Use The Best Parts And Don't Cut Corners
Fred Glazier and Dan Nolan
Glazier/Nolan Mustang Barn
Souderton, PA
Fred Glazier and Dan Nolan teamed up four years ago to merge their respective talents. The result has been a terrific business relationship rooted in integrity and producing some of the best restorations in the country. Dan runs the restoration shop, which was founded and operated by Fred for close to three decades.
Fred got into the business through his passion for the breed that dates back to 1964 when he bought a new Rangoon Red '64 1/2 Mustang hardtop, a car he still owns today. Fred's chosen profession wasn't restoration; he was originally a pharmacist but decided he liked classic Mustangs and restoration better than filling prescriptions.
Glazier's Mustang Barn was founded 32 years ago in Fred's backyard in an 18th century barn. Over the years, Fred and his team of professionals have turned out hundreds of exceptional restorations. Four years ago, Fred sold the restoration shop to Dan Nolan while he continues to run the parts side during something he calls retirement.
Perform your restoration in phases. Never try to do it all at once. And never jump around from phase to phase. Finish one phase before moving to the next.
Opt for the best quality parts. Even if you have to spend big bucks on N.O.S. Ford parts. Any way you slice it, if you can use original Ford parts, they are the best choice in the long run.
Use the best materials. Such as 3M sandpaper and adhesives or quality paint from PPG, House of Kolor, or SEM. By doing it on the cheap, you could wind up using more product-or worse-having to do it all over again.
When doing structural work, do one section at a time. For example, never replace both rocker panels at the same time. When you do both together, you weaken the structure. The same is true for torque boxes and floorpans. If you're going to replace the entire floorpan, weld in a temporary crossbrace for support.
Replace torque boxes in two pieces. Glazier/Nolan was instrumental in getting Dynacorn to produce torque boxes in two pieces instead of one. Installation is easier in two pieces.
Become acquainted with the best parts stores in town. An exceptional parts person knows what you need before you realize you need it.
Fatten your seats with a thin layer of foam. Place it over new seat buns and your seats will feel and look better.
Install windshield, rubber, and trim work before final block-sanding. It eliminates any chance of paint chipping when you install trim.
Use AMK Products hardware kits. Everything's there and you won't wind up empty-handed. Resist the urge to open packages until you are ready for assembly.
When replacing inner fender aprons, install the export brace before removing the old pieces. It confirms dimensions and ensures accuracy when it's time to weld in new steel aprons.
Gas tank template. Use the top of an old gas tank as a structural support jig when performing trunk floor repair or replacement. Of course, make sure there's no fuel in the old tank when cutting.
Windlace as a retainer. When installing a headliner, use short strips of windlace to retain the headliner until the adhesive sets.
Smooth the wrinkles. Use a heat gun at a safe distance to work the wrinkles out of your headliner.
Straight stripes. Construction lasers, available from home improvement stores, can be used to align body stripes.