1968 Authenticity..??

[slimt]

On the GT/CS Mustangs.. How important is it to keep these to there true aspect?

Like color ( color changes) , Mods to engines? so on? what if the car is a Good original?

The one I have is a Rust free AZ car,, Original paint except fender and hood.. original interior? it does have dents.. what direction would you go on something like this?/

On the marti report.. it does indicate a 1of 1 with the wheels..

Thank you.

 

[p51]

If it were a numbers matching big block I would try to keep it as original as possible. Or if it was already concours (or close) I wouldn't modify it. Otherwise, for a C or J code personally I think modifications that make the car safer and more fun to drive are the way to go. I really don't think you lose much by doing that. In fact I would pay more for a car with upgrades (eg disc brakes, headrests, 5-speed, subframe connectors, etc) than a stocker... but that's just me... You could also choose to to just do "reversible" changes and keep the old parts handy...

 

[franklinair]

Hundreds of ways to go, and just as many opinions.
Good originals are rare & tough to find.
If you like the color, keep it that way.
Engine mods: I prefer original appearance, internal/non visible mods OK (I prefer 4BBL intake & carb. although somewhat visible, Pertronix ignition- it's not visible, engine 'Dress Up- OK.)
It is amazing that if redone (exterior, interior) in the original configuration (maybe with tasteful upgrades) the car would be fantastic.
I'm not a 'concourse' type restorer (some here are) but I try to maintain model/options close to original configuration. I've kept some in their original color, others I've changed to suit myself. Of the last four that I've restored, I kept three in their original color- but upgraded the interiors (and A/C).
Lots of choices & decisions, but the final judge is yourself.

Neil

 

[Mosesatm]

How are you going to use the car? Are you going to drive it as much as possible around town, just take it to car shows, drive it on long trips?

Like Neil, I've run the gambit on my cars but I prefer cars I can drive whenever and wherever I want. My last two cars were built as highway cruisers for my annual 5,000 mile trips.

IMO if you figure out how you want to use the car you'll easily find the right path.

 

[slimt]

How are you going to use the car? Are you going to drive it as much as possible around town, just take it to car shows, drive it on long trips?

Like Neil, I've run the gambit on my cars but I prefer cars I can drive whenever and wherever I want. My last two cars were built as highway cruisers for my annual 5,000 mile trips.

IMO if you figure out how you want to use the car you'll easily find the right path.

Oh .. Im driving it.. as it should be driven.. Im getting old.. so the foot doesn't want to go to the floor like the younger days.. :grin:

By the way.. I appreciate all the comments.. this car is solid.. in every way.. It will be heading south into washington here pretty soon for a good run..

 

[Don]

On the GT/CS Mustangs.. How important is it to keep these to there true aspect?

Like color ( color changes) , Mods to engines? so on? what if the car is a Good original?

The one I have is a Rust free AZ car,, Original paint except fender and hood.. original interior? it does have dents.. what direction would you go on something like this?/

On the marti report.. it does indicate a 1of 1 with the wheels..

Thank you.

IMHO if you are concerned about resale value I would fix it up to be 100% original including color. The exception to that would be easily reversible mods (I.E. valve covers, air cleaner, wheels, tires, etc.)

If you don't care about resale value do whatever pleases you.

 

[p51]

Here's an old thread on mods that might help. Lots-o-info and opinions. As stated above it really depends on what you want to do with the car.

http://californiaspecial.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11675&highlight=subframe

 

[slimt]

Thank you..

 

[robert campbell]

If it were a numbers matching big block I would try to keep it as original as possible. Or if it was already concours (or close) I wouldn't modify it. Otherwise, for a C or J code personally I think modifications that make the car safer and more fun to drive are the way to go. I really don't think you lose much by doing that. In fact I would pay more for a car with upgrades (eg disc brakes, headrests, 5-speed, subframe connectors, etc) than a stocker... but that's just me... You could also choose to to just do "reversible" changes and keep the old parts handy...

+1!!! Make it what color you want and everything else. I think a tastefully and professionally done J or C code resto mod is worth way more than a stocker. And way more fun to drive. A 5 speed is a must in my mind. I drove Arlie's basically stock GT/CS with a 5 speed. What a hoot! And cheap to do. Great fun and better mileage!

Rob

 

[BigJim]

If it was a plain-jane coupe I would say knock yourself out. Thousands of those built and thousands of them out there to play with. When it comes to a limited production run car such as our cars I say try to stay true to original build except for internal things (crank, cam, etc), dress up stuff that can easily be reverted (valve covers, air cleaner, etc) and safety items (disc brakes, radiator/fan, etc) and keep everything you take off so you can put it back together if you want/need to.

 

[Don]

If it was a plain-jane coupe I would say knock yourself out. Thousands of those built and thousands of them out there to play with. When it comes to a limited production run car such as our cars I say try to stay true to original build except for internal things (crank, cam, etc), dress up stuff that can easily be reverted (valve covers, air cleaner, etc) and safety items (disc brakes, radiator/fan, etc) and keep everything you take off so you can put it back together if you want/need to.

+1 My thoughts exactly. Special editions of high volume cars should be left original and the high volume production versions are what should be used to make a creation of your own.

 

[68 special]

Here's my opinion.

My car was originally a 6 cyl car. In 1972 the original engine, trans, rear end were swapped out for a '69 351w, FMX and '67 3.00 open rear and front suspension also.

Since the engine is long gone, I've been restoring it my way;

Still has the 351W. It now has a C4 w/ shift kit, a '92 Explorer rear w/ 3.73 posi, mostly complete Deluxe interior (originally Black), less door grills, coming soon. '69 bench seat, Hood tach, rear window defogger, Borgeson Power Steering, front disc brakes and I painted it '05 Mustang Screaming Yellow.

So, If mine were original, I would have done some tasteful mods. I'm never selling mine, so I'm not concerned about what a future buyer would or wouldn't like.

Like I've always said, it's your car to do with as you like.

My $.02 opinion.

Bret

 

[slimt]

Hi everyone... I think Ill keep mine as is.. it would be cheaper to buy one already done.. and Not worry about what if.. the one I have still has most of the pencil marks.. so Ill leave as is.. Thanks..