You're my hero
Just kidding, but you're doing what I would like to be doing right now. I'm kinda learning the bodywork trade on my own at the moment, and I'm itching to get a welder. I just bought some bodywork supplies. Where is the best place to get the "memory" block for sanding curves? I'm going to practice bodywork on my pickup ('86 F150) and when I feel confident, move on to the GT/CS.
I'm glad you're keeping the I6/3-speed in the car. Not only is it a rarity on the GT/CS, but it has a nice amount of torque. If you're yearning for a bit more power, the guys here can help:
www.fordsix.com
There are several bolt-on mods (head, header, better carb, better ignition) that can give hp a kick in the backside. With these mods (and a rebuild with a slightly hotter cam, 264* I think), a guy went from 67 rwhp (don't expect more than 90 rwhp out of a fresh, stock engine) to 106 rwhp. Keeping in mind that a 289 V8 only puts about 130 rwhp to the ground, that's pretty good. The best thing is that the engine is easily returned to stock. Personally, I haven't done any mods to my engine yet. When I last drove it, it had good power, and it's been in the garage for a while now.
Anyway, I had better stop before this thread gets even more off-topic.
-Winston