SVT's Worst 98 Mustang GT from CL Build

[SVTStingRay]

Bought this 98 Mustang GT convertible from a listing on craigslist........my n00b skills are gonna be put to the test. Asking price was $1800 but got it for $1400. still think i overpaid by a grand.
problems with the car in no particular order.....
passenger window doesnt work
passenger door pull handle broken
passenger door switches broken
both front seats leather torn (and both are manual)
gas gauge not working
cruise control not working
steering wheel very worn and dirty
drivers door lock not locking with keyfob
drivers side skirt hanging and damaged
exterior paint in bad/worn shape
AC only works in window vent (and only on HIGH setting)
rear spoiler with cracks
suspension feels shot
factory alarm doesnt seem to be working
top doesnt go down (told the piston was disconnected)
tints on windows are peeling off/discolored
mile counter stuck at 58xxx
trunk lift struts are shot
rear-view mirror (interior lights) not working
rear window top trim ripped (but doesnt leak inside)
wiper cowl broken
neither 12v sockets work
fog lights not working/missing
horn doesnt work
SIGH

replacement/upgrade parts ive already bought
front struts
passenger door pull handle
mileage counter fix
LED lights for interior
passenger window motor and regulator
LED license plate covers and LEDs.

looks like its gonna be a long road but im sure its worth it.

 

[g36 monkey]

passenger window doesnt work - Looks like you are already addressing this
passenger door pull handle broken - Looks like you are already addressing this
passenger door switches broken - These switches can be bought at Autozone and the like for cheap. Usually will fix their issues.
both front seats leather torn (and both are manual) - Do you want power? Either way hard to ask much for 18/19 year old leather
gas gauge not working - Probably the float. I would bet it probably wants a new pump anyhow, so not a bad idea to fix
cruise control not working - This can be finicky. Start with the basics - make sure the brake and clutch switches are pulled out. Make sure the cable is still attached.
steering wheel very worn and dirty - Luckily LMR just made that new version of the FR500, and wraps are plentiful!
drivers door lock not locking with keyfob - This could be a real mess, see: http://www.sn95forums.com/showthread.php?73479-Door-locks&highlight=door+locks
drivers side skirt hanging and damaged - Junk yard, easy! May just need to put back up in place.
exterior paint in bad/worn shape - Well duh.
AC only works in window vent (and only on HIGH setting) - Sounds like a vacuum leak. Look for a tiny vac line near the back of the motor. If this is disconnected/leaking it defaults to defrost only.
rear spoiler with cracks - The S281 looks better anyhow
suspension feels shot - It probably is. Upgrades are cheap and easy!
factory alarm doesnt seem to be working - With the door lock issue, it may have had an alarm at some point.
top doesnt go down (told the piston was disconnected) - I think a lot of people can get all components of the top replaced for about $300 if I remember correctly.
tints on windows are peeling off/discolored - I feel your pain, especially my back window.
mile counter stuck at 58xxx - Looks like you are addressing this
trunk lift struts are shot - $20 or so at the parts store, no big deal!
rear-view mirror (interior lights) not working - The LED's may fix this issue. Otherwise go through the basics, fuses, etc.
rear window top trim ripped (but doesnt leak inside) - See above
wiper cowl broken - They all do unfortunately. The Specialcarbonfiber ones have been very popular, or I believe Latemodel sells a stock replacement.
neither 12v sockets work - I would start with fuses!
fog lights not working/missing - Start with fuses and bulbs! Make sure you are turning the lights on to check the fogs. Unless the jumper mod has been done already.
SIGH It's not so bad!

My reply regarding most of the issues, above in red. It's really not so bad!

 

[Burninriverdiver]

Welcome to the site, just keep chipping away at it and post questions when you get in a bind. It seems like a lot of small issues to tackle but once it's taken care of you should have a nice car with only a small amount of cash invested. I'm hoping the motor is running well at least?

 

[DKblue98GT]

Ok, so it has some issues. It's a 20 year old car so you are pretty much going to have to redo everything, BUT It's a white convertible!!!!!

 

[SVTStingRay]

Ok, so it has some issues. It's a 20 year old car so you are pretty much going to have to redo everything, BUT It's a white convertible!!!!!

i like your answer

 

[SVTStingRay]

here is a quick update. look what UPS/USPS/FEDEX delivered

have fixed the passenger door window (what a pain)
door switches and grab handle.

 

[DKblue98GT]

That's a good start. Everything you fix makes the car better.

 

[Burninriverdiver]

here is a quick update. look what UPS/USPS/FEDEX delivered

have fixed the passenger door window (what a pain)
door switches and grab handle.

Good work, it's always nice to get a pile of parts in the mail!

 

[94'BooSTED-GTtoo]

waiting on a pile of parts for mine also, just keep in mind, fixing all the "problems" just makes it more "yours", thats what bonds you to that car, thats what makes you a car guy, or in the same sense , that cars guy, i dont think i have ever or could ever buy a hot rod without at least one problem that i'd have to tinker with....... pure passion, and reward my friend !!!!

 

[SVTStingRay]

heres a update.........
did a lot of small fixes. the blower motor resistor was replaced........its all rusted out!

passenger door now looks decent....and the window works too!

one question..............
i have a manual passenger seat and a electric driver seat.......the passenger seat doesnt have a bar to move the seat foward or back.
the drivers seat doesnt work (in any direction, or even the lumbar)....but has a bar to move the seat fowards or backwards....?
is that some kind of redneck repair the previous owner did......ive never seen a drivers powered seat with a manual bar in the front (on sn95's).
any help would be appreciated.

 

[DKblue98GT]

Sounds like someone may have swapped the seat tracks from side to side. Manual tracks are pretty cheap at the junk yard. You can fix the power track or replace it but it's a lot easier to use manual tracks on both sides.

 

[Nighttrain]

Actually doesnt all that bad on pic. Lol good luck

 

[SVTStingRay]

heres a small update.

problems with the car fixed
passenger window now works
passenger door pull handle replaced
passenger door switches replaced
new struts on all 4 corners
tints were removed on all windows
trunk lift struts replaced
rear-view mirror (interior lights) fixed
12v console now working. still havent fixed shift/cig one

removed the gold side emblems, have 4.6 emblems on order.
removed the side rocker panels and bought new clips.....driver's side still isnt attaching directly to clips. maybe i need to use force/mallet?
have a question.....bought some seats that supposedly came out of a 2000 gt, here is the bottom of the seats.

i see one large connector at the rear, and 3 smalller ones attached to the motors. are these from a 98 because all the connectors
have 2 pins not 4. and am i missing a harness?

 

[SVTStingRay]

small update..................
replaced both seats with leather black seats from a 2001(maybe)....
motors dont work on the drivers seat so converted it to a manual (as i already had a spare)
bought new wiper cowl (replacing the broken one) and painted the faded wiper arms

yet to be done
tints, rims, radio, door panels, and top pistons

 

[Burninriverdiver]

Great progress so far man, this car looks like it's come a long way already

 

[g36 monkey]

good update!

 

[OLD H2S]

Beautiful car worth every penny and every headache.