Newbie in NC: 1996 Budget Barn find!

[FTGT101]

First off my name is Daniel. I have owned at least one Mustang every year since 1992. I currently have 5. Starting with my first a completly restored 1968 Mustang Coupe Restomod. 1993 Teal Cobra w/Black interior no sunroof, that I track at VIR mostly. 2007 GT Grey w/ KB Polished SC 452 @ Rear wheels. 1982 T-Top with 408w under construction. Stripped to the shell fully restored body.

My 5th is a Extreme Rainbow Vert s281 133,000 miles. I found it at a guys house who did not know what it was. According to Saleen it is a 1 of 1. So looking to get a Saleen education and meet some great guys.

[Dave]

Congratulations on your new Saleen and welcome to the forums!

96-0016B was originally black.
http://www.mustangworld.com/ourpics/News/select401.htm

http://mustangworld.com/ourpics/News/select425.htm

[Jim D.]

Welcome, Daniel! Nice to talk with you on the phone the other day!

[Greg Wackett]

Welcome and pick up a copy of The Saleen book it will help

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by Jim D.

Welcome, Daniel! Nice to talk with you on the phone the other day!

Jim, it was nice speaking with you. Thanks for your help with the information on my Saleen. The Extreme has been sitting in a storage shed for 8-9 months. The guy down the street buy Hondas and fixes them up. He had picked this one up from a friend because it was "Weird" for a Mustang paint job. About three months ago he parked it beside his house and just let it sit. Planning on fixing some issues. I honestly thought it was a Faleen someone had painted purple from the road.I have been driving right by this car for months and did not realize what it truly is.

So last Sunday at our favorite Mexican resturant the waiter makes the comment I see you driving a lot of Mustangs would you look at my Saleen. So I go look at it and he told me what he had in it and what his plans were. So I made him an offer and let him make a good chunk of $$.

Too add a great twist too it. The Car fax points out that the Saleen was sold at Kernersville Ford. This was a Saleen dealership back in the day. I know because as young man in the Marine Corps, I passed by there on my trips from Lejune to Charlotte a lot. Well everytime I passed I would stop in and dream about the eyeball candy there. (Saleens) So I realized that I saw this car in the showroom floor there once. I wanted it so bad. Never thought I would own it.

I took it too the local Ford Dealer and had it checked out. New wheel bearings and a set of inner tie rods will make it all better, but everything else is straight.

[99SALEEN/COBRA]

In for pics!! :D

[Char259]

Nice find , good luck with it

[Jim D.]

I'm curious to see some photos of how she looks today.

It seems certain this car left the factory as black body with black top convertible.

While the Saleen Rainbow was a proprietary hue, there are similar paints on the market.

It sounds like you might have some documentation from Saleen -- on what criteria are they saying it's a "1 of 1?"

[Agent_177]

Originally Posted by 99SALEEN/COBRA

In for pics!! :D

Congrats and I'm in for pics too.

Sounds like an awesome car!

[FTGT101]

Just found out from a buddie that it was a Budget car. Susan at Saleen said it was a Budget series Saleen, but me not being up to speed thought she meant it did not have Recaros, Big Brakes and what not. I took a close up shot of the cars engine bay plaque and text it too him. He called almost as soon as I hit send. The cars number is 16B. It is in the registry it shows the 4th owner, but I do not recall his name.

So I replaced the belt tonight which killed the pulley noise and really made the car sound right. The more I have driven it the better it runs. I do need a sway bar for the rear of the car, but other than that I am looking good. My wife spent an hour cleaning the interior. She found about $8.00 in change. Going up in value already. Getting ready to tackle the trans filter and gasket. Then I am going to clear out the old brake fluid. It is a little darker than burnt motor oil. I have posted some pics on Facebook, but have not had time to add to photobucket.

Here is alink to my Facebook to give you a look.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/daniel.w.brooks.5

[00_ExtrmRnbw]

Would LOVE to see some pics! Congrats on the new ride.

[FTGT101]

[FTGT101]

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by 00_ExtrmRnbw

Would LOVE to see some pics! Congrats on the new ride.

Absolutly am in Love with your 2. Plus you live close to my Brother, he just sold his 99 SSC Chrome Yellow. So Sad. Will have to get together at an East Coast meet sometime.

[FTGT101]

[FTGT101]

My Heard. What is sad is My F350 Crew Cab and our 82 T-Top is not in the Picture.

[saleensonoma]

nice car and collection. A friend of mine named mark owned 97-0029b at one time. They are nice pc of history but his was blue with white top if memory is working correctly lol

[fuel_cap]

Nice collection and nice saleen! Great find

[XxBoostinxX]

That is actually the '96 Mystic color, not the rainbow. The rainbow cars had more colors and changed WAY more drastically. The "Budget" cars were made specifically for Budget Car Rentals and is why it has so many miles on it. If memory serves me correctly, none were supercharged and most (if not all) were convertibles. What does the Saleen book say about this car? Was it originally a different color and painted? I don't have my book with me at the moment.

[Jim D.]

Unless I'm mistaken, the car was built black as indicated in the links Dave posted -- so it's possible it was repainted by a previous owner -- nice color, either way.

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by XxBoostinxX

That is actually the '96 Mystic color, not the rainbow. The rainbow cars had more colors and changed WAY more drastically. The "Budget" cars were made specifically for Budget Car Rentals and is why it has so many miles on it. If memory serves me correctly, none were supercharged and most (if not all) were convertibles. What does the Saleen book say about this car? Was it originally a different color and painted? I don't have my book with me at the moment.

It does not look at all like the Mystic Color too me. Might have started as a black vert. I found some black deep in the trunck when I pulled all the panels and carpet out. Kinda curious to find out what it left Saleen as since its color is not listed.

Originally Posted by Jim D.

Unless I'm mistaken, the car was built black as indicated in the links Dave posted -- so it's possible it was repainted by a previous owner -- nice color, either way.

I agree. I am loving the look. IT is actually a bit nicer than I have given it credit for. Cannot wait to get this project going, but one step at a time right now.

[Dave]

96-0016B was originally black.

[XxBoostinxX]

Originally Posted by FTGT101

It does not look at all like the Mystic Color too me. Might have started as a black vert. I found some black deep in the trunck when I pulled all the panels and carpet out. Kinda curious to find out what it left Saleen as since its color is not listed.

Really? Because it sure looks like the same color as my 1996 Mystic I just sold a few months ago. You do realize there were two different Mystic colors right? In 1996 it was more subtle and purple and in 2004 where it was more blue.

It doesn't resemble this color at all?

[Agent_177]

From the pics. Boostin has got it. It looks that close

[XxBoostinxX]

Originally Posted by Agent_177

From the pics. Boostin has got it. It looks that close

I thought so . The color looks extremely dull without sunlight. I have a photo of mine in the garage that looks identical to his but now it won't upload from iPhone now.

[FTGT101]

I had only seen the one Mystic Color that looks more Brown to me. Never have seen another version. Glad to know it was Black. At least it kills my doubt about it. ;). Will keep it this way for now. Besides my wife is in love with the look as it is now. Thanks for the info guys. Great source of information.

[99-0285]

Dan,

This was owned by Larry Burton from Virginia. He also has/had a cherry 68 stang. Here is a write up that he posted on MustangWorld a few years ago:
My 96 Saleen #096-16B. One of 30 "Budget" cars sold by Saleen in 1996. triple black, leather, auto, Mag 18 X 8.5, 460 mach. Add ons:3.73 with locker, Saleen axle cover,n2 shocks, Dunlop sport 9000 tires, CD player, alarm,clear side markers (read about them in MW) 80mm mass air, cobra lights,steeda custom chip (one of two done on computer code), hard & soft tonneau covers. This is one of the few that wasn't a speedster package sold to budget. One of three with same options made by Saleen in 96. Won 1st place in class at Augusta National.

FTGT Brother!

[FTGT101]

Don,
Awesome that you located that info. Can't wait to get home and do some more research. It has actually been really fun. Just adds to the car.

FTGT brother

[00_ExtrmRnbw]

Originally Posted by FTGT101

Don,
Awesome that you located that info. Can't wait to get home and do some more research. It has actually been really fun. Just adds to the car.

FTGT brother

Thanks! I added you on FB to see the pics since it wouldn't let me not being a friend. Nice collection.

I know many know on here, but Rainbow paint was different before 1999.

[87 vert]

Nice score. Looks like a mystic paint job! Rainbow is lighter and all are about the same, mine looks a little different Johnny as it has a different base paint under it from Saleen. Long story. Anyways nice score. Keep is posted

[slowstang305]

Originally Posted by 00_ExtrmRnbw

Thanks! I added you on FB to see the pics since it wouldn't let me not being a friend. Nice collection.

I know many know on here, but Rainbow paint was different before 1999.

I have never seen a Saleen in that color, your car is amazing!!! More pics!

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by XxBoostinxX

Really? Because it sure looks like the same color as my 1996 Mystic I just sold a few months ago. You do realize there were two different Mystic colors right? In 1996 it was more subtle and purple and in 2004 where it was more blue.

It doesn't resemble this color at all?

Don't know how I missed your post untill now. IT could be like the 2004 Color, but that is Mystachrome. I have a buddy with one and it is close.

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by slowstang305

I have never seen a Saleen in that color, your car is amazing!!! More pics!

I will get some more pics this weekend. I would have gotten some this week, but have been too busy watching for Noah to come by in the Ark with all the rain we have had.

[XxBoostinxX]

Originally Posted by FTGT101

Don't know how I missed your post untill now. IT could be like the 2004 Color, but that is Mystachrome. I have a buddy with one and it is close.

The 1996 and 2004 Mystic's are very similar. The 2004 is more blue/green and the 1996 is more purple/green. The 1996 will look gold and burgundy in the sun.

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by XxBoostinxX

The 1996 and 2004 Mystic's are very similar. The 2004 is more blue/green and the 1996 is more purple/green. The 1996 will look gold and burgundy in the sun.

Mine looks Purple, Blue, and Copper. IF it was one of the 2 I would say Mystichrome, but really looks like neither one.

[FTGT101]

I found a Saleen Speedster Cover for the Saleen. Paid $240!! Now I will get it painted. I also in preparation for Mustang week gave her a good dose of Sea foam, Motorcraft plugs, Wires , coil packs

[FTGT101]

Here is a pic at the Lake

[h-bomb]

Looks great! Now paint that Speedster cover (or give it to me!)

[dmustangracer]

Car looks great bro! Look into replacing the windshield banner. Doesn't look Original. I've seen the Originals for $25 on Ebay or I believe SALEEN has a few in stock.

Congrats on a great find!!

~Manny

[Saleen_S351]

Originally Posted by FTGT101

Noticed that in these pictures you have the Magnesium wheels then in others you have the Saleen replica wheels. What are you planning to go with? I also noticed that the Saleen windshield banner doesn't space out right. Maybe it was replaced at some point in it's life. Other than that love the car and like your story.

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by Saleen_S351

Noticed that in these pictures you have the Magnesium wheels then in others you have the Saleen replica wheels. What are you planning to go with? I also noticed that the Saleen windshield banner doesn't space out right. Maybe it was replaced at some point in it's life. Other than that love the car and like your story.

The Wheels need restored. So I am working on them. Mean while the Chrome makes the paint pop better. Plus I am not worried about damage to the Mags. I am leaving the windshield banner until I paint the car and fix the issues that bug me. Trying to decide how I want go with the engine. It will be my next project.

[Saleen_S351]

Originally Posted by FTGT101

The Wheels need restored. So I am working on them. Mean while the Chrome makes the paint pop better. Plus I am not worried about damage to the Mags. I am leaving the windshield banner until I paint the car and fix the issues that bug me. Trying to decide how I want go with the engine. It will be my next project.

You have a nice and fun project. Don't forget to holler on the Saleen forums for lost/discontinued parts. I'm sure there are still people with parts they don't use that don't mind helping out a project come to life.

[ricksaleen]

2004 Mystichrome and 1996 SVT Mystic are not similar looking at all. Totally different hues. This one looks similar to bits of both 96 and 04 however it is throwing a few BASF Extreme Rainbow Colors in there as well which are not from 96 nor 04. If I had to guess, this car was not painted in a BASF color. This is another chameleon paint from another supplier. Best to have it "scanned" for spectrum properties otherwise your Speedster cover when painted will be off just a little at angles. Cool looking car and enjoy it!

[FTGT101]

Originally Posted by ricksaleen

2004 Mystichrome and 1996 SVT Mystic are not similar looking at all. Totally different hues. This one looks similar to bits of both 96 and 04 however it is throwing a few BASF Extreme Rainbow Colors in there as well which are not from 96 nor 04. If I had to guess, this car was not painted in a BASF color. This is another chameleon paint from another supplier. Best to have it "scanned" for spectrum properties otherwise your Speedster cover when painted will be off just a little at angles. Cool looking car and enjoy it!

So I get to Mustang week and get her lined up beside a 96 Mystic. You guys are right it is Mystic, The thing that's throwing me off is the Mystics have the green. My Saleen has no green at all, instead has a Dark Blue. I am going to be setting it up for a repaint shortly. I am going to have to do some heavy research. I would really like to paint it back the same color.

[Dave]

When Saleen produced your S281 it was black. Saleen considers this to be a black car.

To find the correct owner sprayed custom exterior color, you will have to research the previous owners.

As posted at a previous time. A former owner of your Budget had the car featured on MustangWorld.com.

[tennesseemustangperformance]

Originally Posted by FTGT101

So I get to Mustang week and get her lined up beside a 96 Mystic. You guys are right it is Mystic, The thing that's throwing me off is the Mystics have the green. My Saleen has no green at all, instead has a Dark Blue. I am going to be setting it up for a repaint shortly. I am going to have to do some heavy research. I would really like to paint it back the same color.

Probably an aftermarket paint. Mystic used to be highly guarded, as the green pigment was the same pigment that was used to make money. It was restricted to just SVT authorized paint shops for the longest time. There are several companies however, that make a color-shifting paint such as BASF and House Of Kolor, to name a few. Good thing is that (believe it or not) these paints are notoriously easy to blend.