Alright, guys, let’s dive into my latest project – bringing a 1967 Mustang GT500 Shelby Eleanor to life. I’ve always been a huge fan of classic muscle cars, and Eleanor, well, she’s just iconic.
Getting Started
First things first, I needed a plan. I spent hours looking at pictures, watching videos, just soaking it all in. It’s not like you can just walk into a store and buy one of these, you know? I had to figure out exactly what I wanted, down to the smallest detail.
The Hunt
Then came the fun part – finding the right base car. I scoured online classifieds, went to a few car shows, and even talked to some guys who specialize in classic Mustangs. It was a real treasure hunt! Finally, I found a ’67 fastback that was in decent shape, but definitely needed some love.
The Teardown
Once I got the car back to my garage, the real work began. I stripped it down to the bare bones. I mean, everything came out – engine, interior, wiring, you name it. It was messy, and there were definitely some rusty surprises, but it was all part of the process.
Bodywork and Paint
- Fixed some rust spots. This involved cutting out the bad metal and welding in new pieces. Not gonna lie, my welding skills got a major workout!
- Applied body filler to smooth everything out. Lots and lots of sanding followed. My arms were sore for days!
- Sprayed on the primer. This was the first time it started to look like a real car again.
- Finally, the iconic Pepper Gray paint went on. Seeing that color on the car was a real “wow” moment. Added those classic black stripes, and boom!
Engine and Performance
Eleanor isn’t just about looks, she’s gotta have some muscle! I decided to go with a powerful crate engine, something that would really make this car roar. I also upgraded the suspension and brakes to handle all that extra power. Safety first, right?
Putting It All Back Together
This was like a giant jigsaw puzzle. I spent weeks carefully reinstalling everything, making sure every bolt was tight and every wire was connected. There were definitely some frustrating moments, but seeing it all come together was incredibly rewarding.
The Final Touches
The interior got a complete makeover – new seats, carpet, the whole nine yards. It’s all the detals!
Hitting the Road
Finally, the day came when I could turn the key and take her for a spin. Man, that feeling was incredible! All that hard work, all those hours in the garage, it was all worth it. Hearing that engine rumble and feeling the power under my foot…pure magic. There’s nothing quite like cruising in a classic muscle car that you built yourself.
So, there you have it – my journey to build a 1967 Mustang GT500 Shelby Eleanor. It was a challenging project, but one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. If you ever get a chance done it!
