Resto-mod Order

[cjperry81]

I have a 66 coupe that is essential stock and I am planning on doing a mild resto mod to it. I was wondering if someone could give me some advice as to how I should go about doing all of it. It currently has an Inline 6 and I would like to have a shop put in a mild 302. The body work I can do my self minus the painting. Lastly I want to upgrade the suspension and rear axle. Most of the suspension work I will leave to the professionals. What order should I do this is so that i can start to plan and budget. SHould I do the body work and then have the engine work done or vice versa. I just wanna know what most people view as the most normal progression for this project. Thanks

CP

 

[rbohm]

as with building a house, you need a proper foundation to build on. thus you want to start with the chassis, suspension, and brakes. then do your drive line, then body and interior.

as for swapping the six in favor of a V8, how about daring to be different? build the six instead. check out Ford Six Performance Home/Index in the forums and check out Classic Inlines Performance Parts - Home for tech articles and performance parts for the small six. you can build a 200 to make 250-300hp with a turbo and a T5 that can be as fast as a mild 302, and you get the added advantage of lighter weight on the front end, thus better handling, and better fuel economy with the six.

 

[cjperry81]

Ive been going back and forth for some time now about whether or not to hot rod the inline 6. I think it sounds awesome and have done some research but im just having trouble pulling the trigger. I dont mind being different....plus it would be sweet to roast a v8 off the line with an inline. Do you think that it would be more cost effective to just work with the 6 i have now? Also I know I will need to upgrade cooling ect. but will I need to upgrade the rear axle also? I have the stock rear axle in it now. Would a hopped up 6 need me to upgrade to an 8.8 or 9 inch rearend?

 

[MustangB]

My Experience with RestoMods

I have a 65 Convertible that I turned into a wonderful daily driver. This was not cheap, nor quick but the end result was worth it.

In order of importance, I'd suggest a dual master cylinder along with a front disc brake conversion. The rears can remain drums for street duty without problem.

Second, get a modern steering setup. I got the TCP power rack&pinion. This single change had the most effect as far as the driving experience. I also installed TCP coil-over front suspension. This made the car corner with much less body roll and without those old bushings, it was like a different car.

The rear springs on your car are probably tired after all these years and the bushings are rotted. Spring (excuse the pun ) for a new set along with bushings and shocks. You won't be disappointed.

If you combine the above with a set of new wheels and low profile tires, your old car won't feel or act old any more.

As far as the engine goes, I used a 1995 GT motor. I like the fact that it starts instantly with the EFI, and the five speed makes highway cruising a no-fuss affair. This was a lot of work, with the wiring and all, but well worth it. The motor is bone stock, and while not a rocket, it will get up and go.

I kept a blog for most of the transformation here: 1965 Mustang Restomod

 

[DukeGnarley]

even if you keep the I6, I would upgrade the rear axle from the 7.5 to an 8" model for the 5 lug axles, and also upgrade the front spindles to the stronger V-8 ones. This will give you a better wheel selection, stronger parts, and better selection of disc brake kits.

 

[rbohm]

Ive been going back and forth for some time now about whether or not to hot rod the inline 6. I think it sounds awesome and have done some research but im just having trouble pulling the trigger. I dont mind being different....plus it would be sweet to roast a v8 off the line with an inline. Do you think that it would be more cost effective to just work with the 6 i have now? Also I know I will need to upgrade cooling ect. but will I need to upgrade the rear axle also? I have the stock rear axle in it now. Would a hopped up 6 need me to upgrade to an 8.8 or 9 inch rearend?

unless you are going to make a lot of power, more than say 250hp, the stock six cylinder rear end will do just fine. i agree that swapping to an 8" rear end is a good way to go, mostly because they are cheap to buy, and more than strong enough to handle a hopped up six.

i can understand being reluctant to build the six, parts tend to be expensive compared to the more plentiful V8 performance parts, but at the same time it is hard to get better than 25mpg on the road from a V8, where as a number of hopped up sixes get up to 30mpg.

there is a guy on fordsix that has a 62 falcon powered by a turboed 250 that runs high 10's in the 1/4 mile, and it is driven daily by his wife.