Okay, Here's the scoop, have a 1969 stage 1 HT thats needs a total restore. Just bought a rust free body from AZ and will have it shipped within the next few weeks. I love the car, it really is awesome, but I keep struggling with how to restore the car. I have the original motor, intake and carb with 430 heads (but casting number matches that of 69 400 stage 1). I also have a '70 455 rebuilt and another '70 455 that needs to be freshened up (10:1 cr). I have read alot about swapping in a 200r4, and I think that woud be alot of fun, but I might save that for the convertible. The car is original automatic, but I also like the idea of a stick. So here's where I need some input........ I want to drive the car, but I already have a great driver (the 69 custom vert), so I think this car will end up being a weekend warrior. I would really like to build the motor to appear stock with some little tricks that make some difference at the track. I think what I am after is a gutsy driver that can turn 12's at the track. So what should I do? Throw in a 455 and go for broke? Can I get low 12's out of a stock appearing 400? Solid or hydraulic cam (I ran the 113A in my 455 and loved the idle, will that be too big for a 400?) Should I run 3.90 or 3.55 gears, or does anyone have a set of the 3.64's they'd part with (I don't care about highway, I have a car for those cruises)? Just looking for some input. I like the idea of a stock appearing ride that'll run fast and be well mannered. I have an old magazine article that talks about getting a stock stage 1 to run in the 12's, but I think they ran high 4's for gears and ran open headers. SOmeone has to have been in this same situation at one time or another, what would you do if you could do it again? What worked and what didn't? Any and all input will be much appreciated, also any leads on engine parts would be nice too :grin:
Chris...I think he may be doing a body swap with a rust free hull. I take it the 69 Stage 1 is a basket case.
Ah. My input is a lot of folks will tell you it's wrong. Ethically, I have no problem with it. It's what Buick did, basically. But Legally...may have issues. Some folks call this fraud, regardless of your intent- even if you're not trying to do anything funny. The Law may say you are in the wrong here. Cover your backside before you start, is my advice
I hope this thread doesnt turn into a four page discussion of body swaps. As far as legalities go, you have to look at the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. By the letter of the law I believe its a federal offence. What was the law designed to do? To stop and punish car thieves. Not to stop and punish car restorers. If a body swap is done correctly with all the right rivets attaching the tags, whats the difference? If you do a body off rotisserie resto, the trim tag and VIN tag are going to get removed anyway. Its the right thing to do with a rusty hulk of a rare car. But like you said Chris, some people would have a problem with it. This always brings up an interesting question. How much of the body can get replaced before you would consider it another car? If just the cowl gets saved, is it still the same car? Where does the line get drawn by the purists? BTW...my fiance has a 72 Mach I Mustang in her desk drawer! (just the VIN plates and the title) She parted the car out years ago.
No, it won't be a body swap....... The Stage 1 has rust in the quarters and trunk but also has a pretty weak frame. When I posted questions about who makes the best repro quarters I got from the other members that I am better off finding a rust free body to get 1/4s from, so thats what I did. I also get a great frame to send out and have detailed (or is that wrong too? :laugh: ). I already have a rust free core support, fenders, inner fenders and hood, but another set wouldn't hurt either :Brow: . The car will be used to save the Stage 1 and part out to pay for some of the resto. The questions I had were concerning the drivetrain, not so much the body stuff, but I do appreciate the input about the body.
Hello fellow 69 Junkie.... :beer Here's my 3 cents in a nutshell..... While there's not much in life better than a cool Fast convert you'll get fustrated by the tracks that bust butt about going too fast without a rollbar.....So go FAST with the hardtop. Dont worry about it being a #'s matching Stage1 - just dont take it too far that you start cutting it up and ditching stuff that is irreplaceable. A simple drivetrain swap is no big deal and easily reversable. ....just make sure you put it all to sleep properly.
