1989 Mustang GT

[DEFYANT]

Hello all,

Well, I am finally a Mustang owner again. And this one was my Dads. Last weekend I drove my 89 Ford F250 to my parents home in NY and picked up his 89 Mustang GT. When Dad bought the car in 1996, it had 31k miles. It was strictly a cruzer, used on weekends or a quick trip to the store. Over the years Dads numerous projects increased as his health declined, nothing major, but the Mustang has done more sitting and more sitting as his "to-do" list got longer. So much so that since 2006, he only put about 1K miles on her for a total of 56,210 original miles. It has pretty much just.... sat.

And we all know what happens when a car just sits. Things just dont work right anymore. Not quite a barn find, but close. It wasn't running, the passenger door is stuck - can not unlock it, the drivers door can not be locked, drivers seat is bent some how, paint is flaking, minor rust on hatch, cracked spoiler, fog light missing a lens, non working alarm system from the early 90s, tint turning purple, the list goes on.

When Dad offered the car up to me, I, of course snapped it up! There has not been a Mustang in my garage in many years, so to have one that was my Dads was a fantastic opportunity! This is not a new Mustang that I'd buy new and throw a bunch of money at to customize and make fast - like the Marauder. This is a project. Something my boys and I can work on and have fun with.

There is some nostalgia that goes along with this project also. After all, it was Dad who, way back when bought a brand new black 67 Mustang GT 390 4sp, fastback and modded the hell out of it. I spent my formitive years traveling in that car. Probably explains the reason I enjoy Mustangs (and Marauders).

Anyway, back to the present. So the 89 GT was dead. Stone cold DEAD. Turn the key nothing. Charge the battery - nuthin! Lights, bells and everything else - 'cept no start. We jumped the starter solenoid and she cranked over very slowly. Looking over the battery, it was old. Terminals were crap. Figured, hell with it, get a new battery. Quick trip to Auto Zone and that did it. Though we had to jump the solenoid to do it, she was alive - barely.

I took her for a spin around the block. This car needs love! The tires have very low miles, but were almost like squares! The brake pedal was hard like a board and the car stopped very slowly. Frozen calipers probably.

But she is alive!.

I drover her up onto the U-Haul car hauler and dragged her home Saturday night. Sunday came and the work began. So far I have done the following:

- Removed the POS alarm - cause of the no start issue.
- Oil change
- Fixed vacuum line
- cleaned MAF and air box
- Repaired various wires, mostly due to the alarm
- Began work on the doors issue.

Turns out the drivers power door lock actuator is forzen. Once removed, the latch worked fine. I am assuming that is the problem on the passenger side. Tricky part will be removing the door panel with the door closed!

Pics to follow soon.

[seabreeze]

Coupe
Hatch back
Convertible

My second Mustang was a 88 blue GT convertible with Blue convertible top. I remember removing the Helmholz resonator, clipping off the screws on the throttle butterfly, Loc-tite-ing them in, and advancing the timing about 5 degrees (last time I used a dwell / tach and a timing light), as well as adding a K&N filter and an aftermarket alarm.

Did you end up with my old one??

Scott

[DEFYANT]

Coupe
Hatch back
Convertible

My second Mustang was a 88 blue GT convertible with Blue convertible top. I remember removing the Helmholz resonator, clipping off the screws on the throttle butterfly, Loc-tite-ing them in, and advancing the timing about 5 degrees (last time I used a dwell / tach and a timing light), as well as adding a K&N filter and an aftermarket alarm.

Did you end up with my old one??

Scott

It is a hatchback. Forgot that somehow.

[Joe Walsh]

Sweet Mustang Charlie!

'89 were the first 50 state MAF Mustangs.
(49 state '88s were speed density, except for California cars which were MAF in 1988)
Easy to mod them and make them run very quick yet still have them be completely driveable with good mpg.

5 speed or auto?

Driver's seat probably has a cracked frame...or possibly the floor board sheet metal under the seat mounts might be cracked.
Mid 80s Fox Mustangs are known to have the floor board problem...a good set of subframes will tie all that together.

[DEFYANT]

Dads 67 FB

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/dads_67_128111_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5067&c=3&userid=64)

Dad and I in 2004

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/cleanboys_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5066&c=3&userid=64)

The 89 GT the day I got it

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101218_133300_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5048&c=member&imageuser=64)

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101218_133312_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5049&c=member&imageuser=64)

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101219_145732_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5064&c=member&imageuser=64)

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101218_133336_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5051&c=member&imageuser=64)

[DEFYANT]

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101219_142739_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5058&c=member&imageuser=64)

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101219_142714_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5057&c=member&imageuser=64)

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101219_142657_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5056&c=member&imageuser=64)

[DEFYANT]

Sweet Mustang Charlie!

'89 were the first 50 state MAF Mustangs.
(49 state '88s were speed density, except for California cars which were MAF in 1988)
Easy to mod them and make them run very quick yet still have them be completely driveable with good mpg.

5 speed or auto?

Driver's seat probably has a cracked frame...or possibly the floor board sheet metal under the seat mounts might be cracked.
Mid 80s Fox Mustangs are known to have the floor board problem...a good set of subframes will tie all that together.

Thanks for the info Joe. I need to re-up my mustang knowledge. Since the MM, I've focused only on it. Dad says the seat has a cracked frame. The under side looks good.

It will need sub frames..... :D

[DEFYANT]

A nice pair (of '89s)

http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/files/6/4/img_20101219_142615_thumb.jpg (http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=5053&c=newimages&cutoffdate=lastvisit)

[JBeezy]

Sweet deal. I'm a mustang guy as well. I've owned a few. Sold my Supercharged '93 Coupe a few years back(regret). I now own a '93 LX Hatch. It was a 4 cyl car. We swapped everything from a '92 GT into it. I love it.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b208/impalasscars/63f50c75.jpg

[Rockettman]

I bought my Mustang (see sig below) in spring of '92 with 32000 kms on the clock. It now has 120000kms on it. I'm the second owner.
TLC - OH YAH, but I've still got it, and love it. It still has the original top with not a rip!! I has now become a garage queen due to having a daily driver and the MM, but have fun with it. And it looks great.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Painted_plates.JPG (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/17104)
It will be a great time for you to spend with the kids, and they will love it when they get their licenses!

[ctrlraven]

Swap out those GT lights for some LX lights.

[dgi]

Another mustang guy chiming in! and im local to ya...

I have a 90 GT Convertible project that ive lost interst in and have plenty of aftermarket parts on it if your looking for a project... Maximum motorsport suspension, fresh brakes, rebuilt t5 (if your looking to convert), pony wheels, etc... let me know if your interested in shooting the breeze sometime...

My baby is my 93GT thats my track (road race) whore... it gets driven about 1k miles a year lately with work but it still gets a workout from time to time...

[martyo]

Congrats!!

You know I love my Mustangs!!!!

[RoyLPita]

Latemodel Restoration Supply will help you with fixing up that GT.

I believe the door lock actuators are preventing you from locking and opening the doors.

There were 3 versions of 1989 5.0 Mustangs:

Early ones till November: 85 MPH speedo
November till 4/16/89: 140 MPH speedo
4/17/89 till end of Job 1: 140 MPH speedo and 25 years emblem on dash.

Where does yours fit in?

[DEFYANT]

Latemodel Restoration Supply will help you with fixing up that GT.

I believe the door lock actuators are preventing you from locking and opening the doors.

There were 3 versions of 1989 5.0 Mustangs:

Early ones till November: 85 MPH speedo
November till 4/16/89: 140 MPH speedo
4/16/89 till end of Job 1: 140 MPH speedo and 25 years emblem on dash.

Where does yours fit in?

Funny you should ask.

The guy who bought my 98 Cobra was born on 9/17
Defyant Marauder was built on 9/17/03
And this 89 GT was built on 9/17/88
:depress:

[wickedmerc]

Good luck with the GT. Looks to be in good condition. God knows the aftermarket is your friend with those cars, drivetrain or body.
I've been seeing a lot of original-appearing (ie stock rims, hood, etc) Fox body Mustangs on the road recently, GT and LX. Also seeing some IROC's and GTA's around. 80's & early 90's "muscle" making a comeback? I like it! :cool:

[RoyLPita]

Funny you should ask.

The guy who bought my 98 Cobra was born on 9/17
Defyant Marauder was built on 9/17/03
And this 89 GT was built on 9/17/88
:depress:

Interesting. I have the 25 years emblem. I also have a couple upper console pieces that the ashtray cover attaches to in beige.

Think about these mods: 3G 130 Amp alternator and see if your GT has the brass TV bushing and clip.

[ctrlraven]

Latemodel Restoration Supply will help you with fixing up that GT.

I believe the door lock actuators are preventing you from locking and opening the doors.

There were 3 versions of 1989 5.0 Mustangs:

Early ones till November: 85 MPH speedo
November till 4/16/89: 140 MPH speedo
4/17/89 till end of Job 1: 140 MPH speedo and 25 years emblem on dash.

Where does yours fit in?
Latemodel Resto FTW!

Dang! Mine was built sometime in February 1989, had a 140mph speedo but swapped it out for a 160mph Ford Motorsport one among other things swapped out.

[Rockettman]

I too have seen quite a bunch of 5.0L at local car shows in the area this past summer compared to the summer before.
When I got married years ago, the mortgage prevented me from doing any mods to the 'stang after my exhaust (haven't even changed the air intake tube from the original). This many years later; I'm kinda glad I didn't change it! Almost 100% stock!

[mrjones]

Like others have said, Latemodelrestoration.com has lots of stuff for the Mustangs. I've got an 89 LX 5.0 convertible I've had since 94. Still has the original top, but it needs replacing. They have lots of kits for the common Mustang problems, like the door lock actuators. Good luck with the car.

I'm starting redoing mine in the spring.

[Joe Walsh]

I too have seen quite a bunch of 5.0L at local car shows in the area this past summer compared to the summer before.
When I got married years ago, the mortgage prevented me from doing any mods to the 'stang after my exhaust (haven't even changed the air intake tube from the original). This many years later; I'm kinda glad I didn't change it! Almost 100% stock!

That is a RARE 5.0!

The OEM - all original - unmodded 5.0s are garnering more and more money today.

[JBeezy]

Another mustang guy chiming in! and im local to ya...

I have a 90 GT Convertible project that ive lost interst in and have plenty of aftermarket parts on it if your looking for a project... Maximum motorsport suspension, fresh brakes, rebuilt t5 (if your looking to convert), pony wheels, etc... let me know if your interested in shooting the breeze sometime...

My baby is my 93GT thats my track (road race) whore... it gets driven about 1k miles a year lately with work but it still gets a workout from time to time...


Price on that tranny if he's not interested. Doing a auto to 5 speed swap isnt that bad. I've done at least 3 in my time. My lil 4 cyl was a automatic. I installed pedals and made it 5 speed.

[DEFYANT]

Latemodel Restoration Supply will help you with fixing up that GT.

I believe the door lock actuators are preventing you from locking and opening the doors.

There were 3 versions of 1989 5.0 Mustangs:

Early ones till November: 85 MPH speedo
November till 4/16/89: 140 MPH speedo
4/17/89 till end of Job 1: 140 MPH speedo and 25 years emblem on dash.

Where does yours fit in?

I must have an upgrade because mine says 160 MPH. Safe to say I'll never see that speed.

[DEFYANT]

Like others have said, Latemodelrestoration.com has lots of stuff for the Mustangs. I've got an 89 LX 5.0 convertible I've had since 94. Still has the original top, but it needs replacing. They have lots of kits for the common Mustang problems, like the door lock actuators. Good luck with the car.

I'm starting redoing mine in the spring.

Latemodelrestoration.com is a fantastic resource. I could rebuild the whole car with the parts they have. Best part is, parts for cars these years are on the cheeper side.

[Vortech347]

I love my heavly modded fox and will have her till the day I die. 10 years with her.

[RoyLPita]

I must have an upgrade because mine says 160 MPH. Safe to say I'll never see that speed.

That is a nice addition to the car.

BTW, I had two '89 Mustangs: an automatic LX 5.0 hatchback in light grey (1 of 525) and a bright regetta blue-grey 2 tone GT convertible 5 speed (1 of 1090). I had another 5 speed bright regetta blue 2 tone GT hatchback (1 of 2824) but had to take it back. I could not afford it at the time.

Here is some interesting reading:
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/530421-official-fox-body-production-number-thread.html

[RoyLPita]

Another mustang guy chiming in! and im local to ya...

I have a 90 GT Convertible project that ive lost interst in and have plenty of aftermarket parts on it if your looking for a project... Maximum motorsport suspension, fresh brakes, rebuilt t5 (if your looking to convert), pony wheels, etc... let me know if your interested in shooting the breeze sometime...

My baby is my 93GT thats my track (road race) whore... it gets driven about 1k miles a year lately with work but it still gets a workout from time to time...

You have a PM......