September 10, 2021

Done!

Well not really, but mostly done. I have the carpet only laying in place, and panels and trim behind the seats is yet to be fitted, but the car is driveable and I'm enjoying having it back together after too long idle!

This is a "resto-mod", which means it is restored to look original but with some modern upgrades and improvements for reliability and ease of use. All of these upgrades could be reversed to make an original car, and the original parts have been kept. Some of the upgrades are:

  • Coilover front suspension - better steering
  • Five speed transmission - an overdrive that the previous four speed did not have
  • Electronic fuel injection - better than a carburetor, choke, and includes timing control
  • four wheel disc brakes - better stopping than the original disc/drum setup
  • electronic instruments - look like the originals, but more accurate than 55 year old parts
  • 302 roller cam V8 - externally the same as the 260, but with reduced friction and a bit more power

    Click any picture for a larger view.