Pump It Up
September 23, 2022
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
GET IT HANDLED
Before the advent of the “smoothie look,” people were slicking down the lines of their cars and trucks in numerous ways, and shaving door handles was one of the more popular mods. Today the trend is to fit later-model door handles rather than no door handles at all. This still provides a simple way to clean up your vehicle with very little effort, yet retains the convenience of manually opening the door. If you have the patience, talent and imagination, you can borrow the parts from a donor car or truck and fit them to your own project, thereby achieving a cool, smooth look that will be unique to your vehicle.
LS is MORE
When GM introduced the Gen III small block in the F-body, it rekindled a dying performance flame with its new-generation small block. While the Gen I small block actually kick-started the hobby and got it into gear, it’s the latest family of small-block engines that has grabbed the attention of enthusiasts everywhere—and for good reason.
THE HYDROGEN HIGHBOY
Enter Carl Casper, a man best known for building custom cars and promoting his huge custom car show every year in Louisville, Kentucky. Casper has long been a self-thinker and innovator with plenty of experience under his belt, and he was intrigued with the concept of alternative fuels, hydrogen in particular. During our conversation with Casper, he summed it when he said, “I feel many of the solutions will come out of the car guys. I want the mechanical wizards who have taken street rodding and auto racing to the highest levels imaginable to start putting their creativity into alternative-energy systems. I’m putting my money on them. Everyone seems to be waiting for the big corporations to pull us out of this energy crisis, and they tend to forget that from the very beginning of time it’s often the little guy with a shop behind his house who creates the next great idea or invention of our time.”
Spotlighter
THOROUGHLY MODERN MUSTANG
Blending New-Age Technology With One of the Most Famous Fords in History
Author
Stephen K. Anderson
Photography: Mike Chase Photo Design
A MODERN TAKE ON A PONY CAR ICON
As a longtime automotive enthusiast, Susan Alonso was looking to make a statement with a car she had admired ever since it set off the pony car craze over 36 years prior. After all, the 1965 Mustang still has a fresh a look today, and being that this particular example is a convertible, it is equally prized for its rarity.
BLENDING CLASSIC STYLE WITH MODERN PERFORMANCE
To make the most of these classic lines, Alonso looked to refine the drivetrain with late-model components that would bring this classic to life in a more modern way. She also envisioned a reworked exterior that adds a bit of European flair to the overall package through subtle changes that blend perfectly with the original lines.
CLEAN LINES AND SUBTLE EXTERIOR REFINEMENT
To begin, all of the emblems were shaved off, along with other minor elements that Alonso felt took away from the potential of this stylish package. A pair of ’97 Mustang door handles was added in place of the originals, and the fuel filler was relocated from the rear panel to the driver’s-side quarter panel. You’ll also notice the side scoops, which are now functional, allowing proper cooling to the rear brakes. The hood was reworked with ’97 Mustang Cobra-style scoops that create a cool-looking cowl induction effect that allows clearance for the new powerplant wedged beneath it. Further detail came through the welded body seams and the new sheetmetal body corners that replace the pot metal originals. The underside of the fenders also was modified to allow clearance for new suspension components and larger wheels and tires. To bring all of the goodness together, a bottomless coating of red PPG Deltron paint was applied.
MODERNIZED CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
To bring the same level of quality to the underside of this Mustang, a number of components were joined to a revised frame incorporating 2×3-inch rectangular tubes in combination with the stock front frame members. These included various components from Kugel Komponents, including stainless steel control arms, along with AVO coilover shocks and Mustang II steering.
REAR SUSPENSION AND BRAKING POWER
The rear suspension makes use of a 9-inch Ford rearend fitted with 3.52 gears and the same 13-1/2-inch Baer rotors and monster calipers that are used in front. When combined with a pair of leaf springs and KYB shocks, the OZ five-spoke wheels and 235/40ZR18 Michelins stay put even with a firm stab of the right foot.
COBRA POWER UNDER THE HOOD
When that go pedal is activated, a ’97 4.6-liter Mustang Cobra double overhead-cam V-8 roars to life, producing over 300 hp. As you might imagine, the installation of this particularly wide motor, which makes use of advanced electronics, was no easy task. In addition, the computer had to be adapted to the existing wiring loom and running gear by Eric Belter. To slide the 4.6 into the original confines of this Mustang, the shock towers were trimmed, and even then, clearance is tight. The close quarters were further aided with a set of specially made headers that route tight to the motor. Of course, the cooling system also was reworked, and the drivetrain beefed to live well under the pressure of this potent motor.
A REFINED INTERIOR WITH CLASSIC ROOTS
To complete the modern refinement of this cool convertible, Mike and Don Franzini reworked the interior in a perfect blend of new and old. They brought the modern fit of Recaro buckets seats together with custom door panels and adjoining areas in a two-tone gray leather layout that is right in step with the rest of this fine filly. Add in an original ’65 Mustang steering wheel with a new leather rim along with a selection of other special features, and you can bet that Alonso is sitting pretty well before the key is turned.
AWARD-WINNING EXECUTION
Once all of the modifications were completed by Ken and Mike Dondero, this modern Mustang was set to open the eyes of anyone who appreciated this wonderful combination of modern themes applied to a true ’60s favorite. Since its completion, this convertible has taken its share of special awards everywhere it has appeared, along with countless “thumbs up” as it heats up the pavement and pulses of fellow gearheads on the highway.
