonts, a Lincoln MK VII, etc, I think that bulking it up a bit with SNs is well within the spirit.

What year is your 1:1 car? I have some ideas about kitbashing a replica.

-MJS

[Olskoolrodder]

I imagine it is (hard to get back to an old project like that),LOL!

You're right of course,on the scales...I was misthinking (but I went and looked,LOL,and yep,all 1:25). Makes good sense on just adding them to this thread,cause like you said,there was more cosmetic than mechanical differences,sounds good to me.

Mine's a '94 GT,here's a few pics,and thanks for the flattery

Edited September 6, 2011 by Olskoolrodder

[Olskoolrodder]

Sorry for the size of the pics,I resized them in my Photobucket,but they still posted up too big...also,I always have problems posting pics here,dunno why

Edited September 6, 2011 by Olskoolrodder

[whale392]

Well, considering I started this to be FOX specific (1978-93) and not FOX4 (even though a LOT of the parts will move back and forth), keeping it FOX(3) is where it is at. Rick Schmitt asked early on in this thread about the 1994-2004s being included here, as his argument was the same (they are still FOXes in spirit and parts interchange). I decided then that I would limit this CBP to the 1978-93 FOX chassis, what is called the true FOX.

With that said, my real (read 1:1 cars) FOXes have a lot of SN95 parts in them. I am partial to the 'New Edge' FOX4 myself (1999-2004), followed by the 1994-95GTs (last of the pushrod power), and the Cobra and CobraR versions. I like the SN, and would support the SN95 CBP if one were started. I like the progress you have made on yours, and welcome you back into the modeling fold (especially since you are starting back on a stalled later-model car!).

OK guys, vote time. Should the SN95s be allowed as part of this community/open-end build? Honest opinions and answers here. Tell me why you either support or do not support the FOX4 integration. I want your feedback.

[GTMust]

In my opinion, this thread should remain '79 to '93 Fox Bodied Mustangs only.

The '79 to '93 Mustang body styles are an era unto themselves. I was never 100% convinced that the T-Birds, Futuras, Lincolns, etc. should have been here although I recognize the Fox heritage and the models themselves were truly inspiring.

In addition, but only a minor reason, it's already 31 pages long and growing..... newcomers to the thread would have to spend hours just catching up. If we add the '94 plus cars... who knows how many pages there'll be?

There's no problem to start a new CBP for SN 95's, etc., so why have them here? Don't get me wrong......., I own a '99 and love all Mustangs (even the '74 to '78's !), so no predudice against them. The pictures of these cars posted here already truly show that a new CBP build should be opened for them. I, for one, would love to follow it and possibly contribute.

Tony

[Maindrian Pace]

I missed the early part of the thread where the Fox 4s came up. But the title of the thread is Fox chassis, not Fox body, which is an incorrect but commonly used term. Because of all the other non-Mustangs here, as well as Mustang race cars with non-Fox chassis, it looked like all Fox variants were included. If not, no problem. I'm all for a Fox 4 CBP, the only concern is would it get more than three guys? If not, it will be a stillborn little thing that gets forgotten several pages back in no time. If enough builders indicate an interest, I wonder if a mod can split the topic, moving the SN content to the new page? I'm a moderator on a phpBB board, and we can do that there, but I'm not familiar with the IP.Board software.

-MJS

[GTMust]

You're right Mike. I've opened this thread so often, I'd forgotten what the title was!

The question then becomes........ what did Bradley have in mind when he started this thread? Was his title simply a slip of the pen (keyboard) or did he really mean that all Fox based chassis cars could be included?

Bradley.....?

Tony

[Olskoolrodder]

My vote would be to go with whatever others thought...for one,I'm easy to make a happy modeler,and for 2,I wouldn't want someone hijacking/changing a thread\cbp I started with specifics in mind,and I apologise if I overstepped,and no offense intended or taken

That said,anybody else buildng one? If so,want to have a thread just for them? If I had actually broken ground on either of mine,I'd go ahead and start it myself,if no one else does when I do (will be soon,like 1-10 days) I will

Edited September 6, 2011 by Olskoolrodder

[Abell82]

In my opinion, this thread should remain '79 to '93 Fox Bodied Mustangs only.

The '79 to '93 Mustang body styles are an era unto themselves. I was never 100% convinced that the T-Birds, Futuras, Lincolns, etc. should have been here although I recognize the Fox heritage and the models themselves were truly inspiring.

In addition, but only a minor reason, it's already 31 pages long and growing..... newcomers to the thread would have to spend hours just catching up. If we add the '94 plus cars... who knows how many pages there'll be?

There's no problem to start a new CBP for SN 95's, etc., so why have them here? Don't get me wrong......., I own a '99 and love all Mustangs (even the '74 to '78's !), so no predudice against them. The pictures of these cars posted here already truly show that a new CBP build should be opened for them. I, for one, would love to follow it and possibly contribute.

Tony

I agree. Why shouldn't they get there own thread. there are plenty out there!

Might be just the thing to get someone started on one.

[whale392]

Believe me, no offense was taken on my part at the suggestion of including the SN95s here! And, I am correct in calling them FOX CHASSIS, not FOX BODY. FOX BODY is what commonly are referred to as these cars (1978-93) by the general public. Ford themselves referred to them as FOX CHASSIS cars; believe me, we have had this discussion on the multiple of FOX forums I belong to (and the other Mustang Forums I also frequent). Being that the autos listed on the first page were all FOX3 cars, that is what I was after. Most notably were the 1979-93 Mustang, 1979-86 Capri, and 1983-88 Thunderbird TurboCoupes. However, all 1978-93 FOXes were welcome (as Ford actually launched the FOX platform in 1978 with the Ford Grenada/Mercury Zephyr body (and their derivatives).

To the SN95 (both in the pure form and later 'New Edge' styling), with the amount of real aftermarket support for these cars (witness all of the stuff for JUST the 03-04 Cobras!), and the availability of several kits in 1/25th (fewer in 1/24th), I think there is enough support for a CBP of their own. I wish there was a way to link it to this thread, so that they could be joined, but still separate. Don't worry about it becoming a 'page 2' at some time; this thread has gone all the way back to page 4 at one time before coming back to the top. Real hardcore SNers will keep it going! One of the reasons I decided to open-end the CBP was to keep it alive and provide a home for FOX lovers........try the same with the SN! I am all for it.

Believe it or not, The Mustang is just one of those cars that could have a CBP for all of its' generations and have great support (yes, even the Mustang II has great love/support) for each one. If one car can bring all walks of life together, this is the car.

Edited September 7, 2011 by whale392

[Olskoolrodder]

I frequent a few Mustang boards too (as a new member,since having bought this one-"94GTRagtop"),LOL,maybe we'll see eachother there sometime

I used to know lots about the Fox's,but not having owned one for 21 years,I kinda forgot lots,LOL. I owned both a '79 Pace Car Mustang (in all honesty,didn't know it was a pacer until after having totaled it in 11th grade),and a couple Turbo Coupe T-Brids (both an '87 and an '88)...I always had a love of em though,and nothing cranks my head around for a better look on the road than a Fox3.

I like that this is here,a place just for em,and I agree,Mustang is that car. If no one gets an SN thread going before I can get on mine,I'll start one up. I just received the Monogram '94 GT (the yellow one) I scored off eBay yesterday,so I'm anxious to get on one of em (unforetunately,all of my Mustang stash of kits were along the wall that burned in the old house,I had that one before,LOL-it's OK though,between freinds,layaways,trades and such,I have most of em back or on layaway at the LHS)...I just need to get something else moving first (been having a hard time getting going in the new house at a new bench...must be psycho-logical,LOL). I'll also be building some Fox3's down the road (hopefully not far,down the road I mean),and would be happy to post em up rigt here

Edited September 7, 2011 by Olskoolrodder

[whale392]

I belong to Foxbodyforum.com, Corral.net, foreyedpride.com, Turboford.net, Daytonstangboard.net, Modularmisfits.com, and a few others. I go by 86GT2go on all of them except turboford, where I go by 84GTTURBO2go.

It was on foureyedpride that I got my education on the terms FOX BODY and FOX CHASSIS, and just what they really meant. I have come across a lot of cool people, WAY more knowledgeable than I. When they speak, I listen. I love the FOX CHASSIS (FOX BODY in particular, as that is the common misnomer for the 1978-93 cars), and welcome all in that line.

SN95s, while being based on the FOX CHASSIS (hence the FOX4 reference), are different enough to warrant their own CBP. Like I said, I have a lot of parts meant for the SN95s (both the 94-98 cars and the 'New Edge' 99-04 cars) under my FOXes, and will doubtless find some way to stick S197 parts in too (now that there has been a half-dozen or so successful Coyote-into-FOX swaps, I have contemplated this, along with the 99-04 Cobra IRS and the Viper-spec/Ford shafted T-56 6-speed into my 1991GT). Anyway, I have love for the SNs as well, and will gladly support a separate CBP for them (I have about 20 SN95s in the closet).

Edited September 10, 2011 by whale392

[Olskoolrodder]

Have you read about/seen the new Magnum T56 6 speed? They're making a complete swap for SN95's (as well as others),every nut,bolt and fitting...has my interest,LOL!

I'm a member over at mustangforums.com and fullthrottle.com (more of a local-ish site to here),going by 94GTRagtop (or VERY similar on the local one),thanks for the links,I'll hafta check those others out!

Here in the next day or so (been saying this for 3 weeks now...LOL),I'm going to TRY and get the gumption to get started on a few projects (one of which a cbp entry to a friend's forum,mild kustom '59 El Camino,but...),most notibly a '94 and '96 ragtop Cobra...though I may drag out that new razor saw (old one burned in the house in June,LOL!) and do some slicing between the Monogram GT HT and '94 Cobra ragtop's nose and tails,and convert the Cobra to a GT (less the "Mustang GT" fender emblems,LOL) to better replicate mine.

Problem is...I been prepping my 1:1 for it's inaugural trip to the drag strip for "Street Fight" night-which I went to/ran at Thursday-and tweaking on getting the most out of what I have for better times (my clutch is very weak-not slipping yet-it's heavy,and has a .273 rear end gearing...I was launching EASY at 1,500 RPM or so,and granny shifting at 5,300 RPM-I only ran a best of 15.603 like that,but my trap speeds stayed around 94-97 MPH...SO I bought a Centerforce clutch and .410 rear gears to have installed Monday,and am taking the brand new same-size-as-the-Mustang tires off my S10...) rather than sitting and getting back started building again lately (sorry to semi-hijack,LOL). I cleaned the clutter that has been piled on te bench today though,and got the kits laid out (in the benches cabinet) and ready to begin

Edited September 11, 2011 by Olskoolrodder

[whale392]

4.10:1s huh? Awful steep for a stick car on the street (do you daily-drive the car?). Although, the SN does weigh more than the FOX (about 300 pounds for your year), 4.10:1s are usually for the auto-trans guys. most stick cars run with 3.73:1s and can live with them on the street. Hijack the thread.......not really!

I too have been busy with my 1:1 cars, and so my bench time has been lacking lately. With winter approaching, I am trying to get the second car in my garage parted down/out so that I can bring the 91GT in for her winter upgrades. Let me know how you do at the track!

[Olskoolrodder]

Yeah,I'm thinking the same thing on the .410's.....they keep several in stock for the ol 8.8" rear end,I may swap em back out for .373's when I take it in tomorrow. I do daily drive it,but the only times I normally run on the hwy are short jaunts,and for the most part,all my interstate driving is 1-4 miles at a time to cross the other side of town avoiding redlights,LOL! But yeah,I'm prbably going ot exchange those (same price,still NIB anyways,he said I could when we talked about ratios).

I'm not expecting any earth shattering improvements,but was hoping for a few tenths,maybe get solidly into the 14's with it then try and get some intake/exhaust mods/parts during the winter months before next season opens-it's not just the ratio I'm counting on for improvements,with the new clutch I can actually launch the car,rather than just ease out,ya know? LOL! But yeah,I'll let you know how it goes.

I hear you on the gettin it in for winter...just wish I had a garage,LOL! (and a '91 GT )

Edited September 11, 2011 by Olskoolrodder

[whale392]

Even in my 91GT I am only stepping up to 3.27:1s, as I am building it to put good torque down low and pull/propel me out of a corner HARD without the requisite tire spin a geared FOX is known for. The Watts Link/Tri-link/Steeda Weight-Jacker lower control arms will help plant/rotate the rear end around without it coming out from under the car. That, and I drive the car, a LOT in the good weather. I get 16mpg in my truck, the Mustang gets 27mpg in the same run the truck makes. I am not looking for a dragstrip killer, more of a well-rounded corner-killing street car.

[Olskoolrodder]

That's me too,I have no desire totake a heavy ragtop (especially one as nice as that one) and make it run 10's...I was thinking low-mid 13's consistantly on street tires,then make it handle,maybe even an S281 (Saleen) tribute car (they also were good for mid 13's),keep it for nice weather driving...hence thoughts of a lighter HT car for dragging.

Back onto scale versions (and I may have said this before,LOL),looks like all I have to do to convert the '94 Cobra ragtop to a GT is cut and putty the nose and tail off the GT HT kit and swap em around,I may try and get on that later tonight,or after the manditory running's done tomorrow (including the dropping of mine in the shop).

[whale392]

Why not use the Monogram Cobra convertible interior/boot on the 1994-95GT Coupe they also make? Just lop the top off the Coupe, clean up the surgery marks, and go from there. As both are 1/25th, and made off the same molds, it would be pretty simple. Also, I don't know anyone who has the 16" GT Non-Premium 'Waffle Star' wheels in scale.

Also, I went ahead and created an SN95 thread for these cars/builds. I myself will probably get one or two SNs going (if I can tear myself away from the FOXes long enough!).

Edited September 11, 2011 by whale392

[Maindrian Pace]

The Maisto 1:24 diecast '94 GT convertible has the 16" SN wheels, and they look like they will scale well to a 1:25 car. Swipe 'em, put kit 17s back on it, and gift it to the kiddos.

-MJS

[Olskoolrodder]

Whale392: I looked at it that way too,but tought my hand would be steadier lopping the bumpers off and swapping em...less cutting (and it's pretty straight cuts,LOL). Of course I'll post it up when I do it,whichever one it is. Thank on the thread,I'll go check it out in a sec

Maindrain Pace:AWESOME! I had never seen that diecast! Where could one buy one of em,as I don't know off the top of my head where to locally? And thanks

[Maindrian Pace]

Maindrain Pace:AWESOME! I had never seen that diecast! Where could one buy one of em,as I don't know off the top of my head where to locally? And thanks

It's not a current diecast, it was sold when the cars were new, so ebay is the only way. Keep an eye there, sometimes they sell pretty cheap.

-MJS