This V8 Mustang slept in Arizona for 22 years, now it’s finally waking up

This V8 Mustang slept in Arizona for 22 years, tucked away in dry storage with a forgotten past and a hidden future.

The Fox Body Mustang was originally equipped with a six-cylinder engine, but over time it was swapped for a small block V8.

Years of neglect left it in need of serious restoration, but its bones were solid and its potential was undeniable.

What followed was a full classic car revival that brought it back to life.

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The car’s discovery revealed more than just an engine swap. Inside, the original back seats remained untouched, and the front seats had been reupholstered in the 1990s.

Despite two decades of sitting still, the Fox Body Mustang had no visible rust, thanks to being stored on concrete indoors.

Polishing the faded paint revealed an older single-stage repaint that responded well to a bit of rubbing compound.

Under the hood, the six-cylinder had been replaced by what appears to be a 302 V8 with a Holley four-barrel carburetor and a Duraspark ignition system.

Though the V8 Mustang slept in Arizona for years, the engine was still complete, featuring power steering, power brakes, and intact belts and hoses.

When power was applied and fuel added directly to the carb, the engine surprisingly fired up for a few seconds.

But further testing revealed zero compression in two cylinders, confirming the need for a more thorough Mustang restoration.

The culprit was a blown head gasket between cylinders one and two. Rather than stop at one side, both gaskets were replaced to ensure the longevity of this classic car revival.

The engine showed signs of a prior rebuild with .030 over pistons and a roller cam, further confirming that this Fox Body Mustang had good bones.

Once reassembled, compression returned evenly across all eight cylinders and the V8 ran smoother than expected.

With the drivetrain sorted, attention turned to the brakes and gearing.

The rear axle, identified by its code and measurements, was a 3.45 open differential, and combined with small factory tires, would have revved the engine to 3,000 RPM at highway speeds.

A taller set of tires was installed to ease engine strain, adding to the practicality of this Mustang restoration.

The new tires also improved the stance and appearance of the car.

One small mystery solved a major issue; the car initially wouldn’t crank from the key, and the ignition module was suspected.

Eventually, a hidden push-button starter was found under the dash, confirming this wasn’t a typical Fox Body Mustang.

Once the button was used, the engine turned over easily, adding to the success of the classic car revival effort.

Other final touches included a replacement fuel tank, rewired fuel pump, and complete fluid change, including oil and transmission fluid.

The V8 Mustang slept in Arizona for so long that even small details like the glove box contents and seat condition offered glimpses into its well-preserved history.

The interior, surprisingly, was near showroom condition with minimal fading and almost no wear.

With power brakes restored and the transmission shifting correctly, the car became fully roadworthy.

On its first drive, the V8 Mustang glided down the road with ease.

The Fox Body Mustang ran cool and smooth, sounding refined despite its glass-pack exhaust. This Mustang restoration exceeded expectations, making the entire process feel worthwhile.

The classic car revival was complete, and now this 1980 model can be driven and enjoyed as it was always meant to be.

For a vehicle that sat untouched for over two decades, the end result is remarkable.

The Fox Body Mustang is now back on the road, looking better, driving smoother, and performing reliably.

Thanks to careful work, persistence, and a little trial and error, this classic car revival turned a forgotten project into a proud success.

The V8 Mustang slept in Arizona for 22 years, but now it is fully awake and running strong.

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