Where to start!

[Ervinr82]

Hey everyone, I need some advice on where to begin to restore/mod my 66 Coupe. Some particulars, 289 2bbl, no rust, straight frame, starts fine, has oil leak ( i think its just a gasket) decent paint, need a tiny bit of interior work.

First off, I really would like to keep the original engine with the body. I am all for updatign stuff, I just feel it would be a bad deal to part the two. But before I stick to that. I am considering getting it rebuilt, I called some shops and they are quoting me roughly 500 or so bucks. And a few shops said that it would just be better to buy a new engine, I'm not sure if they are just trying to make money. What should I do on this? Just rebuild and maybe bore it out? or should I just buy a new one?

Either way anyone have some good spots for both around San antonio, or somewhere that wont kill me on shipping?

I am also considering getting it painted, anyone have any good reputable places in the San antonio/Texas region? good price and quality work.

Misc. parts Interior/engine wise. Good online/local sellers anyone suggest. I have found roughly 5 million part sellers online :) and would like to narrow it down.

Wheels/tires? Local or online sellers? Suggestions?

Sorry to throw all these questiosn on everyone, but this is my first classic car, and I want to do it right the first time. I am really looking forward to hearing suggests on what course of action to take. So please help me out :)


THanks ahead of time
-Robert

[latamud]

Rob,

I know this is an old post but no one replied. First off, if you want to keep the original engine don't let anyone talk you into getting a new engine. If you want to keep the car fairly stock then rebuild the engine if it needs it. Although, in my opinion I would be disappointed with a mild stock engine. It will come down to your time, money and end vision for your car. My car started as a $400 parts car so it was nothing for me to cut and drill all over the car.

Things I would check/replace/mod:
Brakes
-going fast is cool but being able to stop that fast car is cooler.
--Upgrade to disc brakes at least in front, if needed replace rear drums
--upgrade to dual reservoir master cyl and replace brake lines
suspension
-lots of people will replace their stock control arms for stock replacements
--cheaper to rebuild them, new ball joints and bushings (polyurethane)
-If shocks are bad then replace them, a good set of shocks will change the feel of the car over old worn out ones
-replace the front sway bar for a 1", maybe add a rear sway bar if you're getting into performance driving
-lowering the car will get it to handle better
--a simple DIY mod, front and rear
steering
-replacing worn tie rods and center link can tighten up play in the steering
If you have power steering, a manual steering swap can tighten up the play even more. Although, PS is nice for cruising
wheels and tires
www dot dodgestang dot com
-the above site has charts for all kinds of wheel and tire combinations for classic Stangs. I'm #69 on the 65/66 chart.
Cooling system
-Upgrade to a 4 core radiator, step up would be aluminum, step up would be aluminum cross flow
-replace all hoses and heater core. You don't know how old the heater core is and can be a PIA to replace.
-electric fan
Engine/tranny
-Stock 289
--aluminum heads or E7 if on a budget, 4v intake and carb
--replace cam, lifters, timing set
--replace all gaskets including rear main seal
--new fuel system, pump (maybe electric) and lines, hoses, filter, sending unit
--new water pump, starter
--add headers and dual exh, H or X pipe
- or 87-93 5.0 engine, carbed or EFI
- or 351w swap
- maybe a 5 speed swap

This list is't complete just a baseline with suggestions. Have fun with it, its your car.

[Midnight Crawler]

That sound like you have it going on there.