Here she is being treated to some fresh water as we make her ready to come inside. [ View Pictures ]
Well here we go; as started we have several items to tend too with all of them best completed while she is in fixtures. Initially we will tend to the disassembling of her exterior pieces in preparation of the upsweep door system during which time she will receive extension massaging with the goal being to do so in such a way that once completed it will appear as if an OEM integrated system.
Here she has been placed on fixtures with her front wheels removed so we can methodically move through the processes. [ View Pictures ]
Here are carefully protecting all of her exposed surfaces that are involved with the project. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have removed the OEM inner fender liners; as stated within other projects, they are a challenge as such we will be converting these to a two piece inner fender liner system making future servicing within this area much easier and also reduce the risk of damage significantly. As it is, the last time that they were remove there was damage caused that we will be tending to as well. [ View Pictures ]
The next thing that we will be tending to is the removing of the clear bra on the nose of the gal. The reason for this is because there was an assembly obstruction under the bumper cover at one time and it created a couple raised portions on the bumper cover. We are going to remove the clear bra to relax the area and see if with a modest amount of heat we can get them to go down. The hopes are not high and yet we all feel that it is worth the effort.
Here the clear bra is being removed; the haziness left behind on the nose of the gal is the glue from the clear bra which is far more than we are used to seeing as such the painstaking process of removing it will commence. [ View Pictures ]
Here after far too much time we have successfully removed the glue from approximately 1/3 of the nose. You can see that once removed she shines as if new. [ View Pictures ]
Here have removed the front fenders as we continue forward with the project. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have removed the nose of the gal. After giving sufficient time and hand massaging and heat we found no improvement in the surface of the bumper cover as such we will be installing a new one. During this process will be converting the nose to the 2006 specifications which significantly improves the air flow across the radiator and intercooler cores thus improved cooling and heat exchanger activity. [ View Pictures ]
We are now ready to begin the largest portion of this project; this will be the converting of the doors to the upsweep system. Now this is not a simple bolt on system in fact it often times arduous and awkward nevertheless throughout it requires extreme patience with little or no concern for how long the numerous steps take but rather how well the integration is completed. If completed with the proper mindset it requires 40-50 hours to complete and will appear and remain serviceable as if an OEM integrated system. It is truly an extremely cool setup that affords a more exotic look and feel to the gal not to mention that it make the getting in and out of the gal much easier. Within the initial pictures much of the preparation will be shared; now it needs to be shared that there are bits and pieces of the gal that are altered so as to be able to integrate the upsweep door system. None of the alterations are structural in nature and none will be seen once the conversion has been completed. Furthermore as we make alterations we do so in such a manner that even if one were to look at these areas it would appear as if OEM. The system utilizes OEM door bushings so that if need be future service is assured and the gas strut system is made up of two struts per side. This means that if there were ever a failure it would be partial and because the gas struts are not proprietary to this system they are easy to obtain. Lastly; the gal can be converted back to the OEM door system however the process to do so is just as tedious as the upsweep conversion process.
Here is the before and after pictures of the water drain lip as it was massaged on the passenger side to allow for the gas strut to be fit into position. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the before and after pictures of the water drain lip as it was massaged on the driver side to allow for the gas strut to be fit into position. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the before and after pictures of the front fender as it was massaged for clearance. Now the pie shaped piece that was removed has not structural affect on the fender. The doubler as it is referred to remains all we did was remove the unnecessary material from the center which creates the needed space for the top of the upsweep door systems A pillar casting. In these pictures the massaged area has NOT been prepped and painted because final fitting of the fender has not been done. Once completed this will be tended to which will result in an OEM appearance. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the before and after picture of the plate that the bonnet and fuel door handles mount to. In addition it doubles as the retainer for the pull/push cables. We removed the integrated cable retainers and have fabricated CNC'd stainless steel brackets that are secured to existing OEM studs that also secure the pull handles. In these pictures the massaged area has NOT been prepared and painted because final fitting of the fender has not been done. Once the final fitting has been completed we will tend to this area making it appear as if OEM. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the new stainless steel cable retainer as it was created by the CNC StripIt machine and then automatically bent. [ View Pictures ]
Here are the injector driver modules. Because of the location of the upsweep door system's fixed ramp they need to move inboard further as such a custom mounting plate was used that we had power coated. [ View Pictures ]
Here the gal's doors have been removed. [ View Pictures ]
Here are pictures of some vertical flashing that had to be removed so that the upsweep door system's ramp could be put into position. The material that we remove is little more that flashing because as you can see the upper and lower holes remain. Now these holes will not be used during the integration of the upsweep door system but rather they remain in case one should ever desire to convert her back to a conventional door system. [ View Pictures ]
Here is one of the upsweep door hinges fully assembled and ready for the initial fitting. [ View Pictures ]
Here the upsweep door hinges have been installed. [ View Pictures ]
Here are pictures of the doors being fit for the first time. [ View Pictures ]
This Blackbird appears ready for flight. [ View Pictures ]
Now that the initial fitting of the upsweep door system has been completed we will now be removing the entire system and then tending to all of the detail work required to make this conversion appear as if OEM. Because each of these gals were hand built there are incremental variances between them therefore there is final massaging required that is unique to each gal. As we stated at the onset; this is not a bolt on conversion but rather a process that takes time and patience with the reward upon completion being a conversion that appears and is enjoyed as if OEM.
Now that we are awaiting a few custom machining operations to be completed for the upsweep door system we will be tending to some of the other service and personal touch items. During this phase we will be removing the right rocker panel because sadly it was damaged during a most recent service experience that this gal had with another facility. We will also be removing the OEM magnesium radio surround and center dash support because it too was damaged as well. In addition we will begin the process of integrating Shadowman's subwoofer relocation system.
Here the OEM rocker panel has been removed exposing the very cool plumbing that moves the fluids between the gal's nose and her backside. [ View Pictures ]
Here are pictures of the OEM leather kick panel on the passenger side; now this was totally unexpected because what we found is a leather panel that the previous service provider decided to cut rather than follow through with the necessary steps to remove and replace it properly. Then add to this once installed they did not properly insert the retainer but rather bent it over as such it was lose. This short cut by the previous service provided necessitated the replacement of this $800.00 item. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the OEM subwoofer as it will be seen and experienced for the last time. [ View Pictures ]
Here the OEM subwoofer and amp assembly are being and have been removed from the gal. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are removing the OEM magnesium center console so that we can complete various projects including the minor tweaking of the OEM stereo amp harness as required for the integration of Shadowman's subwoofer relocation system as well as the routing of the new custom wiring harness specific to the custom boost gauge soon to be installed. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the OEM stereo amp harness. We will be only removing the OEM harness sheathing aka tape so as to increase the "Y" joint and in doing so increase the length of the harness towards the driver side so that during the integration of Shadowman's subwoofer relocation system no wires need to be modified. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are preparing and fitting the custom aluminum panels that will slide into OEM receiver slots behind the seats and secured by OEM mounting holes which becomes the bases of Shadowman's subwoofer relocation system. Now that they have been fit into position they will be upholstered so as to complete the integration so that it will appear as if OEM. [ View Pictures ]
Here the OEM radio is being removed so that we can then proceed to remove the OEM magnesium radio surround and dash center support. This pieces was cosmetically and mechanically damaged by the folks that serviced her the last time. [ View Pictures ]
Here is what we found once the radio was taken out; a bare wire that was simply wrapped around another with some electrical tape that had already come lose. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the mechanical damage caused to the OEM magnesium radio surround and dash center support. It would appear that a screw with a head too small was used regardless they did not inform the customer of this damage but rather reinstalled the leather trim at the lower portion of the dash thus covering it as if nothing happened. Then add to this they scratched it in several places and then used some sort of touch up paint in the attempt to make it go away. [ View Pictures ]
Here the lower leather trim panel at the lower portion of dash and the OEM magnesium center radio surround and dash support has been removed. [ View Pictures ]
We also noticed that the leather "A" pillar trim panel on the driver side was lose as such it was removed only to find that one of the retainers had not been properly installed; considering that there are only two retainer on this piece it being lose was no surprise and then add to this there is a ground wire in place that does not appear as if OEM as such we will research this further. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the wire that we made mention of as found behind the leather "A" pillar trim piece. [ View Pictures ]
Now we will begin preparing all of the areas to be reassembled by making whatever corrections are required while at the same complete the subwoofer integration will be completed and then we will install the cool OEM appearing custom 30 PSI vacuum/boost gauge as created by Michael aka FreeFlyer.
Now we will continue with some of the personal tweak items associated with this project. At this time we will be installing Michael aka FreeFlyer's very cool OEM appearing boost/vacuum gauge. The OEM gauge only reads to 15 PSI however with a smaller pulley or a Whipple supercharger the pressures are increased beyond this point.
Here we are methodically protecting all of the surfaces so that during the removal process we cause no secondary damage. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the new boost/vacuum gauge ready to be integrated into the OEM instrument cluster. [ View Pictures ]
Here the process of integrating the new boost/vacuum gauge is underway. [ View Pictures ]
Here the new boost/vacuum gauge has been successfully integrated; it appears and will function as if OEM with even greater accuracy because it receives its signal from a standalone 3 bar MAP located in the engine bay rather than a calculated voltage signal. [ View Pictures ]
Now we will be upholstering the custom aluminum panels that are a key component of Shadowman's subwoofer relocation system.
Here the upholstering and preparation of the custom aluminum panels is being completed. [ View Pictures ]
Here the OEM amp has been mounted to one of the custom upholstered aluminum panels. The integration process is such that the amp is secured in advance and then the custom upholstered aluminum panel is simple slipped into its final position. This makes both installation and future service very easy. [ View Pictures ]
Here the OEM amp as mounted to the custom upholstered aluminum panel has been integrated into the gal. [ View Pictures ]
Here the custom upholstered aluminum panel has been installed behind the passenger seat making ready for the integration of Shadowman's custom subwoofer enclosure. [ View Pictures ]
Now that we have the upsweep door system mechanically integrated into the gal we removed the doors for one last time to install a closure panel where the door stop once was and then once reinstalled we will be tending to a key portion of this conversion. We will be extending the OEM door harnesses because with the upsweep activity they need to be longer.
Here is the custom aluminum closure panel covering the place where the OEM door stop used to be. Once the door is installed this panel is not visible because the portion of the hinge system that mounts to the door covers it. [ View Pictures ]
Here the doors have been installed for the last time; in fact we have also installed all of the inner trim panels as well. [ View Pictures ]
Here is where the OEM door wiring harnesses terminate based on the new door operation which is why we are required to extend the harnesses. [ View Pictures ]
Here are a pair of new OEM door harnesses that we will use as donors for the door harness extension process. We do this for a couple reasons with the most significant being that the wire colors and gauge remain OEM as such future service remains straightforward and because once completed we are able to create a wiring harness that will appear as if OEM. [ View Pictures ]
Here are the primary steps used during the door harness extension process. [ View Pictures ]
Here are the integrated harnesses. [ View Pictures ]
Here the modified harnesses have been successfully integrated into the gal. [ View Pictures ]
One of the phases of this project was to replace the passenger side rocker panel because of damage caused during servicing by another facility. Now we will be installing the new rocker after it was painted.
Here the new rocker is being installed. [ View Pictures ]
Here are pictures of the passenger side leather kick panel as it was previously damaged during service work performed by another facility as well as the new leather trim piece that we installed during the installation of the rocker panel. The installation process is such that once the new rocker is installed then the B pillar and A pillar kick panel leather trim pieces need to be properly installed followed by the primary magnesium door sill, the primary door seal, and then lastly the polished stainless steel finish trim. [ View Pictures ]
Here the new rocker along with the associated pieces removed during this process such as the side air scoop have been installed. [ View Pictures ]
When the gal arrived there were deformed areas on her nose aka the front bumper cover as the result of an improper installation by another servicing facility. We were not able to get these areas to relax as such a new front bumper cover was deemed necessary. We had a new bumper cover prepared and painted however before installing it we must remove all of the secondary pieces from the original such as the lower running lights, the mock brake ducts, as well as all of the inner bracing and securing plates.
Here we are removing all of the pieces from the original bumper cover after which we will carefully inspect everything before automatically transferring the items onto the new front bumper cover. [ View Pictures ]
We will now be completing the integration of Shadowman's subwoofer enclosure.
Here the custom upholstered aluminum panel, the modified OEM canvass storage pouch, and the custom subwoofer enclosure is being integrated into this gal for the last time. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have installed the new OEM stainless steel appliqué to the door sill. We will leave the OEM plastic film on it for now so as to insure that no damage is caused as we complete the interior of this gal. [ View Pictures ]
Now we will be integrating all of the pieces as removed from the original front bumper cover onto the new. During this process we will be upgrading the front grill to the 2006 specifications which was designed for much better engine and intercooler cooling as well as new lens for the lower driving lights. We are installing new lens because the perimeter seal is designed to form itself to the bumper thus creating a seal during the initial install and attempting to reuse these would likely result in water leaking within this area. We will also be transferring all of the inner supports and nut plates and then lastly installing a new upper reinforcement complete with the correct 3 OEM retainer whereas when she arrived double stick tape had been in place of these clips during a previous repair at another facility. [ View Pictures ]
Here the new front bumper cover has been successfully installed. [ View Pictures ]
Now we will be installing the front fenders. Under normal circumstances they would remain on however because we will be painting the front fenders because of damage caused during a repair at another facility we need to secure the fenders into position so that we can safely remove the clear bra. Because the fenders are so lightweight and flexible when the fenders are off the gal removing the clear bar would be next to impossible without causing secondary damage. You will see that when we removed the clear bra on the right fender it removed paint as well. This was likely because this fender was replaced hence painted and the preparation work was less than stellar. You will also see that another facility did touch up paint work on the left fender however did so with the clear bra in place as such they actually painted the clear bra material rather than the surface of the fender. We also found that one of the three Torx bolts that secure the fuel door to the right fender was missing and the fuel door release plunger had been installed at the time that this fender was replaced with one of the two retaining ears broken off. [ View Pictures ]
While we had the fenders in position we made use of this time by installing the two Nutserts required for one of the inner braces associated with the upsweep door system. [ View Pictures ]
Now we will be installing the rear OEM radio surround/dash center support however before we are able to do so we will methodically protect the areas that have risk of contact during the installation process so as not to cause any secondary damage and then integrate the pieces as removed from the original piece that was damaged during a previous repair at another facility. We are going to integrate the airbag switch and the starter button as it was removed however we will be installing a new accessory outlet because the original one fit loosely. We will also be integrating the primary radio slide/pocket with significant attention to how secure it is once in place because it too was found to be loose in the original piece. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are installing the new radio surround/dash center support as we methodically begin to button her back up. During this process we will also be tending to the bare/twisted wired that we found earlier as created by the folks at another facility that just worked on her. [ View Pictures ]
One of the items that we needed to order for this gal was a new SJB cover because the folks that previously worked on her left them off; or so we thought.....It turned out when we attempted to properly install the metal SJB cover that we could not because they had not properly reinstalled/routed the primary dash wiring harness when they put it back together which in our opinion is why it was never properly secured and they simply tossed the mat over it.
Here is the SJB area are she arrived and the wiring is not even close to being properly routed. As such we will be completely disassembling the area so that it can be corrected. [ View Pictures ]
As be began the process of disassembly one of the first things that we found was this wire connector zip tied together because it had been broken by the folks that worked on her previously. [ View Pictures ]
Then we found hardware missing. [ View Pictures ]
Then we found hardware not properly installed; in this case the bolt had been cross threaded and they could not get it to seat properly. In this case we had to run a tap through several of the Riv-Nuts to correct the problem they caused. [ View Pictures ]
Here the primary fuse block bracket had been bent; there is no wonder why they could not properly install the hardware. [ View Pictures ]
Here are a couple examples of the hardware as removed; the condition is terrible as such we simply tossed them in the garbage and replaced them with new OEM pieces. [ View Pictures ]
Here the SJB area is methodically being reassembled. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are integrating an iPod interface with a twist. In this case the interface will be the charging point as well as such we are integrating it into the SJB with a separate fuse. [ View Pictures ]
Here the SJB area is back as OEM with the iPod interface fully integrated. All that remains is the plastic moisture barrier to be installed prior to the metal SJB cover and for the iPod interface to be routed into the center console area because we will be placing it with Kip's cool carbon fiber/leather center console cubby. [ View Pictures ]
Now as we inspect under the driver side prior to buttoning everything up we find that the primary dash wiring harness was never properly routed either. In fact you can see that it rest nearly on the brake and fuel pedals; it is a good thing that this gal was not driven before being tended to by us because the outcome would likely have been devastating. [ View Pictures ]
Here we found the radio antenna amp mounted in what we consider to be a poor manner; they used a blob of silicon to secure it and then routed wires and installed terminal ends in a most horrid way. Now let us be clear; this gal being an early build did not come with such a component however the previous servicing facility installed it as a favor and then here it where it gets interesting; once installed the radio did not operate properly and then when she arrived here it did not operate at all. The reason for this had nothing to do with the poor installation but rather because when they reinstalled the dash they sandwiched the power and coaxial leads in-between the magnesium dash cross brace and the steel securing plate on the bulkhead as can been seen in the pictures shorting the system out. [ View Pictures ]
We will be relocating the radio antenna amplifier in a manner akin to OEM and will confirm that all system operate as designed before she goes home. At this time we are awaiting a couple pieces as such we will now tend to another of the personal tweak items.
Here we are methodically preparing a new (new because the original was scratched by the folks that worked on her previously) OEM magnesium center console so we can integrate one of Kip's very cool carbon fiber/leather center console cubbies. [ View Pictures ]
Here is the portion of the magnesium that we will cutting out. [ View Pictures ]
Here you can see that we use layer after layer of tape to insure that no damage is caused during this integration process. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are cutting the center console and then we will hand file and sand the edges prior to installing the center console cubby. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have cleaned and re-taped the magnesium center console as we are now ready to fully integrate the cubby. [ View Pictures ]
Here Kip's carbon fiber/leather center console cubby has been fully integrated and appears and functions as if OEM. [ View Pictures ]
On the early gals the rear clamshell used solid bump stops to retain position when closed however later in production they realized that the bear claw style latches as used were able to do this just fine and by having a solid bump stop it actually made closing more difficult and there was often times an associated squeak as they were rubber against by the clamshell. As the result of this we always replace the solid bump stops with the OEM spring version as can be seen in the following pictures.
Here the process retrofitting the later OEM clamshell stops is underway. [ View Pictures ]
As we were removing one of the original bumper stops the studs simply snapped; we were able remove it from the bracket with only a modest amount of difficulty. [ View Pictures ]
Earlier in this project we integrated Michael aka FreeFlyer's cool OEM appearing 30 PSI vacuum/boost gauge however before it will come to life we also need to integrate the custom wiring harness that will interface with the solo 3bar MAP sensor to be mounted along side of the supercharger.
Here we have mounted the 3bar MAP sensor now we will bring the custom wiring harness and vacuum/boost reference hose to it. [ View Pictures ]
Prior to us being able to integrate the custom harness we need to remove the bulkhead access panel; this allows for a very nice integration however once we remove the bulkhead cover we also need to remove all of the urethane used to seal it otherwise the risk of it being migrated throughout the gal's interior is high. [ View Pictures ]
Here the integration has been completed. [ View Pictures ]
While the gal remained with us several damaged items were tended to; one of these was the repainting of one front fender and the placement of the other. Both were damaged by the folks at another facility likely during the inner fender liner removal process. One fender had paint chipped off along the edge where it was badly bent and the other fender was torn where it had been badly bent. In any case the issues were corrected and she is now ready to be reassembled. Once the fenders are in place we will also be installing the final cross brace that properly secures them with the new door system in place.
Here the gal's nose is being methodically reassembled. It will be during this phase that an endless number of minor tweaks and adjustments will be made as we make her ready to be exercised again. [ View Pictures ]
Once the nose of the gal is reassembled we will reinstall the OEM inner fender liners with a twist; we have converted them to a two piece design. Not only does this make the installation and future removal process very easy but even more import is the fact that it eliminates the risk of damage to the fenders during the process. [ View Pictures ]
Now during this project conversation has remained regarding an alternate radio; one with a screen for a feature such as a backup camera. Well after many conversations we ordered a couple very cool rear view mirrors that have a video screen integrated into them specifically for backup camera operations. In fact after further research the specific mirrors that we purchased are the same mirror as offered by Ford as a option for some of their vehicles in 2008 which made it an even more interesting idea. Initially it was agreed that we would bring them in and disassemble one just so that we could get to know it. We knew that the mirror had no courtesy or map lightening and considering that the OEM mirror has both and no other lightening on the interior of the gal this was an important issue to address.
Here we have completely disassembled one of the mirrors in the hopes that we can integrate secondary lighting. After several mockups and conversations a new direction was defined. We all agreed that if we were successfully able to integrate lighting into the mirror it would be mechanically wonderful however also become the basis for a future service nightmare. However if we left the mirror as received then at anytime a person can acquire a replacement part from Ford and the service will remain a plug and play operation; as such we began a quest to find the perfect done light. One that would be reminiscent of days gone past; and even more important it had to operate with the gal's OEM lamp control module which uses a reverse/ground dropping system; meaning that 12 volts is always present. The light needed to come on when the door opened, go off if the ignition key was turned to the start position, and it also needed to turn off automatically if a door was left open after a given amount of time. Then as a bonus we wanted to define a manner in which we could turn it on and off at will while it remained integrated to the OEM systems. Well after several different dry fits and relentless walking of the car lots simply looking at the dome lights in vehicles one such light was found and ironically it was in a 2008 Ford so once again we felt that reasonable service and parts availability were within our reach if in fact we could successfully integrate it. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are removing the two piece headliner. During this process we will also be disconnecting and removing the clamshell latch cables as they need to come out prior to the removal of the headliner. [ View Pictures ]
Here the light of choice has been integrated into the OEM electrical system with temporary cables just verify that all systems operate as OEM and that the gal remains happy. [ View Pictures ]
The testing was a success as such the integration of the lamp was committed to.
Here the process of integrating the lamp is underway. The goal as always is for the integration once completed to appear as if OEM, operate as if OEM, and remain serviceable as if OEM, . [ View Pictures ]
Proof of life; not only did the integration meet our design criteria but it exceeded it. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have fully integrated the new dome light. We used a Deutsch electrical connector which is accessible once the front portion of the headliner is removed making the system plug and play; we routed the wiring as if OEM and we are also able to make the light operate on demand. Now in order to do this we had to route another ground lead (which we were able to run inside the OEM harness sheathing making it completely invisible) into the center console cubby in which a small surface mount switch will reside allowing the light to be operated at anytime. [ View Pictures ]
Now that we have completed the integration of the OEM style doom light we will complete the integration of the rearview mirror with integrated video screen and the rear facing camera.
Here the process of creating truly custom harnesses is underway. We do this so that th e fix is seamless and as appear s as if there from day one by making them OEM in design. [ View Pictures ]
Here i s the heat reflecting Mylar sheathing that will be used on the custom wiring harness that is in close proximaty to the exhaust so as to insure that there are no heat related issues. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have are first proof of concept/life; the mirror is "Live. [ View Pictures ]
Now that we have completed the fabricating and integrating of the custom harnesses we will begin the final steps for the proper integration of this system.
Because the license plate is very close to the Borla muffler we decide to cover the back of it with heat reflecting Mylar so as to insure that there will never be any heat related issues associated with the camera's operation. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are installing the license with the frame that has the cool rear view camera integrated into it. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have complete ly integrated the auto dimmer mirror with the integrated video display, the rear view camera, and the OEM style doom light into the SJB with each circuit protected by its own fuse and the required grounds were integrated into existing OEM ground post so that there is no concern for back feeding. [ View Pictures ]
Now after a lengthy discussion it was decided that the rearward facing camera was to be able to be operated at will rather than simply when the gal is in reverse as such we needed to integrate a switch and at the same time we also needed to integrate a switch so that the OEM style doom light could be turned on at will.
Here are the switched that we selected for this process; they are very small and extremely well made with a service life in excess of 20,000 cycles. We created a nice little custom harness so that once they are installed they will remain serviceable over time. [ View Pictures ]
Here the switches have been fully integrated and at the same time we create the means for the iPod interface to be located within Kip's cool carbon fiber/leather cubby too. [ View Pictures ]
This gal is a very early build 05 as such did not come with a radio antenna amplifier. As mentioned in earlier text another facility attempted to integrated the radio antenna amp as was installed in the later gals with something less than stellar results however we were able to locate and mount the amp as if OEM and then modify the OEM power and coaxial harness creat ing a system that works and appears as if there from day one. [ View Pictures ]
Here we are beginning the process of reassembling the interior. In this case we have installed the steel under the dash crash panel s which will be followed by the leather trim pieces. [ View Pictures ]
Here we have installed a Molex plug to mate with the one that we integrated into the center console for the two switches so as to insure the ease of future access and service. [ View Pictures ]
Here the gal's interior has been completely reassembled as she is getting very close to going home. [ View Pictures ]
Here she is sitting proud ready for her final inspection as we have completed this project. [ View Pictures ]
"Blackbird"; she is all but ready for her flight instruction. We get the sense that she is happy and yet anxious to be exercised again however before this can happen she will be treated to a fresh coat of clear plastic masking aka clear bra after which her Ford roundel will be installed. We left it off so that the clear plastic aka clear bra is not cut around it but rather the roundel will sit on top of it eliminating all edges in this area. [ View Pictures ]

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