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Re: 72 GTS frame restoration
I bought the car back in 2003, of all places on Ebay. It was in Kentucky where it had set for 14 years with a blown engine. It was originally a H code car, but I always wanted an early 1970 Cobra jet engine in a project, so after a year or so of coming up with all the the right DOOZ 1970 parts, I have one. It's far from stock, but will be streetable. I put in new axles, and built a 3:50 traction lock rear when building it. I have had a 69 428 Mach 1 that was done to this standard, it also was a long multi year project, so I have been the big block route, too. I have the entire interior all new and ready to install in black, and will be putting a black vinyl top back on. But I am painting it the factory 72 meduim blue metallic and going with a blue lazer stripe. I had one in these colors back in 1974, and always found it to be a comfortable car, with a good ride and handling. The wheels are in nice shape, old american racing slots in 14 X10's, and 14 X7's up front. Micky Thompson the only supplier of L60-14 tires, so they are gonna have to be it. This is going to be just like the car I had in high school......back in the day. (a long time ago) Very retro project for me. I had the same wheels, tires, exhaust, just like this one has back then. That car was an H code, too.
I have been in the automotive field as a Master ASE certified body man and Auto Technician, and a Master Engine Machinist for over 30 years, and own my own shop, as well as being the fleet manager/lead technician for my hometown's city police and public works vehicles. I built my own body rotisserie, and have the tools and training to repair and fabricate most anything I need for these projects.....except the time. I at best get to spend about 8 hours a week on it. The body is fairly solid, a few rust spots in the floor boards, and trunk floor are about all that need attention. But those are having to be custom fabricated, as no one makes any floor panels for these cars. It is taking considerable time to get the replacement floor and trunk pans fabricated, and get all the bends and depressions just right. I spend a lot of time with a metal shear, brake, and bead roller to get these right. I will paint it in pieces and assemble it as the parts get finished. I hope to have the body shell painted and installed by April, and move on to other parts one at a time. The one part I am still searching for is all 4 full length wheel opening moldings, but I am sure someone will be re-popping them before long. I have seen sets of NOS ones bring over $1000.00, so there should be enough incentive for some company to tool up for them! I will be keeping this car, probably my last automotive restoration project. It is just getting too expensive to do it right, and I hate to do it any other way. My attention to detail on this build drives my wife crazy, but she is a car fanatic, too. She drives a 77 Trans Am she bought new in 1977 everyday. But of all the cars I have owned, the 72 Gran Torino was one of my very favorites, so it is worth it to me. Thank you for all the interest in this project.
Charles
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1972 Gran Torino Sport
2008 F350 4x4 Crew Cab Lariat 6.4 Twin Turbo Diesel
Last edited by weekendcarcare : 11-29-2007 at 03:29 PM.
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