1966 Convertible 351W AOD Heidt's 3.40 Trac Lok Project

[Coleman]

I bought this car and a 65 Convertible parts car from a neighbor in 1998. It had been rear ended and the parts car was from Ohio and had significant rust. However, the 66, was a rust free north Texas "wreck". Originally was a C code, Rangoon Red, manual three speed, and AM radio. No AC, PS, PB, power top or any other options. All that is gonna change!

I asked the community college if they would fix the rear end damage. At first the answer was no, but I offered the parts car as a donation and they accepted the offer. (Eastfield Community College, Mesquite, TX) They had the car for about 3 months. Two new full quarters, tail light panel, partial inner fenders, etc. I had to pay for the materials.

 

[Coleman]

I got the car home and it sat for a couple of years.

 

[Coleman]

We wanted power steering and power disc front brakes, so I decided to buy a complete Heidt's Deluxe front end kit.

 

[Coleman]

For the rear end, I found what is believed to be the "narrowest" FORD 8". This one came out of an early 60's Ranchero. Board member and friend, John Anschutz detailed the 3.40 Trak Lok out of a Mustang II.

Thanks John!

 

[B67FSTB]

Nicely done !!
Great job :thu :thu

 

[monkeystash]

Very nice! Can you give more details of how the car will turnout when finished? If it ends up anything like your FB, it sure will be sweet!

 

[Coleman]

Thanks guys!

This car won't be as detailed as the 65. Its being built to drive, by my wife, mostly.

The engine and tranny have been trail fitted. The engine was rebuilt locally using a "Badger" rebuild kit with an RV cam. Since the engine came with v-belt drive, I converted it over to serpentine using factory FORD pulleys and bracket for AC and PS. Late model brackets for the belt tensioner, ps and alt are from a 302. The large black ac bracket is for a 351W and came from Summit. This was a lot less than buying an after market set up. The AOD transmission came from a local transmission shop and is equipped with a shift kit and 2,200 rpm stall converter. Had to change the engine oil pan so it would fit "over" the new cross member, yea right! Looks like it fits, allegedly the engine sits no higher than it would with factory mounts. (although it is taller because its a 351W)

I am installing my favorite in dash AC system Gen IV from Vintage Air. I have over the years acquired parts for the resto, including a power top kit, Rally Pack, GT fog lights and non AC console. When you look inside the car, it will look like a well equipped stock 66.

I also want it to have a trailer hitch for towing small trailer. I bought a correct 65/66 hitch, but want to convert it to square tube. It was originally a black standard interior and it will go back that way too for now.

Finding long tube headers for an 351W and AOD combo was futile. But, late model 351W Mustang shorties fit perfect! Hope the Magnaflow Stainless Steel Exhuast will fit under that unibody brace!

The only rust repair was to the rear floor pans. I think the convertible top leaked in its previous life.......

 

[Coleman]

Since I have so much room without the shock towers, I ordered this from Summit. It is basically a Corvette Master with a Dual Diaphram 8" booster. The Heidt's kit came with GM Camaro disc brakes from the 70's? So it will have power disc front brakes and drum rears.

I'm finished with all I can do in my shop, its now at Lazy K Garage in Eustace, TX. This is the shop that completed my father in laws 65 FB. It is owned by Ronnie Killion, aka HotRod Cowboy on vmf. Ronnie works a real job during the day and is transitioning into retirement and full time at Lazy K Garage.

He has had it in his shop working on it for a few months now and its starting to look like a real car!

 

[janschutz]

Keep up the updates Jerry, I was wondering when you would add this one the the build thread.


PS did you take the 67 out on the ice today? I drove my 68 to work,

 

[monkeystash]

Jerry, any concerns about the hood closing? Looks tight with that air-gap.

 

[Coleman]

Keep up the updates Jerry, I was wondering when you would add this one the the build thread.


PS did you take the 67 out on the ice today? I drove my 68 to work,

John,

We did not go out at all today! Too Icy! You are very brave!!! Since I'm snow/ice bound, I have been posting this build. Damn, I still can't believe you drove your precious 68!

 

[Coleman]

Jerry, any concerns about the hood closing? Looks tight with that air-gap.

Good noticing! That is an air gap! And, it is an area of concern........

I'm looking at weld on scoops as one option and the late model Mach scoop as another. The late model scoop would be affixed to the engine and fit through the hood. I am through with fiber glass hoods!

 

[ko67]

wanna buy some hood hinges for the 66? Seriously, nice update... Come out to Cars and Coffee on Saturday! Your watch dial will be done by then.

Kevin

 

[Coleman]

wanna buy some hood hinges for the 66? Seriously, nice update... Come out to Cars and Coffee on Saturday! Your watch dial will be done by then.

Kevin

Yes, on the hinges! I won't make the Carz and Coffee, have another commitment. Yes, on the hinges!

 

[fordrule]

nice build

 

[Coleman]

Its tight under there with the late model dual sump oil pan. Quick ratio Thunderbird rack is what Heidt's sent with the power steering option.

 

[fordrule]

awesome build. even if it has corvette parts

 

[abrahamfh]

WoW, amazing work as usual.

What was your method when it came to cleaning and stripping the rear end to get it ready for paint.

 

[Coleman]

WoW, amazing work as usual.

What was your method when it came to cleaning and stripping the rear end to get it ready for paint.

Thanks!

In the before pic above, it had been pressure sprayed at the car wash to remove dried on crud. After disassembly, I deburred it with a 4" angle grinder. Then sanded it with a steel brush and sand paper to remove loose "stuff" then rattle can rustoleum for the 10 footer look.

 

[Coleman]

awesome build. even if it has corvette parts

Oops!