I posted first in the new member section but thought Id get a little more exposure in this section.

I found this website after doing some searching online. I came here in search for some help in a project I have decided to take on. First allow me to introduce myself, the project and then my dream. My name is Rodney Hill, and I live and teach High high school shop classes in central California. The project is to complete my late brothers 65 Mustang to present to his daughters within 2 years time. My brother was killed in action in Baghdad Iraq on Oct. 29, 2005 by an IED. Now for the story behind the Mustang.

In 1993 after owning the car nearly 10 years, My brother asked me to try to diagnose an over heating problem on his 302 while taking auto courses in College. I agreed but then foolishly agreed to allow my buddy to borrow the car for a half hour to run go get his pay check from work. 45 minutes after allowing my friend to drive off, I called his work (he never showed up). I called his GF she didn't know where he was. So I began to walk the perimeter of the college to see if he was waiting for me in adifferent parking lot. When approaching the last corrner parking lot to my horror I saw my brothers beautiful blue Mustang wrapped around a light pole. My buddy who was living with my family at that time, agreed to pay a mere $2k in montly payments to my brother. One day after only two payments, while my family was out of town, he took all his stuff and moved out. We had to sue him in small claims to get the money. We recieved a nother $100 through wage garnishment, untill he filed for bankruptcy.

One day inthe summer of 2000 My brother and I were doing some yard work at his house. We were talking about my Chevelle which I had just started the frame up on, and he had mentioned he wished he had an extra$2K cause he had found a perfect project car in Stockton only 45 min away. That weekend he started his two weeksummer training for the Cal. National Guard. I approached his wife andI told her thatif she goes in with me that I would put $1500 down on the car. Well we ended up getting the car for only $1800. It had an extra motor and lots of parts. The car had never been in any major accidents, no cance at all and a great starter. Sea foam green (?) exterior and White interior. The next couple of years he spent taking it apart and stocking up on good used or new parts as he could afford them. He got a lot of hand me down parts from his buddy which was doing a 66 at the time.

In The summer of 2004 he announced to the family that he was being deployed to Iraq with his Unit, he 1-184, 1-487 Cal/Hawaii National guard and be attached to the 3rd ID out of Ft. Stewart Georgia. The next couple of months while stationed in Arizona ( I think) for training he was ordering parts for his suspension so that when he got home in 18 months He and I would start in on his car. Well Oct 29, 2005 our family was notified of his death. He along with his driver were killed by an IED while drivingin their Humvee on a volunteer mission to assist in Iraqi families who had been affected by a raid the night before.

His wife gave me the car knowing that it would be the best thing, and probably what my brother had wanted. So my dream is to complete this car and give to his little girls. One is in 8th grade and one is in High school (taking shop classes) in Iowa where they moved a year after my brothers death. The daughters are upset with their mom for her giving me the car, but I have told their mom what I would like to do. Last summer a few people from the American Legion in Turlock helped out and announced the dream to their members. A small news paper article was written about the car and I got a few more people willing to help. To this day, I have a new/rebuilt transmission donated, the engine was completed by my students, and a few people are willing to donate their time. I took the car to a car show on the 4th of July last year where I collected close to $400 to go toward odds and ends. The car is still in need of the entiror being refinished, the suspension put on the car, and the car being put back together. I have abody man that has agreed to do the body work for $2,500, but dont have anyone currently to paint the car or paint itself. I also have one of his soldiers that has secured the body to be media blasted just before body work, and have a gentleman that served with him his first few years that served with my father, that has agreed to some monitary help, but not sure how much.

So I am asking if there was any way any of you could help me out in this situation. Ideas, physical help, parts etc. If you have any questions, or commentsplease feel free to email me or post here. My email address is rodnamy@sbcglobal.net. Please put "Mustang Help" in the subject line. Thank you for your time and generosity.


Rod Hill

Here are the pictures of hisold car before and after the accident, and the new project along with a family photo.




Thumbnail Image
[/URL]


Thumbnail Image
(http://www.mustangforums.com/upfiles/95566/FC92869ECC634740A809F145C0AD91CF.jpg)
Two more pictures. One of the new project, and one of him and his family prior to his Iraq deployment


Thumbnail Image



Thumbnail Image
[URL=http://www.mustangforums.com/upfiles/95566/CB2260EEFDB44A11B577A4A889A44879.jpg] (http://www.mustangforums.com/upfiles/95566/FC9716F1860D42F595D83238A193264A.jpg)

sorry to hear about your brother, and I wish you good luck in finishing the project car.
Where at in Iowa are his family living?

My deepest condolences (sp?) to you for your loss. If you ever have any questions the people in this section will not hesitate to help you. It's a great thing that you're doing and your nieces will be very happy, good luck and welcome.

Sorry to hear your brother is no longer with us. Is there any way your story can be verified.
There are so many scams these days, it's often hard to tell what is real.

Jav

ORIGINAL: JapanGT

Sorry to hear your brother is no longer with us. Is there any way your story can be verified.
There are so many scams these days, it's often hard to tell what is real.

Jav


http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/iraq/forces/casualties/page3.html

Even though I knew there have been a lot of casualties, it really blew my mind how far down the list I had to scroll to reach 'Hill'. [:o]

sorry for your loss man. you will get a ton of help on here. and im sure your neices will be very pleased.

ORIGINAL: JapanGT

Sorry to hear your brother is no longer with us. Is there any way your story can be verified.
There are so many scams these days, it's often hard to tell what is real.

Jav


Thank you everyone for your kind words.

Jav, You can google my brothers name, and even find articles about the Mustang. This link is to the San Francisco Chronicle where it mentions his Mustang. Im really not sure what else I could do to verify this but it is what it is.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/11/02/BAGKAFHMBC1.DTL&hw=father+of+killed+in+Baghdad&sn= 001&sc=1000

So far I have torn the car down to most of its nuts and bolts, categorized everything, and have the sheetmetal off of the front end, the doors off, and the trunk lid off. The enteriorhas been taken out, and the car awaits my starting the restoration. His Widow My sister-in-Law lives in Sioux City Iowa, and has said she can spend some money on it but does not have an unlimited budget for it. I would like to get by without spending any of her money at all. I really would like to not only make this car for his daughters, but get the community to pitch in to make it something that they could feel like they gave back to a soldier who gave the greatest sacrifice.

What parts do you need? Can you be specific on interior parts, including colors or styles?

What parts do you need? Can you be specific on interior parts, including colors or styles?


Seat covers, carpet, sound deadener, headliner, moisture barriers, door panels, arm rests glove box anddash pad. The entirior was white, and I was planning on keeping it that way. The carpet I believe was green, but Im not sure. On the exterior I also am in need of a passenger fender, as the one that is on there has had some damage from a minor fender bender, on the front edge, and rear edge near the door.

Looks legitimate. Found this.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221497

Sorry, twotone64, no offense meant but I had to check it out. Hope you don't mind. Do you have a shipping address for parts? Might have something for you.

too bad you in cali i could get it painted for you

If for some reason you have anything you would be willing to pass on this direction, my home address is:
8235 Sunset Dr.
Atwater, CA 95301

what color dash pad do you want?

Something about that picture of your brother with his daughters got to me.

You no longer need the following:
2 65 Standard Door Panels White
1 Setof Two Front Buckets & Rear Seat Upholtery - Coupe Std White
2 Door Panel & Seat Back clip Standard Door Panel, (15 pcs)
2 ARM REST PAD White
2 ARM REST BASE (CHROME)
2 ARM REST BASE HARDWARE
2 Arm Rest Base Mounting Kit
2 ARM REST BASE HARDWARE 1 1/4 Long (2 screws)
I ordered it from John's Mustang tonight. It will ship to me (has to due to the credit card) and then I will forward it to you. If any of this is the wrong stuff let me know so I can change the order.

Rodney I'm very sorry about your brother. I live in Napa and if I can assist you in any way with the physical labor aspect of assembling the car I am more than happy to drive down to Atwater to help out. Just give me a couple days notice and I'll be there. Also I've put a $40 check in the mail to the address you posted, sorry it can't be more but I'm a broke college student. My contact information is below, I would be proud to be a part of helping to get that car back to your brother's family.

Jason Witters
lefty3382@hotmail.com
(831) 521-1783

I'll match Lefty3382's contribution, via Paypal. PM me a Paypal registeredemail address.

Jav

You guys are awesome, I'm sitting here getting ready to go to a meeting for my job (curriculum garbage with tears running down my face) I cannot believe the how much people really are willing to help. Thank you very much Honeygold, Jason and JapanGT. Jason btw my inlaws live in Sebastopol. In may I will be up your way at a car show with my Chevelle. I would really enjoy meeting you. I will definately give you a call some day.

Rod

Keep us updated with pictures. Did you notice john721 asked about the color of the dash pad?

Yes, I will have to look at it, it is in storage Ill have to go look at it, I will post it here later today.

I dont have anything so far that I see you need, but I currently have a 65 on ebay.

Once it sellls (If) I can afford to send some cash. Or if you name more parts, Im sure I have boxes I can find. is this a v8 car or IL6? looks like 5 lug rims... let me know anything else you need so I can sort through my boxes.

I can't believe how great you guys are, it makes me proud that I'm able to share the same forum with such great people.

+100000

only +100000, jeez have a heart.:D:D:D

ORIGINAL: john721
what color dash pad do you want?


The dash pad was black, and through a mistaken color, the carpet was black as well, it was just sun bleached and looked green. So the interior is white vinyl, white steel, and black carpet and black dash pad.

I'll be sending the dashpad, plus whatever else was left over from my project.

I am not in a position I can help much but it sure makes me proud to be a part of a group of people like you.
Good luck Twotone64

John,

Thank you very much for your generosity as well as others.

Photocliff,

Thank you for your kind words. I can see the pride you have in the people in this group. I too feel pride not only for my brother and other soldiers that defend this country, but for the citizens of this great country itself. Its not all the time that we see the good in most people but it is there.

Rod

Again,

I would like to thank everyone for what they have done. I am going to be contacting my brothers soldier that does media blasting to see what kind of time table Im looking at. The few things I have left to get for the interior as of now are the carpet, and head liner. I think with the money they some of you have sent I will be purchasing the carpet. Is there any brand of carpet makers that you guys prefer over another for the Mustang carpet sets.

I have "Mustangs Plus" kinda locally, I plan to call them to see what kind of deal they could throw my way. I have a few people from the car show last summer that do Interiors that I may hit up to do the install, even though I could do most of it myself, they really wanted to help out. With regards to the exterior I plan to reuse as much of the stainless/aluminum/chrome as I can. I still need to find wheels and tires. Im thinking of going stock with hub caps.

I may have a source for paint through Sherwin Wiliams. Another one of his soldiers has a brother that is a regional rep for them. So it still looks like body work is going to be the big spot for money, as it usually is in most resorations anyhow.

If any of you have any more suggestions on how to most effectively get thecommunity involved in this I'd love to hear about it.

Would any of you be offended if I found some more Mustang websites and posted there as well? I haven't done it yet, I would like to get your feed
back first.

Please PM me your Paypal address.

Just so you know, Mustangs Plus has a general image of being overpriced, so if you are going to purchase the parts, I would go with Virginia Classic, or one of the other cheaper parts suppliers. As far as the carpet goes, it will most likely all be similar. Chances are, all of the parts suppliers will order from the same manufacturer, at least from my experience.

Good luck with the mustang, I am not in a position where I can afford to give money (im only 17...) but you and your family are in my prayers. You are doing a great thing for your nieces.

As far as im concerned- feel free to go to other mustang sites. I dont think most ppl on here are against the other forums, in fact many people are prolly members there as well.

Everyone,

Please email me your email so that I can keep you up to date when we really get going on this project.

On a side note:If and when I ever present this to the community as well as my Neices, do any of you wish to remain unnamed in support of this project. I would like to make a poster with every company and every person's names on it, no addresses, and not necessarily what you donated, or how much you donated. I will also pass on your email addresses to my family/neices when I hand the car off to them, so if they wish to contact you. Otherwise let me know if you wish to remain unamed.

I would say post it everywhere you can. The more the better. Post the picture of your brother and family where ever you do post. It will help. You need to PM me with your phone number so I can ship the interior parts when I receive them from John's Mustang. I know they have already shipped to me from there. My local shipping place insists on a phone number. I'll post a picture of the boxes/parts here before they ship to you so you'll know what to expect. Keep us up to date right here on the forum. No need to email everyone. As far as getting credit for contributing you can do whatever you want. Personally I think "Honeygoldcoupe from MustangForums.com" would be fine by me.

I have calmy kept up with this thread and have refrained from commenting. First off, I would like to commend you for what you are doing to honor your brother and giving the car to his daughters is a loving gift. Situations like this are what piss me off about many of our country's citizens. Men and women like your brother have chosen to sacrifice their own life so that we can enjoy a free life. I have never been in the military, and this is only do to the fact that I have stumbled upon a good job that is allowing me to take care of my family at a young age of 21. If anything happens to my job, I will enlist without hesitation. But anyone who has beef with our soldiers is just a dumb piece of sh*t. They don't deserve anything that is giving to them. I have the upmost respect for any armed service member, police officer, or fireman. Little to no appreciation for what grand things they do. This story should be given more attention. I think that someone should contact one of the suppliers with copies of this thread and see if they would be willing to help out. If not, members like honeygoldcoupe and others (sorry for not listing) have large hearts and I admire you guys.

I really don't have money to give, but if you PM me with something you might need, I could probably find a way to get it. Thank you for what you are doing. It's good to see that we still have true American values and morals. And thank you to anyone reading this that is serving or has served our country. If I could, I would meet each and everyone of you and shake your hands.

Best i can do is give you my brand new rear suspension. It wont be for a couple of months though. I have a brand new suspension in my rear. 5 leaf mid-eyes, kyb gas adjust, and a rear sway bar. Im installing a 4 link after my wedding and you can have the stock stuff if you still need it by then.

The title of this thread caught my eye. I think it is great what you are doing, and I hope you recieve all the help you need to accomplish your goals. Good luck and sorry for your loss.

EZ,

Thank you very much, that would be great. Im not sure exactly what we have in regards to rear suspension, so this is very much appreciated. My mailing address is in an earlier post, but Ill list it again.

Rod Hill
8235 Sunset Dr
Atwater, CA 95301.

To everyone else. If you have requested me to PM you and I have not please re-request that I do so Im trying to keep up with all of you help, and inventory all the possible parts and help that have been donated.

Rod

man this is mind blowing what you are all doing. i really am proud to be a part of this group of people. i really wish i could send something to you, but im only 16 and totally broke, but if you can find anything that i could possibly help with dont hesitate to pm me.

Sorry to hear about your brother,

im going to be like JapanGT and match Lefty3382's contribution through Paypal as well, send me an e-mail with your e-mail account address for paypal. My e-mail is chevy89rocks@yahoo.com

To let people know what I currently need I would like to make a list.
Needed:
-Carpet - Black
-front steering parts
-inner and outter tie rods
-idler arm
-drag link
-Upper and lower ball joints
-front shocks
-Carpet sound deadener
-Glove box insert
-window felts and rubber

Major parts Needs
-body work
-Passenger Fender
-paint (would like to stay stock)
-Wheels (stock Ralleys or hubcaps are fine)
-tires

I became a member on this forum just to help you out,
your story and everyones help brought tears to my eyes, sorry to hear about your brother.
I can get you a headliner and that weather stripping, about the headliner do you need a whole kit or just it by itself??
give me about a week to come up with the money and once i get it ill order the parts and send them asap to you, my step-dad's friend manages a tire company in sac and ill talk to him about those wheels and tires, and if they can't help then ill find someway to some up with money and just send it to you.

My name is Stewart.

+1 JapanGT and match Lefty3382's

As a vet of ODS you guys/gals pull my heart strings. What a famaly we have here. As a swarn NCO to look out for the moral health and welfare of my soldires (this includes there famalies) i will be sending 100.00 today for your project.

I am in Sacramento, if i can lend a hand just drop me an email mortman20@hotmail.com and ill be there.

Stewart,

People like you are what makes this country awesome. I don't know exactly how my brother would be feeling right about now, but two of his soldiers that I talk to on a regular basis that are helping with this are really moved, Im sure he would be extatic, and proud. Where are you located? Stewart, that would be great about the wheels and tires, even if just tires, or a huge discount. Im not looking for any super expensive tires or wheels (dubs baby) [sm=noooo.gif]

Mortman,

To you my man, I appreciate what you are doing, soldiers have a very near and dear place in my heart. To extend your duty to my family goes to show the closeness soldiers have with one another even though they may have never met. I truly am greatly appreciative not only for what you are doing for this project, but also for what you have done for our country.

There is no way I will ever take for granted what you have all done for this project and my brothers dream for his family.

I have a young man on another board that is looking for a way to get some of his old rims to me. He has a set of old steeles with hubcaps or a set of old torque thrusts that need to be painted. He lives in Colorado and is trying to find out if there is anyone coming out this direction. Im going to have him contact some of his localally owned shipping businesses to see if they can help out.

I am in the military myself and have been to iraq, kuwait and about to leave for afghanistan for a year and i have been close to people who ended up losing their life while i was in iraq and i know how it is. i cant say i lost a brother but the friend was that close to me and i feel for your lose. I like seeing what your planning on doing and i think that would be a fitting tribute to the girl's father. I wish i could help you out but currently cant since im preparing to move my wife and 10 month old son before i leave but im sure this forum will help you get everything you need. I hope you get some pics up of how ur project is going as im sure we would all like to see. Good luck and god bless

hey i have a set of 01 gt rims. they are aluminum with a brand new set of tires on them. i have the spacers to make them work as well. if you want 17s.

Rodney,
I live up in Redding, and in july im moving to denver to start automotive school and before i move, i would love it if i could come down and meet you and take a look at the car, maybe help a little with it?

Mustangkid,

What is includiedint the headliner kit? If it contains the front and rear window seals that would be great as well, as i forgot that on the list.This is an awesome thing you want to do. Are you currently in High School? I teach shop class at a local high school. I will mark down that you are donating the weather stripping and headliner, and take it off of the list.

EZ, do you have a picture of what those rims would look like on the 65? Im not sure if I want to go that big, but am in no way looking down on what you want to donate. One of my brothers live in Cypress, how close are you to him? If we decide to go your route, maybe we could work that out that you two could meet and do the deal.

Rod

Ron.. before I send the dashpad, can you tell me if you need window handles/door handles? If so, are they the ones that take a allen screw? I'd like to include those in donation if you need them...

I have a new windshield rubber weatherstrip I'll send this week if you need it.
I have a chrome Air Cleaner (almost new, the type with blue base & chrome lid) that I will send if you want it.
I'll see what else I may have also.

Art,

The air cleaner and windshield rubber would be great. I was just wondering what I was going to do for an air cleaner if I was going to go after market open or stock.

John,

I think the ones I currently have are the center scres, atleast the door windows and door handles are. I will verify and let you know.
Rod

im not sure if it does but ill find someway to get them, and yes im still in high school

John,

Two of the window handles are set screws, and the other two are the blind spring clips.Im pretty sure they are in really good shape. So if you want to hold off on sending those thats fine. Very appreciated though.


On a side note, I also need to amend my list of parts to include:
-the rear bumper (The front one is very usable)
-the front valence panel
-rear valence panel
-Rear view mirror (interiod)
-drivers door mirror
-Rubber "U" seals for boththe front and rear windows
-trunk and door lock set as well asthepaint seal kit
-door, trunk, hood rubber bumper sets

Rod, I have a front and rear valance, new reproductions, never used. The rear valance has the holes for the exhaust. Do you want this type valance? Let me know..

man..i'm sorry for your loss but that's an awesome thing you're doing.
i have no job and i'm in 10th grade so i can't really help but i replaced a lot on my car and i might have some things that you could use..if i see any on the lists you make i'll let you know..
good luck!

rodney, i will only be able to donate twenty bucks as i am in 9th grade.. when i get paid on tues ill paypal it to you wed night.

and i would like to thank everyone on here for having such big hearts. you guys really are amazing

Interesting, reading the posts from the high schoolers on this forum gives me renewed hope for our future.

Twotone64, are you going to print out the thread from this (and other) forums to give to your brother's family along with the car.

ORIGINAL: honeygoldcoupe

Interesting, reading the posts from the high schoolers on this forum gives me renewed hope for our future.

Twotone64, are you going to print out the thread from this (and other) forums to give to your brother's family along with the car.


You know, I have been thinking the same thing, bragging to my family, and to other teachers at the school I teach at.

John721,

I would definately love to take the front valence. How hard is it to convert to the rear exhaust through the valence? I like the looks of this style but I've only seen them on GT's and Fastbacks. If it is something that is very easy to change over to this style Id like to take it.

DirtyDave289,

Don't feel compelled that you have to donate something. Just your support is good. If you still want to give, and you have parts that match up with what I need Id be honored to accept them.

racin66coupe,

This is a great gesture, and to prove to the older genertation that there is still hope. As honeygoldcoupe has stated and I concurr, but we have to look at it this way, in this forum we are dealing with a whole different kind of people, those who are already ahead of the game and not the standard kid who is dealing with issues of entitlement. Thank you all and thank you young men.

Rod

I'm sorry to hear about your loss twotone. As a veteran and reservist and with friends with family being deployed I can relate. I would like to help with what I can. I don't know how much I can contribute right now with having to pay to get my car shipped out to me. But I live a few hours south of you in the central valley by San Luis Obispo but when I drive up to Travis AFB for my drill weekends you aren't that far out of my way. If you find something south of you on craigslist you want checked out or picked up I would be more than willing to help with my truck and swing out to your house when I drive up for drill.

Remicks,

First thank you for your service, and thank you for your offer, I will definately keep you in mind if something like that pops up.

Rod

twotone64, PM sent.

UPS delivered these today. Two door panels, armrests and hardware. The packaging says white but they look more parchment to me. I am not a white interior expert so...how about you white interior guys, are they white? I placed a couple of white styrofoam strips against them for comparison. If they are the right ones I'll reship to Twotone64 Saturday. If they are wrong, I'll send 'em back for the right ones.

local://upfiles/82474/AF9FEE4DB69D42E89457D23F94F506D7.jpg

local://upfiles/82474/711F5797D9174321B28C96AA1CF08F31.jpg

Honeygould,

Thats the correct color. I went and looked at the old ones and they were offwhite, as you described.

On a side note if anyone wants to know about the decoding of the car:

All numbers that should match match. The engine and trans decoded as year corect. I havent decoded the engine stamp to see if it is the original engine/vehicle correct.

VIN: 5F07C######
Trim tag= 65AO D6 26J 62 6 6
1965 Hardtop Coupe
Dearborne, Michigan
289 2 barrel
Tropical Turquoise Exterior "O"
White with black interior Trim "D6"
September 26 "26J"
Ordered to Houston TX "62"
2.80:1 Axle Ratio (6)
C-4 Transmission (6)

The engine (rebuilt)I have is year correct,The C-4 that isto be donated I have no idea what it is out of, but doesn't mean that much to me. I really want to keep the paint the original color scheme, but need to findsomecross references to modern type paints for the interior white and the exterior Tropical Turquoise. A few of the mods that I plan to do are a serpintine setup, that uses stock parts off of the 5.0 base which means use of the sanden compressor and a reverse flow water pump. My brother already had some of the parts but im going tohave to do some searching for somepictures of how he had it set up or just make it up myself. Basically he only had the alt, an idler pulley and the A/C.I believe I have a disc brake setup from theMaverick base, but not sure. If it is Ill need some direction on use of that, or doing something else. The ignition is an electronic Acccel setup that looks stock in that there isnt any large control boxes or coils.


Ill take pictures of the engine if anyone is interested. It is complete and sitting on a wooden stand awaiting its big debut. It is completly stock with regards to the components except the ignition, carb and intake.

Most excellent! They will ship Saturday (probably actually go out Monday) so watch for the box. Upholstery isn't here yet.

Im sorry to hear about your loss. I happen to work at a classic mustang shop mainly dealingin restoration supplies. If there is any part you are having trouble findiing let me know. We have a big inventory as well as a junkyard full of parts cars. Please dont hesitate to ask for anything. Ill do everything i can to help.

Luke

Bakoluke,

Where are you located? If it is feasable, would it be possible to get the passenger fender from you?

Rod

Got this box today. It says Uph Std Full Set F/R Coupe Off-White. I did not open this one and am assuming it is the front and rear upholtery.

local://upfiles/82474/1033B12C2FE2470DBCB2B1BB152E3D2E.jpg

wow this is amazing. im so glad you're doing this for your brother and brothers family rod. im in the same position as some on here and am in highschool and tight on money. so i cant donate anything. ive looked at the lists of parts you need and i dont have anything. all the parts i took off my car are junk and not worth using or are already thrown away, sorry. but just keep updating the lists and i will check to see if i have anything and i will send it to you. good luck rod.

kyle.

Honeygold,

Thatis awesome. I can't tell you how much this means, all of you have stepped up big time. I really have to hand it to the young men here with the evident selfishness of the young generation now days, you have shown selflessness which is what we need more of.

Kyle,

Like Ive told others in the forum, don't feel obligated to put something forward. You can't give what you don't have.


To everyone that is keeping track of parts that need to be gathered: I havent looked at any of the trim or chrome. Im pretty sure I do need the Drip rail molding, and rocker mouldings. The ones that were on there were the veined with black stipes down the middle of each raised section. The 289V symbols and Hoses on the red white and blue stripes Im sure are around, but they were not on the car when I ended up with it. The hood and trunk letters as well as the berrol fasteners are all missing. Another one of the soldiers that served with my brother has give me the hood tip moulding, and is going to take his left over parts, sell those and hold a yard sale. All the money he makes from it is being donated to the project. He also had said one of his fellow soldiers is some how related to the owners of Mustangs Plus. He is going to give him a ring to see what they would do, but can't promise anything. He also said that he is going to try to take up a collection with the rest of the soldiers at least in his company, and possibly across the batallian.

ORIGINAL: twotone64

Honeygold,

Thatis awesome. I can't tell you how much this means, all of you have stepped up big time. I really have to hand it to the young men here with the evident selfishness of the young generation now days, you have shown selflessness which is what we need more of.



Actually, at the advanced age of 56 I don't fall into the young men category. I was ineighth or ninth gradewhen the 65 Mustangs came out.

Honeygold,

Yeah I figured, Im notasadvanced in my age, but Ino longer fit in the younger crowd either. :DIwas just thanking themas a group here on MF.

Rod

Ok so Ive been moving forward with some of this stuff. I have created an account at my credit union specifically for the project. Icontacted the transmission shop yesterday and he just wants me to bring in the old one and he is going to rebuild it and flush the torque converter. After work Im going to contact his soldier that has secured the media blasting to get it kind of set up, and then the retired Colonel who has given verbal agreement for financial backing (unkown how much) and then going to contact the upholstery shops that have said they would donate their labor and set up an apointment for them to install the vinyl for the seats when I receive it from Jim (honeygoldcoupe). This next week my two brothers and I will be fishing near Bishop, CA and we will be going over the project plans, and putting together some media, stories of my brother, the story behind the project and other pertinant information to hand over to Bruce (mortman), so that he can put together a website that he has so graciously said he would do.

Thanks to every ones generosity so far this is coming together very nicely, although I still have a long ways to go.

Rod

hey man chet here, my brother's in iraq right now i know how it is and if there is anything that you need mechanically wise i'll help however i can......sorry for the loss, i lost my cousin last year

Rod, these two boxes went out DHL today. They are saying next Friday or the following Monday for delivery but it could be sooner. The tall box contains the door panels and armrests and armrest bases and hardware. Be careful to check all the newspaper padding in it...the armrest bases are wrapped in the newspapers. The shorter box is the upholstery for the front and rear.
I included scans of the receipt and the shipping info. I don't know that you need them for anything but figured you might as well have them. You can use the highlighted numbers to track the shipment at the DHL website. You can check the shipping receipt to make sure I used the right address. Let me know if there are any problems. Good luck and be sure to keep us all up to date on the project. Glad I could do my part.

local://upfiles/82474/EBCF7329D98A4DDBA17405C774BB4EB9.jpg

local://upfiles/82474/8F51A91EBB654FFF81C855D9EF2CDF5D.jpg

local://upfiles/82474/E9A4980C58924C64AF4CDD9C74C52002.jpg

Wow. I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. I am absolutly amaized at how many people are stepping up to help out both young and old. I didn't think there were many people left like that. If we were on the same coast I would be honered to help work on the car but... I do have some new emblems laying around that I can contribute and I would also like to include a check for a couple of dollars.
I am also a member of the Toyota Supra comunity and would like to post a link on that forum aslo as I know so guys there are in the military also and might lend a hand. Is that ok?

65ponycoupe,

Thank you for what you are willing to share in this project. Yes feel free to spread the word about this project with anyone and everyone you can. I have shared this with the teachers in the district I work, I have put it on the Chevelle forum that I am part of, and posted on two different Mustang forums. I have also contacted Mustang Monthly and another Mustang Magazine looking for help in this project. On the list of parts I don't remember if I had listed any of the emblems. Im pretty sure I need the hood and trunk (if there are both) letters. I don't know if he kept them, but the V289 symbols and the Mustang fender emblems, also forgot to list the drip rail mouldings.

Rod,
I have a set of "Mustang" (non script)fender emblems (new) and i beleave a few others but not sure, ill send what i have tomarrow

Rod, The trunk lock assembly (housing/lock/pin) arrived from NPD Saturday. Let me know if you want the rear valance. When I hear back from you, I'll send the dashpad, front valance....

John,

Yes I would appreciate the rear as well as the front if you are offering both. Again, thanks for the parts and help.

Rod

Rod, did you get my payment? just want to make sure

Here is an updated list of parts we still are in need of if anyone is keeping track. The Chevelle site is really helping out as well.

Parts needed
-the rear bumper (The front one is very usable)
-Rear view mirror
-drivers door mirror
-Rubber "U" seals for rear windows
-paint seal kit
-door, trunk, hood rubber bumper sets
-Window felt kit
-Drip rail moulding
-seat belts (black)

Major stuff still:
Painter
Paint supplies
body work
passenger fender
hood

I have the hood off from my 66. Shipping would be tough for me to take care of right now. But if someone is willing to help with getting it to you from North Carolina, it is yours.

03Maverick,

That would be awesome, Not sure what shipping on something like that would be. You have any idea what the weight of the hood is? Dimensions? I could possibly plug in the dimensions of the hood and the weight to get an estimate of what it would cost to ship. Let me know I may be able to work something out. Do you have any pictures of it? You can send the pics to my email. rodnamy@sbcglobal.net

Rod

I'll be mailing the chrome air cleaner, a very cool air cleaner nut & the front window "U" seal on Thursday.

Art,

Sweet. Got my list going.

twotone,

i dont get over n this section to often. If i was in cali i would be there helping you build it.....i work pretty quick though, i rebuilt my 67 in 30 days.....sadly i lost touch with most of the guys from this section when i grabbed up a new mach 1....so many new guys in the classic section, makes me all giddy.

the guys here will take care of you. good luck

ORIGINAL: twotone64

03Maverick,

That would be awesome, Not sure what shipping on something like that would be. You have any idea what the weight of the hood is? Dimensions? I could possibly plug in the dimensions of the hood and the weight to get an estimate of what it would cost to ship. Let me know I may be able to work something out. Do you have any pictures of it? You can send the pics to my email. rodnamy@sbcglobal.net

Rod


I'll take pics tonight. Not sure how I would weigh it though...

If you have a home bathroomscale, it would just be an extimate, close enough for government work.[8D]

Twotone64, if you can send me your address where you want items shipped, I can get some stuff to you. Also, what items are you still in need of? Sorry about your loss.

zmetalmilitia@yahoo.com

Zmetalmilitia,

I am still in need of the following parts:

-the rear bumper (The front one is very usable)
-paint seal kit
-door, trunk, hood rubber bumper sets
-Window felt kit
-Drip rail moulding
-seat belts (black)

Major stuff still:
-Painter
-Paint supplies
-body work
-passenger fender
-hood

Okay the outside mirror, rear view mirror, watershields, and the rubber u seals for the rear windows are off the list. They should be at your door within the next week or so. Hope this helps.

ZMM

ZMetalmilitia,

Much appreciated.

To update everyone on contacts, I have emailed a couple of local country radio stations, as well as the largest AM radio station on the west coast, and two Mustang Magazines. With our fingers crossed maybe a body man and or body shop and painter will vollunteer.

Hi folks, I wanted to pop in and say thank you all sooooo very much for your contributions to this project. I am twotones brother, Russ. I am known as Dam*its*Gotta*Hemi at http://hemitruckclub.infopop.cc/eve website where I am one of the admins and board of directors. The outpouring of support and such has just been a heartlifting experience. Although I may be a Dodge owner with a new truck, I had no choice but to love the Mustang as my oldest brother Cpt. Hill would not allow us to really have a choice ;) Not that classic Mustangs are a bad choice anyway. I have been reading in on this thread since it started and felt I finally needed to step up and say something. For all of those out there who are often skeptical of things like this, let me tell you I am too. Its hard to take a lot of things at face value these days, and particularly over the internet when we/you havent even met us or know us to have that connection. You are going to make two girls very happy, and my father is just gonna **** a brick!!!

Two Tone:

Like all on here, sorry for the loss. Please get me your email. I'm new to the Ford thing (just bought a 70 fastback for my wife) as for American muscle we are a Mopar family, so I don't have any parts, but I'd like to contribute.

1cerberus4u,

Much appreciated. I am the opposite of you, I was ok with Fords, Good With Chevy's but the Mopar stuff is just waaay out there. My wife bought a 66 Valiant Signet convertible and man was it weird learning about it... Anyway, I relaly appreciate everything you are doing.

rodnamy@sbcglobal.net

Here is an updated list for parts still needed. thanks to all who have donatedto keep this project going.

-the rear bumper (The front one is very usable)
windows
-paint seal kit
-door, trunk, hood rubber bumper sets
-Window felt kit
-Drip rail moulding
-seat belts (black)
-sun visors-white
-sill Plate
-Package tray
-seat divider
-Rocker Panel Moldings/fasteners
-Gas Cap
-Windshield washer pump
-Defrost Duct hoses

Did you get the two boxes with the upholstery and door panels and armrests? DHL is showing it delivered.

damn, generosity at its finest

Im sorry about your loss, and i hope you make your neices proud

id love to contribute, sadly, im 17, and have nothing laying around at hand for a 65

Yes, Honeygoldcoupe I did receive them. I was out of town for a few days trout fishing with my brothers so I wasn't here to email you when they came in. I haven't opened them yet, that will be today. I received a third package as well, I have to look who it is from and thank them. Fuzzydicerule, thank you for your comments. All I can ask from anyone on a project like this is support, wether it be in kind words, money or parts it all helps. I am catalogging all of it and will be creating a scrap book and a journal of all things related to the entire project to stay with the vehicle when I present it to his daughters.

Rod

This is amazing.

ORIGINAL: fastbackford351

This is amazing.



Rod,
Maybe you should name the car Amazing Grace.

ORIGINAL: honeygoldcoupe

ORIGINAL: fastbackford351

This is amazing.



Rod,
Maybe you should name the car Amazing Grace.


Great idea, I may name the project/car Amazing Grace.

ORIGINAL: twotone64

ORIGINAL: honeygoldcoupe

ORIGINAL: fastbackford351

This is amazing.



Rod,
Maybe you should name the car Amazing Grace.


Great idea, I may name the project/car Amazing Grace.


I really think you should. Both words are descriptive of what is happening. Maybe get it painted tastefully in script above the Mustang on the front fenders. Kind of ties it all together.

ORIGINAL: honeygoldcoupe

ORIGINAL: twotone64

ORIGINAL: honeygoldcoupe

ORIGINAL: fastbackford351

This is amazing.



Rod,
Maybe you should name the car Amazing Grace.


Great idea, I may name the project/car Amazing Grace.


I really think you should. Both words are descriptive of what is happening. Maybe get it painted tastefully in script above the Mustang on the front fenders. Kind of ties it all together.


That would be really cool. People would remember that for a loooooong time I'd bet.

I have to admit that once I read your story I was a little skeptic, but wow. Just wow. I hope that I grow up to be half the man you are. I'm sorry there's nothing I can do for you however. I'm just a 15 year old kid, and I've got no money as it is, plus all my parts are for a '67.

If you ever need a question answered though, post it and I'll try my best to help you.

God bless you man, and good luck with the project. I'm confident when I say that we're ALL rooting for you!

We are close, just trying to keep this thing in the top posts.... The California Natl Guard is going to be put in some good money...

So, what have you got collected up so far? Any start date? How about some pictures of the car and parts?

honeygoldcoupe, and everyone else,

We are currently sitting idle. I am still collecting parts. To date we have collected @$200 in our pay pal account, and nearly $300 in chash/checks, one of my brothers has also collected about $100 from his hemi truck club web site. In parts between this forum and the Chevelle forum I have the parts you sent, and a lock set. There are a few other parts which are enroute. I haven't set any hard dates yet. I am out of school (work) on the 23rd of this month for summer. After that I will have plenty of time to start gettign things together and planned out. I also received a call from the local Jr. College that my brother and I attended. The Auto Tech. Teacher there has volunteered his class to install and adjust the front and rear suspension on the vehicle. He is going to talk to the autobody instructor and see if they would be willing to take the car on as next semester's project. A local Trans. shop has asked me to brin in his old trans and they would either rebuild that one or offer another if it is non rebuildable.

My brother's soldier that has offered to mediablast the car for usis still available.I have a few reservations with the media.He plans to use soda and a few body/paint guys Ive chatted with are not all that thrilled with the soda. The Jr.College instructor has also asked me to wait till he sees the vehicle before we move on. My original plan was to have him mediablast the under side and engine bay. I was thengoing to shoot itwith chassis black and then sendit back to him to finish blasting the interior and exterior, then send it to what ever body guy we choose.

The body guydecision is what is holding us up. We have a guy that has offered to do it for 2500 but Im looking for maybethe Jr.College to do it. that wouldsave a lot on this project. My sister-in-law originaly (before any of this) agreed to put up 5K so with the few parts and odds and end the body work that wont leave muchfor the actual paint. I still plan to call my buddy (one of my brother's soldiers as well) who has a brother thatis a district manager for Sherwin Williams and see if he can hook us up with paintand then find someone to shoot the car for us. So that is where we are for now.

Tomorrow I will take some pictures of the car as it sits, and the engine (complete on a crate in my shop) and a list of whathas been offered, and what has been sent/received tomorrow.

Thanks again everyone for your offers and help wether it be in yourkind words or in parts/money it is all very much appreciated.

you should send this story to popular hot rodding mag and hot rod mag once its finished, i dont see why you wouldnt make it in. this is truly amazing what everyone is doing

Wow, this is amazing! I was moved to tears as I read this entire thread! I wish you and your extended family the best. I wish there was a way that I could help you.

ORIGINAL: Art Brock

I'll be mailing the chrome air cleaner, a very cool air cleaner nut & the front window "U" seal on Thursday.



Art,

I received the package today. The aircleaner looks great, as well as the very cool fastener. The front windo U seal will definately work . Thanks again.

Rod

ORIGINAL: pjlietz

Wow, this is amazing! I was moved to tears as I read this entire thread! I wish you and your extended family the best. I wish there was a way that I could help you.


There's that word again. Name her "Amazing Grace"and I'll bet when you tell people why you named it that you'll get even more help.

Here are a few pictures of the parts I have received so far, and of the car all stripped down.

Here is the engine my student built. It is a '65 289 with the new air cleaner and special nut
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z93/rodnamy/P1040102.jpg

here are the interior parts Ive received
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z93/rodnamy/P1040104.jpg

Here is a font view of the car
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z93/rodnamy/P1040108.jpg

Here is the rear view of the car
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z93/rodnamy/P1040107.jpg

Here is some of the external parts stored inside the car
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z93/rodnamy/P1040106.jpg

And here are the nuts and bolts and small parts bagged and taggedhttp://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z93/rodnamy/P1040105.jpg

updating the parts list what I HAVE received. Air cleaner and nut, front window rubber seal, front door to window seals (u-seals), door panels, arm rests and kits, inside and outside mirrors, and new seat upholstery. Thanks again everyone, I just can't tell you how much I appreciate this.

Thought I'd bring this back to the front. I received some carpet for the Mustang today (July 17) from one of the guys on my Chevelle website. I have made a decision on my body guy, IF the local Jr. College doesn't take it on as a project. If they do then it will go there instead, as they are going to do all the body work, paint, front and rear suspension, brakes, rear axle and install the engine and trans for me (not that I cant do it, I jut feel if someone wants to help Im all for it.) Anyhow, I will be having my sister in law start ordering some parts and I would like to know there are any other parts going to be coming in from all of you gracious people as she wants a list of parts we still need.

Rod Hill

Glad to see it's still moving forward. When will you know if the college will take it on as a project? And I still think you should name it Amazing Grace and stencil it above the running pony emblem on the front fenders. I'd offer a little more help but my wife lost her job a couple of weeks ago so we are being a little less carefree right now in the financial department.

I'm going to try to contact the shops at the College tomorrow to ask about it. Im sooo itchy with this project right now. The only real advancement that has happened since I started this post is having a local body guy thatI found on craigs list, and I did get confirmation from Sherwin Williams that they would donate the materials to paint the car. This came fromthe brother of abuddy of mine that served with my brother. His brother is a district manager for house paint, he contacted their manager at the auto paint store in Fresno 90 min from here. So I really need to get down to Fresno and introduce myself it will definately make a good impression. I will also take the original paint codes in and make sure they can cross reference them, and to make sure we are on the same page with exactly what they are going to donate, and what I or the body guy/painter will need to purchase.

By the way, I really like the idea of the Amazing Grace being stenciled there. I will definately put that to the painter and or have a vinyl sticker made. We are going to have some vinyl stickers made to go in the back window with some sort of memorium to him as a soldier.

Just an update:

Sherwinn Williams has agreed to donate ALL MATERIALS FROM STRIPPING ALL THE WAY THROUGH PAINTING of the mustang, including body fillers, hardners, reducers, primer, paint and clear coat, and all consumables.

Now I have a couple of body guys to contact and its off to the races hopefully in the next month or so.

Rod

PS

I will be contacting some of you to see where you stand on your donations. I have to know what is going to be sent so that I don't get doubles of any item. I have to get a complete list to my sister in law and possibly to Mustangs plus. One of my brothers soldiers is family (I think) with the owners of the company in Stockton Cali.

Call National Parts Depot in Michigan and ask to talk to Jeff Fein. If he thinks they can help you,he'll put you in touch with the guy who can make it happen.

I will give them a call and see what I can get.

Again, Thanks for everything and thanks for your support.

I have a set of motor mounts I ordered and they weren't for a convertible I will mail them to you they are brand new. I will look around and see what I can come up with. As a vetern myself This makes me swell with pride. I am sorry for your loss. Keep us posted on what you need progress ect...

Wow you really are doing a great thing good luck with this project and im sure your nieces will be floored with a suprise such as this.

67droptop1 That would be great. I didn't list those but that was definately something I needed to replaced, the old ones were coming apart. Here is the address if you haven't found it. I would also like to thank you for service, men like you and my brother I hold to the highest respect.

Most of my family with exception of the nephews and nieces, but only my wife and one brother know exactly how much has been donated, and done so far. It will definately be a great suprise to the whole family.

Rod Hill
8235 Sunset Dr.
Atwater, CA 95301

We are going to have some vinyl stickers made to go in the back window with some sort of memorium to him as a soldier.

Rod, nice to see this back on top, for your memorial on the rear window if i may suggest the 3rd ID slogan "Rock Of The Marne" simple yet meaning full.

do you have an up dated parts list?

I will make an updated parts list and place it here today. It is hard to getonline nowdays with football season. Im coaching highschool varsity and it takes up a lot of time, and wife doesnt appreciate the few hours each night I have to spend with her and our new son, online...

Rock of the Marne is a great one didnt think of it.

The local Jr. College Auto Technology dept. chair is coming by on Saturday. He said the autobody teacher is pretty much onboard for the project. But he would like to see the car so he can report back to the administration to see what they can do totally. Some of the list isnt necessarily part of a restoration, but none the less, here is a list of parts still needed for the car:

-the rear bumper (The front one is very usable)
-paint seal kit
-door, trunk, hood rubber bumper sets
-Window felt kit
-Drip rail mouldings
-seat belts (black)
-sun visors-white
-sill Plate
-Package tray
-seat divider
-Rocker Panel Moldings/fasteners
-Gas Cap
-Windshield washer pump
-Defrost Duct hoses
-head liner
-dash pad
-wheels
-passenger fender
-Stereo
-Speakers

So the Auto Technology instructor from the Local Jr. College came by today. He really wants to take on the task along with his auto club students (advanced hand picked students) to complete the car. He has buy in from the auto body instructor as well. He told me he woud like to not just do some ohe work, and hand it back, but to take EVERYTHING sub out what they dont do (install the interior that you all have donated) and do wht they can so that it is a "turn-key" revealing. Pick it up and send it off.

I also told him that I would like to name the project "Amazing Grace" and he liked the ideay you have come up with. I will also look into having "Amazing Grace" and a small flag air brushed near the 289 symbol or the Mustang symbol on each fender.

John Peterson (the instructor) told me that it wont be done in one semester, but will be completed by the end of next spring before summer. If it is done by then I may be delivering it iowa next July. That would be great to just show up at my neices with the car. Any cash/money left over will go on a pre paid gas card for them to use.

Have you considered inviting the media to the presentation? Hell of a story if you ask me. Might make the troops feel good. If you consider inviting donors I may well show up. I'm in Illinois.

I was considering sending you an offer to do the work for you. It appears you have things well in hand. :)

My brother is currently in Afghanistan flying UH60s in a gunship support role. Prior to learning to fly and getting his Warrant, he was heavy truck driver, 88M HET. He did two tours in Iraq and had plenty of narrow escapes and near misses. He stopped counting the bullet holes in his truck after 150. He is my personal hero, even if he is a mopar type.

I still have fiends who are also deployed, and who bear the scars left from service. I served for ten years, two separate times. I was USAF, Air Transportation. We moved people and all their stuff via air. My last deployment was in 04, my brother was in Iraq at the same time. I was in Kuwait City as part of the detachment that runs the military outpost at the airport. We moved people into and out of the area. Every time we would have a plane come in with a flag draped coffin, we would pay our respects and carefully move them off the plane, then put them back on when it was time for the plane to bring them home. The entire tour I was always concerned with the chance my brother could be in one of those boxes, luckily for me it never happened. You werent as fortunate, and for that I am sorry. I have lost friends, but not my brother, I dont even want to imagine that.

One thing we did in Kuwait was fly flags in the cargo planes, and sometimes fighter aircraft, over Iraq. If I have any friends deployed there who can get one over the country, would you like one to send along with the Mustang? I might be able to get it done for you, even though I have been out since 2005. Since I cant afford to send you parts or cash, and I cant give you my time and effort, I would gladly see if someone at my last base would help us out, and get you a flag.

Thumpin,

That would be awesome. While in kuwait guarding Patriot missle sights in late 2001 my brother had a flag flown over Afghanistan on F-15 Strike Eagles for our father and each of the three brothers. That would be an awesome tribute back to him. It would be something that maybe I could have a plackard made with each person who donated parts, money, thoughts etc from each of the three car websites I am receiving things from. The three sites are this one, Chevelles.com which is where I lay my car loyalties :) and another vintage mustang forum. And then with the tagline "Amazing Grace" adorned across the top of a flag case.

I'll see what I can do. Gotta make some calls to my old units and see who is where. I was in Kuwait Aug 28-Dec 5 2001, so your brother and I were in the same country at the same time. We stayed at Camp Doha for that trip, got stuck there for almost two months after 9/11, no planes no work, no leaving the post. Never know I might have saluted him or been on post at the same time. Small world, isnt it?

BTW I am more of a GTO type, but the Cougar was my first car, and Fords are easy to work with.

Thumpin,

Doha was where he was. My brother would have been a first or second LT at that time. Held off his CPT till he was in country or his job back here would have dropped his benefits and half his pay. They told him to wait to keep full pay and full benefits. He was with the California Natl. Guard 1-184 Delta Company. Not sure if they were attached to anyone while there. Very small world.