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jonk67
01-12-2013, 10:51 AM
Hi all, I came across this group at event held in the parking lot at the Nashville Super Speed Way in '2011, our Mustang club was having our annual show/track event on the speedway. I was instantly drawn to this '66:

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Spoke with the owner for a while and watched his runs, he was extremely nice to take time to talk to me and let me sit in his car as we are the same height to see if I fit (6'1"). His 2 tall sons were with him and one rode in the back seat from the NE coast, after crawling over the roll bar! His car was similar to the mods I have been doing to mine and Fords were in the minority, even though I look at all makes (yes, even Dodge) at events to get ideas. Unfortunately the Speedway closed at the end of '11 and I live ~15min. from it...


My car is a '67 coupe with the original 289 2v, C4 auto, 8" 2.79:1 rear. I tore my car down from stock about 4yrs. ago after driving it for a year, the flywheel teeth chipped enough that I had to carry a socket with me to turn the crank so I could start and drive off eventually so the flywheel had to come out. Since either the engine or trans would have to come out, why not both? I figured.... 4yrs. later and I'm getting closer to first start after never ending 'while I'm at it's'. Here's how it looked after purchase, then prior to teardown:
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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

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Mods during teardown were - original 289 > stroked to 333ci; C4 3sp > built AOD w/OD lockout switch 2500-2800 stall; 8" 2.79:1 > 9" 3.50:1; 4wh. drums > front PDB rear larger hawk shoes; stock susp. > 4.5 leaf mideye rear with poly bushings (panhard planned), welded subframe connectors (to do), roller spring perches, 1" drop springs, adj. strut rods, (better shocks - biltstein/koni planned), 1" sway (planned) along with other minor tweaks that don't come to mind. Plan for the car is a DD and long distance traveler (TN > TX, TN > LA, TN > NY, etc.) that can be run on the 1/4mi., open track, PT events, etc. for fun and experience.

After it's running it'll go in for bodywork (minor wheel well rust) and paint. Theme will be TransAm Series style, CandyApple Red (red int.) with the TA flattened black on the hood, fendertops, headlight buckets.
Hope to see ya'll soon at the RTTH in the Smokies and other events.
Jon

dlove63
01-13-2013, 02:53 PM
Nice car and some great ideas for it.

rustomatic
01-15-2013, 09:54 PM
That looks like a good starter. The nicest thing and most dramatic change I've made recently is Global West lower control arms and strut rods. The movement possible in the front suspension makes a night and day difference over bumps in turns, high-speed stability, and overall suspension function. The stock stuff/configuration will only allow your car to feel like it's still trying to catch up to the 80s.

Buy reverse eye springs to avoid using 1-inch blocks when mid-eyes are not enough, unless you're a real big dude, or have a huge gas tank...

BMR Sales
01-17-2013, 07:12 AM
Welcome to the site! I love the early coupes and there are some great builds here for sure to get ideas & share!

Angelo
01-18-2013, 05:30 AM
Always liked the transam look for the coupe. Nice car. Welcome to the site. Your in the right place for great advice or ideas from great people. I know I have.