Restoration - 1966 Mustang GT Fastback

History: This genuine GT Fastback is a true California car with the original '63 black/yellow CA plates. Complete restoration began in 1988 and culminated with the Best-of-Show Fastback award at the popular Long Beach "Ponies in the Park" in the fall of 1993. The only two prior corrals were in Del Mar and Huntington Beach, Ca. The retired champion is still in the family and out to stud on the Oregon coast.

Mechanical: Careful preparation for restart after storage resulted in good compression at 130-145 lbs. All ignition, fuel, cooling, and braking system components were then replaced or rebuilt using NOS or quality reproduction parts. The original 4-speed and clutch were rebuilt using Ford parts. The original 3.00 differential was later replaced with a 3.89 unit having only 13,000 miles. A Cobra T-pan improves oil cooling and looks terrific. Over 300 very manageable horses are produced by the mild performance cam, aluminumized headers, and Performer RPM intake manifold. Idle is stable but asserts authority. Excellent ride is provided by dual redline radial tires on original Rally Rims.

Engine Compartment: We chose to detail the engine compartment with gloss, polish, chrome, and original parts. This better-than-new philosophy works very well at concourse and people's choice shows, usually outscoring strict adherence to factory standards.

Paint & Body: After disassembly, exterior surfaces were stripped to bare metal, then primed with Dupont self-etching Variaprime. Only minor metal work was required as the car was basically straight and rust free. Extensive block sanding was eased by using Dupont URO activated primer. Surfaces were blocked three times then covered with URO primer. Topcoat Centari acrylic enamel was sprayed prior to assembly. After assembly, the entire car was blocked with 400 grit. The final shoot was four coats of Centari, then three coats of Dupont 780S acrylic urethane clear. Topping off the mirror-finish Ivy Green is the correct contrasting white GT stripe kit. The result is a dazzling best-of-show finish. All rubber and weatherstrip is new. Emblems, trim, bumpers, mirrors, exhaust tips, door handles, and other parts were replaced or refurbished. Under hood and tail light electrical harnesses were replaced.

Interior: All interior metal surfaces were prepped and Variaprimed, then finished with Centari semi-gloss black. The Rally Pack was disassembled and stripped prior to wrinkle finish paint application, then reassembled with a new quartz mechanism. Finally, all new interior components were installed.

Undercarriage: All driveline parts including the bellhousing, transmission, driveshaft, and 3rd member were removed, cleaned and painted in correct colors. The undercarriage was then prepped and painted with factory red oxide primer. A mirror showing the undercarriage is impressive at shows with the Cobra T-pan, chrome accents and gloss black enamel.

Trunk: Show detailing is completed with chrome highlights and a dual redline spare on the original Rally rim. The mat is true reproduction rubber. Detail is complete with new wiring, jack, swivel-handle, side tray and wheel well rubber.

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