It wasn't the lights...

There really is a problem that causes my battery to fail... and it wasn't my blue lights.

My 2006 Stampede has been having battery issues. The indicator on the battery was red and, to my knowledge, has always been red since I bought it in June of 2006. On Saturday the stereo would turn off when I shifted into Drive from Park or accelerated. Happened on while playing a CD, while playing AM/FM, or if it was playing the iPod through the Harmon Kardon drive+play.

I took it to Best Buy since they installed the Harmon Kardon and had Tyler check the connections but all was well. We found that there was 15 volts going to both the stereo deck and the Harmon Kardon instead of the normal 12 volts. This spiked to 17 volts when I revved the engine. We tested the battery while the engine was running and it was 16.3 volts. We disconnected the battery positive cable with the engine running and the car died. We then reconnected it and tested the alternator. It too was getting 15-16 volts with spikes to 16.8 volts when I revved the engine. After some discussion Tyler and I agreed it was best to disconnect anything that was not covered by the Ford warranty just in case the higher than normal voltage causes a problem before I got it serviced.

I called and made an appointment with Bankstston (Texan) Ford for Monday, 3/16/09. It was determined that the voltage regulator had gone out on the alternator. Bankston tested the battery prior to replacing the alternator and then tested it again afterwards. They decided it was too damaged and went ahead and replaced it as well.

This apparently happened some time ago and consequently the battery was slowly being damaged. This explains why I couldn't leave the lights or accessories on for more than a few minutes without the battery dying. The iPod player, the Harmon Kardon drive+play, doesn't place a large load on the electrical system. The stock stereo system is the Shaker 500 so the electrical components should be designed to handle that. The addition of the speaker box in the trunk without adding an amp did put a bit more stress on the stock amps but not enough cause this. In other words, I didn't have enough electrical modifications to have explained this.

The car will technically be three years old later this month (built 3/30/06)... so the logical conclusion would be that it was just time for it to go out. However, I know that the battery has had issues since I've had the car. The battery indicator light has always been red, the fuel gauge has freaked out several times and they replaced the whole console as well as the brain unit. (I actually had daytime running lights for a day!) My gas milage as been crap... far worse than it should be. I've had many mornings where it the starter stuttered before starting. For the last several weeks my GPS system has been sending me "Cut Battery Cable" alarms. Lots of little things that now have gone away. Suddenly at 1/4 of a tank I have 104 miles to E? Finally!!

I am very pleased with the service that I received at Texan (I just can't call them Bankston!). Everything was covered by my warranty and, since it was due, they even asked for permission to send it over to the Quick Service Lane for the oil change (part of my extended warranty). I had the car in to them at 8 and back to me by the time I got off work at 5:30 PM. The coolest part is you can't tell they worked on it. There is NO oil, dirt, fingerprints or anything on that engine bay or on the alternator. They topped off all my fluids and all my caps are lined up properly just as I left them and still polished. Kudos Texan!

Today the Stampede is at National Tire and Battery (NTB) for it's tire rotation, balance, and alignment. Later this week I'll head back over to Best Buy so that Tyler can reconnect the iPod player.... again, under warranty... so that it will be ready for Palestine!!

Installed!! Check out the pictures!!

Here is the install of new coil and spark plug wires... Yup, did it myself! Well, Susan was my assistant and photographer! Next... replacing the spark plugs and opening them up to 0.065". The looms are cool! I had to go buy the tools needed to install them but, hey, who doesn't need more tools? Anyway, they came the day after I installed the wires so the first set of pictures show them held with zip ties and the bottom ones show the billet looms. Enjoy!

Been Shopping...

My Mom and Dad taught me that the best way to make a decision on something was to sleep on it... well, I've been looking at the Screamin' Demon Coil and Livewires for a long time (in blue) of course and kept putting them off. I finally gave up and bought them. I guess if I kept coming back to them then Mom and Dad was right. Now, I realize that whatever performance gains I may get from these will be nominal at best but as this site will attest to, the Stampede has been more about Show than Speed. The coil and the wires should be here today per the tracking number provided by site owner Don Tate. (A nice guy to do business with by the way!) I also picked up the Livewire looms which should be here tomorrow. These are made of billet and should accomodate the nearly 1/2 inch size of each wire... a feat the stock looms could not handle. The weather was nice this weekend so I cleaned the car up and went through my supplies. I had to touch up a couple rock chips and noted my touch up paint bottle has a broken lid... So I found a few things to play with so that the paint wouldn't go to waste. I'd been wanting to do this all along but had been hesitant on messing it up. They turned out ok. (Pictures to follow.) Guess I'll have to pick up some more paint before next show season starts. :) Here are pictures from the V6MustangStuff site of the coil, wires and looms. Be sure to check out that site for the description and prices: Now, this morning I took some pictures of what the engine bay looks like now along with some of my painting handiwork. Donnie should be proud. :) (I wish AirRaid put out a blue throttle body spacer!)

More pics to follow once this is all installed. :)

- Reba

Love of my life...

Back while we were all still waiting to see the 2010 Mustang I entered an essay into the Mustang story portion of the promotion. Of course I did not win (sigh) but this was what I sent in. It is corny but I liked it. :) Wednesday, October 08, 2008 1:02 PM "What would you like for your birthday dear?" I smile… More Mustang parts! You see, I'm not the average girl... dinner, movies and jewelry are nice but they just don't thrill me like the sound of my Mustang first thing in the morning. Luckily the love of my life doesn't mind that I have a human life partner. The love affair began when I opened the door to my best friend's garage at the age of 15 and there, unmolested, was her 1966 Mustang that her parents bought for her shortly after her birth in June 1966. I would sit in that beautiful car, smell the leather, examine every detail, and imagine a day when I would drive a Mustang as wondrous as this. Twenty one years later my dream became a reality as I drove my 2002 GT Convertible off the lot. This was followed by a 2004 40th Anniversary Edition Coupe and lastly by my 2006 Stampede Edition Mustang (#351 of 500). No other car has such a rich heritage, lasting legacy, and promising future as the Mustang. Its one car I remember as a kid, love as an adult, and will remember fondly when I pass it on to the next generation. The Mustang is one American Icon that will not fade with time. Now, speaking of the 2010 Mustang have you seen it? Pretty impressive! The first thing I was thinking was... "I wonder if they will put out any regional specials?" :) I'm sure if they do that the Texas/Oklahoma and California Markets will not be included. They took care of those with the 2005 & 2006 regionals. Of course, I could be wrong. The 45th Anniversary Edition, limited to 4500, was already announced. Hopefully this time they won't put the 45th badge on ALL 2010 cars like they did the 2004 40th Anniversary ones... Ever try explaining your 40th Anniversary Edition Mustang to someone with a 2004 40th Anniversary Mustang which, of cource, has a 40th Anniversary badge? They all think they have a "40th Anniversary Edition" when, in fact, that was a special package available in only 3 colors with specific options... only 5700 created and over 4000 of those were Crimson Red - A color that only exists for that special. The other two colors are Black and White. Ok, don't get me going on that. Back to the 2010... From what I've seen at the reveal event on Monday, on the website, the order guide, and the photos it appears that Ford designers spent some time at the local Mustang Club car shows. They paid attention to what we customized on our cars, what we liked and enhanced and what we added to it to make it better. Reading the order guide I see all these standard items that were aftermarket for the S197 crowd (is 2010 still S197?). If my car wasn't 1) rare 2) my baby and 3) owned by the bank I might actually consider an upgrade. Its nice to look though. :) The Grabber Blue and Kona Blue were awesome!! I can't wait to see what they will have done by the time the Stampede is paid off and in storage (not sold!).

Its been awhile!!

Yellow Rose was a smashing success.  Our little trio took Most Unique Display and all three of us earned Class Awards.  Not bad at all.  We had a blast!  We did a Red, White and Blue theme as the "Patriotic Ponies" honoring our those who have served/are serving our country.  Susan's "USA PNY" was the centerpiece of our display.  Each of us had an individualized show poster describing our car and then at each corner and at the center posts were pictures of all three cars together with a description of our display and what we were doing (Honoring our troops).  We also had a slideshow (with patriotic songs) of soldiers playing - some of which were family members of our club members including my Dad and my niece.  We had giveaways and candy and red, white, and blue mardi gras beads.  It was really fun. 

Its been a busy busy show season.  I participated in 18 Shows this season and earned 6 Class Awards, 3 Class Winners/First Place, 1 Director's Choice and the Most Unique Display honor.  I started showing half-way through the 2007 season and completed 12 shows earning 5 Class Awards, 2 Class Winner/First Place and one Participant Choice Award. 

Christmas is around the corner and I can't think of anything I want for the Stampede... Well, maybe some new leather covers for the seats but that's out of the $$$ range.  Future thoughts may include a GT bumper and duals.  My friend Donnie has a muffle delete that sounds sick on his Mustang! I keep imagining that times two!  Other than that, I may have someone look at the suspension parts and tell me if they are V6 or V8.  I don't think they are V6.  The car is lower than Susan's V6 (I've measured it thank you!).  The ride and handling are totally different.  I realize I have traction control and she doesn't but I can turn that off and it doesn't change the fact that it just sticks to the road.  We have the same wheels, same tires, same swaybars (?), same suspension (?)... I have ABS and traction control... but this thing corners like my old 2002 GT only better.  Seriously.  If you are a NTMC member and know me personally I'll let you drive it and see for yourself.  Something is different in this Stampede package...

Stampede ID Plate, AC Port Caps, and...

I had an ID plate made for Trinity (it took awhile to design and find someone to actually print it) but it is done and installed. I also found some awesome AC Port Caps by NDZ Perfomance.com. I got the ones in blue (surprise) and Susan got silver ones to match her new Scott Drake satin billet engine caps. :) Here are pics of the new ID plate and the AC Caps:

Also, a friend recently gave me a dealership Hero Card for the Stampede which I used to make a 20x30 Poster for my display at Yellow Rose:

More later!!! I have to run to catch a movie with my sweetie!

Rare Pony: 2006 Mustang Stampede Edition: North Texas Mustang Club - Cracker Barrel Lewisville Tx Photo #4#links

http://www.flickr.com/people/racphotography/

North Texas Mustang Club - Cracker Barrel Lewisville Tx Photo #4

North Texas Mustang Club - Cracker Barrel Lewisville Tx Photo #4, originally uploaded by SouthEast Dallas Photographer.

Look what I found on Flickr... My little Stampede next to Jason's #235. An awesome sight!

Yellow Rose Classic

It is official - Stampede #351/500 is registered for this year's Yellow Rose Classic in August! I wrote the check out last night and handed it over to the show chairman in person at the NTMC Board Meeting. We are at 92 days and counting... So much left to do!!! Anyone want to sponsor a showcar?? :)

Defining Light Photo makes an appearance...

Check out the June issue of Mustang Enthusiast (out now) for a Midwest Auto Gear ad. There is a Black GT with red flames in the ad that belongs to Bentley Palez. The picture of his car is one that I took along with some others off to the side there. There is a "photos by Defining Light Photography" reference as well. To see those photos in full size go here: Bentley & Donnie's Photo Shoot.

It really doesn't end does it???

And thank goodness it doesn't!! Cause I'm having a blast with this car! Here's the changes I'm about to make. These items have just been purchased and will soon be en route to me. JUST PURCHASED - APRIL 2008

• Mustang Underhood Stainless Steel Hardware Set
• Mustang headlight knob cover - Chrome
• Mustang automatic shift handle trim - Brushed Aluminum Billet
• Mustang seat adjustment switch cover - Brushed Aluminum Billet
• Mustang seat lumbar switch cover - Brushed Aluminum Billet
• Theft Deterrent Valve Stem Covers - Pony Tribar

I'll keep you updated! In the meantime, I'll update my MODS list shown further down this page.

New Airbrushed Plenum!!!

Cover by Midwest Auto Gear, custom paint and airbrush art by MadMic at Unique Automotive Designs. They also did my grille pony. Looks sweet! Speaking of, here is the grille pony they did for Susan's Mustang... Talk about a custom job. He did this one over and over until it was "just right". Her Stars and Stripes pony was fading out and looking kinda bad. I'm glad we finally got her into a MadMic pony!

First Show... 2008 Season Kicks Off!

Saturday, March 8th, at Grand Prairie Ford in Grand Prairie, TX the Mustang Club of America Board of Directors will be meeting and North Texas Mustang Club (NTMC) will be showing our cars in a dealer display from 9 AM to 3 PM. This will the first "show" of the season for the Stampede. This will be followed by the show in Palestine, TX on 3/22/08 and then our first cruise at Cracker Barrell (Lewisville, TX) on 4/12/08. Full NTMC calendar can be found at http://ntmc.org

2008 Show Season changes have been started (they are never "done"!). The plenum is en route from the talented hands of Mickey and his wife Michelle over at Unique Automotive Designs (aka Madmics). I know it hasn't been that long but the USPS seems to be taking FOREVER to get it here. :D Pictures will be posted! That is the crown jewel in the recent changes... Other pieces recently added:

• Retention Rod, Chrome Plated 22"
• MRT Hood Struts
• Satin Billet Door Sill Accent Pieces
• Radiator Extensions - Vista Blue Metallic
• Radiator Cover - Vista Blue Metallic
• Fuse Box Cover - Vista Blue Metallic (with added Chrome Pony)
• MUSTANG Sill Plates Letter Inserts - reflective blue
• Door Sill Accent Stripe Insert (1 per side)- reflective blue
• Dark Tinted Tail Lights (20%)
• Mirror Chrome (acrylic) accents & Blue Pony on Door Speakers
• Mirror Chrome (acrylic) accents on door reflector bezel
• Mirror Chrome (acrylic) accents on map lights
• Blue tire valve covers
• More Blue piping on dash

Removed:

• 1968 Mustang Script Emblems from sides

Even as I was working on these items I found a few more that I wanted to do and then there were others from my list that did not get done. Of course, my list is rather fluid and it changes as things are added. All changes are "bolt on" or items that can be easily removed at a later date when it is restored to original.

Oh... and I just turned over to 11K miles last weekend... She will be officially two on 3/30/08 (build date) but I will have had her two years in June. :D

(Check out updated pics on my CarDomain site!! http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2874230/4)

Some updated pics...

Not too recent but more updated than what I have here...


Yellow Rose Classic - 8/11/-8/12/2007


















Added Blue Piping

















Labor Day - 2007

















Added a personal touch to my Grand Design Mat - trunk mat:










And lastly... here is a little video.... just for fun!

Blue LED map lights from my friend Donnie last August for my birthday along with the new blue H11 & H13 bulbs in the headlights, blue ShowLenses, blue neon on the subwoofer enclosure in the trunk, and the sequential tail lights in action.

Getting ready for Show Season...

New items on the wishlist...

• Retention Rod, Chrome Plated 30"
• Retention Rod, Tote Bag 30"
• HOOD STRUTS,05-07,ALL,KIT
• SPARK PLUG WIRES,JBA,05-06,V6,9MM,BLUE
• DOME LIGHT ACCENTS,ALUM,05-07,MUSTANG**
• DOOR SILL PLATE ACCENT BARS,05-07,6 BARS
• DOOR SILL PLATE,05-08,STAINLESS,PR,CDC
• Radiator Extensions (Blue, Vista) - 60G9
• Radiator Covers (Blue, Vista) - 55G9
• Plenum Cover (V6), PLNMBSC17
• 2005 Ford Mustang Custom Carpeted Floor Mats With Logo, 2 PC, Gray, Pony.
• Headrest embroidery (custom)
• Floor Mat embroidery (custom)
• StreetGlow - Interior/Exterior
• Optima Blue Top Battery
• And a lot more...

These are all just ideas at this point. You should all know by now that I like to fully research and "think it out" before I spend the money. It if doesn't meet the theme or the project intital goals then I toss that idea and move on. I'll let you know if any of these come to pass. :)

The 2008 Show Season will be great!

New Pedals... Installed!

The new pedals arrived yesterday and I was very (pleasantly) surprised to find an additional pedal in with the auto transmission set that I had purchased.

Remember, when I originally posted about these I mentioned that I passed on the ones with the pony due to the fact that the pony on the auto transmission set was facing right? Well... Brian at SRP Racing read my blog and decided to surprise me.

As a special treat he included an extra brake pedal for the auto transmission with the pony facing left!! Yeah!

Needless to say, the plain one was not installed!

I managed to get through the rest of the work day and even to 6 PM before heading over to my friend Donnie's house. I'd like to say we installed them but Donnie did all the work. Something about "You don't want to watch..."... as he drilled into the metal of the brake pedal.

Here are some pictures of Donnie installing the pedals:

And the finished product:


















This weekend I'll get an updated shot of the interior with all the billet and these beautiful new satin billet pedals.

Thank you Brian for a quality product that performs as well as it looks and for your excellent customer service! I'll be recommending you to all my fellow Mustang owners!

2005+ Hood Blanket...

The hood blanket on my Mustang is something that I'd like to remove but I'm unsure as to how that would affect the car. The Stampede's stripes are vinyl and excess heat could damage them... An alternative would be this: http://www.wmsracing.com/pgi-ProductSpec?WMS-SHB05M But other than the cool pony in the center I'm not sure if I'd actually be gaining anything asthetically. The stock blanket is a fiber content (?) and this is ABS Plastic. It appears to be more gray than black. Can it be polished (Armor All)? Not sure I want to spend $80 to find out... I'll have to find someone who has this...