Another update this week.
I purchased the car in February and in April I get to finally go out to TN to go see the car for the first time. This is the first time I have purchased a car without ever physically seeing it. After many phone calls and texts with
@95steedamustang I rent an SUV to take a load of parts out. Since the 97 didn't have any side skirts or door fillers anymore (prior owner pitched), I was fortunate enough to track down an original set of side skirts and door fillers from a customer that I worked with in the past.
Parts I took with me:
- Export Mirrors
- Export Tail lights
- Alcon Calipers
- Complete Saleen graphics kit
- NOS Quarter windows
- NOS Grille emblem
- Dash Pod
- Kaenen Hood
- NOS Hood vents and fillers
The dash pod is not an original Saleen pod, however it is a similar style that snaps into the dash. The idea here is to have Kevin upholster it and make it look similar. The Kaenen hood was a must because the heat extractor just makes these cars and fortunately I had a few in inventory. This was a tough decision as I do have an original hood but I'm holding out on using it. It would have been used if this car originally came with the Saleen heat extractor from the factory, but since it didn't I was okay with the Kaenen.
With the SUV loaded up, I took off at 3am for the 8hr drive to Kevin's shop. Once I got onsite, I got to look the 97 over in detail. I could immediately tell all the work Kevin had into the car. Once we started talking there were things that just needed fix and none of them were Kevin's fault. The prior owner tossed the front fascia and Kevin saved the rear fascia. I could tell how the newer fascias do not fit as nicely as the originals. So the list of things we wanted to correct was a lot of the aftermarket items (not a complete list):
- Drivers side fender
- Rear Fascia (Saleen but not original)
- Front Fascia (Saleen but not original)
- Headlight Header Panel
- Front Impact Bar and Foam
I believe the prior owners idea of "buying new" regardless of original or aftermarket was a little ambitious and short sided. There are some good aftermarket pieces but nothing ever really beats factory original (there are exceptions). Me personally a car like this needs to be as original as possible when it comes to parts.
While at the shop we put the hood on and the tail lights to have a little fun. That evening I made the trip back home and the start of searching for all kinds of parts.
Hopefully people are enjoying the build.