The document describes the process of rebuilding a 1990 Mustang LX Convertible into a fire-breathing beast. Key steps included sacrificing the donor car that had been stolen twice, removing and cleaning old parts, installing a remanufactured 302 engine, upgrading the suspension with coil over shocks and a 3-link rear setup, changing from an automatic to a manual transmission, preparing the body for paint, and installing aluminum parts to get a feel for the final look. The project spanned multiple locations and required help from friends to get dirty and capture the process on camera.

1. Birth of a FireBirth of a Fire
BreatherBreather
by Ken Hookerby Ken Hooker

2. The sacrifice of theThe sacrifice of the
donordonor
The donor car was my daughter’sThe donor car was my daughter’s
1990 Mustang LX Convertible that1990 Mustang LX Convertible that
had been stolen twice.had been stolen twice.

3. Let the work beginLet the work begin
Old parts removed cleaned andOld parts removed cleaned and
painted.painted.

4. Friends couldn’t believe I
could get so dirty.
So they took some pictures
to prove it. Here’s to good
friends

5. What a Mess!

6. Hey where’s
the Fast
Orange?

14. The new arrivalThe new arrival
The kit was shipped fromThe kit was shipped from
Massachusetts with 7 other kits toMassachusetts with 7 other kits to
be delivered along the waybe delivered along the way

24. Let’s get it rollingLet’s get it rolling
The front and rear suspensionThe front and rear suspension
was the first to go on. Coil overwas the first to go on. Coil over
shocks all around with a 3 linkshocks all around with a 3 link
suspension in the rear.suspension in the rear.

30. The heart of theThe heart of the
BeastBeast
A tired 302 motor wasA tired 302 motor was
disassembled anddisassembled and
remanufactured better than newremanufactured better than new

34. B&B automotive Remanufactured theB&B automotive Remanufactured the
Engine Parts, and were a great helpEngine Parts, and were a great help
with assembly pointers.with assembly pointers.
The original plan called for a contractor to rebuildThe original plan called for a contractor to rebuild
the engine. When we saw how the engine camethe engine. When we saw how the engine came
apart we decided to try our hand at putting all ofapart we decided to try our hand at putting all of
the parts in their appointed places.the parts in their appointed places.
Gee I Hope it runs!Gee I Hope it runs!

43. Changing from an
automatic to a
manual transmission
required a new fly
wheel

49. Body BeautifulBody Beautiful
Sanding down mold lines toSanding down mold lines to
prepare for paintprepare for paint

55. MinorMinor
ModificationsModifications
The rear shock mounts in theThe rear shock mounts in the
trunk needed to be covered.trunk needed to be covered.

60. Almost a CarAlmost a Car
Putting the aluminum in place toPutting the aluminum in place to
get a feel for the look – Awesome!get a feel for the look – Awesome!

65. What we hope toWhat we hope to
have soon!have soon!

72. I Hope you EnjoyedI Hope you Enjoyed
It.It.
Thanks for WatchingThanks for Watching

73. The EndThe End