Bret
Jordan of Pleasanton, CA has assembled one sharp looking '65
Fastback. Overall Bret wanted to have the styling of a classic car
while enjoying the benefits and handling of a newer car. Judging
from the combination of performance parts and styling cues, I'd
say Bret got exactly what he was looking for.
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Body...
The
body has been treated to a midnight metallic blue base with silver
rally stripes to offset the chrome components. A fiberglass hood
with Shelby scoop was installed to reduce some front end weight to
help in the handling department and give it a more aggressive
look. The grill area was dressed up with the installation of
Tri-Bar vintage style headlamps a GT grill and GT lower valance.
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Interior...
For
the most part the classic look was maintained in the interior. The
black pony interior was accented by the addition of a Carrera
woodgrain steering wheel and Total Control Products billet
aluminum pedal covers. A Haneline instrument cluster was chosen
for more precise readings and a more modern look. The inside of
the car gives little hint as to what lies beneath.
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Engine...
For
the engine Bret elected to go with 351 Windsor with aluminum
Edelbrock Performer heads and an aluminum Edelbrock Performer
intake. To further reduce weight at the front of the vehicle an
aluminum water pump was also installed. A MSD ignition and Holley
750, with vacuum secondary, feed the engine as exhaust is handled
by JBA Shorty headers, Flowmasters and 2 1/2" exhaust. This
combination makes for a nice driver that has that extra something
when you need it most.
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Chassis...
A
35 year old unit-body chassis makes it difficult to achieve top
notch handling characteristics, so a little assistance from Total
Control Products was required. TCP's complete Tower Brace Kit was
installed to strengthen the engine bay and shock towers. To
further tighten up the chassis TCP's Subframe Connectors were
welded into place along with their unique bolt-in cross brace. The
difference in handling after reinforcing the chassis was a very
welcomed surprise.
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Suspension/Steering...
For
a much needed suspension and steering upgrade, Bret again turned
to Total Control Products for the answer. A manual Rack &
Pinion would be the fix for the Mustangs inherently poor steering
system while a Coilover Conversion kit would give the sporty and
responsive ride that Bret was looking for. Del Alum bushings were
installed at the rear leafs for a more solid feel. KYB Gas-a-Just
shocks at the rear and Aldan Eagle adjustable coilovers in the
front provide predictable and sure handling.
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Wheels/Brakes...
Chassis
and suspension upgrades are not able to perform to their fullest
ability without a tire, wheel and brake combination that is up to
the task. American Racing Torque Thrust II's were fitted with
Dunlop Sport 9000 tires. 17x7 with 205/40ZR17's in the front and
17x8 with 245/40ZR17's bringing up the rear.
Stopping
power is handled by Wilwood disc brakes all the way around. The
12" rotors in the front complimented by the 11" rotors
in the rear made a dramatic difference in the stopping distance.
The increased wheel diameter, low profile tires and disc brakes
work very well together and give a modern yet classic styled
appearance.
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Restomod
Style...
The
completed project's performance is a world away from the original
factory version. The power, handling and stopping characteristics
of a modern sports car are now conveniently packaged in a classic
automobile. Bret now enjoys cruising the East Bay Area and
oceanfront drives down California's winding coastal highway 1 with
a confidence and sureness never before felt in his 35 year old
vehicle.
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Links...
Fiberglass
Hood - www.maierracing.com
Engine Components - www.edelbrock.com
Suspension/Steering - www.totalcontrolproducts.com
Wheels - www.americanracing.com
Tires - www.dunlop.com
Brakes - www.wilwood.com
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