'69 Torino GT Fastback

I have a ton more photos, but rather than copy and paste, feel free to check them out on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?i...1&id=512323892

Quite a bit more bodywork needed than we originally thought!

More progress!

Removed the rear light panel that was wavy like the ocean and prepped it to receive the "new" panel.



The replacement was way better but had still been hit at some point. Is there a Torino in existence that hasn't been in an accident?



Closer look at the back.



While that was going on out back, it was time for me to start cleaning up this lump of crap.



Tada! All clean! It might not look much different in the photo but all the grease and gunk is gone. I used a special metal cleaner on the intake that fizzed and stank to high heaven but it removed decades of oil and gas stains. It's not perfect but it's way better.



Next week, I'll paint the engine.

Hey NasalGoat, great job showing us how your project is coming along! I will be replacing my whole tail panel, too. I got lucky and found a NOS one locally for $100.
Have you double-checked your cowls, to make sure they aren't rusted thru internally. It is a very common Torino/Mustang problem, which often can't be seen. The best way to find out, unfortunately, is to drizzle some water down thru the cowl and hope it ALL drains off down over the outer end of the door post/cowl area, like its supposed to. If your carpets wind up wet, like mine did, you've got more work to do..... And, trust me, it is a LOT of work to replace the whole cowl.

Have you installed the Auto Krafters quarter panel patch yet? I need one of those, and would like to know how it looka and fits, or if I should buy a different one somewhere else....

No water that I know of, so they're probably good.

As for the AutoKrafter patch panel, it's crap. The creases are dull, not sharp like the originals, and the bottom lip bears no resemblance to the original in any way.

We ended up mostly just using the wheel lip portion and saving as much of the original one as possible due to its general crappiness.

Originally Posted by NasalGoat

No water that I know of, so they're probably good.

As for the AutoKrafter patch panel, it's crap. The creases are dull, not sharp like the originals, and the bottom lip bears no resemblance to the original in any way.

We ended up mostly just using the wheel lip portion and saving as much of the original one as possible due to its general crappiness.

Aw, hell. Why doesn't anyone make GOOD quality repair panels! The other ones I've used looked and fit like they were modeled by eye from a bad picture. They took a good bodyman to make them look like they fit.
Thanks for the heads up though, I'll shop elsewhere.

I actually went right through this thread, but what panels do you need? That is a heavy car, what about Fglass panels. Crites Restoration Products

Originally Posted by v8shadow

I actually went right through this thread, but what panels do you need? That is a heavy car, what about Fglass panels. Crites Restoration Products

If that was addressed to me, I need a rear lower quarter patch panel. One that really fits would be nice.
I am thinking about a lightweight hood from US Body Source, but shipping is a killer. I already have very good fenders, dooors, and trunklid, so i won't spend the money to go with glass for those parts. I do have lightweight glass bumpers already.

More update photos.



The "new" back panel installed and test fitted with the tail light.



Also test fitting the side marker lights and the Torino badge. Normally I shave the badges but these ones look good!



Time to paint! I covered up everything that I didn't want Ford Blue.



That engine enamel sure comes out shiny! I covered every square inch of the thing. It looks lighter in the photos than it really is.



While it was drying, I decided to take a few minutes and start the first coat on the engine compartment.





Lookin' good!

It's been awhile and there has been some progress.

The engine compartment is all done!



Well, not completely done, but done enough that it's running again. The battery is now in the trunk and all the new wiring is in.



Aluminum radiator too.



Also, all the windows have been removed, the rust fixed, and the windows put back in and sealed up.



This used to be a big rust hole. All fixed!



Finally, dumped that external regulated alternator for a 3-wire GM one.



The car was supposed to be done in May. So much for that!

dang! you have done some seriously great work! what did you use to clean and prep that engine while it was still in the car?? it turned out awesome.