If you're starting a new classic-Ford project this year, you have a lot to consider. The variables include budget, work space, time, ability, and more. Even with all the hard work, few things are more fun than the hunt for a new labor of love and the process of creating the car you've always wanted. As you progress through the project, there will be many great moments, and one of the best is the first testdrive in the finished result.
So, first things first. What is your project going to be? We all love Mustangs, and of course they must be included on any list of potential project cars. However, there are many other great Ford cars you could consider for your next project. Some of us may already have a Mustang and might want something different for a second car. (That would be me!-Ed.) If you're not dead set on a particular model, keep a lookout for a killer deal on a classic-Ford that's too good to pass up. Although you may be looking for a Fairlane, don't ignore a great deal on a Falcon.
We love all Fords, but from a high-performance-project standpoint, some years and models are better than others. While we have nothing against a hopped-up Edsel or a four-door Maverick, we want to look at the brightest examples in the vintage-Ford spectrum for performance modification, mostly from Ford's Total Performance years.
If you're in the game of creating a modified classic-Ford, there is a wide variety to choose from. We'll look at some Ford engines and see what modifications have been done to enhance both looks and power. Finally, we'll see a couple examples of each type of car equipped with modifications from mild to wild.
All Things Considered
We all have our dream projects but not all of us have a dream bank account. You're setting yourself up for failure if you live on franks-n-beans and you're looking for a '67 Fairlane to receive a supercharged modular, pie-plate disc brakes, 18-inch wheels, trick suspension, and a full custom interior--did I just describe my own dream project?
Take your time and shop around. While it's true that many of the classic Fords we want are escalating in price every day, and there are fewer examples out there to be found, you can still find a decent deal with patience and persistence. Know what you want, what your budget can handle, and work from there. Don't know a thing about paint and body? Then find a solid car that doesn't need any metal work, and then drop your drivetrain du jour into it.
You can always work up to your dream car. Maybe you want a '63 Galaxie with a Cammer and an old-school four-speed, but that Cammer engine is going to cost more than the car you currently drive to work every day. Find yourself a Mustang hardtop or a clean Falcon to start with instead. Get your feet wet, build a nice little restomod, and then use the profits from the sale of that car to fund your true dream project. You'll get project experience, time under the hood, and enjoy a fun driver. We've even heard of people taking an older project and trading it with some cash or other valuables for their dream project.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today, and don't forget to show us those great before and after pictures, and tell us all about your project. -Mark Houlahan
The Mustang is a good place...
The Mustang is a good place to start, and this photo shows an early-production '641/2 convertible. This Wimbledon White ragtop is a good example of the very beginning with its 260 V-8 engine. The full wheel covers with faux knock-off spinners look sporty.
Second on our list of best...
Second on our list of best Fords to modify is the Falcon/Ranchero platform. This '63 Ranchero is super-cool and so stock it's painful. This little truck is calling out to us for a 347 and a T5 trans.
In 1964 the Falcon went to...
In 1964 the Falcon went to this more squared-off design. This V-8-powered red convertible is an ideal candidate for modifications. The Mercury Comet also fits nicely into this category.
Here's another example of...
Here's another example of a series prototype that's stock as a rock. This '62 Fairlane began the Total Performance years. The 221 engine was introduced alongside the new Fairlane and became known as the Fairlane V-8. From outrageous Thunderbolt replicas to sleeper-type musclecars, all of the Fairlanes make excellent Ford restomods.
In 1966 the Fairlane was completely...
In 1966 the Fairlane was completely redesigned, and the result was one of the prettiest cars to come out of the musclecar years. We love Coke-bottle Fairlanes with their beautiful lines and great engine selection. This black '67 Fairlane convertible GT has the 390 engine and is a fine example of the breed. It's almost too pretty to modify, but never say never!
Full-sized Fords like this...
Full-sized Fords like this '63 Galaxie hardtop are popular with the restomod crowd, and the full-sized cars are the fastest growing segment of our hobby. These cars have a separate chassis and the build quality is solid. The 427 FE engine in this car offers tons of go power.
Thunderbirds of every vintage...
Thunderbirds of every vintage seem to end up modified, and the '61-'63 versions are especially sought after. This fully loaded T-Bird is a primo example from that generation. Modified first-generation Thunderbirds are more common than you might think.
Almost any type of engine...
Almost any type of engine modification you can think of has been done as part of a classic-Ford restoration or modification project. Let's take a look at a whole host of options for your restomod Ford. This underhood shot shows the most popular kind of induction setup; the single four-barrel carburetor on an aluminum intake manifold. On this restomod, everything is super tidy with a chrome export brace and Monte Carlo bar.
Here's another single-quad...
Here's another single-quad setup, but this is connected to a frontal air source at the core support providing the beginnings of a true ram-air induction.
Underhood on this '64 Fairlane...
Underhood on this '64 Fairlane we see twin four-barrel carbs or dual-quads. The carburetor throats are enclosed in an aluminum doghouse and fed with ducting from air-intake ports at the high-beam headlight openings. This is an arrangement that many Fairlane folks like to borrow from the famous Thunderbolt factory racer. Can you tell if this is a real Thunderbolt?
Here's a variation on the...
Here's a variation on the same ram-air induction. This time the induction includes a dual-quad setup with a bug-catcher scoop and a tunnel-ram intake manifold. This setup is great for top-end power but can be a handful in heavy traffic.
Once you go beyond multiple...
Once you go beyond multiple carb arrangements, the next step on the performance ladder is a supercharger. The unit shown here is a Paxton centrifugal blower feeding a carburetor in a pressurized enclosure. It can be tough to tune, but once it's set right, this arrangement can work well.
Engines using EEC-IV fuel...
Engines using EEC-IV fuel injection are a popular restomod engine upgrade. Besides the wow factor, smooth running and great fuel efficiency are the main benefits.
Stepping up to a modular engine...
Stepping up to a modular engine is more complicated but well worth the effort. Here's an impressive 32-valve 4.6 with a twin-screw-type supercharger.
Here's another example of...
Here's another example of a blown 32-valve modular engine. This time it's done with chrome and polish for a lot more flash.
Here is a 5.4 Lightning engine...
Here is a 5.4 Lightning engine installed into a '65 Mustang convertible. Since these blown engines are known for extreme torque production, serious chassis reinforcements were necessary.
Here's a '66 Mustang fastback...
Here's a '66 Mustang fastback that's only mildly modified, but the results are slick. It's got a set of 15x7 styled-steel wheels in place using '67 center caps. Sometimes simple does the trick.
This restomod Mustang is an...
This restomod Mustang is an example of the opposite school of thought. This car has a blown 32-valve engine, oversized rolling stock, and custom bodywork including a billet grille, shaved door handles, and a beautiful paint job.
Another modification strategy...
Another modification strategy that we really like are replica racers. Take a '68 Mustang fastback, paint it Wimbledon White, and equip it with colorful graphics like this one-of-50 428 Cobra Jet Mustang factory racer, and you'll have a super-cool restomod that will really turn heads.
Yet another category of restomod...
Yet another category of restomod is Shelby replicas or clones. With genuine Shelbys costing a small fortune, these are becoming increasingly popular as more and more aftermarket parts become available to help the enthusiast create a GT350 or GT500 replica. Is this GT350 a clone?
Radical customs like this...
Radical customs like this '65 Mustang done for Cher by George Barris are something we don't see too often anymore. Barris was one of the greats, but customs like this are often over the top and not always appreciated by the cognoscenti.
Turning our attention to the...
Turning our attention to the Falcons, we see this '63 Falcon Sprint with the 260 engine. With the V-8 engine and four-speed manual transmission, it's almost a factory hot rod from the very beginning of the Total Performance years.
This '63 Falcon is a little...
This '63 Falcon is a little deceptive with its plain-Jane trim and poverty hubcaps. The truth is this car is all set to do a 9-second quarter-mile with its 434ci Windsor engine.
The '65 Falcon Sprint convertible...
The '65 Falcon Sprint convertible is the fully loaded factory hot-rod version of this car. With just a set of Keystone mags and some Radial T/A tires, this car is ready for a front row parking spot on Saturday cruise night.
This '65 Mercury Comet fits...
This '65 Mercury Comet fits into the Falcon category, and these cars also make an excellent restomod. Start with a two-door hardtop, add the factory twin-scoop hood, and you've got an A/FX factory experimental racer clone.
In the musclecar Fairlanes,...
In the musclecar Fairlanes, the beginning is 1962. This post or sedan version is a racer's favorite because the vertical post makes for a more rigid car. This '62 has a hopped-up small-block engine, flame job pinstriping, and steel wheels with hubcaps.
Here's the Fairlane hardtop...
Here's the Fairlane hardtop for 1963. This car is the last of the finned Fords and is a collector's favorite. The first few experimental Thunderbolts were '63 sedans.
Most of the hundred or so...
Most of the hundred or so Thunderbolt Fairlanes built were this '64 sedan body. Equipped with a solid-lifter FE 427 engine, the Thunderbolt ran low 12s, which was really haulin' back in the day. A favorite subject for Fairlane-clone projects, the Thunderbolt Fairlane makes a colorful restomod subject. This particular car happens to be a genuine '64 T-bolt.
This '67 Fairlane is the next...
This '67 Fairlane is the next generation of the breed. This slick-looking GT is equipped with a 390 engine and four-speed manual transmission. With the possible exception of the Mustang, this car may be the best-looking Ford ever built. (Great, now I'll never be able to afford one!-Ed.)
Here's another example of...
Here's another example of the beautiful '67 Fairlane. The late-model Mustang wheels look good and fit the larger car just right. Just this modification along with an excellent paint job can yield spectacular results.
The next version of the Fairlane...
The next version of the Fairlane is shown here in Mercury Cyclone incarnation. The slippery fastback roofline worked out well at the racetrack, and the famous NASCAR Talladega was based on this body style.
The full-sized Ford Galaxie...
The full-sized Ford Galaxie makes an excellent restomod. This '64 wagon is an awesome example with its shaved exterior, custom paint, and oversized rolling stock. This big car has plenty of room for everybody, and the FE engine provides plenty of power to get the radical wagon moving.
With such exquisite detail,...
With such exquisite detail, the full-sized Fords were almost like a factory custom. This rear taillamp assembly is from a '63 Galaxie 500. You won't see this elaborate ornamentation and attention to detail on any modern car.
Another full-sized favorite...
Another full-sized favorite with the restomod crowd is the Galaxie Starliner. This '61 version has been modified with a 427 SOHC engine and rear wheeltubs to accommodate full slicks.
The Starliner doesn't want...
The Starliner doesn't want for interesting detail either, and these falling stars on the rear-roof pillar are just one example of the detailing on these beautiful cars.
With first generation Thunderbirds...
With first generation Thunderbirds going for over 30 grand, you'd think folks would be afraid to modify them, but this is not the case. This '55 Thunderbird is looking good with just chrome reverse wheels and baby moon hubcaps.
The Galaxie was restyled in...
The Galaxie was restyled in 1965, and this is the '67 version. This hardtop with its elegant styling and fastback roofline makes a good-looking subject for modifications.
This very yellow '55 T-Bird...
This very yellow '55 T-Bird is the next step up the modification chain with a 385-series big-block engine and custom wheels.
Here is yet another '57 Thunderbird...
Here is yet another '57 Thunderbird gone the restomod route. The wire wheels and unusual hardtop are two interesting features, but the big highlight on this car is the 427 SOHC engine.