This is a Paint Job...

Many readers have requested more information regarding the paint job on the "Belligerent Bastard" 1965 Mustang Fastback Custom project. I posted these two photos to our website, to demonstrate the quality of the paint.

"Belligerent Bastard" 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Custom Has been Listed on eBay!!!

The "Belligerent Bastard" 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Custom project has just been listed on ebay, with an auction starting price of only $1,000.00, and will be sold to the highest bidder. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250396828173&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fmotors.shop.ebay.com%3A80%2F__%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm39%26_nkw%3D250396828173%26_sacat%3D%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

This is the culmination of a three-year design/build process, and signals not the ned of a chapter, but the beginning of a new one. The next build is currently in the design phase, and will prove the be the most wicked, wild, and impressive 1965 Ford Mustang to ever have been built. Stay tuned!

"Belligerent Bastard" 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Custom...

To be Auctioned on eBay Beginning Thursday, March 26, 2009, at 6:00 p.m. PT. The project, designed and built by Vil Helm, at Black Market Motors, was a full three years in the making, and will be sold to the highest bidder, with the 10-day auction closing at 6:00 p.m. PT on Sunday, April 5, 2009! A link to the auction can be found here: http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=blackmarketmotors

New Black Market Motors Website...

The new Black Market Motors website is now up and running: http://www.blackmarketmotors.com/

Please check back soon for the opening of our store, later this Spring.

Nose Art Finalized...

We've finalized the nose art for the '65 Mustang Fastback custom project. No, we haven't changed our style and decided to paint some ridiculous billboard on the hood of the car. We will keep with the understated theme by appying it, with black laquer and silver leaf, to the custom aluminum radiator fan shroud.

Ford Thermostat Housings...

While I'm on the subject of radiator hose clamps, I thought it would be a good time to add my thoughts on thermostat housings. With custom engine and radiator applications, it's sometimes difficult to find a thermostat housing that's both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I ran into this problem during a current build. Not being satisfied with what was available at local parts stores and speed shops, I did a little research and found a company that makes absolutely bulletproof stainless steel thermostat housings: Performance Stainless Steel (http://performancesst.com/home.php).They manufacture swivel head housings made from 304 stainless, available in either natural or polished finish. The price is a little steep at about $145.00, but the lifetime guarantee and quality of the product justify the price. I purchased a swivel head, and was a bit skeptical about whether or not it would leak. After adjusting it to the correct direction and installation, I was actually a bit surprised to find that it worked flawlessly with absolutely no leaks whatsoever. They are definitely doing something right. The housings are available through their website and through Summit.

Radiator Hose Clamps...

Today's topic is radiator hose clamps. Until performing a little research today, the only radiator clamps on the market seemed to be either the very cheap and ineffective worm screw type:

the slightly more effective t-clamp type:

0r the very expensive and over-engineered (calm down...I mean over-engineered for standard muscle car applications) Wiggins "clam" style clamps:

During the build, I initially decided upon stainless steel t-clamps. However, the clamp on the upper radiator hose developed a very small "hissing" leak. Not enough to spew coolant onto the floor, but enough to cause a small drip and major annoyance. No amount of tightening will fix the problem. So, I began searching for an alternative to my only other option-a Wiggins clamp. I found these Gates Powergrip heat sensitive thermoplastic clamps, which are installed using a standard heat gun:

Because the entire clamp shrinks, they are said to provide a dynamic seal, as opposed to the uneven seal prone to binding that traditional clamps offer. Moreover, when the engine reaches operating temperature, it fortifies the clamp's seal. I have decided to give them a try. I will add another post after the installation is complete, letting you know whether they are a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down."