Project: Cobra IRS in my 66 mustang

[latamud]

I am not the first person to do this but I'm going to post pics and progress on the swap here.
There's already plenty of Open Source information to be found with simple google searching. I'm not a drag racer so I think i can make this thing last without catastrophic failure. I am addressing some of the weaker points though. I'm on a budget, I have about $10 in this brace.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500139_large.jpg?214917-365
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500140_large.jpg?214917-365
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500141_large.jpg?214917-365
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500142_large.jpg?214917-365

Okay. well, I'm more of an information guy. I hate post whoring; I like to answer questions or post something with significant value. So, I'm going to write up details of some mods of mine and build up my post numbers so I can post some pics. Stay tuned.

Alright, I'm into the "able to post pics" mode now. Let the flood gates open!

[tazzracing1]

Check out www.sn65.com

[latamud]

Check out wwwsn65com

Yeah, I followed the build from the beginning in 2004 and I cruised with Bob in the Power Tour in 2007; I'm very familiar with his cars. My mentor supplied the front suspension for Fire and Ice. I don't have a shop and $180k to dump into a car. Everything I've done to my car is on a E-5 budget. I'm going a different route than with a mod motor and rebodying an 03 Cobra. Like i said, as soon as I can I'll post up some pics.

[tazzracing1]

I remember those days of E-5 pay which is better now than when I was in. I hope you project goes well. I enjoyed the sn65 project also. I know the handling will be alot better and the ride will improve also. Keep us updated.

[latamud]

Made some progress this week. I yanked the Versailles rear end out and gutted the rear of the car. I have the IRS disassembles and did a mock up of the frame under the car. It's late and too dark for pics but expect some soon. Tomorrow I'm modifying the frame to lower it 2".

[latamud]

I spent about an hour staing at the IRS cradle. Yesterday during mock up I noticed the cradle would interfere with the exhaust. I've seen a few guys mod their cradle to allow the car to be lowered 2", actually it just tucks up under the car more. So, after all that staring I took some measurements and made a jig to mod the cradle.
During the mock up I noticed the rear cradle mounts inner edges sat on the outer edges of the rear frame rails. Normally the bracket bolts to the rear frame rail and the cradle brackets sit just below the rail. I plan to shave a little off the inner edges to allow the cradle to slip around the frame rail and bolt on at a higher point, 2" to be exact.
I took some measurements and have a machine shop making me an aluminum rear diff bushing. This is part of the reason why the diff covers brake on these so easily. I'll take some pics this weekend and post them up.

[latamud]

Well, finished the Jig and cut the front mounts off and rewelded them on. I also cut the rear mounts to allow for a wrap around the frame rails. Test fit was a success, fitted upper and lower control arms ,tie rods, hub and wheel. Looks like all I'm going to need is maybe 1" flare all around.
Machine shop called and my parts are done. Seems I'm ahead of schedule. I'll post pics up this weekend.

[latamud]

First mock up, too far forward
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500151_large.jpg

Here's the cradle bolted in
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500152_large.jpg

Reinforced the mount
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500153_large.jpg

Modded the front mount for solid unbushed
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500154_large.jpg

Rear diff bushing
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500155_large.jpg

Custom machined aluminum, SS shaft
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500156_large.jpg

Rear diff bushing pressed into mount
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500157_large.jpg

Rear diff brace I made
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500158_large.jpg

Brace with mount
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500159_large.jpg

Front diff torque bar I modded
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500160_large.jpg

Front diff bushing old and new. Drilled mount holes out to 3/4"
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3822/2001/22053500161_large.jpg

That's about all I have on the IRS right now

[Mystikal]

Looks good so far. I know they can kinda be a pia.

[old_blue]

Bart,looks good brother. now find me a IRS for my fox

[latamud]

Bart,looks good brother. now find me a IRS for my fox

That would be an easier swap. Pretty much bolt in, and give you a 5 lug swap at the same time.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/pts/1027767628.html

[latamud]

No one seems to be interested in this, so I'm going to stop updating this thread. If anyone ever stumble on this and is working on a similar project and has questions feel free to message me. If you have an option to email then that might be better.

I did a bunch of stuff to the car in the past few weeks. I figured a way to use the Vintage shocks and thank God because Konis aren't cheap. I'm using the Cobra rear coil, welded in the upper perches this after noon. Started a rear diff cooler mod I pieced together myself. I also made my own rear tie rod end assembly with rear bump steer kit I pieced together. Swapped in 373s and a Detroit Locker and 31 spline half shafts and plumbed the rear brake lines.
I've been coordinating with Shaun from StreetorTrack and figured how I'm going to finalize my 13" front disc brakes and will do a 12" rear kit too.

These are the pics I took tonight, it was with my phone and it was dark.
The mock up of the rear flare., I cut slits and used the Eastwood fender roller tool to push everything out.
http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/902097/side_flare_detail.jpg

http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/902101/quarter_flare_detail.jpg

This is what a 275/40-17 looks like under a 66 Mustang.
http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/902105/rear_flare_detail.jpg

I will be driving it in a week or two.

[hotrodredneck]

that looks kick ass. I bet the ride quality will be a 100000000 times better as well. I can't wait to get back to the states and find another classic

[superstallion]

man that thing is wicked

[NotQuik]

very well done....I have tons of respect for you fabing all these little parts to make it work instead of just buying it already made. Please post more pics of the finished product.

[94greenhunter]

man that thang is looking sweet can not wait to see the finished project

[NotQuik]

any updates?

[latamud]

any updates?
Oh shoot, haven't been on here in a while. I'm about done with the project and have started on another already. I ended up ordering a set of coils to lower the car, mounted the adjustable upper perches. I tied the tail pipes together. I need to bleed the brakes and finish up the flares to drive it.
Here's a pic of the unfinished fender flares
http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/1318849/IMG_1381_detail.JPG
http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/1318857/IMG_1383_detail.JPG
http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/1318865/IMG_1389_detail.JPG
Here's the exhaust tip
http://hubgarage.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/1295737/IMG_1295_detail.JPG