The refurbishment was started in 2005 and included stripping the body to bare metal, mounting it on a dolly, repairing the front shock towers, engine compartment panels, lower radiator mounts, and upper cowl vents, installing hood scoop mounting studs, rebuilding the door hinges, and replacing the floor pan and the right and left toe boards. The left-front corner of the frame was also repaired. The body was E-coated, the body seams were then sealed, the engine bay was…
The refurbishment was started in 2005 and included stripping the body to bare metal, mounting it on a dolly, repairing the front shock towers, engine compartment panels, lower radiator mounts, and upper cowl vents, installing hood scoop mounting studs, rebuilding the door hinges, and replacing the floor pan and the right and left toe boards. The left-front corner of the frame was also repaired. The body was E-coated, the body seams were then sealed, the engine bay was painted black, and undercoating was applied. Finally, the bodywork was repainted in Grecian Gold. The brightwork was replated, the moldings were polished, buffed, and clear coated, and replacement Parchment vinyl roof material was also installed.
The reproduction 15″ styled steel wheels were sourced from West Coast Classic Cougars as were reproduction Mercury center caps. Tires are 225/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/As. The suspension, steering, and brakes were overhauled during the refurbishment, and the car is equipped with power steering and power-assisted front disc brakes.
The front bucket seats and contoured rear bench were reupholstered in Light Nugget Gold vinyl, the black carpets were replaced, and a reproduction Nugget Gold headliner was installed. Interior appointments include a woodgrain dashboard, an analog clock, and a push-button AM/FM radio.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, an ammeter, and gauges for engine temperature and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 25k miles, approximately 1k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The replacement 427ci V8 was rebuilt prior to installation in 2006. Work included welding a crack in the oil pump area, reconditioning the cylinder heads and valvetrain, installing adjustable rocker arms, and balancing the rotating assembly, which consists of Diamond pistons, a replacement crankshaft, replacement connecting rods, and ARP rod bolts. The intake manifold was also cleaned and repaired. Additional equipment includes aftermarket exhaust manifolds, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, and a chrome air cleaner lid and valve covers. The oil was changed in February 2023.
The three-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission was rebuilt in June 2006, and the torque converter was replaced. The dual exhaust system can be viewed above, and additional underside photos are provided in the gallery.
Photos of the refurbishment process are also provided in the gallery.
The Deluxe Marti report lists production statistics as well as factory colors and options.