Project StinkBug: Put a Lid On It

When I bought StinkBug, one of the missing pieces was the trunk lid. The trunk lid I needed was specific to the four-door sedan Bel Air. While I could buy a new one all day long online, I really wanted an original one, stamped in the 1950s here in America. I'm not adverse to using repro parts—used them where needed on the '66 Mustang—but IMHO classic cars should be mostly original pieces, or they really aren't classic...

Here's a local find... For 150 bucks, I figured I'd give it a shot.

I had used chelation rust removal fluid about 5 years ago on my '66 Mustang. I removed and soaked the doors in it, like you see the trunk lid here. This time I used a product I read about here—as well as 10mm plastic sheeting, which held the chelant safely for days.

After a couple days of soaking in 90 degree weather, I had complete rust removal. I haven't decided how to fix this area yet, but it's now primed and waiting...

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Bullitt v2.0 Gets New Heads, Stage II Cams, More

Although the Bullitt put down good power, the recently-rebuilt engine needed some sorting. The engine had been detonating at high rpms, since I first bought the car. Changing the tune didn't fix the detonation, so the engine problem was likely internal.

Fortunately, Piedmont Custom Motorsports is just down the road from me. I hadn't had a chance to work with PCM previously, but I'm fortunate that they know Mustangs of all years and were eager to help me.

PCM found that the power level was actually low—for the surprisingly high 19psi of boost. Reinstalling a stock larger blower pulley for a more reasonable 13psi resulted in a big drop in power. And a leak down test showed poor engine sealing. At this point, the motor came out to have a closer look.

The heads showed previous detonation damage/repair around the spark plug holes.

A new threaded insert on one spark plug hole could be introducing a hot spot into the combustion chamber.

In addition, not all the valves were sealing properly.

PCM dropped the engine/crossmember/trans out from below.

PCM hooked me up with a set of stock replacement heads in great shape for only $300. The machine shop properly cut the oversize valves from the original heads and installed them. At this point, I figured the upgrade to Stage II cams was worthwhile... :)

While the Bullitt was in surgery, I figured I'd clean up the intake. I spent a few hours disassembling, cleaning, and painting...

And I ended up with this. The end-of-day lighting is harsh in this photo...

Here's the intake on top of the motor at PCM. They also installed a Centerforce clutch and adjustable quadrant for me.

Here's a video of the dyno, showing 533hp at only 13psi.




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