Finally sealed the deal for a '73 fastback. Originally, it had a 302, auto, gauge pack, center console, power steering, power disc brakes, NACA/NASA hood, and vinyl top. Not too bad of a start. I have most of the pieces to put her back together. The most significant missing piece (besides an engine/tranny) is the rear seat back....which will likely translate into a rear seat delete.

I'm planning a Day 1 resto, complete with H60-15/F70-15 rubber wrapping around vintage style tires/wheels. I'm not sticking with the 'vintage' 302, but going for a 385-series based 514 backed up by a C6 and Currie-sourced 9 inch rear. It will look like a 429 at least. The factory gauge pack will remain (I had thoughts of transplanting the tach into my '71...but I came to my senses). I'm thinking of a factory yellow from that year to somewhat mimic Eleanor. The vinyl top depends on my ability to find the trim pieces needed to make it look right.

Car Domain Site


(Those are vintage looking torque thrusts on the rear....hmmm)

 

sounds like you got it sorted already. How long will it take you to get it together?

What does the guage pack look like? I dont think Ive ever seen one.

I like the idea of a real Eleanor instead of one of the nicolas cage ones.
the old tt's would give it a bit of mongrel look too...tough!

Im not so keen on the vinyl top...reminds me of grandad...not actually a bad thing just a "those old guys with the vinyl roof that drive volvos now" kind of thing.

 

Nasty ! Can't stand vinyl tops...

Great score - should be a slick looking machine when you get it done - the Eleanor idea might look really cool on that particular body style...

 

SWEEET!! More Boats! Been contemplating the 385 swap mahself.. its a possiblity since I have most of the parts. Sounds like that sucka is gonna be nice.. as long as you dont put a vinyl top on it. On a coupe its one thing, but a fastback just looks silly with one..

 

im actually with u.....vinyl tops bug me but thats our opinion.
but should be a sick machine. let us know when 'd-day' is coming!

 

Looks like a fairly solid body to begin with. Trash the vinyl top idea. There's not enough top anyway.

 

It'll probably be 4 years or so before the parts pile is big enough to get the right start. A set of floor pans and some interior rustproofing will be the first task. Then comes the $ saving for the paint and drivetrain. Assembly itself would be about a year.

I'll try to remember to snap a couple pics of the gauge pack over the next holiday weekend. Basically, it's the in dash tach and a trio of gauges above the radio.

My only thought about the vinyl would be for the originality factor. The missing door data plate may be the biggest hinderance to that. It isn't too likely the vinyl will go on, unless I find it's more rare than just being 1 of 10,6xx.

 

Here is what she will look like once you are finished.
http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/time...1EricHelms.jpg

 

Make it a yellow, and it's good. Wonder how using the Mach 1 scripting to spell Eleanor would look (in the same location)? Since it isn't a Mach 1, I won't be putting the Mach 1 name on it....the stripes, yes.