Modded Mustangs » Editorials

War + Party = War-Party (Dirty Ol’ Man)

Smoothgrandmama — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 22:35:38 +0000

MM: Ok so there’s this site named ModdedMustangs.com how did you end up there?

WP: To be honest there are only so many times you can surf the adult web sites before you have viewed every natural, and un-natural, act known to man and animal kind alike.
So I was looking for some info on twin screw blowers (try that for a mixed metaphor) and stumbled across a post in the 99/04 section of MM. I liked what I read. I then ventured into the Clubhouse. Having always wanted to write an advice column, like Ann Landers or Dear Abby, I was at home. And my advice comes from that twisted sense of humor that one develops when one is locked up with 5000 other guys in a huge floating dumpster (Aircraft Carrier) for long periods of time.

MM: Can you provide a list of every car you have ever owned?

WP: 64 Nova, 67 Mustang GT, 70 Vega (with 327 in it), 74 GMC PU, 81 Trans Am, 83 Bronco, 87 Trans Am (GTA) Oh feel bad for me- 91 Dodge Mini Van, 93 Dodge mini van, 01 Mustang GT, 03 Nissan Xtera, 05 BMW330i, Nissan Xtera, 06 Titian PU

MM: And which one was your favorite?

WP: The Nova by far, it took me 2 years of sacking groceries to build, and of course it was my first ride

MM: Was it also the fastest?

WP: Oh hell yes, I got it in 1969 with a 283 4 speed and a 411 rear end. Traffic light to traffic light is was brutal. When I was done with it, I had a 327 .60 overbored, Isky 505 solid lifter cam, Weiand Tunnel ram with 2 Holly’s on top and Mallory sparks, fender well dump headers and a tube axle, ladder traction bars, and fiberglass front end. It ran C/hotrod in the old AHRA. Best time was 11.38 and I drove it every day until I wrecked it. Oh by the way, you know the high dollar ‘Split Fire’ spark plugs? We did the same thing back in the day with a jewel’s saw and some Champion Plugs.

MM: That’s a pretty car your building, May I have ride?

WP: Sure but I have two rules

1. A$$, grass or Gas nobody rides free, you of course, are excused from the first choice!

2. Sit down, buckle up, and hold on tightly, closing your eyes only makes it worse!

MM: What inspired you to build a 9 second car?

WP: Three of the things I love, the smell of jet fuel burning on a cool morning, Nitro Methane fumes, and tire smoke. Two are out my pocket book range but the third I believe I can do. I have always loved speed, so I bought my wife a BMW to get my Mustang back. So then all my kids thought one of them was going to be gifted with the Stang. Wrong. It was dissembled the day it came off the street.

Originally I had planned for a street and strip car, with mild mods. Well a computer, internet connection and time on your hands are a dangerous thing. After much research, my son and I decided we could put together a 9 sec Mustang, and be very competitive. So many many dollars and hours later we are almost done. Oh did I mention two and a half years build time. I always tell the young folks contemplating a build “Plan your build, and build your plan” It really helps keeps costs down and helps you organize your parts buying plan. This was also an attempt to make up some lost time with my son for the time I spent in the Navy. It has brought us very close together. I would recommend a project like this for any Dad with either a son or daughter, it becomes a family affair. If you look close at my car you will find a ‘pink troll’ in the engine, my grand daughter put it there and checks every time she comes over to see that she is still there.

MM: Who is the most “Flamboyant” person on MM?

WP: Hummm… Flame-boy-ant, there have been several that fit that description, and I have so say some of the MM Hotties are right up there with the guys. But I have to say the Zipster day in and day out here. Me I like the title of Dirty Ol’ Man of MM, thank you very much!

MM: A primered Civic with a 3 foot spoiler (aka DrAgOnZ WiNgZ) pulls up next to you and starts bouncing the engine off the rev limiter while giving you “Blue Steel” from behind his sunglasses (It’s night), what do you do?

WP: I first have to overcome the urge to pull the lil’ wanker out of his ricer and throttle him until he screams F-O-R-D and kowtows down and pays homage to my mighty ‘Stang. Of course if his ricer is thumping, there is no overcoming that urge and he will have his head stuffed in to his woofer or fart pipe, maybe both!
Should I manage to overcome the urge, I will laugh hysterically and roll my window up so I don’t have smell the oily smoke that is blowing past his rings, and allow him an unchallenged ricer pass. A Stang driver must display dignity!

MM: Did you know that Mso hates being called a Hippie?

WP: Yes actually, He is a sad story. Back in my Navy days, when I was wondering the world contributing to the gene pools of many third world countries, there were some off spring. He hates being called a Hippie because it’s a term of endearment between me and the Buffalo that could be his……well I used to drink a lot and sometimes I left the bar with a ten and woke up with a two…..almost had to chew my arm off one time but that is another story…but hey Mso happens.

MM: Would you like to tell us a little bit about your family?

WP: My family, Having all my kids either in the services or married to a service member, makes all service members my family My wife and I are both retired out of the Navy so we are well accustomed to the problems of service members, and try to mentor those we come in contact with.

MM: The last word?

WP: The most serious thing I can say here is any time you see a member of “my family” young or old, walk up to them and thank them for their service. They, especially the older veterans, appreciate it more then you can ever imagine.

ModdedMustangs would to thank all the veterans who have and are currently serving in the millitary and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials.

MM Gets Cyber Stallions Write-Up In MM&FF

mdvaldosta — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:08:57 +0000

A couple months ago we were contacted by Jeff Bauer of Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords (MM&FF) for their Cyber Stallions column. Each month Jeff writes about an interesting Ford Mustang related website and for the February issue, he chose us.

“Some people visit Mustang sites to learn how to get the most our of their ‘Stangs, while others come apparently come just to start trouble and rack up their post count by babbling about BS. If you’re among the former, you might be interested in ModdedMustangs.com (www.moddedmustangs.com), the site that bills itself as “the home of serious Ford Mustang enthusiasts.”

You can read the full write-up by going out and getting the February ‘08 issue, and there’s a forum thread discussing the article and a magazine scan has been posted.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials.

The Bullitt Is Back (Movie This Time)

mdvaldosta — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 20:38:00 +0000

The 1960’s classic “Bullitt” will be back, and this time we’re talking about the movie. Originally made famous by Steve McQueen’s famous chase scene (see video below), the Bullitt has already had a classic and New Edge version Mustangs modeled after it, and yet another Bullitt Mustang is in the works by Ford in honor of the flick’s upcoming 40th anniversary.

Brad Pitt will be playing the role of Lt. Frank Bullitt, a butt-kicking detective who’s hunting down a hitman who’s already killed a few of his fellow officers. This film’s been in the works for a few years actually, with Pitt being fitted for it even then – apparently he shares a similar love for fast cars and is looking foward to the role.

Hopefully this remake will do justice to the excellent driving skills demonstrated by McQueen during the famous chase through the rollercoaster streets of San Francisco, one of the driving forces behind the Bullitt’s timeless popularity. McQueen actually did all the driving, none of the high-tech CGI graphics of today – just pedal to the medal white-knuckle driving. Here’s a clip courtesy of YouTube for those that haven’t seen the original…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, News, Videos.

We D.A.R.E. You To Try This Modded Mustang

mdvaldosta — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:22:30 +0000

A few weeks back we received an email from Michael G. Adkins, a 1st Sgt. for the Caswell Co. Sheriff’s Office in Yanceyville, North Carolina. This isn’t the first D.A.R.E. car we’ve covered (remember the BUSTang?), but out of respect for authority (I wasn’t going that fast officer, honest!), and in hopes of scoring some brownie points with the local law enforcement, we’re gonna do another.

For those that don’t know, D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world.

Officers undergo 80 hours of special training in areas such as child development, classroom management, teaching techniques, and communication skills. 40 hours of additional training are provided to D.A.R.E. instructors to prepare them to teach the high school curriculum.

Rather than paraphrasing, we’re just going to post the letter Sgt. Adkins wrote us about their rare #93-0014 Saleen Mustang (was at the same national conference as the Bustang in 2006 and took 2nd):

I teach D.A.R.E. (drug abuse resistance education) to our county schools. When I am teaching DARE I drive a 1993 Mustang Saleen #93-0014 red in color. The car has a pretty good story.

Back in 1998 our department seized the car from a local drug dealer and in stayed in lot until the end of 2000. The judge ordered that the car be turned over to us to use. We used the car for two years in the field doing narcotics investigations. Sheriff Welch turned the car into a DARE car at the beginning of 2003.

The DARE design on the car is an original and is registered with DARE America. In the spring of 2006 we took a look at the car and was thinking of auctioning it off but the Sheriff did a little research on the car and found how rare this car is and decided that we would never seize another like it. We decided to paint the car and add new graphics with same design. The car look so good we took it to Orlando for the 2006 International D.A.R.E. Conference and entered it in the show. The car placed 2nd in the Active Car Class.

The car has been a eye catcher for years and we continue to find new ways to make it more appealing to our DARE Kids and community. The car is equipped with blue and clear strobe lights, federal siren system, and all graphics are reflective. The engine is still stock and parts that have been replaced have been Saleen or Motorcraft parts. The new custom audio and video system was done by Sounds Unlimited in Danville, V.A. You can view the car from the rear hatch and watch a DVD. Lt. Riddick and I wet sanded and prepared the car for paint and it was painted by Ricky Wilson whos son is a DARE student. The Graphics were done by Mincey’s Graphics, and the lights and siren were installed by Cpl. Allen Shell with the Yanceyville Police Dept. We plan to take the car to Nashville and enter it in the 2007 Inter. DARE Conf. to represent North Carolina.

Michael G. Adkins, 1st. Sgt.
Caswell Co. Sheriff’s Office
Yanceyville, N.C.

From all of us at Modded Mustangs, we’d like to thank Sgt. Adkins and all the other D.A.R.E. officers for educating us as a kid, and for educating our kids and giving us the skills we need to “avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence”.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, Featured Rides.

Four Door Mustangs? Say It Ain’t So…

mdvaldosta — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:45:30 +0000

While we certainly understand Ford’s desire to push their American into an international superstar, we’re not quite sure what to think about this one. Britain’s Autocar is reporting Ford’s bold strategy involves stretching the sixth generation ponycar onto a Lincoln frame and adding a couple more doors – maybe even a back hatch (say it ain’t so). Who would have thought you’d be throwing groceries into the back of a station wagon with a pony emblem on the front…

“It’s a case of reaching out to the men or women who keenly identify with the Mustang, but for various reasons – whether it be family, recreational or other – need a more versatile car than a coupe.” says a prominent automotive industry consultant familiar with the Ford plan. “As long as it’s great looking and sporty, then it doesn’t matter whether it has two or four doors.”

No official word from Ford executives though, as this information was apparently discussed in secret meetings between Ford executives. It’s apparent that the muscle car era is back, and Ford is looking to levy the Mustang’s name recognition in an effort to launch themselves back into the growing sedan and wagon markets. With gas prices all over the place, many people are moving out of their behemoth sized SUV’s and back into more economical vehicles – naturally many are migrating to wagons as they’re used to the space and are becoming much more sporty.

We think it’s great that Ford wants to move into the four door musclecar market, however it shouldn’t be badged a Mustang. With 42 years of history built on the success of a sporty two door platform, Ford has nothing to gain and everything to lose by going this route. Bold Moves, or wrong moves? I suppose we’ll know by 2011.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, Models, News.

7th Annual Steeda Stampede

mdvaldosta — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 01:43:13 +0000

The 7th Annual Steeda Stampede will be held tomorrow, October 14th at the Steeda Campus in Pompano Beach, Florida. From 9:00 AM through 1:30 PM on Saturday enthusiasts will have the opportunity to tour the Steeda Campus and check out the sensational flagship of the Steeda Q line of performance Mustangs - the Steeda Q 525, with over 580 horsepower.

In addition there will the latest 2007 Steeda Q 400 Mustang, Steeda Red Thunder, 450 horsepower F-150, Crimson Ride Focus ZX3. New Edge Mustang enthusiasts, as well as anyone who appreciates fast cars, will want to check out the 500 horsepower 2001 Steeda Q 400, the Q that looks like a street car yet turns 11 second quarter mile times at over 120 miles per hour. The latest Steeda certified performance parts will be presented and exhibited. The local press as well as the Mustang enthusiast media will be covering the event.

The Steeda 1995 Cobra R, the famed number 20 Cobra R, will be on display. This car won more IMSA GS Class races from 1995-97 than all of the other Cobra Rs combined. It also beat the GM factory backed Pontiac Firebirds. It is one of only 250 1995 Cobra Rs built.

In 1993 Ford built 107 Cobra Rs and the first won to win a race, the number 47 car will be exhibited at the Steeda Stampede. In addition to the Cobra Rs, a number of other successful Steeda equipped drag and road race cars will be on hand. There will be plenty to see as over 300 Mustangs, Cobras, Lightnings, Foci and a variety of Ford performance and show vehicles will be featured during the event.

Everyone who registers receives an event t- shirt, participant decal and a goody bag loaded with all sorts of informative and interesting material. Frank’s Garage will feature fantastic bargains on a variety of parts from tires to hoods to shifters to rear end gears and lots more items.

After the large raffle the event concludes at the Steeda Campus participants travel 60 miles to Moroso Motorsports Park, Jupiter, Florida for the Ford Power Festival for two days of drag racing, show-shine, swap meet, bikini contest and more.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, News.

BUSTang – Best D.A.R.E. Car In The Nation

mdvaldosta — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 00:58:35 +0000

The D.A.R.E, or or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, program gives kids the life skills they need to avoid involvement with drugs, gangs, and violence. It’s common practice for D.A.R.E. officers to become involved with kids as early as elementary school, showing them that drugs just aren’t cool. Geting a youngsters attention can be difficult at times, one of the reasons why having a cool D.A.R.E. car is important.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office’s BUSTang is one of those cool cars. This 2006 Mustang GT is so cool, in fact, it took 1st place out of 60 cars in this years national D.A.R.E conference.

“It’s a cool and unconventional way of getting out the message to kids to stay off drugs, and I think it’s getting their attention,” said Scott McGuire, installations manager of Williams Communications Inc. of Tallahassee.

McGuire and his team equipped the car with a 2,000-watt stereo system; an 800-MHz radio system; 200 LED lights; eight speakers and a DVD multimedia system including two video monitors. Students in Franklin County’s 5th grade D.A.R.E. program helped to brainstorm the ideas which made this ponycar best in show.

With the help of the above and alittle seized drug money (of course), this Modded Mustang was completed in three phases, starting with the lights and siren. Next came the visual accessories and custom graphics, and finally audio and video equipment.

Sgt. Ryan Sandoval, D.A.R.E. officer, will use the BUSTang to educate students in a unique and innovating ways – including a DVD show and a fiberglass molded display containing a substance-abuse-identification kit on the floor of the trunk. You can visit the Project BUSTang web page at the Franklin County Sheriff’s website.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, Models, News.

New Mustangs Still Selling Strong

mdvaldosta — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 23:06:04 +0000

Ford recently released their September sales figures, showing a strong month as an increase in car sales helped to offset slumping truck sales. It’s been a steady trend as of late - many consumers are migrating away from their gas guzzling SUV’s and moving into more economical vehicles. Is the Mustang economical? Well, I suppose it depends on what you compare it to.

So how strong is strong, exactly? Continuing the trend from last month, the Mustang posted it’s stongest September sales in two decades - up 31% over last year. What’s even more impressive is that Ford managed this feat without crazy incentives and rebates. Including special editions such as the Shelby GT500 (800 units), Ford moved a total of 14,341 units this month.

Even more impressive is the 133,269 Mustangs sold this year, more than the sales of all 2005 Mustangs…. already. Back then, 128,485 units (for 2005) seemed phenominal. So what’s contributed to the continued success of the Mustang? Hype.

Ford’s Bold Moves and Way Foward Plans have been driving consumer excitement for their new products. Bringing Carroll Shelby back was pure genious, as are the new Mustangs every year (Bullitt for 2008). At this point, the only thing that could stop Ford is Ford itself; until then – we’ll enjoy the ride.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, News.

Bullitt To Return In 2008

mdvaldosta — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 15:34:47 +0000

Buried in the middle of Ford’s “Way Foward” plan, about a leaner structure and new products, Ford president Mark Fields makes mention of a 2008 Mustang Bullitt. As part of Ford’s commitment to produce refreshed Mustangs every year, Fields was quoted as saying “We added additional Mustang derivatives to our near-term product plans – to ensure we have at least one new Mustang every year. One of those will be the return of the Bullitt, and it’s coming in 2008.”

While this news is new to many Mustang enthusiasts, it comes as little suprise for some. Back in August of 2005, Motor Trend speculated a return during coverage of the 2001 Bullitt… just in time for the 40th anniversary of the 1968 film starring Steve McQueen.

What can enthusiasts expect from the 2008 edition? This latest Bullitt is likely to share many of the same features of the 2001, namely deletion of GT foglamps. Yes, the Bullitt will be a GT model, though to pay homage to the famous “Mustang in the mirror” scene from the movie, a clean front end is a must.

Expect minor intake and exhaust upgrades to boost the performance of the GT’s 300 horsepower, likely to come by way of Ford Racing’s Performance Packs (FRPP). As for the engine, it’s likely to carry the standard 3v 4.6L engine – nothing fancy. The Bullitt Mustang has always been more about being nostalgic than anything else. If you want pure power then Ford’s got something else in mind for you.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, Models, News.

Saleen’s 10th Annual Open House

mdvaldosta — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 03:49:20 +0000

Ford tuner/supercar builder Saleen shut down a few Orange County streets and opened the doors to its headquarters for its 10th annual open house/car show.

Saleen (the company) let the Saleen Owners and Enthusiasts Club (SOEC) take over its manufacturing headquarters so that everyone could celebrate all things Saleen (the car). Though this car show was technically open to any and all cars, this event was pretty much dominated by all things Ford-powered and Saleen-tuned.

Though a few S7s and Saleen-tuned F150s were on hand, the car of the day was the Saleen Mustang. All generations of Saleen-tuned ‘Stangs were on hand, which is great for the Saleen Mustang fan, not-so-great for those looking for a bit of variety. Don’t get us wrong, we love Saleen Mustangs as much as the next certified gear-head. It just seems as if most of these cars are picked up by the type of guy that spends one too many hours watching the Barrett-Jackson auctions on TV and not-so-secretly hopes that his Saleen Mustang will be the next million-dollar car. Most of these Saleen Mustangs look as if they rarely come out of the garage, let alone see any sort of track time. Whatever happened to buying a race-ready car and taking it racing?Of course, we have to admit that it was a treat to see some very clean mid-80’s Saleen Mustangs. We loved these cars ever since we were kids, and finally seeing one in real-life was almost as cool as seeing an actual DeLorean. Yes, we are using this paragraph to admit that we seriously loved tuned American muscle back in the day, so perhaps you guys will give the “import bias”-thing a bit of a rest…

As we mentioned in the opening sentence, Saleen also opened the doors to its factory. It wasn’t “operating” at this time, but show-goers could still see how Saleen is able to turn ordinary factory Fords into high-performance Saleens.

While we had a great time at Saleen’s open house, we left wishing for more. Saleen’s Mustangs were well represented, but we only saw the one Saleen Focus and zero Saleen Contours. We know that Saleen has them – we saw them at the Los Angeles car show a few years back. Here’s hoping that Saleen will dig those cars out for next year’s show…

This article was originally written by IGN. Special thanks to Justin Kaehler for the scoop. The event took place on the 9th of September.

Add to del.icio.us

Search blogs linking this post with Technorati

Want more on these topics ? Browse the archive of posts filed under Editorials, Models, News.