The result of checking things out....

Could not resist the temptation any longer. Had to break out the wrenches and put my touch on the 66. I am having a ball working on the car. Took the front seats to Jeff at National Parts Depot in Canton Michigan for a complete makeover. I thought they looked great as they were. Now they look like they did in ’66. He used all the NPD available items on the seats. Foam, covers, dog legs and the complete kit. Fantastic products and a supurb outcome. Can’t wait to put them in the car and row through the gears.

You know how it goes. You start on one thing and it just keeps going. Opened the hood. That was the first step in a long line of updates and check outs. Speaking of out. Out came the carb, carb box, Paxton blower, radiator, valve covers and all attending hardware.

Sent the blower unit to Craig Conley at Paradise Wheels Inc. He took over the Paxton service when Paxton went to their new system. He will check it out and report back on his findings. Figured it would be best to do this now and make sure it is good to go for the upcoming cruise season.

Opened the blower box and found a Barry Grant Mighty Demon 650 carb. WOW, is that thing shiney. 650 cfm and a double pumper. True performance carb.

Pulled the radiator to get it boiled out. After thinking about it I felt a three core unit from NPD would fit the bill. Picked up a three core radiator from them along with a few other items. Got a Mustang Projects LED brake light kit. Also got a front LED kit at NPD. New upper and lower radiator hoses and clamp kit were on the list. That is just some of the items that I picked up for the ’66. Now I will really have fun putting them in.

This is what I enjoy. Putting my touch on a car. Sometimes the touch is a little heavy handed. Usually I like to think that I am improving on perfection, if that is possible. I have enjoyed this part of the hobby for years and I am in my zone doing this.

While doing all this improving my favorite and only oil that I use – Gibbs was on the job. Everything was removed with help from Gibbs and all will go back together with help from Gibbs. The secret weapon in any mechanics tool box – GIBBS.

Got the Marauder loaded up and off we went to return the car to storage.

The fantastic 427 w/tripower in the Maurauder

Hanging at the corner or Trumbull and Fort W in the "D"

I helped my friend Nick move his 1964 Mercury Maurder into Cobo Hall in Detroit for the 60th Autorama. Never been to set up for Autorama so this was my chance to see what it is all about. Well, I am glad I packed an extra bundle of patience. The joy of sitting in line for two hours has to be experienced.

We loaded the car up and got to the entry line at 8 p.m. The assigned check in time was for 10 p.m. Never guess what time we got into the hall to unload.

Nick took his paper work to the MHRA table and got his spot number. He rolled out his carpet and started the set up. The car was fired up and off loaded. He drove it over to the spot and the crowds were starting to gather. That is a very nice car. The black paint is flawless and the car is arrow straight. With the hood up the ohhs and ahhs really picked up steam. The under hood of the car is just as good as the out side.

I will be going down to the show. The show is full of the best of the best and is always a treat. This much eye candy can cause eye ball overload.

Opened up the bonnet on the 66 Paxton. My jaw hit the fender when I got a look at the carb that was in there. A 650 CFM Barry Grant Mighthy Demon. WOW, pretty and shiney. Double pumper with dual inlets. The big problem for me was the lack of a choke or provisions for a choke. The prior owner felt the need to put the big gun under the bonnet. It has been a bear to start. I felt that there wasn’t a choke or it was stuck open. Got a fresh carb built by the local carb magic man (Mike R). Can’t wait to try it out.

I’ll be running into some of my Gibbs customers while at the Detroit 2012 Autorama. Always good to see the folks.

Ready to roll packing a Paxton

A friend of mine, Kevin, called and asked if I could help him bring his new ride home. We had some snow and he didn’t want to chance bringing it home in questionable conditions. So off we go to pick up his 1987 Buick Grand National. What a car it is. 15K on the clock, never been in the winter slop. Every tag and chalk mark is on the underside of the car. Has the original factory tires on it. Probably has the factory air in them.

He had been looking for a number of months for the right car. When he found this one he couldn’t believe his luck. It is a rare find in it’s own right. The owner had put it up for sale and had sporatic interest. He would put it on a posting site and then take it off after no action. I don’t know how he didn’t sell it right off the bat.

My buddy Kevin is ready for the upcoming cruising season. I know I am. I am really looking forward to putting some miles on the cars this year. Did not get to do much in 2011. Watch out 2012 I am going to be hitting the road big time.

Nestled safely in their beds.......

The 66 and the 2011 share quarters for the winter months. After the wheel change on the 66 they were both covered up and tucked in for the remaining winter months. They are always ready for a spin around the block when the weather permits. For that matter, I am ready for a spin around the block also.

Planning a full cruise season this coming year. Also getting ready to put the order in for the 2013 Boss 302. Was sold on School Bus Yellow. Saw a photo of a great shade of blue that may change my thinking. Still time to figure out what I will do.

Getting ready to do a free give away with Gibbs orders. Stay tuned for developments as they unfold.

Correct wheels and tire size changes the look.

Getting ready for new shoes

Took advantage of some nice weather and put the new shoes on the 66 Mustang. What a dramatic difference in the appearance of the car. Judge for yourself. I think it now has a more period correct look with the repop Shelby wheels on it. I don’t think anyone will tell me it is a BULLIT car again.

Another year is behind us. Hopefully, 2012 will be better for all of us. Looks like we will be blasted with political stuff till November. I hope the ship gets righted before we go under. I for one an getting worn out on being Politically Correct. Can’t wish someone a Merry Christmas for fear of hurting their feelings. Give me a break. Kids are shooting up schools, teachers are being attacked in the class room but we can’t pray. I better stop now before I get wound up.

Gibbs was good in 2011. Sales are up and many of the prior cutomers are coming back. Many new and then becoming repeat customers during the year. Best call I got was from a fellow on the east coast that wanted to let me know that his son was winning in his shooting competition. Seems his gun is firing quicker and ejecting shells faster and not jamming during the competition. Some one walked off with his can of Gibbs at a meet. Wonder if that is a new customer that I got.

Looking forward to the next cruise season. Got the 66 GT350 clone and the GT500 in the barn ready to roll. Plan to take in as many cruises as I can this year. Hardly hit any in the past year. Going to make up for that. Have to stop by the dealer and get the latest on the 2013 Boss 302 order book. Have to find out when the order book will be opened. Got my name on the list. Want to make sure I am still in the number one spot. Saw a picture of the 2013 Boss in a blue color that looked very nice. I was thinking school bus yellow. May need to rethink my color choice.

I had a good time in 2011. The Boss Reunion was a great time. I got to judge all those beautiful Boss cars with Ed Meyer and Dave Riley. I was the scribe. I just was writing down what they told me. A tremendous learning experience for me. Got invited to the banquet afterward. Sat with Ed Meyer, Jim Wicks, Kevin Marti and some other shooters in the Mustang hobby. Talked to Steve Ling from Ford. The director of Marketing for Ford. What a day that was. The next day was Mustang Memories at WHQ. The show broke all the records. Fantastic turn out and I had a great time. Got to park in the Charter Member area. I guess when you start a club in 1975 you get a good parking spot.

Also went to the National Muscle Car and Corvette show in Illinois. Just went and hung out with the guys. Met and spent some time with Mopar Tony. What a character. Steven Julinio was there with his Chrysler show car. Got to meet and spent some time with Colin Comer. Bob Gaines of Boss 429 / Shelby fame was in attendance. Ed Meyer was showing a great looking convertible. Also old buddy and fellow Ford Retiree Jim Engle was there with his fantastic 65 289 HiPo.

Do some searching on Craigslist and find a pair of seats ten minutes from my house. Turns out the owner is a fellow that I have met at some local cruises. Looked over his killer 69 Mustang drag car and did some bench racing. Caught up on a few of the fellows that I haven’t seen in awhile. It was a very enjoyable evening. Scored some parts that I needed and had some good conversation.

Taking some Gibbs out to him in a few days. Will make that drag car faster.