1987 WSP SSP Mustang (710 WSP) - Unit #16-7-014
 

I purchased my 87 WSP SSP in 2006. Was my "first" SSP and always had planned on restoring it when the funding/time was right.

Today, I drove the car down to The Fox Shoppe (http://thefoxshoppe.com/) in Portland, OR. Jimmy (owner) works wonders on the cars in his shop and is totally committed to fox bodies. Saw his work in April when I bought the 85 CHP from him and knew I'd be in good hands. Really nice guy to boot. :)

When I arrived, I saw HK500's GSP car out front. Jimmy chuckled and said that he'd be doing 2 resto jobs at the same time - first time he's had 2 SSPs in for paint at once. (Which, by the way - HK500's car is sweet looking!)

My car is affectionately named "Ugly Betty" as it had a hideous orange hood when I first bought it and had picked it up around the time that the TV show was on the air - name seemed to fit.

The car has 105K original miles and has full documentation from the WSP. Many may remember that this car was reunited with it's trooper a few years ago. And, it's one of the few SSPs that had a full Setina partition cage in it while in-service.

Jimmy and his crew will be giving it a full paint job, will be working to restore the door/window seals and refinishing the quarter windows. The car lives up to it's namesake - it's UGLY right now. Drives great, but looks like heck.

I'll post up pics of it as the build progresses. We think it will be punched out in the next 3-4 weeks (depending on how much time it takes).

Sadly (for me), once I get the car done, I will be prepping it for sale. I love this car. But, have too many - and it's time for me to pass the torch along to the next person. More on that later. I figured I owe Betty the decency of fixing her up before we part ways. She deserves it given the life she's led up until now.

Stay tuned...

Pics will be posted at:
http://s1090.photobucket.com/albums/...SP-Ugly-Betty/

Dropoff at the shop:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/IMG_1256.jpg

Before spotlight/side moldings were removed:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0196.jpg

That guy has my dream side job- restoring only foxes:D. My dream job is to join the CHP.
Car looks awesome just like it is:) I like the spot light too. IMO I would keep this one and sell the other, unless the other is a lot more special that this one.

Ryan, congrats on the start of BETTY's transformation.. She will B a
BEAUTY again..:thumbsup:

I have an exact twin to Betty that has all the equipment in it from day 1 (never uninstalled). I refer to the other car as "Old Joe" as it was owned by Joe Forsman while he was the Chief of Police for Nisqually PD. Joe bought his car directly from the WSP with all the gear intact to use with the PD. When he retired from the PD - they sold him the car, completely intact as it sat. Joe sold it to a friend and I bought it from him.

Joe was a salty old character - great guy who shared more than a few stories over weekend coffee meetups. Joe died last year - so I feel that it's more of an honor/memorial to keep that car instead. It was also Marlin Workman's car while with the WSP - which is seen in several in-service pics.

Mix in the 2 PCSD cars and the 85 CHP - My shop is beyond full. :) Did I mention I have 2 B4Cs as well?

good to see you getting the process started ryan.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the elusive WSP radio. :)

Great story and nice to see you're going to get the paint portion done right before selling it.

I always love to watch the progress of one being restored at this stage. Best of luck. Keep us posted on the work and the eventual sale.

Didn't you need a radar unit for one of your cars? I thought I had posted that I think I might have what you need but it needs some restoration. Let me know.

Greg

I actually found a WSP GE control head for sale a while back - was rougher than the one I have, but authentic. Jim, I will see if I can find info and PM you back.

As for the radar, the WSP has been liquidating all of their Kustom Trooper setups locally through surplus for $75-85/each including the carrying case. I picked one up - and thanks for remembering. :)

Pre-prep photos are up now at:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/se...5698012&type=1

Jimmy took out 36 dents yesterday. 36! I had no idea there were that many.

Major dents (hood and driver's rear behind the door) will be prepped later this week. Priming hopefully later in the week/early next.

Wow, I had no idea how dirty the car was under the trim from it being outside for that long before I got it.

Should look really nice when done. :)

More info as I get it.

Ryan, I was unable to view the pictures on FB...

Yep +1 on not being able to see them.

Looks like in order to see the pics you have to actually "friend" The Fox Shoppe on Facebook. Sorry about that. Will post up some pics here in a jiffy.

All, wanted to provide some updates on Ugly Betty as she makes her transformation. Jimmy has sent along some additional pics - thought you guys might like to see.

Full pics at: http://s1090.photobucket.com/albums/...SSP-Ugly-Betty

Before stripping for paint, Jimmy steam cleaned the entire car:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...tty/FS-026.jpg

After being partially stripped down for prep:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...64315891_n.jpg

Sanding begins:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...10271816_n.jpg

Hood dents removed and prepped:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...81845240_n.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...62600110_n.jpg

Hood now primed and bumpers removed, etc.
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...11350979_n.jpg

That's coming along nicely, Ryan! Please keep the pictures coming... :)

Nice progress...lots of fun there.

Congrats on the progress. I'm jealous!!

Update:

Fresh paint laid down.

Roof:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...-Betty/011.jpg

Hood/Front:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...-Betty/012.jpg

Front profile:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...-Betty/013.jpg

Re-assembly begins on Tuesday. Might have it back in time for Christmas! :)

Nothing quite like a fresh coat of white paint. :cool:

I agree! White with blacked out 10-holes certainly looks tough. :) Congrats on the progress, Ryan!

Not so "Ugly" anymore. Nice. :cool:

True...True. Ugly Betty --> Betty White ;)

Good lord this car is looking outstanding Ryan! I can't wait to see more!

Any updates ... :2thumbs:

Funny you mention this...I do, actually! Some trim/assembly will happen next week. Then....hopefully...pickup time.

More pics. Paint on body is done - and wheel wells were resprayed for stock look:
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...tty/FS-076.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...tty/FS-077.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...tty/FS-078.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...tty/FS-081.jpg

Ryan, your SSP is looking so nice!

:2thumbs:

Looks good ... hope you get it home soon and finish it up, don't forget more pics !

Thanks all for the compliments. Looking forward to when I can see it in-person. I have a feeling I am going to be in shock. :)

I can't wait until I can come and see it in person sometime:)
Looks better than mine :D

Finally...after almost 5 months - I have Betty back home with me. Picked her up yesterday. Drove up to see Trooper Herron to show him the paint job on the way home. He was digging it - said it was like seeing the car as it was 25 years ago.

Pics are below - enjoy!

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0294.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0292.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0290.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0289.jpg

http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0287.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0284.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0283.jpg
http://i1090.photobucket.com/albums/...y/DSC_0279.jpg

Looking GOOD!! What a beauty!!!

Looks great !!! If I might add that you have the Tires balanced so the wheel weights are on the inside of the wheel.


Tom

She aint ugly no more...Looks great!

Very awesome...love the pin stripe. :2thumbs:

Great job! Looks amazing. Gotta love white.

Thanks all for the great comments. Now...to see if I can get the gear installed that I have been collecting for years.

Ahhh, out of paint jail and now equipment install time...the payoff! Good times ahead, keep the photos coming. :2thumbs:

Great looking pics...makes me wish I would have kept my WSP SSP.

Ryan, the car looks AWESOME! :2thumbs:

Thanks for posting the pictures. Please keep us posted on your progress...