Restoration Alley - The Ford Torino Cobra Site

Mark Smith in Kalispell Montana

February 23, 2001 - I finally have a minute to come up for air. Quick GT update. It actually goes to the body shop on Sunday. I decided this last Monday to install my front end kit myself. Never having done this before, I was a little hesitant, but I will have it back together tomorrow afternoon after only 11 HOURS of working on it. I went with all urethane and replaced EVERYTHING. A buddy is gonna help out with the steering cylinder rebuild. She's stripped down to bare body, even yanked the wiring harness, (pray for me on this one).

March 13, 2001 - My car is in the body shop and I will degree in the cam and start assembling the engine on Sunday, MUCH yet to do. See you in August.

March 31, 2001 - Here are some post sand/bead blast pics. One pic of the passenger door shows the holes from some prior body work, the only I found on the car. The engine compartment and trunk were sand blasted and the body bead blasted. Through the tear down, I have found that the car is all original # matched engine, trans, diff, front inner fender wells, etc. Engine assembly is running behind, work is busy, the 70 hrs per week kinda busy, gotta make it ta spend it. More pics to follow.

3-24-2003 - Mike, howaya? Finally some 68 GT Restoration Alley pics. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, after many detours like an engine in my 69, my wife's new ride "the caddy", the original body shop that I finally pulled it out of because of lousy work just before they got busted for running a Chop Shop, a 90 Mustang 4 banger that's my commuter ride, payed $300 for it and stuck some wheels on it, it gets 29 MPG but is scream'n for a big block, I am back at my 68. At this point the car is ready for the drive train which will happen this summer, then back to the body shop for the final Candy Apple Red spray job. I started this resto thinking that it might take as long as a year and half. Well ................ timing, like dollars went through the roof. After blowing the original budget, then getting an "authorization for a cost overrun" from my boss, only to fall short again, I think now I'm close (after 3 years). What I've found in the last 2 years or so is that there are a whole lot more FE parts available then there were. You know, the real nice to have stuff that fits great under the hood and helps make HP. But, we all know that that stuff ain't free, hence the budget revision. For a while I thought I might just have to cook the books, but having the most accepting wife on the planet saved me from that task. And that old station wagon parts car I sleep in ain't that bad, really. I will pick up my roller cam, lifters, valve train, and Edelbrock RPM heads next month in Washington (the state) when I check out a swap meet in Portland Oregon. I'm very much looking forward to getting this car on the road as I have built my motor pretty much as Hot Rod Mag. did an FE and they found 450 HP hide'n inside. I plan to put in on the road with a traction-lok 355 gear set and I just gotta believe a good time will be had. A GearVendor's unit will go in it some time next year for maybe the Woodward Cruise trip. Have a great summer, Mark.

3-25-2003 - This is an oops, I forgot to include a couple of pics of "the caddy". Guys, I'm tell'n ya, buy her a caddy and you can get away with a lot of stuff, (car oriented stuff). And heck, I'm think'n my wife will want to see her car "on the net". The 300 HP 32 valve Northstar does scoot pretty darn good too. More to follow, Mark.

10-29-03 - "Hi Mike, I don't think I've sent you the pics of my 69 engine bay after the engine rebuild. Could you please add these to the resto alley page as this is what I've been up to instead of my 68. These were taken after putting 1,500 miles or so on it, but I hope they show the incredible amount of hours spent detailing, 'cause man oh man, I had my finger on the paint can and my head stuffed in there a long time. Pretty much painted every nut and bolt. I tried out the 1,800 degree manifold paint from Eastwood, and is it great. I prepped them with a wire cup brush on a grinder body, then sprayed then with Brake Clean and painted them. Didn't mean to, but I dropped one of'm on the floor and the stuff didn't even chip. After 5,500 miles they look brand new. Have a great day. Mark"

Jim Manley in Bremerton Washington

I have been following your site for a while now and enjoy it very much. I noticed a new section called restoration alley, maybe my car can qualify. I work on it when the time and money permits but I decided to tackle this project from the ground up. I have never restored a car, but I am a welder by trade and I grew up racing oval track cars in Flint. This car I bought last summer and it has been on its side since Jan. It even withstood a 6.8 monster earthquake with out falling. I have just finished with floorboard patches I welded in then undercoated with POR-15. The motor is a 351c4v, not the original but the same type that came with the car. I hope the pics can add some enjoyment to the restoration alley. Thanks for the great Torino site

Paul Dickhart in Westland Michigan

Mike, Sent her in to be blasted and painted this weekend. They say three to four weeks to whip her into shape. Boy, That's gonna seem like forever. Paul

4-28-01 Got new pics today....(the last two above)

6-5-01 The day I got it back and the most resent. Trying like hell to make it for July 28th. Dearborn Classics back ordered a bunch of my parts. Kinda screwed till I get them. Paul

Mike, I took pictures today, Almost ready for the 28th. I got my FlowMasters and tires (245-60-14) Saturday. Go ahead and post if you wish. Paul

Richard Allen in Australia

G'day Mike. Didn't know if this is the correct area to send you stuff about my resto , but here it is. As you know it's a 1968 XTGT. 302 windsor, numbers match car. No it's not a Torino nor a 2 door, but it might be of interest to you and your readers. My RPO coupe is next. Taking a look at your resto alley pics and that red Torino gave me heart. I thought we had it tuff. You guys have that bloody rust to contend with and a long Winter lay-off. Still you're coming out of Winter now and all the rev-heads must be charging their batteries. I've been in touch with Tom in Phoenixville PA, trying to get over for the Carlisle show, but it doesn't look as tho we'll make it. The Ozzie dollar keeps dropping and we cant get an idea of our costs. Wish I could make it for the weekend, but we'll see. Sorry to wake you from THE DREAM!!! Rich

John Mack of Tucson, Arizona

My name is John Mack and I live in Tucson, AZ. My 1976 Gran Torino is the best thing that ever happened to me and I'd be honored if you'd include it in your photo gallery. It will be going in for a show-quality Starsky and Hutch paint job April 17th, but it looks pretty darn good now. It has a 351-M (bored to a factory 400) and the interior is as new as the day it was made (August 18th, 1976). Thanks for your site!

4-29-01 - Well, the process of transforming my 1976 Torino into the Starsky and Hutch car has begun! Take a look! BTW: Too bad Ertl doesn't make a 1974-76 die cast because the ones they have out are super! John Mack

8-31-01 Hi Mike! Well, I know it's been four months since my last update, but things move very slowly in the restoration world! Here are a couple of photos taken last week and yesterday. The stripe came out great don't you think? It took us 5 hours of looking at photos of the original Starsky and Hutch car (s) and moving the template around here and there. The car will be all back together around Sept. 15th or so. I'll be sure to send you completed photos! John Mack, Tucson, AZ

Mike here is my 429 project car for your resto alley. More to come as it progresses.

SMCNICOL

Mike, This is my scj-r cobra I'm restoring. I am trying to get it as close as possible to original.4.30's,4spd,tinted glass and pastel blue/black bench.Great site. Rick Thompson

"These are my first pictures of my project car, it's a 70 429scj-r, these pictures are after I puleed the engine and gutted the interior just got a digital camera."

Anthony Intrieri

"Mike, I e-mailed you a few months back with pictures of a car I picked up in Missouri to replace a car I owned in my youth. I sure you receive a ton of e-mail but I thought I would Include a few of pics my car prior to going to the paint shop and more are to come as I go through the process. I have a goal of making it to the Ford nationals in Carlisle PA next June with this car. It will be close but I think I can make it. Yes I started to detail the motor prior to paint. Don't ask me why I guest I was just bored. The car is currently stripped and I found a few fiberglass patches where new metal needs to go but nothing major so far. Also I a few question I was hoping you could answer. I need to know where the black paint around the front fender extensions is to be applied. Currently it is to the inside of the seem not to include the lip. I remember my first car having the lip painted as well. Could you clear this up for me. Also who would you recommend as a supplier for seat covers and carpet? I know the comfort weave is no longer available.

Thanks, Tony Intrieri"

10-23-2002 - Mike, The car is now stripped and almost ready for primer. New Door hinges were needed as the old ones were shot which caused the latch mount screws in the door to center and crack the surrounding metal. We were able to use metal from a four door car that was sitting in a local salvage yard and weld in the pieces to fit. If anyone else had this problem yes a four door door can be cut to fit. More photos will be on the way soon.

Tony Intrieri

11-1-2002 - Mike, Just a quick progress report on my car. You know you never can tell what lurking under the paint till after you strip it off. Yes some rust spots were found. This is where a great Body shop can make all the difference. My guy "John" Has an eye for the slightest imperfections, He can also cut and weld with the best of them. I wanted to send you some of the "just welded" areas of the one problem quarter and my passenger side door repair so you can have something to compare them to later. One more thing the Hand shaped patch quarters that are sold for the 70-71 cars just plain suck. If anyone is considering them you might be better off looking hard at NOS used or fabricating the spots you need if the spots are small enough.

Tony

11-5-2002 - Mike, We are moving right along as my savings account balance goes down hopefully the value of my car goes up. It look as if the car will be painted and on its way back home this weekend and believe me I am ready to start taking things at my own pace instead of trying to keep up with my folks at their paint shop. More pics on the way soon. Tony

11-25-2002 - Mike, It been a while since my last update. After a long two days of color selection I think we have matched 70 Ford red pretty well the car has been sprayed with three coats of base coat and 3 coats of clear it was then wet sanded and buffed to a mirror like finish. It was then put roll back to my place where it currently resides. Now for the fun part. A new interior, Carpet & seat cover are to be installed and I will be cleaning anything that I feel I can unbolt, clean paint and reinstall. I will be sending more pics as things develop. See ya on the road soon, Tony

12-6-2002 - Mike, I have attached a few more post paint pics. Things are moving along a bit quicker now as I have acquired a space heater for my garage. Where I am located and at this time of year this becomes a must have if I am going to make to Carlisle by June. It may be a while till I get send you anymore pics as we have 8 inches of snow outside and it's rough shooting my car while it is inside the garage. Tony

1-14-03 - Mike, Things are moving along nicely. Both bumpers are out being chromed as are the trim pieces along the door ledges. My seats are being upholstered with new covers and I expect to have them back shortly. I think I am on target for Carlisle I hope to see a few of your loyal web page readers there. Time to get back in the garage. Tony

3-10-03 - Mike, Things are moving along slowly but surely. Bumpers are back and the rear is installed. New carpet is down and the new set covers are installed (a big thanks to Gary) and in the car. I have the chrome along the top of doors back and installed. The head lights, (another big thanks for the pics to Mike the Cobra) grill, and stone deflector are installed. I am currently looking for a new windshield and a few warm days to allow me to get back in the engine compartment and clean things up again. More pics will be on the way as things move along. See ya, Tony

4-5-03 - "Mike, Things are moving along quite quickly now that PA is warming up and I am right on track for Carlisle's Ford Nationals. My bumpers are bolted on, a new windshield is in place (NOT a cheap item if you are lucky enough to find one) and the inner fender wells are in place. I have a few more items to bolt on but I have all of them and need only the time to get things done. I have started to detail the engine compartment but I have a ways to go yet. I will keep you posted. Tony"

4-22-03 - I am finished for the most part Yahoo! (like any of us ever are really finished with our cars) I have some detailing left before Carlisle but these pics shall be the last that I will submit to your restoration corner. Thanks for your help and I hope that my restoration might inspire a few other Cobra owners to follow suit and hopefully surpass my efforts. If anyone out there is currently working through a restoration and might have some questions that I could help with please feel free to pass on my Email address. I will be at the Carlisle PA Ford Nationals (you will be getting the pics & video footage) and I might be attending a couple other shows this summer rest assured if there are Torinos present I will be snapping photos of them.

Thanks again, Tony Intrieri

1-2-2005 -"Mike, Well my car is back in the restoration alley this time for all the things I should have done the first time, My Motor is in the process of a rebuild and I went for the 6115 Hooker ceramic headers after receiving advice from some of the members in your forum (thanks : ) guys), Since the block is out, it's time to clean up everything that I couldn't get to with it in. I have attached some pics and more will be coming as things move along. If anyone is in search of a restoration shop that does great work in central PA. Drop me a line. Racertcix@earthlink.net Many thanks to you for your site. It is invaluable as a source of information and you and the people in the forum are great!

Tony Intrieri"

2-23-2005 - "Mike, The motors done! Yeah! Now all I need is a really big shoe horn to get it and my new 6115 headers back into my engine compartment. I have never installed a pair of headers that came out of the box in 8 sections but everyone in the forum says they are the only way to go so I am taking the leap of faith. More pics to come as things move along.

Tony Intrieri"

3/8/2005 - "Mike, Winter is almost gone and my motors back in place. I have not fired it up yet but I am keeping my fingers crossed that my Machinist is as good as everyone says he is. Will keep you posted. Tony Intrieri"

"Mike, Here are some pictures of my winter project. It's a '70 N code Cobra 4-speed car. The project kicked into gear Oct. 24 and as of last weekend the underneath, suspension and engine compartment are media blasted and the motor, trans and rear end are being freshened up. I'll send more pictures as the project continues. Thanks for a great web site, your doing a fantastic job, Ken Anderson"

07/12/03 - "Underneath of the car is done, waiting for motor to be reassembled."

please include these pictures in your restoration section.. thanks
TIM GERBER, RICHMOND VA.
7O TORINO GT

2-25-2003 - More from Tim Gerber

4-6-03 - More from TIM GERBER 70 Torino GT Richmond Va.

4-7-2003 - "Restoration Bad Banana" " I decided to get a digital camera and get my 71 Cobra restoration to you, I hope it transfers OK. I'm turning her into a land speed racer B/CGC class, painting the under side and engine compartment with truck bed liner to keep the salt out of the metal. Being real meticulous with the front suspension Comp. Eng. race shocks, all new componets from performance suspension. Been waiting forever for new spring craddle bushings from Deaarborn. Heads ready to install, angled and ported new Manly stainless valves. Crane mechanical roller springs, ready to breath up to 8,000 RPM with a 4781 Holley. Budget will probably take till August of 2004 before I'm ready to run at Bonneville. The Mustang II was a screamer that I crammed a 302 Cleveland I rebuilt into, unfortunately my son lunched it. It has to wait for my Cobra resto, before it is revived.

Steve Walters wawa290@cs.com Blackfoot, Idaho"

5-11-2003 - It only took two days to get the spring cradles from Mustangs unlimited Mike, thanks for the info. Here is a couple of pictures to add to the Steve Walters file in restos. Started to remove windshield and headliner so I can get started on the roll cage.

Save the salt, Wa;

8-23-2003 - "I know that when we send pictures it should be progressive of the resto, but when you've gone this far there is no sence in doing it wrong. Been sand blasting a little bit every week. Can only stand about 20 minutes at a time in resperator, before I have to come up for air. I can't find new wheel arch panels or quarters, guess I will have to bondo again. Sorry about the wheel damage Mike, I think I had better invest in better axles' before I go land speed racing. I won't be smoking the tires, but I sure as hell don't want to lose one at two hundred miles an hour. It didn't look like you had bondo where your damge was, you must have a good steel man? I dumped my clutch at 4,000 rpm when the car was two weeks old, went around 180 degrees' and slambed into a building, all I remember was being pinned to the seat, after saying hold on Rodney. Man did I feel stupid!!!

Thanks Steve Walters"

3-1-2004 - "Mike I have made a little bit of progress on Bad Banana. 12 point roll cage nearly done. Put a tilt steering wheel in, inner roof painted, aluminum dash installed but not finished. The roll cage attaches to a frame rail crossmember along with the parachute mount which exits through the gas filler bung hole. Wa "


			New grill from a Galaxie

6-20-2004 - Latest pictures of restoration Bad Banana. Steve Walters

"Ragtop's '68 mercury ragtop restoration photos - Thanks for letting me add a little to restoration alley. This is my 68 Montego MX convertible. When I bought it, it didn't look that bad, but in reality...it was wearing so much paint that all the edges were chipped, and the car had a "heavy" appearance. As it turned out it had FIVE COMPLETE PAINT JOBS on it, in addition to occasional repairs for small dents, and rust. (I won't say "rust repair" because this was more like "hiding rust" bodywork). Having failed with aircraft stripper, went to a seven inch electric grinder and 40gt, and 80gt. open coat disks To remove this paint to the bare metal. Taken slowly this can be an efficient method, but I don't recommend this course for the beginner. The progress was stunted as I only had occasional use of shop space. For instance, I took it to full a blown body shop and paid 250.00 for a weeks work space. It was snowing at the time. That was where the major grafting, and dent removal took place down the passenger side. The sides were coated with Sikken's 3+1 primer and I took home a gallon of this stuff un-mixed for the remainder of the car. After straightening everything I would apply this to one section at a time: Right body, hood, trunk lid, other body side, then overall. I would set my time at 20 hours per weekend use of the shop. The color Code "T" was applied over two weekends first the hood and pass side, then driver's side and trunk area. This explains the masking. Following this the color was blocked with 400 wetordry, then topcoated again, and again, and again. Then it was blocked with 400 again, then buffed to perfection. The Paint is DuPont Lucite Acrylic Lacquer shot with mid-temp thinner on a 75 degree afternoon. There is no clear-coat on the car. The paint I applied was in 1994, here, and am beginning to sand it down again for the change to black...I "blueprinted" the body with black to be certain all things were completed correctly. This also was Dupont #99. blocked and buffed for inspection. So I know what to expect going to a black car. Thanks, Pat Webb "ragtop"."

12-4-2003 - "Hey Mike, We started to take apart the Vert last nite and I thought I would share the rusty mess with you before we cut and weld in new metal. We have lots of work to do. But I think it is worth it. We got the Marti Report and it is one of 103 1970 Torino GT Convertibles with the 351C 4V and the close ratio 4 speed trans. It even has the 31 spline axles with the N case traction lock rear end. Not sure what gear is in it now, it did have a 3.50. It may be a 3.70 judging by the engine speed on the freeway. Chris Jones"

Mike "McFord" McPhillips

12-7-2003 - "Mike, Heres some more pics for your restoration alley. It all started with going in to fix a small dent. It was in the same area where the quarter panel was getting thin, so i figured since we would be going into that general area of the 1/4, may as well fix the thin metal. As you can see, it was definitely worse than it looked. All new metal was welded in where the rust has been cut out. The craftsman doing the repair work is Bob Reeves, owner of Car Shine Auto Refinishing in Eaton Rapids, MI. He's big in Olds 442's/Cutlass's, but quality work doesnt care what make its put to good use on. It also felt good to hear him say what a nice car it is, thats alot coming from a GM guy! Ron Savage pointed me to Bob, all I heard from anyone else I asked was good, so thee it went. It should have paint on it now, and I'll have new pics on Monday. Now i wqe could just find a red laser stripe for a 72!

Mike"

Grant Hatch

"Here are a couple pics of my new Cobra. I'm trying to get all original equipment back in it. I think she's worth putting back together! It's a "J " code 429 SCJ Drag pak 3.91 bucket seat console tach car w shaker and C-6. Thanx, Grant"

Evan from Holland

12-29-03 - "Hi mike, I was looking for this car in Holland for about seven years. Then I made the decision to go to the states and import it. But at the last moment I found my beauty last summer here in Holland sitting in a old barn. My baby is a 1970 Torino GT Sportroof with a matching 351 cleveland. In February she'll go to metal and paint shop. I ordered a new edelbrock 4 barrel manifold and 600 cfm vacuum carburetor both alu polished, I hope I get them soon.

I´am aiming at April or May to take her for the first spin... "

4-30-04 - "Hi Mike, Well It’s the end of april and I am putting her back to getter again and replacing the weatherstrips. These pics were from march when she came out of the paint shop, I got my hands on a pair of rocker mouldings and restoring them, can’t wait seeing how they fit…

Great site, Evan Reitzema."

The Lewis Family

8-31-04 - "Here's a couple pic's of my 71 cobra.I bought it in 2001 in Atlanta 5 miles from my dad's house That I drove back to FL ( 90mph the whole waY home without a hick up LOL) The first set of pics'a are when i bought it . I then had a speeding pick up hit the Rt quarter ( he said he wasnt speeding, yeah right.) the last pics show the car in the shop getting another quarter and rust repairs. . One day i hope my car looks and runs as well as yours. I'll send more pics when it's out of the shop. The Lewis Family"

Gord

11-4-2004 - "We brought this car home about a year ago, rusty in places, not very many parts came with it. Have been trying to find enough pieces to put it together. It is a 71 Cyclone Spoiler, 429/4-speed, "J" code Ram Air...We are unfortunately using pieces from a donor car in better condition to save this one because it is so rare....the cowls needed replaced, the floor pans front and rear on the RH side, the LH rear quarter is being replaced (no pics yet). the car had been beat from front to rear, side to side, but it is all stripped out, the process of repair has started.... Gord"

11-9-2004 - "Mike, I sent a couple of updated pics, maybe you can add them? not as much progress as I had hoped for but it's coming slowly.. Thanks, Gord "

2-20-2005 - "Still have a long ways to go on the car but any progress is good as you know. Gord"