Fox Body Coupe Conversion

So, I've been toying with this for a LONG time now. I am going to convert a Mustang Convertible to a coupe. It is the old fox body style. I plan to make resin copies, as this is one of the most sought after mustangs in scale form, in my eye. There are pans for 3 different versions. Not sure if they will be stand alone bodies, or if I will create an LX coupe, and then have the GT side skirts, valance, and bumper as conversion peices, there will also be a Cobra front bumper, and 4 eye front. All that I have accomplished right now is to begin to clean up the body and accumulate some reference. I still need to pick up an 87 thunderbird kit to bash the rear glass and surround out of. I will probably yank the roof crom the hatch model that I picked up recently..though do it VERY reluctantly. I'm having a bit of trouble determining the proportions around the trunk area. Anyway, not much to show just yet.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002.jpg

OH YEAH!! I was looking forward to a thread about these cars!!! Awesome!!!
BTW,do you alredy know if the thunderbird turbo glass works on this one?

Slightly OT ... Where did you get a Fox hatch? Ive been lookin for one but can only find them on ebay now and then... I would love to build a copy of the 83 I got in the garage :P

got it from a guy over on the BAD forums. I think that they have reissued it through the motor city muscle line. If this is correct, it should start showing back up on the shelves. I have seen some versions of this on e-bay.

There have been a couple of people who have done this conversion for themselves and they said that the glass from the thunderbird is what works. So I am watching a couple on Ebay. I will also be searching local wal marts and hobby lobby by the end of the week to see what I find. There was one at my wal mart a couple months ago, I wish now that I had picked it up, I've also seen the 4-eye Stang at a local wal mart as well

This is what I've completed so far this morning with about a half an hour worth of work and a razor saw. Not much of the hatch left. I really hope they re-release this kit otherwise I'll be kicking myself :_paranoid . As for the 'vert body. I removed the window frame, as I like the molding on the hatch much better. There will now be lots of shaping to make sure that everything lines up correctly, and that I get the proportions correct. The top will not go on until I get the donor kit for the back glass, enjoy.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004.jpg

the notch is the best fox body out there I have a 1:1 black on black 93 (that is my baby) good luck I tried it a few times and finally broke down and bought the resin body for 40 dollars to replicate mine , if it works let me know I will buy !!!

where did you get the body from? only one I was ever aware of that MIGHT still be in production is the A/FX unit. I've been toying with the side quarter glass right now. I'm thinking my proportions might be off just a tad between the rear quarter and the rear window. I'll get the top done and see what it looks like....

This one was recently reboxed.
http://members.aol.com/vtebyboss/852025.jpg

The resin one is on ebay now and again.

I've gotten a little more done on this, got the quarter glass reshaped. It looks pretty good. Hope to find the thunderbird soon

here is a shot of the car from the side. It is seeming sort of like the cobra top is a little wider than the vert body. We will see just how it comes out. It needs some work around the lower window trim, But I think at this point it is looking pretty good. Once I have taken the top as far as I can, I will begin to work on removing the GT trim and making it look like an LX

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion006.jpg

I am also quite pleased with how the doors are lining up between the top and the main body

I LOVE the notchback Fox-bodies...my favorite style! Will you build it with the LX-trim without the horrid GT body-effects/tail-lights?

Can't wait to see the finished product:grinyes:

yes, it will be in LX trim

Russel,

There is an '87 Turbo Tbird sitting at my LHS. Interested in a trade for the rear glass? (Any Pro/Street/Stock/Mod parts)

afx I e-mailed them they sent me one ??? it was like 50 dollars for just the body nothing else so it is still alot of work

Very cool conversion, very ambitious project. I can't wait to see it come down, if anyone can do it well, you can.

The problem with AFX is when will you get the body waited over 6 mths for stuff.

Ah good, I'm sort of happy you're tackling this before I try it :D

I probably have at least one customer who'd be interested in the resin body if you produce it Russ.

And btw, it was All-American Models (I think they were called?) that made a resin body of it. I believe they're out of business.

on the 87 T-Bird. I would need the whole body, as I basically need the back glass and the molding around it. How much are they asking at your LHS, I am going on a trek through the D/FW metroplex today to see If I can find one. Let me know the cost, if it isn't sky high, and you've got pay pal, maybe we can work something out

I got the turbocoupe kit ordered today. I should have broke down and ordered it online a day or two ago, that way it would already be in the mail. Right now it probably wont ship until next tuesday. I should have it, hopefully by the end of next week

Is the thunderbird you're looking for the one at walmart?
http://i14.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/7c/93/f087_1.JPG

that would be the one. I ordered it from modelexpress and got confirmation that it shipped today...or was supposed to. that and some of the new pegasus drag slicks

here are some shots with the GT molding removed. I have yet to start on the front fascia. I got a little work done on the rocker panel area yesterday, I might have pics up later today

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-1.jpg

just don't forget to lower the sides back down with some sheet plastic. looking good!

that is already in the process, just no pics as of yet, I've got ample reference, and plenty of people who will go take pictures of everything I need

I'm curious, this is a 1:24 kit right? What's the size like compared to their 99 - 04 Mustang. A guy in my city took one of these and put the front end of the 99 - 04 style mustang on. It looks prettty good, and I was wanting to do it in scale.

This is a verry neat project. Looks like you're doing an excelent job so far. I can't wait to see how it turns out! Keep it coming.

I've got the 99 cobra body, I'll get a pic of them side by side for you and post it up

it looks like it would be a pretty straight forward conversion. They seem to be of the same width, and the rear of the front fenders appear to have the same shape! would love to see it done. It seems like it would look a little odd, simply because the newer style seems more rounded that the fox's...I need to pick up another '99 kit, as the one I am working on is going to be a drag car. I want to create all of the parts for the 03/04 cobra conversion. Also here are some pics of the rocker panel area on the coupe. notice that the front part of the GT body kit is molded into the fender. So I will have to take care of that.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion005.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion006-1.jpg

Looks like it just might work! Thanks for your help! Looks like I have two kits to pick up. It would seem like a strange thing to do, but it actually looks really good. The guy I was talking about had it in black primer with some verry nice wheels. The first time I saw it I was like "What the...", Then after getting a good look at it I thought it looked great!

Looking forward to more on your conversion. Once again thanks for the pics.

not a problem, always glad to help. If you can get a picture or two of that car I would love to see it

I would LOVE to get a picture of the car, but I've only seen it twice and it's been a while since I last saw it. Right now it's winter so he probably won't be driving it untill the snow's gone. Hopefully I'll see it again this summer, maybe grab a quick pic then.

how about kicking 2007 off with a bang. Got the rocker area pretty well sorted out. Had to fill the front portion of the fenders with superglue and shape them. There are some areas that will need a little filler but I think it is looking pretty spot on. The front bumper is going to be a bear though...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-3.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-3.jpg

Have you thought about what to do for the LX side glass?

The modification to the body has been made.at this point I havn't tackled that yet. Since it is a flat surface I may cut some thin lexan. or might vacuum form some from a cut version of the GT glass.

this could have been a no no adding the roof before I have the glass in hand, but here we go, the rough is now attached to the body and overall it is looking pretty good IMHO.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-4.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-4.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-2.jpg

really nice worK on eliminating the GT ground effects. Keep up the great progress.

a small update for this evening...hmm ok wednesday morning at quarter after midnight. All I did today was hit the body with a coat of primer so I could find where the work needs to be done, re scribed the panel lines, and started cleaning up the inside of the body. It looks REALLY spot on with the primer on and everything one color. I've also started working on the lx front bumper cover, really kind of shooting in the dark with this one, until my people come through with the reference I need. I think it is looking ok at this point, enjoy

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion001-5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-3.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004-2.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion005-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion006-2.jpg

That's some wicked solid work there dude. If someone saw that, I don't think they'd be able to tell that it wasn't a coupe to begin with!

here is the front bumper, it is beginning to look like the correct LX unit.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion007.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion008.jpg

This is going to turn out great! You've done an excelent job grafting that roof on and making the propor changes to the body.

a bit more to show on this guy. Please note that I have corrected the window molding around the back glass. It now sits much more flush with the trunk

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion010.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion012.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion013.jpg

here is a little update on this. spent some time with it today, grafting in the mustang script on the rear bumper and adding the flare that is there on the 1:1 car.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion005-2.jpg

WOW....I am sorry I missed this till now. As a current owner of a Foxbody GT and a former notch owner I am pumped to see this. Very nice work. Your dimensions and proportions look to be spot on!

here is where I am at on the front end. The bar that holds the ford emblem needs to be narrowed some more. but it is getting there. I plan on contacting a friend in the next couple of days to see if he would be willing to make a mold and how much he would charge...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-4.jpg

WOW....I am sorry I missed this till now. As a current owner of a Foxbody GT and a former notch owner I am pumped to see this. Very nice work. Your dimensions and proportions look to be spot on!

Thank you Dave. The only thing I am unhappy with to this point is the quarter windows. But once everything is cleaned up, I strip the primer off and reprime, hopefully things will look good.

What do you have planned for the LX taillights?
I have yet to mess with the Cobra tails and make them into LX lenses, I have heard it was done but haven't seen it.

If you plan on selling a resin of this, you already have 1 sold.......ME!!

Hmmmm, wonder why the mods haven't given you any stars on the thread?!?!? LOL This is pretty impressive, good job!!!

Dave, I have yet to look into any of the lenses or glass work. I hope to be able to make vaccuum formed lenses and glass. This way a complete kit is not required for the body. and Hopefully in the future if interest is enough, roll out a complete resin kit with no need for a donor. But pricing will have a great effect on that. I'm gonna do what I've done on the other boards. If you are interested in purchasing one of these, shoot me an e-mail [email protected] I will update everyone through the e-mail once I have pricing set

Well, got it all puttied up today. Love evercoat rage, best stuff to work with. Hopefully I can get it smoothed out and a coat of primer on it before the end of the week. Still a little unsatisfied with the rear window surround and the overall size of the rear quarter glass I think it should be almost the same size, if not the exact same as the hatch glass.....

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-7.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion003-5.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004-3.jpg

russ the rear side glass is smaller than the hatch back

http://i2.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/86/1b/78da_12.JPG

http://i20.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/86/99/8d4d_12.JPG

http://www.crashsupply.com/csupply/images/items/evc112d.jpg

This is what I use, and I swear by it

http://www.crashsupply.com/csupply/images/items/evc112d.jpg

This is what I use, and I swear by it

I don't have the gold, I got the regulare stuff works quite nicely

russ the rear side glass is smaller than the hatch back




thanks for those pics. It appears that they are smaller at the bottom but not at the top......

thanks for those pics. It appears that they are smaller at the bottom but not at the top......

I think you are right.
Nice work

I think you are right.
Nice work

the unfortunate part.....I made the top and bottom smaller

Alright gents. The main body is very near completion. All of the major body work and clean up is done, now on to the minor things. I will probably rework the surround on the rear quarter glass, I have to add the lip to the lower part of hte side windows to represent the molding there. Not 100% satisfied with the rear glass surround, but I believe it is pretty near correct. Other than that, I need to clean up the inside of the body, strip the primer off of it. Hit it with Moon Mud and then she should be ready. Now its on to the front bumper, Correcting the proportions and the shape. The only major innacuracy here will be the mustang script that is dead center between the areas where the rub strips stop. There is some clean up needed on both sides of the bumper, the upright supports between the top and the lower portion of the lower grill need to be added, as wells finishing the crossbar with the ford emblem. Then its on to working out something for the glass, so that the body is as complete as possible when it is ready to ship out. please, comments and criticisms!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion002-8.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion004-4.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/fox%20coupe%20conversion/vertmodelconversion006-4.jpg

Wow, looks OOB!

^^^I hope you don't mean Out of Box?^^^

Looks like you have a handle on things Russell.
What wheels arre you planning on using?

Not sure, I would like to find some 10 holes or some ponies, if anyone knows of a kit with either let me know. This wont be finished for QUITE some time. As I'm sure there will be quite a wait for the mold to be finished. I am not satisfied with the quarter window, but it is staying. It "seems" correct, but there just seems to be too much "sheet metal" between the quarter window and the rear window

That was a lot of surgery in the beginning, but looking at the last picture, you'd never know it. I like these kind of conversions, great work.