Opinions...what do you guys think?

[svp]

Alright....this site is killing me by putting thoughts in my head or maybe just pushing me more towards what I want anyway.

Anyway, Just thought I'd gather some thoughts and opinions on cutting up one of my cars and doing the G machine theme with it. I've thought this often because I just can't stand looking at the tiny tires on it but since it's a fairly rare car I always reserved myself to leaving it alone. However, I could care less about originality....I'll restore one for someone that way but my own cars are never done as numbers matching original types and I hate sitting in a parking lot as I'd much rather drive them.

The car is a 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II Dan Gurney Special....it's (going by memory) like the 3rd VIN sold to the public after the first batch where shipped to Kar Kraft.

Value is irrelevant to me as I never intend to sell it and it's my car. My idea would probably include a 4.6 4V Twin Turbo with a 6 speed. This would of course probably take me a couple years at least given that I spend most my time working on others cars but I think it would make a cool project and definitely unique. What do you guys think?

[Roger M]

Very cool car and definitely outside the box. IMO, if you make any changes to the car, you should keep in mind that this is a pretty rare car and will always hold a value, whether you keep it or not. It would look great with some current rolling stock and a suspension upgrade. If you change out the drivetrain, keep the original stufff for a rainy day. :thumbsup:

[Ummgawa]

I'd pro tour a Golf Cart if someone make a suspension for it.

This car however, is a no in my book due to its rarity. Find a clapped out Torino and clone it.

[Stuart Adams]

I'd pro tour a Golf Cart if someone make a suspension for it.

This car however, is a no in my book due to its rarity. Find a clapped out Torino and clone it.

Yepper. Leave it alone. Buy a cheap 2nd gen camaro. Still relatively cheap with alot of good parts available to make it a fun car. JMO. Good luck.

[vprace]

even better skip the camaro find another cyclone/torino shell and build it to match your original! be pretty badazz to have a pair of em!:thumbsup:

[Stuart Adams]

You want to build something that you can sell for a decent price and is appealing to the masses.

[svp]

You want to build something that you can sell for a decent price and is appealing to the masses.

Well, this isn't a car that would be built with intent on selling....that's not a factor. Also I don't want a Camaro...I've owned a first gen but I am primarily a Ford guy so that's predominently what I own.

The problem with building a clone is that the parts are impossible to find....fenders, front end parts are non-existent for the most part and these cars are tough to clone in that respect and the rocker panels are different....Yes it's rare though...one of 47 documented to exist in the registry but it also isn't a six figure car like a Daytona or Superbird....these cars just don't sell for that kind of money...even though you rarely see them for sale.

But this car isn't about money, building it to sell or preserving it for someone else to drive later....The history of the car is that it was found in a Junkyard in 1980 in Georgia with a small car sitting on the roof....bought by a guy in Maryland who put it back together for his son...the original engine and trans are gone and now a 390/auto from a '68 Cyclone are under the hood and the bench seat is gone and it's been converted to a floor shift. Sure I could put it all back original as those parts aren't that hard to find but if I am going to enjoy it then I'd like to have some fun with it. I can see the arguement for keeping it original as it's rare but I often tell people who come into my shop "Build what YOU want otherwise you will never be happy" and "If you are building it for someone else then go stock, if building it for you...do what you want"....so I am trying to take my own advice in that respect.

I've got a lot of project cars here, mostly Mustangs....a '68 Cougar and a Maverick but this one is the one that just stands out when it comes to "Dare to be different".

My Cougar is another rare one...it's a Big Block XR7 car but it was so far from original and given the values of them I could never restore it and get my money out of it so I am building a Trans Am Race car throwback out of it.....at least that's the plan right now.

[vprace]

that being said: do it up !

[monza]

Your first post kind it made it sound #'s matching and rare so people voiced concern.... it's not so cut and chop! Build the beast and lets see lots of pics.

[BallnRods]

But this car isn't about money, building it to sell or preserving it for someone else to drive later....The history of the car is that it was found in a Junkyard in 1980 in Georgia with a small car sitting on the roof....bought by a guy in Maryland who put it back together for his son...the original engine and trans are gone and now a 390/auto from a '68 Cyclone are under the hood and the bench seat is gone and it's been converted to a floor shift. Sure I could put it all back original as those parts aren't that hard to find but if I am going to enjoy it then I'd like to have some fun with it. I can see the arguement for keeping it original as it's rare but I often tell people who come into my shop "Build what YOU want otherwise you will never be happy" and "If you are building it for someone else then go stock, if building it for you...do what you want"....so I am trying to take my own advice in that respect.


After reading this part I say Go far it!

[gearheads78]

I would do it as a restomod. Bolt ons with little or no hacking. If you cut it up you may wish you hadn't 10 years from now.
Sweet car

-Richard

[svp]

Your fist post kind it made it sound #'s matching and rare so people voiced concern.... it's not so cut and chop! Build the beast and lets see lots of pics.

Well, it's not difficult to make it numbers matching as back then it was only date coding on the engine/trans...but even as rare as it is I can understand concern about it and if it was a six figure Hemi Mopar I'd probably refrain from doing anything but given what the current values are I figure I am probably only going to increase the value...even though that is not a concern.

I do have an old '69 Torino body here that I plan to use for cutting and mocking purposes if necessary then the final cutting would be one time....but I've got a lot of thinking and planning to do first...in the meantime the car is still driveable so I can beat around in it and still start things rolling :D

Once I do officially start things I will take lots of pics and share here...this is just the first step in actually making the decision to move forward with the idea ;)

[svp]

I would do it as a restomod. Bolt ons with little or no hacking. If you cut it up you may wish you hadn't 10 years from now.
Sweet car

-Richard


I've thought of that as well....your sentiments and others are why I put this up....I haven't made any decision set in stone yet...just toying with the idea....but I have to be honest that I am leaning toward it but of course anything can change and it will be some time before I have an open spot in the shop to even start on this.

[Stuart Adams]

I don't think you need our advice at all, sounds like you have a plan and as Big sais "DO WORK."

[svp]

I don't think you need our advice at all, sounds like you have a plan and as Big sais "DO WORK."


Well, it is a serious decision as it is a rare car so I just wanted to see what you guys thought. My main problem is the number of projects I have but yes...."DO WORK" is a good motto...:cheers:

[Stuart Adams]

Rare and cool car. Good luck.

[amaronut]

I would just cut it up and make something worth while out of it................A restored car is only worth what someone is willing to give for it...........

[2Bad4Ya]

I sya put it in the garage and cover it up, so you don't get it dirty while you turn that Maverick int to a PT sleeper!

[SWAPMEETCRAZY]

I would say u answered your on question with "build what u want or u will never be happy!! 8 years ago in the mix of building several pro street trucks, I bought ( stole) a 67 2dr Imapala super sport 396/4spd that had lite damage from wreck!! Spent 2 years w/ body on resto--sold for 20k at houston auction -new owner sold again before it left the building-Friends say "boy i wish i had done that " and i tell them it was the worst 2 years of my life!! They look at me strange and say "WHY"!!! I tell them i hated every minute because it was not what i WANTED TO DO BUT I DID FOR THE MONEY!! Or so i thought(labor)!!! I love to create and this project had to be to factory specs!! KIlled me not to make changes!!

I think u know what u want but u also know the risk of cutting a future collectible --It's tough -but sure is a lot of fun---:bow: :bow: jim

[svp]

I sya put it in the garage and cover it up, so you don't get it dirty while you turn that Maverick int to a PT sleeper!

LOL...yeah, I have some plans for the Maverick....I just sold the engine out of it last week so it's time to start some planning there. I already have the color picked out for it now to decide on the engine.

The Cyclone will be a while before I get into it so I've got time to consider the options. Good points on both sides have been voiced here....thanks to everyone for the input.

[jeff hanson]

chop
channel
stretch
tub
twin turbo
6 speed
air ride
boomin system
15" brakes
20" wheels
Getting the idea here...
Original sucks! Just do it. :cheers:

[svp]

chop
channel
stretch
tub
twin turbo
6 speed
air ride
boomin system
15" brakes
20" wheels
Getting the idea here...
Original sucks! Just do it. :cheers:


:cheers: Funny is that is pretty close to what I was thinking....