1966 GT350 Convertible

[rshelby]

It needs some work here and there so I'll be asking a variety of questions in hope that some of you can help me get it running smoothly...well, smoothly may not be the correct terminology but you get the idea. And if you notice the mirrors, radio, or anything else that it is not exactly "correct" for a 1966 GT350, that's because this is one of the 12 cars Carroll had built in the early '80's. Carroll contracted Beverly Hills Mustang to build these and it appears that some corners were cut and some parts were not available, etc.

[Early67]

Can't help you on a '66, but I gotta say those 'BTK' license plates are a tad sinister.

[rshelby]

Originally Posted by Early67

Can't help you on a '66, but I gotta say those 'BTK' license plates are a tad sinister.

Yes, I have thought about that as well.

[daltondavid]

Look forward to helping you out on this great car! I recognize it as a piece of the Legacy!

[doc]

What exactly are you trying to do to this car ? Since it is a continuation car, are you looking for advice on how to return the car back to "Continuation Specs" or are you asking for advice on how to restore the car to vintage 1966 GT-350 specs? What is the desired level of detail ? Concourse or daily driver. As you can see, the answers to your questions can lead you down multiple paths so the more insight you can share with the forum members the better advice/feedback you will recieve. There only a few 66 GT-350 convertibles in existance so the details you are looking to obtain are probably only availabe from a small cadre of people.

Doc

[rshelby]

Thanks for asking Doc. I just had not gotten around to the details yet. Here's the way I see it now. This car is not in too bad of shape and my goal is not to put this through a restoration, I am just looking to put it through a bit of a refurbishment. So, what does that mean??? Well, I'm not totally sure at this point but basically, I would like it to be a good driver. I'll let the concourse guys trailer their cars around and win awards....not that there's anything wrong with that, I just prefer to go for a drive. Right now, it is basically at "continuation specs" if that's what you would call it. It has never been altered and only has 700 miles under it's belt. The issue here is, that when it was built, as I mentioned previously, they did not do the best job. Just to give you an idea, moldings were painted over, I believe it's supposed to have rotunda mirrors instead of the square ones, and the overall fit and finish is not so good. Body panels are not aligned properly and mechanically, I'm not sure what all the issues may be. Not to mention the "new to the early 80's" radio as well. But as I said, it only has 700 miles since being completed in the early '80's, so overall, it's not in bad shape.

Until last week, the car had not been started in about 4-5 years. So far, I've changed the oil, drained the old gas, replaced the air filter, battery and battery cables, and did a basic inspection of the rest of the car fluids/tires/etc. It took quite a bit of battery to get it to turn over but once started and run for a while it sounded good. So then I took the car for a drive. As I recalled, the suspension appears to need some work of some sort. I don't know what but there is some rattling from the front end and the car feels pretty loose. And speaking of loose...the steering is extremely loose. It is power assisted and you can turn the wheel at least half way around before you start turning. I'm pretty sure most of these old mustangs with the power steering are loose but is this one looser than most? I don't know. So I need to decide how to fix this or convert to manual. I need to look at the suspension, brakes and anything else I come across along the way. I am also considering replacing the foam in the seats. I am not looking for a cosmetic upgrade here, but it needs a new cover for the roll bar and a couple other minor things. So, for now, I prefer to keep it pretty much "as is" while getting it in good mechanical condition. For now, I just want it to be a reliable good driver.

[doc]

Got it !! The most important thing is getting the car to driveability. As I recall, these cars were produced from a lot of K code convertibles. There is really nothing unique about them from a repair perpsective. All the parts can be obtained from Mustang suppliers at a reasonable costs. As far as body panels lining up correctly, I would suspect you have aftermarket fenders and panel pieces. No insult here but the shop that did these cars probably churn and burn re-pops all day. Not a lot of attention to quality and detail based on the condition of the car as you described. The Steering box is the source of your steering problems and chances are it was never replaced or re-built during the conversion. The cosmetic things are no big deal and can be dealt with in time. Sounds like the typical cheap mustang restoration that so often have to be re-done to get done correctly. I think you can get most of the mechanical things under control quite easily and cheaply because it is a small block car and parts are a heck of a lot cheaper. Tune the suspension and replace/rebuild the steering box and you will have a sweet running car. Replace the spark plugs and wires (Tony Branda) and maybe add a Pertronix under the distributor cap and you are there. I think you can be on the road shortly

Doc

[rshelby]

Thanks Doc! Do you know if I'm looking at a steering ratio of 22:1 or 16:1?

[daltondavid]

Randall, you want the 16:1 steering. look into the Flaming River unit. Personally I feel the car should be kept like it was done at time of Conversion. other than items like a Steering Box, Oil and Filters, Maintenance items. If they put Suare Mirrors, leave them on. if You do take them off, Save them in a Box. also take a lot of pictures to have a "How it was" idea. was This Car originally your Father's car?

[rshelby]

It still is my father's car. He just said I can fix whatever is not working properly and drive it as much as I like. I don't mind the mirrors and stuff so I'll just leave things as they are as long as they work. I have seen the Flaming River steering boxes in the Cobra Automotive catalog. Cost is about 3 times as much as a rebuilt replacement. Are they worth it?

[rshelby]

Also, it currently has power steering...are the Flaming River boxes compatible or would I have to switch to manual?

[shelbymotorsports]

Randall

I remember that convertible project from back around 1981. They were "built" here in SoCal by a company called Beverly Hills Motoring or maybe it was Beverly Hills Mustang.

Anyway Mustang/Shelby reproduction & restoration parts weren't as available then as they are now so that would explain some of the worn parts even with only 700 miles.

This Beverly Hills shop was........ well since I can't say anything nice I wont say anything at all. Too bad these cars weren't "built" by McClusky as the finished product would have been even nicer.

They are a unique part of Shelby Mustang history and your grandfather gave his blessing so get that thing on the road and put some miles on it.

I agree with others and think any restoration should be kept period correct for 1981.

Steve

[daltondavid]

Originally Posted by rshelby

Also, it currently has power steering...are the Flaming River boxes compatible or would I have to switch to manual?

Ford's Power assist unit is self contained in the sense that it does not run fluid from the Pump into the steering box like GM cars of that era. So you would not have to take off the power steering. I had a steering Box on my GT500 rebuilt. actually the entire system. ran me about $600 we did the labor to remove and replace. I have heard a lot of good things about the Flaming river unit. Let me know what you decide!

[Bish]

Randall,

A short time ago I was reading an article regarding the recreation GT350 convertibles. The article stated that Carroll took 4 for himself and his family. Is this one of the 4?
How many still are "in the family"?

[rshelby]

Originally Posted by shelbymotorsports

This Beverly Hills shop was........ well since I can't say anything nice I wont say anything at all.

Not to worry, I have heard nothing nice and have seen the reasons why. They got the job done but it could have been much better.

Originally Posted by Bish

A short time ago I was reading an article regarding the recreation GT350 convertibles. The article stated that Carroll took 4 for himself and his family. Is this one of the 4?
How many still are "in the family"?

Yes, this is one of the 4. I believe all 4 are still in the family. The only one I would question is Carroll's because I have not seen it in many years. I believe he still has it though. I drove my aunt's about 3 weeks ago. You can see it here.
and below.

[rshelby]

So, I'll get back into the steering box a little later and most likely go with the Flaming River unit when I do. As for now, I need to purchase a couple more parts and get this Pertronix Ignitor installed. I have the ignitor but still need the coil. Does anyone know which one of these coils I should get? Does it matter?

1966 MUSTANG "BLACK EPOXY FILLED for EXTREME VIBRATION" PERTRONIX 40,000 VOLT HIGH OUTPUT "FLAME-THROWER COIL":
1966 MUSTANG "BLACK OIL FILLED" PERTRONIX 40,000 VOLT HIGH OUTPUT "FLAME-THROWER COIL":
1966 MUSTANG "CHROME OIL FILLED" PERTRONIX 40,000 VOLT HIGH OUTPUT "FLAME-THROWER COIL":

I've got new plugs but I also need to get some new plug wires. Any suggestions that go well with the Pertronix. I found some good Pertronix installation guidelines here. Let me know if you have any other tips. Thanks!
Randall

[TransamEd]

Hello Randall, just happened to pop in here. I took from your info this is the 6S2386 from Sharon Shelby. You might want to check out my http://www.ponysite.de/shelbyconvertible.htm webpage for infos on at least some of the others. I had once been in contact with Michael Shelby and hoped for some updates on the 4 family cars. I'm glad to see one is back on the road.
If you'd like to get in touch with one of the other owners, just send me a mail via my above mentioned site. I would also appreciate, if I can update the 6S2386 page with some history info.
Wolf

[rshelby]

Hey Wolf, nice site...glad to see you are keeping track of these cars. I'll contact you with more info on each of the family owned ones. Actually, the one I have pictured at the beginning of this post is Patrick's - 6S2388...white top. The next one lower down with Carroll sitting in the drivers seat is Sharon's...blue top. I have not driven Michael's in about 10 years but it is close by so I'll try to get some more info. on it for you too.
RS