Last week we had a little fun with our very own “Sherlock” story and we had some funny little messages and the odd meme as well, we can’t possibly show those on a family friendly site. So just a little thank you for the interactions with us. We also had some comments about “Mike the Moron” one of those comments came back with the “customer is always right”, really? To be a customer don’t you have to buy something first? Our very own Sherlock got out his trusty Snap-On magnifying glass and deduced that the comment could well have come from Mike – what do you think? 🕵️‍♀️

WebShop

Mustang Maniac are pleased to have launched our new Vin Decoder to great success. We have now done as we promised and added the Door Tag decoder too. As far as we know, this is the first time that any interactive vin decoder has been designed for both classic Chassis Vin and the classic Door Tags has ever been available to this level of accuracy in one place. To top that if we can, this Vin decoder also looks up the Modern era Mustangs too. Absolutely amazing piece of work. It has been developed for over a year behind the scenes on and off.

Within the first couple of days we had nearly 300 codes looked up on our decoder. We are seriously proud of this feature and has taken a LOT of work to compile the data behind the scenes into a database from all the sources we could find. Once that was working we then have to have that replicated onto the WebShop page as well. We will say it again, if there are any errors or additions you need to have added, drop us an email and we will get it added. We aim to make this the best Mustang Vin Decoder that there is out there!

We have other little plans for this Vin Decoder which will build on this very solid base we have created. Watch this space.

Customer Cars

We have been asked for some special orders that fall outside of our normal WebShop services. For those loyal customers we will go above and beyond for them.

Recently we have a customer who wanted a change of tyres and brought his car to us for a service and pre car show season once over. We ordered in some new tyres fitted and balanced them for him.

The second example is to fully refurbish a customers original gearbox that was dropped in to us. This was taken to our specialists who strip down, replace and setup the gearbox for us.

Before we get inundated with requests, we will only do this for some customers and they know who they are. If you are the type of person from a far away region of the UK and order a couple of window rollers with free postage every day, we won’t be offering this extra level of service to you.

Our Cars

The wolf has taken a fair amount of time this week we have been finishing the underside in order to rear end running gear back on. The custom made and strengthened 8″ diff has been fitted. We are also using our new supply of our own specification U-Bolts and lowering blocks.

For those who like a little bit of technical details here they are:

The U-bolts and spring plates are “zinc and colour passivated” this is a zinc plating followed by a superior chromate conversion. Not the new ‘Greta’ friendly wishy-washy trivalent conversion. The industry test standard for this electroplated treatment is a salt water solution at 60psi for 90hours without penetration or corrosion to the base metal. So we suspect that this will outlast us all, especially as the original parts that are still on some cars were bare uncoated steel and still in use, but nowhere near as pretty as our parts.

The lowering blocks are black anodised to a below surface depth of around 20 microns. Again this treatment prohibits any oxidisation, especially as oxidisation is promoted where aluminium and steel share a close proximity. These will also look this good for years to come.

The rear drums are having our custom made 2 1/2″ brake setup.

The front end has had the lower arms fitted and the Borgeson steering is starting to go in as well.

We had an eagle eyed reader message us to say that the lights are the standard 67/68 lights. We admit it, the description was our forward thinking. It should have read something along the lines of we plan to swap the 67/68 lenses out with the 69 equivalents, which will then sit flush in the housings when we have finished. Last week’s post was done in a bit of a rush and came out quite late as you probably realised, the reason being is that there was a power cut; well that’s my excuse anyway! (There genuinely was a power cut).

News

Mustang Wins Daytona 500 For Second Straight Season as Next Gen Era Gets Off to Perfect Start for Ford Performance.

DAYTONA BEACH, FL, February 20, 2022 – The NASCAR Next Gen era has gotten off to a perfect start for Ford Performance as rookie Austin Cindric gave Mustang its second win in as many starts by capturing the 64th Annual Daytona 500 Sunday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway.

After Joey Logano drove his Team Penske Mustang to a win in the car’s debut event two weeks ago in the Clash at the Coliseum, Cindric did the same in the 500 as he won in his first start as driver of the No. 2 Ford.

“I knew I had the car to do it, but there’s so many things that have to play out correctly and putting yourself in position,” said Cindric.  “Sometimes you have to force people to help you and I definitely didn’t expect any help throughout the day.  I did get some from the Fords, and I think Ford has done an incredible job with this new car and it’s obviously shown the first couple races.  I’m just proud to be able to hold off those runs at the end of the race and it means the world to me to be able to sit here and say I’m a Daytona 500 winner.”

Cindric found himself as the leader when caution came out on lap 196 of the scheduled 200-lap event, resulting in a two-lap overtime finish.  He got some help on the restart from teammate Ryan Blaney and maintained the lead as the field took the white flag, signifying the final lap.  It stayed that way until they came off turn four, but Cindric was able to take the checkered flag first as cars bounced off the wall and each other across the finish line.

“It is a dream,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports.  “To see how well this Next Gen car raced today after more than two years of development is great for the sport.  But then to have that Ford teamwork and see everyone working together was really special.  It’s a long season, but to win the Clash at the Coliseum and now the Daytona 500 for a second year in a row is a great way to start.”

Mustang, which has been recognized as the world’s best-selling sports car each of the last two years, is in its fourth season competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. It has now won 36 races in 109 career starts.

Cindric is the 14th different driver to win the Daytona 500 with Ford, which has now won “The Great American Race” four times in the last eight years. 

About Ford Performance

Ford’s racing program is part of the Ford Performance organization based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for major racing operations globally, including NASCAR (Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Camping World Truck Series), IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, FIA World Rally Championship, Virgin Australia Supercars, Formula Drift, NHRA Funny Car, off-road desert racing, and sportsman drag racing. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers.  Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles:  Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles.  The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 184,000 people worldwide. 

Source here.

From Mustang Maniac: What a result, Well Done Ford Performance Team!

Stay Safe & Take Care!