71 Bird Resto parts list

[Lazarus]

Ok, so we did not get car stripped yet. My wife's car was wrecked and it took priority. We should start dismantling Thursday. Parts we have ordered are as follows. Viper front disks(still contemplating cheap compatible rear setup), getting power steering from Bergman and frame connectors from uscartool. Looking at mustang bullitt wheels(what's the best year or back spacing to look for for this bird?). Car already has a/c and power windows. Interior has nice seats, but need to refurbish plastics or replace them(any suggestions for resto vs repro)? Got the front speaker plates from fellow member here to support twin 3 1/2" speakers in the front, but need suggestions for rear. Probably going behind the rear seat, but need to find a panel with cut outs or make my own(suggestions). As it stands I am keeping the stock a/c compressor and alternator until I find a good deal or a suitable junkyard swap on those. The one thing that has me puzzled the most is the electrical upgrades. When I find the cheapest source for halogen lights, I know I will be replacing them, but I know I must upgrade the electrical for them, as well as my tach since I am going with electronic ignition. Who is the wiring guru here that can give an electrical idiot an easy to understand wiring conversion for all the upgrades needed to accomodate these changes as well as switching to voltage regulators everywhere? Anybody near western Kentucky that wants to make some money on a wiring job? I'm terrified I will mess this part up. The car will be completely disassembled and on a rotisserie to make it as easy as possible. Would also like to relocate all wiring boxes to the trunk or underhood to make access simple and easy. I know this is a lot for one post, but any and all ideas, suggestions or help are welcome. I would also like to use fellow members for parts where possible if the price is not drastically different. Thanks again, Chris

 

[snakeyes]

we are going to need some car **** here :headbang:

 

[Lazarus]

Sorry, no **** available yet. The car is two hours away. I am heading down there Thursday to star stripping the car. Here is the car we are redoing though.

 

[Budnicks]

for wheels I would highly suggest you buy a wheel/tire fitment tool like the Percy Tire Fitment tool for about $70 or so from Summit Racing, your "actual" stance & ride height, what you choose to do with the rear wheel tubs, your actual front &/or rear suspension or brakes used, will also dictate what actual rim diameter size or what will ultimately fit with your specific tire selections... If you want to get the most tire without any rubbing, It's cheap insurance, so you can get the proper/actual sizes to fit your specific build & parts, not what someone else is running... good luck

 

[Lazarus]

Yeah, I thought about getting one of those, but was hoping somebody here has actually tried the bullitt rims on a 71 b-body, since they were so popular. I was also a bit concerned about using it for really precise measurements, since the ones I have seen rely on a piece of wire to be bent to simulate the tire and without having a 335 or 355 tire actually mounted on a 10 1/2" rim to duplicate, I would just be guessing. I assume I could get pretty close with that tool though.

 

[Budnicks]

so many different parts out there & every car is a little different, with it's own stance & specific parts that effect tire/rim clearances... I use one & bought it years ago now, my nephew has it at the moment, the wire thing is a little funky but pretty workable too... it does have it's limitations, but will get you really close, better than buy something wrong & having to ship stuff back or ad spacers or restocking fees etc... Stockton Wheel can/will make almost any custom or std. Offset or Backspacing, on wheels that you want from them or you supply to them to alter, or at-least use to anyway...

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I've actually used a piece of cardboard, cut to the outline shape of a tire, taped on top the fitment tool too, to get a better idea of where the tire would possibly rub or not fit properly, you can rotate &/or turn the wheels/steering, to see exactly where you may have any possible issues... good luck

 

[Lazarus]

I thought about doing one out of plywood. What experience I lack in automotive restoration, I have in spades with wood. Hmmm. What do you think about a 71 woody... lol

 

[Budnicks]

I thought about doing one out of plywood. What experience I lack in automotive restoration, I have in spades with wood. Hmmm. What do you think about a 71 woody... lol

As an ol' carpenter & former contractor, I can relate with a woody too....LOL..