This is stage 2 of a three part series detailing the restoration of one beaten, neglected, then beaten again 1993 GT and its transformation into a one-of-a-kind ’93 Cobra convertible. Stage 1 included an essential tune-up, new clutch, body work and fresh paint in preparation for stage 2. The horrendous duct taped intake found with the car has been replaced with an SR Performance cold air intake ahead of schedule just so the tired 5.0 could be driven safely to the paint booth.
Stage 2 – Project Fox Body
Wheels & Miscellaneous Exterior
Picking up where we left off, stage 2 pays close attention to the details both on the interior and exterior of the car. Starting with the wheels, what Cobra replica would be
complete without a set of Cobra style rims? We chose a black finish with chrome lip to set off our vibrant competition orange paint job. To fit the 5 lug 10 anniversary Cobra style rims, a 5 lug conversion kit and rear disc brakes were installed. This is a common swap seen with many Fox Body builds as it allows for fitment of a wider selection of rims and brake options.
To stay on point and get this project car as close to an authentic Cobra as possible, our GT received a set of ’93 Cobra tail light lenses; a small change that made a huge difference in the car’s rear end appearance. A true restoration project wouldn’t be complete without paying special detail to the little odds and ends. With this in mind, the missing cowl grill and dry rotted windshield molding was replaced, along with a new set of wiper arms. Again, these are small changes that go a long way in adding value to the overall appearance of this Fox Body.
Convertible Top & Interior Restoration
Probably the biggest eye sore on this 1993 GT was the tattered and crumbling convertible top. To mend this, basically the entire top had to be rebuilt. We went with a new, OEM quality replacement top, tinted rear glass, top pads, boot cover, new cable, J hooks and alignment pins. No restoration project is complete without replacing all of the old and cracking molding and weather stripping on the car. What is seen by some as a tedious and somewhat annoying task, replacing this stripping is one of the finer details that, if not done or completed properly, will have you critiqued at shows and leave the car with an “almost” finished look.
Digging into the car, it was easy to see the interior hadn’t fared much better than the outside of this Mustang. Fortunately, the dash, which can be a hard find for those looking, wasn’t in too bad of shape. After a quick sanding, some primer and paint our dash was back to new condition. The carpet did not fair quite as well and after a quick inspection and clearly needed to be replaced. Using the old carpet as a measuring point, holes were cut and the new carpet lined up and installed. All that remained was replacing the worn-out arm and console padding, shifter boot and knob, replacing a few broken switches and tying everything together beautifully by installing a mint condition, factory radio – something offered strictly as an option on the 1993 Cobras.
After salvaging this 1993 GT convertible from a near junkyard burial, hard work and an inspired vision of a drop-top ’93 Cobra have brought this once-upon-a-time clunker back to live in a spirited fashion. What could turn out as one of the few, if not only 1993 Fox Body convertibles has already proven to be a great looking restoration and useful resource for anyone looking for tips or inspiration when restoring their Fox Body.
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About Andrew Cilio
