N00B in Delaware, looking to buy

[mac88chp]

Originally Posted by 28HopUp

Thanks for the wise counsel guys!

I have a question. Since the unit number was not visible through the paint in the door jam, is there a way to determine the car's CHP unit number? I didn't know if any records were available that could be cross-checked against the VIN, or any other method. But looking at the SSP registry, the DSO and VIN sequence do match up with the other 3 CHP cars listed in 1985. I guess in some instances it may be impossible to document the service history of an SSP.

In the past you could check your VIN with the CHP Motor Transport division in Sacto in hopes of obtaining the unit's "Assignment Card" but we've been told that all the Mustang era records have now been purged. Having a VIN in the range of known CHP units helps confirmation as they appear to be assigned in blocks from the factory. CHP unit numbers have been spotted on front license plate brackets written in grease pencil so investigate that area and also try to work the door area where numbers were painted on in an effort to coax that marking out. Success has been had using paint solvent/thinner (be careful!) and also just using duct tape to try to peel the repaint off.

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by mac88chp

In the past you could check your VIN with the CHP Motor Transport division in Sacto in hopes of obtaining the unit's "Assignment Card" but we've been told that all the Mustang era records have now been purged. Having a VIN in the range of known CHP units helps confirmation as they appear to be assigned in blocks from the factory. CHP unit numbers have been spotted on front license plate brackets written in grease pencil so investigate that area and also try to work the door area where numbers were painted on in an effort to coax that marking out. Success has been had using paint solvent/thinner (be careful!) and also just using duct tape to try to peel the repaint off.

Thanks for the info! That may come in handy, cuz I caught up with the seller this afternoon at school, and he & I came to an agreement on the car. I will pick it up tonight before the Phillies game!

[jarhed123]

[MOstang]

Congratulations!

[28HopUp]

Picked up the SSP last night before the Phillies game (YEA on both counts!~)

Still learning my way around the car today. I've been in a few Fox Stangs before, but I think this is the first one I've ever driven (at least that I remember). Handling was a concern for me driving home last night (all of 5 miles) because it was quite "whallowy", but once in the garage I could see that all 4 tires were grossly underinflated. That was an easy fix, and the car rides much sharper today. Still getting a feel for the clutch engagement. It's also hard to tell from driving it what gears are in the back (previous owner swapped in an 8.8"). The speedo is broken, but it does chatter behind the dash. It's just tough to guage mph right now, and with the tags having expired in 2006 I don't want to attract any attention til I get it licensed/titled (hopefully later today).

Here are a couple of more pics (engine and interior):






The seats are out of a 91 Mustang I was told. The headliner rests on my head while driving, and various plastic parts have that sticky nasty tackiness that comes with age. On the positive, the car is an SSP!!!

In terms of SSP goodies, I have not found the 2nd buck tag, and I'll need to remove the one that's there so I can fully read it. Both A-pillars have holes for dual spots. There is a patch visible from inside the trunk for the whip antenna, and there is a hole in the door jam for the forward clip that would hold the antenna. The original 15x7" steel wheel still resides in the trunk, but the tire is an off brand. The trunk release to the right of the steering wheel works. There is no front license plate bracket (Delaware doesn't use front plates), so there isn't a way to look for the CHP unit number on the bracket.

Interesting notes about the car:
o There is a center console
o The outside trim of the car is painted black
o Upon quick examination, the front bumper wasn't cut/patched for a speaker


That's all for now. I just emailed pics to my insurance agent to get that covered, and will hopefully get it tagged today. Wish me luck!

[predator20]

Those seats are out of a '87-'89, those are the smoke gray tweed style they had. '90 and up went with the titanium. The full console shouldn't be there. The outside trim, are you talking about the chrome trim around the glass?

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by predator20

Those seats are out of a '87-'89, those are the smoke gray tweed style they had. '90 and up went with the titanium. The full console shouldn't be there. The outside trim, are you talking about the chrome trim around the glass?

Yes, you can see the blacked-out trim following the pic link in my signature. I figure the console went it the same time the seats were installed (thanks for pinnning down the vintage. The seller was told the wheels were off a Saleen Mustang, but I knew better.