Several layers of paint were...
Several layers of paint were applied and allowed to dry for a few days.
For some, turning to a wrecked Mustang is a low-cost option to buying one that is flawless. If you are capable of performing bodywork and don't mind working hard, there are many diamonds in the rough.
Costeira found this car at an auction that is not open to the public, however, if you browse sites like eBay and Craigslist there are cars to be bought at a reasonable price. But be warned, as Costeira stated, "This car was rough when we got it. It was bashed up and in real bad shape, but the chassis was straight and it just needed bodywork. For us, it was a natural fit since that is what we do and we went with a Cervini's '00 Cobra R body kit to replace a lot of the parts. We also added a Cobra rear bumper, and a new door and fenders."
As the body dried, the nose...
As the body dried, the nose and wing were painted. The nose was done in two parts: First was the base green, and then the front splitter was taped off and painted black.
He also told us that when picking up a salvage car, avoid cars with bent frames due to complex repairs. Also be aware that in some states it's harder than others to re-title a salvage vehicle. Costeira also suggested you really think it through before committing to a project of this caliber-everything sounds simple when planned out in your head.
We often look at the success with projects like the Recession Special, a recently completed project on the pages of this magazine. Senior Tech Editor Steve Baur bought an LX coupe that most of us would have definitely overlooked. A lot of time and care was spent on it, and the finished project speaks for itself. Costeira's '02 Stang will be added to our success folder as the before and after photos speak for themselves.
Picking up a wrecked or rough Mustang isn't a bad thing, but expect to work hard bringing it back to life.
The wing was painted to match...
The wing was painted to match the front splitter and forth coming black accent on the hood.
Costeira removes the paper...
Costeira removes the paper to reveal the green underneath-the center was left exposed so it can be painted black.
Costeira then taped off the...
Costeira then taped off the side doors to paint matching black stripes. The rough sketch on the paper taped to the fender was done before he even laid a single piece of tape on the doors.
Nitto NT05 tires feature two...
Nitto NT05 tires feature two thick bands in the middle, giving it an aggressive look and helping wet-weather performance. We went with 275/35/18 all around.
The FRPP Cobra R wheels check...
The FRPP Cobra R wheels check in with an 18-inch diameter and a width of 9.5 inches. These wheels are offered in five-lug only, as well as a chrome finish.
Costeira had a billet gas...
Costeira had a billet gas door lying around the shop from a previous project and added it to break up the green on the backside. Our opinion? He should have it powdercoated black to match the stripes.
The Mustang is nearing completion...
The Mustang is nearing completion and almost ready to be road-worthy again.
The finished bodywork looks...
The finished bodywork looks clean. You'd never know the car was in such bad shape when purchased. It looks good, but one thing we need to do is add some lowering springs, and new shocks and struts to go along with the Cobra R look. The car sits a little too high, but it is ready to hit the streets of New Jersey-something that wasn't possible a few months prior.
This car was in poor condition...
This car was in poor condition when Costeira saved it, and the headlights and taillights were damaged. He called AmericanMuscle.com to pick up new front and rear lights. These have a European look, and were fitted to the car and nose before paint work was doneso adjustments could be made without damaging the fresh paint. Costeira reported that the lights, front and aft, fit without any additional work.
Light pinstriping was applied...
Light pinstriping was applied to accent the black sections.