vapor08GT500 Posted July 22, 2012 Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 Today, Ben and his wife (of 43 years) brought their 2012 GT500 in for it's build. With my severely busy build schedule, I wanted to make sure all parts were ordered and in stock before the car arrived so it could go as efficiently as possible. I love it when I actually get people somewhat local that find me and I get the opportunity to do builds on their cars. For me, a large part of the satisfaction of any build is seeing the expression on people's faces when they pick their cars up in person. When a car is shipped to me (as most are) I miss that and get the impressions on the phone and emails, but not the same as seeing it in person!! Ben lives in Yucca Valley which is around 35 miles from Palm Springs, so he is close!! Funny Story: My friend Andrea who has owned 4 Mustangs over the years that we have done builds and maintenance on, came to me several months ago and said she wanted to get a Shelby and right away. I told her that most Shelby's I help people get are from out of state as the dealers in CA (especially Palm Springs) are typically crazy with mark ups. She wanted one THAT day, so we went to Palm Springs Ford. As expected, they had 3 '12 GT500's, one of which is now Ben's. They wanted $15K over sticker on each one!!! She wanted the white one with Grabber Blue strips. I explained to PS Ford/Fiesta (same owner) that the 13's were going to come out shortly and that they were nuts. They all know me there too and told me they would get the mark -up, or "market adjustment" as they call it. They came down to $5K over MSRP which Andrea was willing to pay, but I told her no way and we walked. Andrea ended up buying a Infiniti G37 she was so pissed!! Ben ended up getting the same car for under MSRP... :happy feet: When Ben dropped off the car today, I had another '12 that was still on the lift, but finished, for him to see and show his wife what we were doing to their car. As I was showing them, the owner of the other 12 called asking when I was picking them up at the resort/casino they were staying at, so I was somewhat rushed as usual!! Sorry, Ben, if I wasn't able to spend the time I would have like with you and Debbie!! Here are some pics of the other '12 picked up today: More in a bit...I know you are still up Ben...have many pictures of your car coming up...LOL Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor08GT500 Posted July 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 I see you on here, Ben!!! I am getting in the shower, then posting your pictures that are still taking forever to load on Photobucket for some reason...stay awake....hehe Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 22, 2012 Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 I see you on here, Ben!!! I am getting in the shower, then posting your pictures that are still taking forever to load on Photobucket for some reason...stay awake....hehe Alex Hay Alex! I've been looking forward to this post all day,spotted it about 45 mins ago, Ive been typing a hugely entertaining responce to youre build start, went to another topic to check a fact on something and came back to find all my efforts were gone :unsure: so I'm up till I can respond accordingly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor08GT500 Posted July 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 I knew you'd stay awake!!! Out of the shower, and here are some more pictures.... Here is the car, before on the lift, all stock with the 4 wheel drive ride height... Just for the record, I have nothing to do with all the stickers or FLOWMASTER mufflers...hehe... Here are some pictures of some of the goodies going on the car.... reached my maximum picture limit...more in a few... Alex , Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 22, 2012 Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 Now we start Alex, Can't thank you enough for getting me to this point, as a matter fo fact I want to thank the Team Shelby community for all of youre help as well. This web site has been an education and an eye opener, thanks to all the topics, posts, and conversations I have learned more than I had imagined possible about not only the car but the Shelby story as well. It was through this site I learned that there were areas on my gt500 that are weak, and could fail and by replacing these parts the performance will be much improved," Win-Win " And finally, it was on Team shelby I found that one of the best Shelby Experts/installer lived 35 miles from my front door! So with Alex's help we are starting a build aimed at resolving all the Shelbys suspension weaknesses along with some areas such as the shifter and drive shaft that should greatly improve the feel of the car. Thanks again Alex !!.... you have my undevided attention! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor08GT500 Posted July 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 Here we go...Some more pics...I am sorry for keeping you up so late.... Thank you, Ben, for you comments....your car will surpass your expectations, and I can not wait to see your expressions!! Here are some more stock pics...Bye Bye.... Horrible stamped lower control arms, even the 13's have the same garbage... and the exciting stamped steel upper arm which causes most of the wheel hop: and the whole rear... Some of the rest of the stock issue suspension,,,, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 22, 2012 Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 In the Day we had a sayin "BITCHIN" just "BITCHEN"..... The parts are Killer!! I know those Tokiko"s are going to Rock!! Fantastic AlexII As for the fender stripes... I'm on the fence, but for now I like em..he he The stickers are my way of Honoring Mr. Shelby so for now they're good.....he he And as far as the Flow Masters are concerned, Who knew? We all know you might be a little biased on which muffler to use! Ha However you might sell my wife on the MMS's, she says the flow masters give her a head ache, they do drone @ about 2,000 rpm It's 2:30 am and I'm old , so i'm going to bail and catch some sleep.... you take care and have a safe trip to Vegas for youre BOSS 302 Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor08GT500 Posted July 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 Ben, I have fallen asleep 2X, so I am old too..hehe...more pics on Sunday to look forward too... Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Afdharley Posted July 22, 2012 Report Share Posted July 22, 2012 Following this build. Looks like I'll be using the exact parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor08GT500 Posted July 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 Here are some more pics from yesterday, Ben. You know I'm just teasing you on the Flowmasters and stickers...LOL Tim, I'm sure you will. Really the best combination of parts that work perfect together for the money... Stock front springs and struts: Stock front sway bar: Stock, heavy two piece driveshaft: Some more stock suspension pics: Stock upper stamped steel control arm and bracket with huge rubber bushing that causes most of the wheel hop in these cars. Even the 13's have this garbage on them from the factory... And now the Steeda upper arm and bracket with urethane bushing. Bracket has to be trimmed on mid 11 and later as the gas tank had a larger lip on it that interferes with the bracket. Look at how much stouter this set-up is!!! More pictures to come Monday, before I leave for Vegas to pick up my new Boss.... :happy feet: Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blown Away Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 There's a lot of familiar looking new parts, but like you said, go with what is proven!!! Have a safe trip to and from Vegas, can't wait to see the new Boss!! Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Saute Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 Looks like someone needs some "rusty" treatment. Couldn't be happier with what Alex did under my SS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor08GT500 Posted July 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 Exactly Dan....same set-up I put on your car years ago!! Have yet to try a set-up I like better. picking up my Boss on Tuesday. Have to have you and Laura up here soon, maybe next weekend? Thanks Rick!! I will address the rusty areas on Ben's car. At least Ford started painting the rears in the 11+ Mustangs again!! You can see your 40th in the background in some of the pics. As soon as Ben's car is off the lift, yours is going back on the lift for its full treatment as all the parts are here now. I sold the Saleen yesterday evening too....Wooo Hooo :happy feet: Alex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grabber Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 This build is looking very good. Ben - You are lucky to live so close to Alex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 This build is looking very good. Ben - You are lucky to live so close to Alex. Thanks Rob, I could"nt agree with you more. Alex is the right guy, doin the work the right way for all the right reasons ! And my Shelby's on his lift, this is far more than I had hoped for, I'm feelin very lucky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 Dammm !!!! (family oriented post) Ha, Alex; the pictures are great! Hats off to the camera guy, shure beats your old camera. hehe I'm still amazed at the differance between the after market parts and the ford parts they replace!!! (WHIMPY*WHIMPY*WHIMPY!!) Rick, I'm as suprised as you are in regards to her rusty butt, would never drive her in the rain on purpose, but there was that torrential rain storm between Barstow and Yucca Valley following the 50th Bash and I did put her up wet....Soo embearassed.. promise I won't do that again, never know when your rusty butt might be hanging out on a lift. Alex, I know youre just joshin about the flow masters and the stripes (sorta) You have strong oppinions about things, and I admire that. Soo I takes a little and I gives a little back and we have ..Balance.. Ha But really don't give up selling me on the MMS muflers (for my wifes headache!) and maybe the long tube headers,cats and Y pipes. OK? Congrats on selling the Saleen, shure didn't take long, you probably shoulda kept it!! HeHe Safe trip and see ya soon. ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwingone Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 Alex, what is the purpose of the weights on the rear axle?? Really enjoying your build and narrative with it. Thanks. ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 Alex, what is the purpose of the weights on the rear axle?? Really enjoying your build and narrative with it. Thanks. ken Redwingone; I'd like to chime in here, as I asked Alex the same question, I thought I could gain performance by removing them. Alex gave me the two paragraph collage answer, with pictures and captions. For you I'll give you the "condenced" version....... they are harmonic silencers, they absorb sound and vibration created by your rear end assembly and reduce noise transfered to the cars interior. Hope that helps, and there is no performance gain by removing them Ha! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Lucca Posted July 23, 2012 Report Share Posted July 23, 2012 I'm following along, and as I'm up in OC, not too far away. Looks like exactly what I need to do on my 09 Vert., and add the RBT, H/R Sway Bars, Springs, M.M. C/C Plates and Alignment. Interested to hear how much more NVH, and how the ride is after the Mods are finished. As always Alex, terrific work, and appreciate the write-ups and pix. Thanx! Mac Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denstang65 Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 Instead of starting a new topic I thought I would interrupt the conversation for a second. I will be in Palm Springs with my family from July 28 - Aug 3 and was wondering if I can drop buy, check out your place and say hi. If you have any business cards/fliers, I would be happy to pass them out to Mustang owners out here in my neck of the woods in the La Mirada area. I always stop to talk to people about their Mustangs and spread the Shelby gosspel. I can always let them know about you. Let me know if its cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwingone Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 Redwingone; I'd like to chime in here, as I asked Alex the same question, I thought I could gain performance by removing them. Alex gave me the two paragraph collage answer, with pictures and captions. For you I'll give you the "condenced" version....... they are harmonic silencers, they absorb sound and vibration created by your rear end assembly and reduce noise transfered to the cars interior. Hope that helps, and there is no performance gain by removing them Ha! green mojavi thanks for the explanation. interesting engineering. ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glroy Posted July 24, 2012 Report Share Posted July 24, 2012 I'm following along, and as I'm up in OC, not too far away. Looks like exactly what I need to do on my 09 Vert., and add the RBT, H/R Sway Bars, Springs, M.M. C/C Plates and Alignment. Interested to hear how much more NVH, and how the ride is after the Mods are finished. As always Alex, terrific work, and appreciate the write-ups and pix. Thanx! Mac Alex has done my 07. Ride is great and no drone with his muflers. Link to my build. http://www.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php/topic/63691-glroy-suspension-upgrade-thread-by-alex-vapor08gt500/ We have 50K Miles on our car and most is long car trips. We do 12 hour driving days sometimes and no issue with ride or muffler drone. Glen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCLAman Posted July 25, 2012 Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 Following this build. Looks like I'll be using the exact parts. +1. Minus the shifter and the tokico shocks. Cant wait till Friday as my car will be spending some time on Alex's lift Friday and Saturday!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vapor08GT500 Posted July 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 Thank you for the comments, my friends!! As many of you know, I am in Las Vegas picking up my New Boss 302 Laguna Seca and will be back in CA on Wed evening. I didn't want to not have any updates on Ben's post, so I had my workers email me pictures. Unfortunately, the hotel I am staying at has TERRIBLE INTERNET. It took over 3 hours to download 21 pictures from my email, then upload to Photobucket. I am just going to post these pictures, then go back and edit when I get back to CA.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pottydr Posted July 25, 2012 Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 Great job as usual Alex, congrats on the boss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 25, 2012 Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 Looks fantastic Alex ! I am so "not" accustom to seeing so much work being done so quickly, just awsome!! Thanks for all the extra time it takes to put the build on this site, the effort is appreciated. Gotta tell ya, I'm realy looking forward to gettig this Shelby under my butt again! I can only imagine how well she is going to hook up and handle. I'm sure replaceing the factory upper control bar bracket/bar and the panhard brace/bar will vastly improve the "set" of the car in hard accelleratioin and cornering, combined with the lower ride hight, eibach springs, tokiko-d spec shocks and front and rear sway bars, should raise the confidence bar during "spirited" driving. Simply put, I want the car to perform beyond my abilities. So, if I panic, the car won't. Looking forward to the next installment Alex, have a safe trip back, see ya soon. Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnf Posted July 25, 2012 Report Share Posted July 25, 2012 Ben, you are a lucky man. Alex, great build as usual. Is that a Ford Racing shifter coming out? If so, what short through are you putting in? Also, if I had known you were staying overnight in Vegas, I would have offered to get together with you. Have done round trips to LA in one day so I assumed that you were doing that. Bets of luck with your new Boss. Drove by Gaudin Saturday night and saw on the floor. Its a beautiful ride. Enjoy the drive home. Looks like you will have good weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Mojavi Posted July 27, 2012 Report Share Posted July 27, 2012 Alex, I imagine your trying like hell to catch up with your business after being gone a couple days. Just want you to know I'm here and watching the build, I'm as excited about it know as I was on day one, looking forward to the new photos and driving her for the first time!!! See ya soon Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Saute Posted July 27, 2012 Report Share Posted July 27, 2012 Alex, we're all watching... :shades: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiPerGT500 Posted July 27, 2012 Report Share Posted July 27, 2012 These post are great. It's almost like hanging out at Alex's shop. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.