[Robert Swartz]

It's been awhile since any real progress on the Mustang II has yielded any results. Finally something to report. We're not ready to race the thing yet, not by a long shot. It is getting close enough to maybe, get it to a track before long.

Finally got the new rear under the car. Upon taking it apart, the rear brakes were trashed. The shoes were eaten down to the rivets. Both drums had nasty grooves dug into them. A trip to the parts store and new shoes, drums and a hardware kit were purchased. It's been at least 5 years since I've done a set of drum brakes. I had forgotten how enjoyable it is to do them (snark intended)! My one screw up, I got the shoes reversed on one side, couldn't get the drum on. Thankfully, we only tore down one side at a time, after looking at the opposite side, saw the problem, lol.

After finishing the brakes. New studs were installed in the axles. When we installed the rear, it pushed one of the studs in, had to pry it back out and reseat the stud. Only got a couple smashed fingers and a blood blister to show for this. Rear end is in place and new wheel studs installed. Just going to use the stock axles for now. After we get the car sorted out, I'm going to get a good set of axles.

Then we removed the front seats and installed the driveshaft loop. I think that was the easiest part of the whole day.

Next I have new rotors and pads for the front. Get the long studs on them as well. I'm getting antsy. We think we're going to put the MSD dist in, redo some wiring. Put the new water pump and fan on it. Then wire up the tach and gauges. Haul the thing to the track and bracket race it some.

Wish I could be as close as Brent and Rich are. It's just not ready for Stock, yet.