New Years resolution perhaps...
Discussion
GruFFnuTT said:
Yeah, I have considered something slightly newer (also Corvette C4/C5), but then it's not going to be much different from getting another Monaro (Pontiac GTO). Plus the missus likes the idea of a classic for a change... BONUS!!! 
The proper classic feel really appeals to me and I'm guessing there will be a sense of occassion with each drive. I may completely change my mind as the 'reality' sets in, but I'm hoping to either be pleasantly suprised or in a situation where I like the car so much that I can forgive it it's characteristics... We'll see
There is really no comparison between a Vette and a mass-produced tin top.The proper classic feel really appeals to me and I'm guessing there will be a sense of occassion with each drive. I may completely change my mind as the 'reality' sets in, but I'm hoping to either be pleasantly suprised or in a situation where I like the car so much that I can forgive it it's characteristics... We'll see
My 1985 C4 was a fast car, despite it's 235hp, even back in 1994 yet felt totally raw and with the right exhaust, like yiou were constantly being followed by a squadron of Lancasters. I've loved C4s ever since, despite some errant build quality. By comparison, the 1998-on C5 was far too antiseptic, even in Z06 form and nearly twice the power. For my money, the C4, with its clamshell hood is a perfect bridge between the groovy 60s-ness of the C3 and the anodyne fettling of the C5. It's a little rough and quite lairy on the throttle. I moved on to 3rd and 4th gen Camaros but they are nothing like a Vette.
There's a 1968 Plymouth barracuda fastback advertised in Classic American mag this month with a 383 and 4 speed manual. They don't put the classifieds on line anymore so I can't link to it. £6800 asking price, taxed/tested and new clutch. Don't know the car and its hard to tell what it's like from a tiny photo! Looks to be plum crazy purple. Gloucester area if you're anywhere near? 07855 794685
GruFFnuTT said:
I hope it will be fun searching, looking and learning.
Funnily enough, I went to the V8UK Summer BBQ at Insane Creations and saw some proper Dragsters and Hot Rods there. There was a young lad there who brought along a rather nice Mustang. In fact I think I've got a photo of it:
Aha I was there! So was 67Roofchop! And that Mustang is just started under going some intense surgery to have a twin turbo setup fitted. Funnily enough, I went to the V8UK Summer BBQ at Insane Creations and saw some proper Dragsters and Hot Rods there. There was a young lad there who brought along a rather nice Mustang. In fact I think I've got a photo of it:
Which car were you in? I'm guessing a Monaro :P
Hi GruFFnuTT.
It sounds like you want something pretty much like my car.
70's yank coupe profile and look, but with a bit more in the go and stopping and handling department.
Check profile for spec of my Camaro. (I might even be selling it at some point...;))
In fact I'd highly recommend the F body cars (Camaro, Firebird, TransAm), as all the parts to make them easier to live with and nicer to drive are so readily available now, but of course they do cost...
It sounds like you want something pretty much like my car.
70's yank coupe profile and look, but with a bit more in the go and stopping and handling department.
Check profile for spec of my Camaro. (I might even be selling it at some point...;))
In fact I'd highly recommend the F body cars (Camaro, Firebird, TransAm), as all the parts to make them easier to live with and nicer to drive are so readily available now, but of course they do cost...
Edited by chevy-stu on Sunday 5th January 01:00
Camaro said:
GruFFnuTT said:
I hope it will be fun searching, looking and learning.
Funnily enough, I went to the V8UK Summer BBQ at Insane Creations and saw some proper Dragsters and Hot Rods there. There was a young lad there who brought along a rather nice Mustang. In fact I think I've got a photo of it:
Aha I was there! So was 67Roofchop! And that Mustang is just started under going some intense surgery to have a twin turbo setup fitted. Funnily enough, I went to the V8UK Summer BBQ at Insane Creations and saw some proper Dragsters and Hot Rods there. There was a young lad there who brought along a rather nice Mustang. In fact I think I've got a photo of it:
Which car were you in? I'm guessing a Monaro :P
So, the surgery has commenced? He did tell me he was planning to tube the front end for something tasty
Would be good to see it once all the work has been completed!
chevy-stu said:
Hi GruFFnuTT.
It sounds like you want something pretty much like my car.
70's yank coupe profile and look, but with a bit more in the go and stopping and handling department.
Check profile for spec of my Camaro. (I might even be selling it at some point...;))
In fact I'd highly recommend the F body cars (Camaro, Firebird, TransAm), as all the parts to make them easier to live with and nicer to drive are so readily available now, but of course they do cost...
Oh yes!!! It sounds like you want something pretty much like my car.
70's yank coupe profile and look, but with a bit more in the go and stopping and handling department.
Check profile for spec of my Camaro. (I might even be selling it at some point...;))
In fact I'd highly recommend the F body cars (Camaro, Firebird, TransAm), as all the parts to make them easier to live with and nicer to drive are so readily available now, but of course they do cost...
Edited by chevy-stu on Sunday 5th January 01:00
Something like that would be ideal!!!
Hoping to go and see a '69 Firebird 400 Big Block, but it might be just a bit too much 'pure classic' if you get drift. Something like yours is just the look I'm after. Looks like a great car and I'm guessing it sounds pretty good too if you spend all your time in darkened tunnels!?
So what exactly have you had done to that car?
GruFFnuTT said:
Oh yes!!!
Something like that would be ideal!!!
Hoping to go and see a '69 Firebird 400 Big Block, but it might be just a bit too much 'pure classic' if you get drift. Something like yours is just the look I'm after. Looks like a great car and I'm guessing it sounds pretty good too if you spend all your time in darkened tunnels!?
So what exactly have you had done to that car?
As already been said, you may be disappointed in the driving experience of an old yank if still in standard-ish spec... It'll likely be slower, and certainly handle and brake worse than the Monaro. Big block cars are carrying fair bit of extra weight up front with that engine.Something like that would be ideal!!!
Hoping to go and see a '69 Firebird 400 Big Block, but it might be just a bit too much 'pure classic' if you get drift. Something like yours is just the look I'm after. Looks like a great car and I'm guessing it sounds pretty good too if you spend all your time in darkened tunnels!?
So what exactly have you had done to that car?
Every mechanical component on mine is upgraded, modified or changed, only part untouched is the steering box (but I have a later, quick ration to go in at some point).
chevy-stu said:
As already been said, you may be disappointed in the driving experience of an old yank if still in standard-ish spec... It'll likely be slower, and certainly handle and brake worse than the Monaro. Big block cars are carrying fair bit of extra weight up front with that engine.
Every mechanical component on mine is upgraded, modified or changed, only part untouched is the steering box (but I have a later, quick ration to go in at some point).
This 100%. Especially F-Body stuff with maybe the exclusion of late model 4th Gens. Every mechanical component on mine is upgraded, modified or changed, only part untouched is the steering box (but I have a later, quick ration to go in at some point).
The difference between 3rd gens alone is a bit crazy. My dads old Firebird (87) tracked all over the road, mine is a lot better than that, but the brakes and steering are still very old school.
GruFFnuTT said:
Just out of interest, do many people drop in newer engines into their classics (LS, HEMI, Ford Racing) or is that not 'the done thing' really over here? I know that is has been done many times and I've seen a classic Monaro with a modern Supercharged Chevvy lump in it at a meet which was impressive; a real sleeper!!! I suppose the original blocks still offer huge performance opportunities...
Hey bud, awesome you were at that meet! It was real good fun with an awesome convoy between venues! In the answer to the above.. HELL YES!
The Mustang you liked the look of from that meet is a 1967 with a 2005 DOHC 5litre V8 which is currently being twin turbo'd > http://www.v8uk.co.uk/forums/topic/project-1967-fo...
I am currently building a 1931 Ford Model A Coupe with a BMW 4litre V8 from a 93 540i and there are tons of people out there that have done similar things.
The Monaro has one hell of an engine in it from the LS range, (LS1 or LS2) depending on which 'Ro you had. They get dropped in to all sorts of stuff as they are fairly cheap for what they are and REALLY reliable!
So, depending on how you want to do things budget wise it can all be done, it's just time Vs. cash.
Most of the old yanks are going to be auto and they are a hoot to drive so don't let that put you off, of course if there is a manual available I'd go for that because well... why wouldn't you?
In terms of POWERRRR!! Yes they may start out life a little sluggish compared to the modern aussie brute you had but these cars don't handle so well out the box so it will instantly feel faster and sound AMAZING!
There are so many upgrades available for old Yanks and tons of shops that specialize in them so you won't be alone when it comes to work being done. Suspension can be changed, front clips can be changed, engines swapped, engines upgraded, gearboxes changed the list is endless.
If you don't mind chipping away at it for a few years then what I would do is buy a car you love the look of, then make it into the car you want.
67roofchop said:
GruFFnuTT said:
Just out of interest, do many people drop in newer engines into their classics (LS, HEMI, Ford Racing) or is that not 'the done thing' really over here? I know that is has been done many times and I've seen a classic Monaro with a modern Supercharged Chevvy lump in it at a meet which was impressive; a real sleeper!!! I suppose the original blocks still offer huge performance opportunities...
Hey bud, awesome you were at that meet! It was real good fun with an awesome convoy between venues! In the answer to the above.. HELL YES!
The Mustang you liked the look of from that meet is a 1967 with a 2005 DOHC 5litre V8 which is currently being twin turbo'd > http://www.v8uk.co.uk/forums/topic/project-1967-fo...
I am currently building a 1931 Ford Model A Coupe with a BMW 4litre V8 from a 93 540i and there are tons of people out there that have done similar things.
The Monaro has one hell of an engine in it from the LS range, (LS1 or LS2) depending on which 'Ro you had. They get dropped in to all sorts of stuff as they are fairly cheap for what they are and REALLY reliable!
So, depending on how you want to do things budget wise it can all be done, it's just time Vs. cash.
Most of the old yanks are going to be auto and they are a hoot to drive so don't let that put you off, of course if there is a manual available I'd go for that because well... why wouldn't you?
In terms of POWERRRR!! Yes they may start out life a little sluggish compared to the modern aussie brute you had but these cars don't handle so well out the box so it will instantly feel faster and sound AMAZING!
There are so many upgrades available for old Yanks and tons of shops that specialize in them so you won't be alone when it comes to work being done. Suspension can be changed, front clips can be changed, engines swapped, engines upgraded, gearboxes changed the list is endless.
If you don't mind chipping away at it for a few years then what I would do is buy a car you love the look of, then make it into the car you want.
Cheers, that's good advice to find a car you like, the trouble is I like a lot of them for lots of different reasons. I'm not going to be able to experience them all to make an informed judgement so I think I will just go with my instincts at the time when I'm stood with the car!!! That method has never let me down. Haha
I would ideally like to find a car with some good practical upgrades already present.
But if I could find a black 71-73 Mustang Mach 1 Fastback, I'd buy it!!! I saw one at an American Car Show once and thought "Damn, that's a big old beast"!!!
I've watched this several times http://youtu.be/pwELiTohtWY
Hope to go and see the green Mach 1 I posted a pic of previously to see what it's all about. It's way over budget but at least I can get an idea of what to expect.
That Mustang build is immense!!! I need to make sure I get to another V8UK meet to see it again!
Edited by GruFFnuTT on Monday 6th January 20:27
They are awesome looking cars!
If you manage to find a car in time which, by the sounds of things you will, then this will be a cool meet. It's our first one of the year, last year we had 72 cars turn up and 40+ in the convoy to the diner, was mental!
This year we will be filming it all too (possibly even with aerial cameras!!!)
http://www.v8uk.co.uk/forums/topic/2014-full-power...
Of course everyone is welcome!
In terms of cars... This may be worth a look?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fully-Loaded-1965-Ford-M...
Or this is a bit cheaper but has the WRONG engine! But if you are thinking about dropping a modern motor in there this would be a better buy...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mustang-Ford-1965-/25141...
If you manage to find a car in time which, by the sounds of things you will, then this will be a cool meet. It's our first one of the year, last year we had 72 cars turn up and 40+ in the convoy to the diner, was mental!
This year we will be filming it all too (possibly even with aerial cameras!!!)
http://www.v8uk.co.uk/forums/topic/2014-full-power...
Of course everyone is welcome!
In terms of cars... This may be worth a look?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fully-Loaded-1965-Ford-M...
Or this is a bit cheaper but has the WRONG engine! But if you are thinking about dropping a modern motor in there this would be a better buy...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mustang-Ford-1965-/25141...
67roofchop said:
Stu, was this at the Chorus of Noise Piston Heads Sunday Service a year or two back? It's an awesome car mate, done a very tidy job on it!
It was indeed, max db only beaten by an italian exotic of some kind.. Unfortunately it blew off the ancilliary belt and lost half the coolant, so had to let it cool down and top up.cheers for the compliments
Hi all... again, (four months on).
Well, to update my thread, I'm pleased to say my New Years Resolution is nearly a reality...
I put a deposit down on a 1971 Mach 1 today...
... I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for. It didn't drive quite how I expected it to, but 'OH MY' it looks 'INSANE', and that's gotta be the main thing, right!?
There seems to be a lack of an original service history book, or any original Ford documentation, but there is a hefty stack of history for various bits in the US.
Supposedly it's only done 6000miles since an engine rebuild with performance parts, but no idea if the clock is accurate.
The car was only imported last year and there are claims of performance upgrades, but nothing to confirm this as far as I could see.
Shame it's an auto, not a manual. The test drive in Central London was... 'Interesting' and the car got lots and lots of attention!!!
Can't wait to pick it up and get to know it and see what happens when I get a chance to put my foot down a little bit...
Well, to update my thread, I'm pleased to say my New Years Resolution is nearly a reality...
I put a deposit down on a 1971 Mach 1 today...
... I had no idea what I was supposed to be looking for. It didn't drive quite how I expected it to, but 'OH MY' it looks 'INSANE', and that's gotta be the main thing, right!?
There seems to be a lack of an original service history book, or any original Ford documentation, but there is a hefty stack of history for various bits in the US.
Supposedly it's only done 6000miles since an engine rebuild with performance parts, but no idea if the clock is accurate.
The car was only imported last year and there are claims of performance upgrades, but nothing to confirm this as far as I could see.
Shame it's an auto, not a manual. The test drive in Central London was... 'Interesting' and the car got lots and lots of attention!!!
Can't wait to pick it up and get to know it and see what happens when I get a chance to put my foot down a little bit...
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