"Thanks, Capt. Dave., for asking and for your support.
I'm trying to finish up the GT/CS Article for S-A today, but felt I should post something about the book's progress.
This book has been a really difficult project for me. I've done about seven books before this one, but this one takes the cake in difficulty. I tend to do things the hard way, and I've been working on a book that is VERY comprehensive, and detailed. I feel that the readers deserve such a book, although it's taken a great toll on my time and personal finances.
The book right now is like a meal on the stove that's about done. I've got to set the table, etc..to make it complete. I haven't posted much here for a while, because I'm working on the book....12 hr days, and weekends. It's exhaustive work, but I want this to be the best book out there, to be the final authorative word on the GT/CS; original and late model. I could have just transcribed from my 1989 and 1996 editions, and tossed in a few new photos (like some other Mustang coffee table books), but I felt that owners, enthusiasts and readers deserved more than that, especially since so much new information has come forward since 1996.
Admittedly, SAAC set the "quality bar" for me a long time ago, and I feel it's required of me to work at that higher level.
Two setbacks have affected the book. First of all, I left the message boards on califoniaspecial.com several weeks ago because of an ongoing rift with a small clique that felt it necessary to undermine me. 99% of the other members are great people, and I DO miss them. But three years of harassment really left me with no choice but to leave and I was invited here and I haven't looked back since. As well, it was difficult to keep up with the boards, questions and straighten out misconceptions, as well as PMs and email--all while trying to concentrate and write a book (that's not been a problem here, BTW). I posted 2600 posts there in four years to help people. I had listed the SAAC Forums URL at my referral thread, to find me and this new GT/CS area, but they quickly pulled it out.
The other setback was the loss of my mother. I had to take care of her since last December, and she died on Feb 26th. I took her ashes to Washington St. and had to take care of all her arrangements, etc...as anyone that has had to do that--knows--as well as the emotional effect from losing a close parent. My mom also kept track of the registry, and knew who-was-who, where they lived and what they owned ( I told her that doing that would keep her off the streets playing bingo!).
So--where am I now? The book is in it's final stages. I have all the page layouts done, and I'm finishing up the text, captions, etc. Three major chapters are being wrapped up right after I finish the the SAAC article: Late model GT/CS; Little Red, and the Green Hornet. Then, I cruise through the rest of the book. As some of you have read about the Little Red thread...I have discovered many new things about that car, and it's led to knowing more about the GT/CS and how Shelby built that car. But I've also aquired new blueprints, diagrams, and photos. There's a '68 Galpin newsletter devoted to the GT/CS; a complete Marti list of production numbers--sales by DSO, interior, colors, options, etc...never before revealed. Factory information, and a concours restoration section with diagrams of the underside of a San Jose Mustang, indicating specific colors, and where they go. ...And how the late model GT/CS became the Shelby GT.
Books take time, and it's taken longer than I figured. But I'm not sitting on my hands or misleading anyone. At my own expense, I've mailed notices to everyone who pre-ordered a book, and they are aware of the progress of the book. I've had to spend close to $10K for the Ford license, and $3K for liability insurance, and then there is the cost of printing.
To offset this cost, I'm trying to sell my own 390-4-speed GT/CS (one of 111 made) for $22K. If a buyer I know isn't interested, I'll post it here in the classifieds. Selling my CS (I've owned since 1974), will be required to print the book (as ironic as it seems).
I think it would be fair to commit to a late September release for the book. Ford needs to look it over, and I don't know how long that will take, or what they'll want changed or removed. But I'm moving forward as fast as possible in the best way I know how right now. I am giving this effort my 100%, and I DO appreciate all of your support, help advice and thoughtfulness.
Paul M. Newitt"
