Frank’s ‘66 Mustang GT Restoration

1. Frank’s ‘66 Mustang GT Restoration “down under” A restoration story, in pictures ...

2. In the beginning …. Back in February 1996, I found this genuine factory-prepared ‘66 Mustang GT out the back of a local classic car importer’s yard in Adelaide, South Australia. Every panel was dented and there was evidence of minor accident damage on the right-hand side... but it was an original GT hardtop - the rarest of the ‘66 GT’s as most were convertibles or fastbacks. Supplied to a customer in Texas, there was no rust and it was clean and straight …. an excellent candidate for a full ground-up restoration. This commenced in April 1996 and 5-years later, it was finally finished. I’m sure you will agree … the result was worth waiting for. Apart from converting it to right-hand drive, this vehicle has been brought back to completely original condition. The family has had immense enjoyment in owning this American classic and taking it on week-end runs. We have also had considerable success at the few car shows we’ve entered … including runner-up at a major local event, the Birdwood Classic, at one of its first outings in 2001. The fun continues since the restoration was completed. After 10 years and more than 35,000 new miles on the road, it has proved to be totally reliable… a classic from an era where you actually drove the car, not just pointed it. To any car enthusiasts looking for an enjoyable “mid-life crisis” toy, I thoroughly recommend a restoration project like this. Here is my story …. Click your mouse to start the show

3. The day it arrived, March 3rd, 1996 (note the “bondo” filler)

4. Under the hood, the original 289 V8 … everything’s there, but it’s a total mess ... Mar ‘96

5. Beneath the filler … no rust, just an “expert” repair…:) All paint now stripped, restoration has begun ... April ‘96

6. Engine out, interior stripped … restoration well underway. Conversion to right-hand drive was completed by July ‘97 Aug ’96

7. Completely coated in green “EP” … (epoxy primer) June ‘98

8. Engine bay detailed, running gear rebuilt ... Aug. ‘98

9. Engine, transmission, differential and radiator rebuilt Sept. ‘98

10. First public outing … Mustang Roundup, Adelaide 1998. The engine and trans had been refitted a week earlier Nov ‘98

11. Underbody, exhaust system, hydraulic lines completed Oct ‘99

12. Interior painted ... guide coat on, body paint is next ... Dec ‘99

13. Really starting to get somewhere now ….. Dec ‘99

14. Paint job finished … curing in the “Low Bake” oven … Dec ‘99

15. The 289 V8, fully rebuilt to “A”-code GT specs. Connected up and ready to crank over ... Feb 2000

16. A new interior, waiting for the rebuilt aircon unit. Note the right-hand drive conversion and Rally Pac Mar ‘01 (The Rally Pac is a pod straddling the steering column, holding a clock and a tacho)

17. Rear view showing the special GT trumpet exhausts ...

18. After 5-years, the finished product ….

19. Specifications and list of Options ... Engine: 289 cubic inch (4.74L) “A”-code “Challenger” V8 engine Bore: 4.00” (102mm) Stroke: 2.87” (73mm) Lifters: hydraulic Carburettor: 4-barrel Autolite 4100. Venturi diameter 1.08” (27.4mm) Power Rating: 225 BHP @ 5,200 RPM Transmission: C4 automatic, 3-speed Differential: 3.00:1 Ratio Options & Extras:FactoryGT package - comprising heavy-duty suspension, front wheel disc brakes, fast ratio steering, fog lamps, twin exhaust system, louvred tail pipes, GT stripes, GT gas cap and badges. Power steering, power brakes, factory airconditioning, styled-steel wheels, white-wall tyres, push-button radio with door & rear speakers, centre console, Rally Pac, deluxe woodrim steering wheel, Interior Décor Group package (“Pony” interior), mesh headlight protectors, full mirror-image right-hand drive conversion, custom “66 GT” number plates. Click mouse to exit

20. a Frankly Typical presentation 009/11 Feel free to pass this on if you know any early Mustang enthusiasts who may be interested. I can be contacted on mustangs@adsl.on.net Click mouse or hit “enter” to quit