First of all, if you don't get over to the "off-topic" section much, you might like to get a look at page 2 of 'OUCH". Here is the URL:

http://californiaspecial.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5366&page=2

Now, I know that this may be premature, and I also know that Joe isn't one to outwardly ask for help like this, but I would like to see what we could do to help him out, with his (sadly) wrecked GT/CS.

When he feels up to it, and is recovered (to his usual handsome self!), we need to first find out just what condition the car is in. If it's not "totalled", and rebuildable, then like a "good 'ol barn-raising", I'd like to see our community gather together to see what he needs are to get this beauty back to normal. OR....if it means that he needs a replacement CS, then we'll go find one for him. We have the resources to do this.

I'll begin with a promise to find you 2 Lucas Square 8 Fog lights, and pedistals--if you need them (I can't tell if those were the ones crushed or not)...

And....If you would like, I'll hunt down inner fenders, core support, etc.

So--It's your call, Joe. Let us know what you need, and we'll get it for you. I have all kinds of contacts and favors to collect to get all kinds of things for you. I don't mean to "embarrass" you, but to show my support for a great guy that had some really bad luck lately. This is what we're all about.

Get well, and I wanna see that blower running again! Joe's GT/CS is one of the BEST examples of what owning a Mustang in Southern California is all about--and I'd like to see that preserved. We're talking automotive history here...

Paul N.

I'm in! I'll help scour for parts. :)

I think I know where a '67 dash (metal part) is at. I volunteer to pull it, strip it, paint it and ship it.

Steve (What Dad's are for--bailing the kids out of tight fixes :grin: )

I`ll help too. Count me in.

When Joe makes a decision on the damage, maybe he can make a parts list and we can all scour our areas for parts. Count me in!

Didn't Joe get a Lucas light kit at the Grass Valley BBQ? I was thinking he could start there! I hope no one thinks I don't care because I haven't posted anything to Joe here....I got on the phone instead, the second I saw about his wreck.
Joe, I'm here for you if you need anything. Tim goes to Ventura (NPD Mustang Parts) fairly often and we can get some things if you need them.
We also have a car trailer if the CS needs to be hauled anywhere. You call, we haul! How's the wildfire down your way?

~~~~Donna

All I can say is, WOW!!! I am overwhelmed with emotion by the generosity of the people on this forum.

I'm not sure what my plans are for the car. I just filed a claim on Monday. The adjuster came out today and said they were going to total it. He'll let me know how much they'll want for me to buy it back. So until I get all the insurance issues handled, get healed up, and possibly tear the car down (if I purchase it), I don't have a plan.

BTW, Paul, I still have the lights you gave me at the BBQ. And Donna, my house is OK, just don't like to be outside much. The air sucks.

You guys are the BEST :thumb:

Joe, glad you are going to be ok. I have some spare parts and may have access to others. When you figure out what you are going to do I'm in to help as I can.
Ken

Joe, I just read this post and saw your photos. Wow!! It must have been REALLY REALLY Exciting for a moment saddled with pure OH SH!!!!
As said before the car is just that, a car. Your health is much more important and I'm happy to hear you are alive and will heal.
As for the insurance buy back, I'm not speaking for myself as I have what I need but your CS scoops and rear end should be worth some $$. Even if you decided not to accept their offer, someone on the site might like to accept it from you, or you could Ebay it for a parts car. It would be a shame to let the insurance company destroy it.

On the lighter side...I was thinking of taking my Wimbeldon White diecast CS and smacking the front end in and mailing it to Joe. ::::::::ducking:::::::::::::

On the lighter side...I was thinking of taking my Wimbeldon White diecast CS and smacking the front end in and mailing it to Joe. ::::::::ducking:::::::::::::

DONNNAAAA!!! I can't beleive you said that!! Slap your hand! Whack Whack!! (LOL!)

And to think I was gonna say that it would make a neat snowplow....(well, in a "Pimp My Ride" world)...NOT!

Seriously, folks, thank you for stepping forward to offer your help to Joe. This is tremendous!

Let's hope that he can buy back the CS, and rebuild it.

thanks again!
Paul N.

Hey, Joe would have expected me to pop off with something!
As soon as I knew he was alright, I've been dying to say that.

On the lighter side...I was thinking of taking my Wimbeldon White diecast CS and smacking the front end in and mailing it to Joe. ::::::::ducking:::::::::::::

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I wouldn't expect anything else from you, Donna. When can I expect it?

i just posted up my parts i have to sell , i have 2 complete grilles in parts and a set of black body lucas 8's i have nos headlamp buckets and 2 hoods

hey joe, im really sorry about your car, at least your ok...you didnt have return springs on your throttle? why did this happen? i have two return springs on my carburetor...1 is a safety requirement at the track and the other is just in case the 1st one fails...i guess it really doesnt matter at this point, my deepest sympathy goes out to you

Joe, I was not aware of this. Had seen this thread when it was started but did not know about your loss. As far as I can tell, I watched the dyno video and:
(1) if the accident was caused by a faulty carb, engine build or instal, accepting the money from the insurance co might negate those claims;
(2) the salvage buyback option price should be included in the insurance settelment package, don't try to negotiate this afterward;
(3) the next biggest expense I can think of is the clip, see

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/65-66-67-68-69-shelby-GT-Mustang-front-frame-clip-new_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33590QQihZ009QQitem Z190162607632QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Don't know of the manufactuer, but with a little leg work it could be found.

Was the firewall damage bad? I know you mentioned the dash. Does the motor turn?

The November calendar will be bittersweet.......:cry:

hey joe, im really sorry about your car, at least your ok...you didnt have return springs on your throttle? why did this happen? i have two return springs on my carburetor...1 is a safety requirement at the track and the other is just in case the 1st one fails...i guess it really doesnt matter at this point, my deepest sympathy goes out to you

I had a return spring. It is still on there. I think one of the zip-ties holding the AC hose on to my export brace broke and the hose dropped down far enough to hang up my throttle linkage.

Joe, I was not aware of this. Had seen this thread when it was started but did not know about your loss. As far as I can tell, I watched the dyno video and:
(1) if the accident was caused by a faulty carb, engine build or instal, accepting the money from the insurance co might negate those claims;
(2) the salvage buyback option price should be included in the insurance settelment package, don't try to negotiate this afterward;
(3) the next biggest expense I can think of is the clip, see

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/65-66-67-68-69-shelby-GT-Mustang-front-frame-clip-new_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33590QQihZ009QQitem Z190162607632QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2569407&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2F65-66-67-68-69-shelby-GT-Mustang-front-frame-clip-new_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33590QQihZ009QQitem Z190162607632QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)

Don't know of the manufactuer, but with a little leg work it could be found.

Was the firewall damage bad? I know you mentioned the dash. Does the motor turn?

There won't be any suits coming from me. It was just a freak accident and I believe we have too much litigation in our society now.

As far as rebuilding the car, as I wrote in my earlier post, I haven't made any decisions yet.

Once again, I want to thank everyone for their generosity. I am grateful to be part of such a community.

I had a return spring. It is still on there. I think one of the zip-ties holding the AC hose on to my export brace broke and the hose dropped down far enough to hang up my throttle linkage.

Hey Joe!

If that is what happened, you might see something on the VHS tape I'm sending of your CS at the BBQ. I did some under hood footage.

"IF" you decide to restore your CS, one idea I have is to put either a full '68 Shelby nose on the front, OR get a '68 Shelby hood, and extend (custom work) the front of it, like a stock Mustang hood, with the trim, etc.

That way, you'd have room for the blower, and it would look pretty cool!

Take Care--

Paul N.

Joe,
I am late to this post. Words cannot express what you are feeling. The lord blessed you on this day with your life. He works in mysterious ways and we are all along for the ride only. And what a ride this was....

My elderly father was backing his 428 Cobra Jet F-150 out of his garage. Stepped on the wrong pedal and nearly took me out and drilled a telephone pole. Totaled the truck, but the lord spared his life. Still with me today at 88years old.

You car needs extensive work as you know. 30 years ago, they would part it out. Not Today!!! My 67 Fasback is a rollover with a completely new top. I also had to cut the top off a 67 coupe that took a telephone pole in the front of the drivers door. Top and frame rail work.

It won't be easy or cheap, but you can do it. You seem like a performance guy like me. An excuse to put a modern Mustang II front suspension! Eliminate the shock towers and more room to work.

I hope for a speedy recovery for you. I have only seen your car in pics, but it is so beautiful! I hope to see it pristine once again.

Rob

If you end up seeking another GTCS, I may have one for you. I have accumulated the car and some new parts, but have never seemed to find the time to do anything with it. This is the second GTCS that I have owned since about 2000 (the first one I owned was sold due to spousal pressure after about 4 year and the second one was purchased a few months later in retaliation). Life is what it is and I just don't seem to find the time to deal with this. It if you are interested, send me a email and I will send you some pictures.

Joe

I just caught up with these posts since I have been traveling since last week. Wow - Sorry to hear about your car and I am glad you are okay. Your car is way cool and I still look forward to looking at it in Nov.

Sorry I don't have any parts. I have sold or gave away all of our parts to make way for building our last cobra. Wish I had something left to send to the effort.

Paul

I have scuff plates and rocker panel moldings, original to my car, just need cleaning up. I forgot what else I have... oh dark green door panels. Deluxe hub caps...Joe will never go for that, haha!

Joe,
It won't be easy or cheap, but you can do it. You seem like a performance guy like me. An excuse to put a modern Mustang II front suspension! Eliminate the shock towers and more room to work.



I've been looking at this option from Fatman Fabrications. Any thoughts? Here's a link to their site: http://fatmanfab.com/catalogpage.php?page=22

Joe;
I've looked at that option for my CS but, everybody I talk to is pretty negative on me doing that since mine is an original big block car. But, as we always say "Do what you like" since it's your car. I'm still thinking about it regardless of it being a big block or not. Would definitely handle a lot nicer. How is the healing going?

Don :undecided

Joe;
I've looked at that option for my CS but, everybody I talk to is pretty negative on me doing that since mine is an original big block car. But, as we always say "Do what you like" since it's your car. I'm still thinking about it regardless of it being a big block or not. Would definitely handle a lot nicer. How is the healing going?

Don :undecided

As you can tell, I'm not very concerned about originality. :wink:

I'm healing up pretty well. I'll probably have a couple of more scars to go with my collection. I just got my hand into a removable splint so I can start working out the stiffness. It should be as good as new in a few more weeks. My chest is still a little sore, mostly bothers me when I cough, sneeze, yawn, or stretch. It bothers me a little when I'm in bed if I roll the wrong way, but I'm able to sleep through the night without anything for the pain. So all in all, I'm doing OK.

Joe

Joe,
I have been looking at upgrades to increase the "room" in a Mustang engine compartment and improve the suspension. Fatman in my opinion is the best choice! It still uses the shock tower to load the firewall with the weight of the front end just like the Ford engineers designed the unit body to work. I feel this is the best option! The Mustang II conversions do not place the load in the stock design. In my opinion a major weakness.

If I was buying a GT/CS and it had this upgade, so much the better!! I am not an originality person either.

Build it your way!!! When done it will be therapy for you and way better than before!!! Your car deserves to be fixed!!! But only by you!!

Rob

Well guys, I hate to say this but I don't think I'll be buying my car back The insurance company wants over $6K for it and I just can't see paying that much for the car in the shape it's in. It would be one thing if I knew the engine was still OK, but I don't. The front of that engine got smacked pretty hard, hard enough to smash all the accesories and break the blower snout. With the through-bolt engine mounts I had, the engine took alot more impact than it would have with regular mounts.

Since I just got the 07, I'm in no hurry for another car (don't have room). But I will keep my eye open for a good deal that appeals to me in the future. In the meantime I'll continue to hotraod and drive my 07 GT/CS and 65 convert. I guess I can't complain too much.

Sorry to see it go. Is there any way they'd let you remove enough of the damage where you could see if the engine would turn over before making a decision? I think the only thing that would affect the base engine is if the crank got pushed back and you'd know that as soon as the starter tried to turn it.

Steve

I think the only thing that would affect the base engine is if the crank got pushed back

That's exactly what I'm afraid of.

Is there any way they'd let you remove enough of the damage where you could see if the engine would turn over before making a decision?

I doubt the insurance company will let me do that. I immediately received a letter from them telling me I was responsible for keeping in its current state and safe from theft until we settled the claim. I'd have to cut off the hood and all the accesories to see if it would turn over. May not be a bad idea. I'll ask tomorrow.

Center main cap retains the bearing that sets the end play of the crank. All accidents can affect the end play. But at the same time they are normally long mile motors with alot of wear.

Your car certainly took a hit. If you can jack it up you can use a crow bar (sounds a bit crude) to pry the crank forward, and then pry back. Should seem to be little or no movement (.004 of an inch). I have grabbed dampers by my hand and moved them back and forth if the bearing is damaged!

I would bet that your stout small block came out just fine!!

Steve is right, if you can get a 15/16 inch socket on the front of the crank and try to roll it!

You owe it to yourself to bring this car back. It was so cool!! How can you hurt it to try.

Rob

After alot of thinking, I have made the decision to buy back the car after all. I don't know yet what I'm going to do with it. I need to tear into it and see whether it's feasible for me to rebuild. But I'm sure I could recoup my costs if I had to part it out. I now have a place to store it and work on it.

I think that's great Joe!! Best of luck and keep us posted!

I think if you had to part it out you'd do alright.

I think that's great Joe!! Best of luck and keep us posted!

I think if you had to part it out you'd do alright.

Yeah, the way I look at it is this. With the settlement, I pay for the 07, get to keep the car, and still have a few bucks left over towards the project.

Nice! You know that motor wants to run!!

Yeah, the way I look at it is this. With the settlement, I pay for the 07, get to keep the car, and still have a few bucks left over towards the project.

That's good news, Joe!! ... You'll have to update your tag line from "out of commission" to something else though ... maybe "reborn on its 40th" :wink: ...

After alot of thinking, I have made the decision to buy back the car after all. I don't know yet what I'm going to do with it. I need to tear into it and see whether it's feasible for me to rebuild. But I'm sure I could recoup my costs if I had to part it out. I now have a place to store it and work on it.

Who says you would have to rebuild it right away? It will be immortalized on the DVD that comes with the book. I have footage of it at the GT/CS BBQ at the Jewell's. It's so famous already.

Maybe some awesome V8 or V12 will show up, and you can use that? Hmmm...maybe I could get a (used) supercharged Aston-Martin or Jag engine for you over at Galpin? "Pimp my Special"???

Joe's living the CS legacy to the MAX!....from '68 to '07--and beyond...

-Paul N.

Joe,
I wished I lived close to you. I would come over and gently remove the stuff from the front of your engine and get to the vibration damper. This may entail some pulling back on the old radiator support. I replaced mine and the battery inner fender panel due to extensive battery tray rot by the previous owners. I would remove all belts including the blower belt. As I said before, you can test the crankshaft endplay very easily. If it almost does not seem to move in and out with a gentle pry and a gentle tap, I bet the engine survived. .004 of an inch.

Next I would pull all the spark plugs and slowly roll it over by hand. If it rolls as normal I bet you are ok.

The wild card is the blower. I would carefully remove it and have it inspected for damage. If the internals are good and during careful observation in the intake plenum, if you do not find any unusual debris, you are pretty much good to go. Take a careful look at the distributor cap and rotor while you slowly roll it by hand.

Next I would roll the motor with the starter motor with the plugs out. If that sounds normal, then put the plugs in, but disable the ignition and roll it. Again, if it sounds normal, ok.

I would then put "just" the carb back on and plumb it to start. I bet it will light off and idle like it always did!!!

Now if your ready to give that motor away, you can adopt me and send it my way!!! Thanks Dad!!

Your 53 year old son Rob!!!!

Joe,
I wished I lived close to you. I would come over and gently remove the stuff from the front of your engine and get to the vibration damper. This may entail some pulling back on the old radiator support. I replaced mine and the battery inner fender panel due to extensive battery tray rot by the previous owners. I would remove all belts including the blower belt. As I said before, you can test the crankshaft endplay very easily. If it almost does not seem to move in and out with a gentle pry and a gentle tap, I bet the engine survived. .004 of an inch.

Next I would pull all the spark plugs and slowly roll it over by hand. If it rolls as normal I bet you are ok.

The wild card is the blower. I would carefully remove it and have it inspected for damage. If the internals are good and during careful observation in the intake plenum, if you do not find any unusual debris, you are pretty much good to go. Take a careful look at the distributor cap and rotor while you slowly roll it by hand.

Next I would roll the motor with the starter motor with the plugs out. If that sounds normal, then put the plugs in, but disable the ignition and roll it. Again, if it sounds normal, ok.

I would then put "just" the carb back on and plumb it to start. I bet it will light off and idle like it always did!!!

Now if your ready to give that motor away, you can adopt me and send it my way!!! Thanks Dad!!

Your 53 year old son Rob!!!!

Already pulled everything away from the front, pulled the plugs, and rolled the engine. That's why I decided to keep the car. The blower, however is toast. It broke into two pieces. I'll do more inspection of the crank endplay once I pull the engine. I plan on tearing it down and rebuilding it with my 11 year-old son anyway. We'll probably replace the pistons to increase the compression, a little more cam, and maybe efi. Still haven't made up my mind about the efi, but I'm leaning that way.

Sorry, Rob. You're old enough to be my kids' grandfather. No way I'm adopting you and they already have 3 grandfathers. :wink:

Sorry, Rob. You're old enough to be my kids' grandfather. No way I'm adopting you and they already have 3 grandfathers. :wink:

Way to go, son! You tell him! :grin: :thumb:

Dad

Hey Joe?

Isn't this your car in this thread?

http://forum.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4959

Yes, it is. That was at a show in Laguna Beach a couple of years ago before the new engine.
They also have another link to a site that has my cars on it:

http://www.classicponycars.com/DeLosSantos.html

I have pulled all the front sheet metal, the engine & tranny, and got it up on a rack to determine that the car will have to be straightened behind the firewall, too. I did some measurements and it is off ~3/8" on one side. I can see where the floorpan buckled slightly on that side. That is also the side that the quarter panel buckled. The next step for me is to find someone to straighen the frame/unibody, then I'll cut off the front clip and go from there.

I forgot to mention, my car is 40 years old today. I'm going to have to go out and buy it a present.

HI JOE, SOUNDS LIKE ALOT OF FUN. HEY DID YOU FIND OUT HOW MUCH THAT GOLD GT/CS WENT FOR UP HERE IN CARSON?

nates68

HI JOE, SOUNDS LIKE ALOT OF FUN. HEY DID YOU FIND OUT HOW MUCH THAT GOLD GT/CS WENT FOR UP HERE IN CARSON?

nates68

I didn't know he sold it. I know he had it on ebay, but I didn't think it met the reserve.

I think I know where a '67 dash (metal part) is at. I volunteer to pull it, strip it, paint it and ship it.

Steve (What Dad's are for--bailing the kids out of tight fixes :grin: )

If you still have this dash, I should be ready for it in 30 - 60 days. Just let me know what I owe you for it.

Thanks,
Joe

It was in a wrecking yard. Hopefully they haven't crushed it yet. I'll go out tomorrow and look.

Steve

It was in a wrecking yard. Hopefully they haven't crushed it yet. I'll go out tomorrow and look.

Steve

Thanks, Pop.

If you still have this dash, I should be ready for it in 30 - 60 days. Just let me know what I owe you for it.

Thanks,
Joe

Hey there Joe!

Saw your post a few mins ago re the dash and was curious how the rebuild was progressing. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see that baby of yours re-commissioned for service soon. Perhaps when completed you can snap a photo of it surrounded by ER equipment or grave stones entitled "Back from the dead!" for the month of October in next yrs GT/CS 2009 calendar. :wink:

Take care,

Oscar
obwan93001

Hey there Joe!

Saw your post a few mins ago re the dash and was curious how the rebuild was progressing. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see that baby of yours re-commissioned for service soon. Perhaps when completed you can snap a photo of it surrounded by ER equipment or grave stones entitled "Back from the dead!" for the month of October in next yrs GT/CS 2009 calendar. :wink:

Take care,

Oscar
obwan93001

I can get you lots of those pictures!!!

Hey there Joe!

Saw your post a few mins ago re the dash and was curious how the rebuild was progressing. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see that baby of yours re-commissioned for service soon. Perhaps when completed you can snap a photo of it surrounded by ER equipment or grave stones entitled "Back from the dead!" for the month of October in next yrs GT/CS 2009 calendar. :wink:

Take care,

Oscar
obwan93001

I got it squared away from the firewall back. The doors open and close nicely now and the door gaps are acceptable. I have a front clip I'm getting ready to send to a media blaster to clean up. The guy who's going to perform the r&r on the front clip and dash for me said he can get to it in about 60 days. After that, I'll start piecing it back together.

Hey there Joe!

Saw your post a few mins ago re the dash and was curious how the rebuild was progressing. I wish you the best of luck and hope to see that baby of yours re-commissioned for service soon. Perhaps when completed you can snap a photo of it surrounded by ER equipment or grave stones entitled "Back from the dead!" for the month of October in next yrs GT/CS 2009 calendar. :wink:

Take care,

Oscar
obwan93001

I'll follow up with the ER car. :grin: :icon_dead

I had it all set up with this great old-school hotrod builder and master of anything involving metalwork to chop off the front clip on my car and weld in all new pieces. This was gonna happen in October and that didn't work out. So we had it set up for November, as soon as he finished another project he was working on. One week before I was scheduled to take the car over, he was taken to the hospital with a brain tumor. He is undergoing chemo and fighting it as best he can. He's a tough old guy.

So I asked around and found another guy that comes highly recommended by some people I trust. But he couldn't take the car until this week. I got the car over to him last night along with all the pieces to build a new front clip.

So now the fun starts!!!!!

Yeah! I have been missing that beauty of a car. Will be good to see her again. Casey

Joe,
When you say front clip, are you going to upgrade to Mustang II stuff, or back to stock, or???

Rob

Joe,
When you say front clip, are you going to upgrade to Mustang II stuff, or back to stock, or???

Rob

I'm going back stock. After looking at 3 different front clips cut off of other cars, I decided to just buy the pieces and have someone weld them all together. All of the ones I looked at would take alot of work, so I figured I'd just start out with new pieces.

BTW, there is a huge difference between Taiwan made apron pieces and the ones made in Canada. The Canadian ones are much stouter.