1984 CHP Mustang 5.0 #2748

[HBWaterfowler]

Hello All!
I'm not sure where to go for the VIN project, but I thought this would be a good place to reference some of the information and pictures.

VIN: 1FABP26M3EF204022

This was my first tip off that I had a SSP Mustang! I also don't see many of these, and I wonder what all the information this car means???
The second dealer sales code last 4 (2748) numbers and the unit number on the door tag:

Door Tag:

The car overall is in great shape. It was sitting in Arizona for a while:

Rear window, where the wig-wag's were. I can see where the bracket was and how it was secured:

The roof has some damage in the middle read where the antenna was:

Truck antenna patch job when it was removed (interior):

There is also this bracket in the truck, still not sure what it is (med kit?):

The interior is in good shape! The seats were redone at some point, but kept the stock two tone tan/white. It has the "TRON" style trim, and it looks way better than the fake wood (just like a Bronco, wtf..). It has the tile wheel140 speedo, and I'm super happy with this interior. I was somewhat partial to the 90-93 interior "Pony Package" look. The dash top was replaced with the cheap one that just glues on top. I stuffed a radio in there so I didn’t go crazy on long trips, just zip tied it in there:

Also has holes in the pillars where the search/spot light was:

Again, the two tone interior (which came stock two tone):


I need to find where I have the SSP tags pictures at, but I wrote it down awhile ago.

Tag 1:
Mustang
204022 66 B M
DF ST
AC 02 HB
MBW 01
M 02 1 x 1

Tag 2:
D.S.O. 72-0086 Chips
Calif. Hwy. Patrol
Special White - Doors $ Roof
Balance Black

Well I'm very excited to own a SSP Mustang!

The biggest problem I'm having right now, is that it's my daily driver. I have been making way less money for the past two years, so all I have been able to do is the maintenance. The last 6 months has been breaking my heart, just for the fact that I haven’t really improved the car much other than a good tune-up, water pump, alternator.

I will leave all my questions at another topic.

I would like to be added to the VIN project. I really know nothing about the car other than what I found that let me believe it was SSP CHP. Any extra info would be awesome. IE: Where it was stationed/department/purchase details. I did a car facts, and it had no registration until 1993. I guess that’s when It was sold to the public.

It's currently still registered in Arizona. It's much cheaper registration, no smog, no front plate... But I would like to maybe switch back to the California plate.

I'm not sure if I want to restore it to its original CHP look, as it's my daily driver for the time. But I was thinking of getting the spot lights, maybe putting the antennas back up. I thought about the two tone black/white paint and I'm not sure I want to do that.

Please request any pictures, I can add them. I couldn’t find all my old photos I took, so I just snapped some pictures real fast.

Thanks for looking!

[chp1982]

Welcome to the site. Your interior would have been tan cloth (sand beige) originally. There's a wealth of information here for sure. Drive safe, that's a pretty rare one!

[HBWaterfowler]

Do you think it would be a waist not to restore it to a CHP original?

[chp1982]

No, not a waste and not condusive to a daily driver in CA but I believe it would be a shame to not preserve this car. This site is "Dedicated to the promotion, protection, and restoration of the 1982-1993 Special Service Police Mustang."
Your car is a piece of Mustang and CHP history...

[ImEvil1]

Originally Posted by chp1982

No, not a waste and not condusive to a daily driver in CA but I believe it would be a shame to not preserve this car. This site is "Dedicated to the promotion, protection, and restoration of the 1982-1993 Special Service Police Mustang."
Your car is a piece of Mustang and CHP history...

Well said.

Welcome to the board, Tyler. You definitely don't see many '84 CHPs around.

[HBWaterfowler]

I would like to restore some properties.
The spot light
Antennas
Correct interior, replace damaged parts
I also was thinking of doing a 5 lug conversion. The drum brakes are just terrible. I can do the conversion with junkyard parts on half off day for about $250. I like the SSP rims, but the Maximum Motorsport's Konig Villains that look like ultralights are a nice performance option.
I was thinking maybe even the stock SSP rims could be drilled for the 5 lug pattern?
I also plan on getting a toque arm and pan hard bar.
In the way, way future front and rear coil overs with tubular control arms in front and remove the rear coil on the lower control arm.
Most of this stuff would be seen from the outside.
I also have a tremec 3550 5 speed transmission in my backyard that I saved from my 91 coupe. It's a very reliable trans and it has a pro 5.0 shifter.
It really doesn't hurt the image of the car but increases the reliability and use of the car.

Do you think mods like this will lower the value, not that I have plans of selling it. To much sentimental value.

I really want to replace the motor too... It's a non-roller.
Part of being a daily driver is reliability and getting some mpg on the freeways and cruising. I was thinking o a roller 351 swap from the 1993 - 1996 years.
The gt40/cobra heads and intake fit on it nicely and most 5.0 parts. It can even fit under the hood with the stock hood.

I want to hear your opinions on this.

Thanks.

[HBWaterfowler]

Oh yeah,
I also wanted to comment on the paint.

I was thinking of keeping it white with an 83 GT mustang hood treatment.
It has the crease in the middle of the hood painted black meeting the front black grill with the ford emblem. It also meets the black cowl cover at the windshield.

It has small chips in the paint that's rusting and some at the bottom of the rear window. It's still on the surface, but I want to get it taken care of soon. So I have to figure out if it's the above paint job, or the black and white.

Again, thanks.

[ImEvil1]

Originally Posted by HBWaterfowler

I want to hear your opinions on this.

Thanks.

It's your car, so do as you see fit. However, as a daily driver, you definitely run the risk of having someone plow into it. Let's face it; there aren't many of these running around. I wouldn't say it's "irreplaceable", but I think you get the idea. Why not take a 4 cylinder car and do the same mods you are wanting to do? Just a thought.

[28HopUp]

Hi Tyler. Welcome to the forum! Thanks for the pictures. We will get your car added to our VIN Project shortly.

Originally Posted by HBWaterfowler

I want to hear your opinions on this.

Be careful what you ask for! IMO, a SSP Mustang makes for an OK daily driver (not good or even great). Personally, I like my DD to have airbags, ABS, and other safety features found on modern automobiles. That being said, I know some hot rod car-guys who regularly drive some really neat, old cars. But there are risks in doing that: accidents (destroying not only the car but possibly hurting the occupants), damage, theft, ect. Since you already own your 84 and want to drive it, I suggest the following:

• Paint - since you live in California, do NOT paint the roof and doors white with a black body. You will get stopped and the hassle is not worth it. A member here in California repainted his 85 CHP in black with a white roof - it looked great, it honored the car's history, and he avoided getting in trouble with the police.
• CHP Equipment - You can add the antennae and lights, but the lights must be covered at all times. I keep mine disconnected too while driving, should I have to answer any questions on the side of the road after being stopped. Police markings MUST be covered up or removed while driving.
• Engine - You can have hood clearance issues with the 351, depending on the parts selection. There are so many choices for building a nice 5.0L that you should probably stick with that. I wouldn't go crazy with mods; keep things simple.
• Suspension - The factory 87-up 4-lug front brakes are an upgrade in performance, but you will have to run newer style wheels. My 1st 85 SSP has them, in addition to 93 Cobra disk brakes. The car stops nicely compared to the OEM set-up, but I must use 10-hole wheels (painted black). IMO, a 5-lug swap isn't worth it. The brakes are going to lock up in a panic stop regardless, so larger aftermarket brakes would only be worth it if you are racing the car and are concerned about brake fade.

The above comments are just suggestions for your car, and the only reason I offered them up is because you asked. These cars were pushed hard while in-service, so on a daily driver you really don't have to go crazy with mods.

[Sal]

That's a sweet notch, try to keep it as stock as possible. Mavro-Mont had planned to produce a 17 inch 10 hole wheel but the idea was scrapped. As for the 351, you have 3 problems...legality, hood clearance, and fuel efficiency. For a DD, consider a stock roller short block with a cam, heads, and intake. Will make a healthy 370+ hp depending on parts selection.
Right now, I'm building a '90 SSP that will look like a stock SSP from the outside but has a 306 with a TKO. Went back to the stock 4 lug brakes to keep 10 holes on her. There is nothing wrong with the stock brakes, if you know how to drive the car properly. I used to drive mine on the street/freeway with skinnies up front and cheater slicks out back. Just took it easy and kept my distances.