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

[Coleman]

Quick Update.....

Picked car up today from Ronnie's shop. (hotrodcowboy) Drivetrain is finished. Drove it for the first time ever. Pretty neat. Anyways, engine runs great with the rv cam, (289 firing order gave Ronnie fits, who knew?) Battery in trunk, ac roughed in, power steering works, power brakes, power top, etc. I am very pleased and time to get busy! Next is the exhaust. I purchased the same Magnaflow stainless steel exhaust as my 65 as I really like the sound, but the crossover interferes with the convertible frame brace and its not connected to the headers. (kinda loud!) Anyways its going over to RPM, Rich's Performance Muffler, for install so I can drive it around a bit. Updates to follow more frequently now that its back home.

 

[janschutz]

Great that you have it back. I need to relocate my battery to the trunk also.

Sorry, but I did not check for the seat tracks over the weekend.

 

[Sluggo]

Nice!

Is that a summit streetfire ignition box?

 

[Coleman]

Nice!

Is that a summit streetfire ignition box?

Thanks Sluggo!

Yes, it's compatible with the MSD distributor.

Quick note on the posi......... it works!

 

[Coleman]

Minor Bling

Added this neat little gadget to the air cleaner. I think this was patented locally by a couple of Mustang guys.

First pic is the standard wing nut.

Second pic is the kit.

Third is installed minor bling!

 

[Coleman]

Finally got the exhaust done. Too little time lately to do any posting or car work.

I am copying a fellow hobbiest GT exhaust mod by turning down the actual exhaust prior to the valance, and welding the GT Trumpet on top of or near the turn down after paint and body work. (last pic)

Little progress and quick post! BTW, sound nice!

 

[Coleman]

Now that its running and I can hear and observe.......

My new water pump sat too long I guess (5 years!) and the bearing is squeeling......Must replace :censored

Pumpkin is leaking......Must remove, reseal, and replace :rant

Contention with emergency brake cable union and front universal....Not good :shrug

Brakes......SUCK! Think it needs a residual valve to hold some pressure to the rear? Peddle fade is unacceptable. Probably spoiled with the hydroboost on the 67. My 65 Brakes suck too.

Power steering whines! Need to pull a vacuum on it. :steer

Not happy with the 67 Shifter on the AOD? :wtf Anybody have an AOD with the original 66 shifter? I want the interior to look stock.

 

[Fast68back]

http://www.quik-latch.com/

cool idea!

 

[Coleman]

Sheet Metal, fiberglass bumper useable front valance, lights, ac, sequential rear turn signals, emergency flasher, fog lights and horns. DONE!

A rough test hood was cut for the air cleaner so that a hood scoop can now be sourced.

I LIKE unpainted, multicolored, mismatched Mustangs with riveted on hood scoops. (see 1967 FB)

Bumpers next and then we are going to drive it a bit and sort out the bugs and visit a few body shops for a "budget" paint job.

 

[Fast68back]

What are you planning to run for wheels and tires?

 

[Coleman]

I have a set of 15" Styled Steel Wheels that were new, but set so long in shop that they found some rust they liked, but anyways, they are going on for now to match the rest of the "fall colors".

 

[Coleman]

Driving it now! Working out the minor bugs, etc. Looking for some paint quotes.

The rear bumper is off a 67 or 68, oops. Thought it was a 66...

The water is from the air conditioning, its nice and cold, with a perfect weighed in charge.

The interior is in the attic, figured paint first then install.

 

[janschutz]

Wont be long Jerry! Cool, you now have more that are drivable than me. I need another!

 

[Coleman]

Wont be long Jerry! Cool, you now have more that are drivable than me. I need another!

I'm selling my 68 Camaro!

 

[Coleman]

200+ miles and counting before cold weather....

Carla and my oldest daughter are wearing it out....Yea!

Add another beater to the stable!

 

[Coleman]

Today, 04-04-12, Carla and I took the car to a trusted Dallas Body Shop that specializes in Mustangs. I asked for a time estimate: 6 to 8 months. That's the good news! Bad news?, gotta buy or rent something for Carla and my daughter to drive on the Power Tour! BTW, its at Orbit Body Shop on the South East Corner of Forest and Central, been there 25 years, same owner, Curtis McCarty.

 

[Coleman]

Dropped some parts off at the body shop today. Dash is on. Convertible top frame removed, painted and reinstalled, convertible top trail fitted, chrome trim and lights removed, and front end paint removed to bare metal. Damn, thats progress! Two days at shop and counting........

 

[1497]

Speedy. Maybe I should have Curtis paint ol yeller.

 

[Coleman]

Carla's car is finished with the exception of the interior door panel and locks. (back ordered for now)

Three weeks at shop, has to be a record!

Anyways, here are a few phone pics at body shop.

 

[Coleman]

Oh, I decided on a hood scoop. Not my first choice, but functional. Its a 2006-2009 Rousch Hood scoop.
The body shop liked it cause it has bolts cast into it. I liked the original Shelby Scoop but could not get it over the RPM air gap, carb and cleaner without contention. Pics to follow.......