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1968 GT500 - gt 500 736 - 1/2010

Discussion in 'Shelby of the Month' started by 67GT500#2100, Dec 30, 2009.

  1. 67GT500#2100

    67GT500#2100 Shelby Forums Pit Crew

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    Shelby Forums - Shelby of the Month - January 2010
    01/2010 gt 500 736​



    Shelby Forums username:gt 500 736
    Originally
    Year:1968
    Make:Shelby
    Model:GT500
    Shelby Number:736
    Engine:Originally 428 Police Interceptor
    Trans:4 speed
    Exterior color:Acapulco Blue
    Interior color:Black
    Selling Dealer:Bohn Ford in New Orleans


    CURRENT FEATURES

    Color: Acapulco Blue, Sunbeam silver stripes
    Body: fastback
    Engine: 390 cid, bore .060 over
    Transmission: "Toploader" four speed
    Rear end: 9" ring and pinion, 3.50:1 ratio with four pinion "Traction-Loc".
    Wheels: 10 spokes, 17"x8"
    Tires: BF Goodrich g-force T/A 245/40 zr17 91y
    Suspension: coil over front suspension, rear leaf spring
    Brakes: four wheel disc brakes

    A message from the current owner.
    This was my dream car since I was twelve in 1968. I bought the car April 13, 1978 and my parents called it the Bucket of Bolts. Paint was fading and chipping off, the engine ran on five cylinders, the electrical system was weak at best, and to top it off it had a brake pedal that would stick to the floor when it was used and a real treat to shift and pull the pedal up at the same time. The process was long but I started putting her together one piece at a time. She was coming along well until 1988 when a divorce set me back. We soon got back on our feet and made more headway, drove off with my present wife after we were married and then finished the process in June 2005. I was getting ready for my first Cruisin' the Coast in Biloxi, Misssissippi. when she drowned in August 2005 during Hurricane Katrina. She was submerged in 20 feet of water for weeks. When we removed her from Chalmette, Louisiana it was early October and she was a mess. On the return trip, we were stopped by the Louisiana State Police because they thought I was stealing the car. They wanted to see the registration and I told him to help himself but there might be fish in the glove box. While on the return trip to the dealership I worked at I was stopped by a guy in a pickup from Texas who offered me $60K for the way she was sitting; I promptly declined. We disassembled her and sent her to the body shop where she was sent to Jackson, Mississippi for dipping and E-coat, painting and then off to London, Ontario, Canada, where my friend Peter said he would put Humpty Dumpty back together again. My family lost three houses; my house took damage and some water, the dealership I worked for was heavily destroyed so my hands were full. When she arrived back in New Orleans it took a little work to finish her up but she was perfect and been a happy part of my family life now for ten months. I hope this story gives a little bit of joy to those out there who are trying to finish their project cars. It takes time, patience, and the love of the hobby.


    A whole bunch of pictures here.before, after, hurricane, restoration, now


    Pictures:
    Picture when purchased in 1978
    [​IMG]
    First restoration
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Post Katrina
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Restored again!
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 31, 2009
  2. DeLa1Rob

    DeLa1Rob Well-Known Member

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    The honor is well deserved. Congratulations

    robin
     
  3. Bob Gaines

    Bob Gaines Well-Known Member

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  4. rshelby

    rshelby ShelbyForums Admin Staff Member

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    That's quite a story! She looks great!!!

    Let's hope that a third restoration will never be necessary. :D
    Randall
     
  5. rsimkins

    rsimkins Well-Known Member

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    Great story, looks great! Only the faithful would continue against such odds. Thanks for sharing the story with us. Congratulations on a job well done.
     
  6. potty

    potty Member

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    Fantasic job on the car, looks great and congrats on the Shelby of the month.
    Rick
     
  7. SuperCJcat

    SuperCJcat Well-Known Member

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    Very nice...congrats!!!!!!!!!!
     
  8. 68GT500-Aussieland

    68GT500-Aussieland Well-Known Member

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    well done, thats determination! Enjoy.
     
  9. KenG.

    KenG. Well-Known Member

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    Wow, very nice. Coil-overs, huh?
     
  10. gt 500 736

    gt 500 736 Member

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    Thanks for all the compliments and I will let you know how we do in the
    World of Wheels in New Orleans at the end of the month.
     
  11. 67GT500#2100

    67GT500#2100 Shelby Forums Pit Crew

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    [​IMG]
     
  12. gt 500 736

    gt 500 736 Member

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    She definetly rides diffrently with the upgrades and stops better
    since adding the four wheel disc.
     
  13. gt 500 736

    gt 500 736 Member

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    Just thought I would let you know that the car was in the World of
    Wheels in New Orleans and took Best in Class for 60-69 cons. hrdtp.
     
  14. rshelby

    rshelby ShelbyForums Admin Staff Member

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    Congratulations!
    Randall
     

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