Getting going after 14 years

[PEB]

Hello all
New guy here. I bought my 1966 289 auto convertible in 1978. It's been parked since 1994 and I picked it up last weekend. I do not plan to show it but would like to keep it original for use as an occasional driver on nice days. The fuel tank has been replaced and a carb kit installed so it runs okay.
I have three issues I need to address now:
Both exhaust manifolds are broken. Should I go with new or try and find originals in decent shape? If the recomendation is orginal, any model # I should look for or avoid?
The radiator is toast. Should I buy a reproduction or spend the extra money to have mine recored with the two row core?
Tires - I was thinking of getting some BFG's with white stripes. Any thoughts?
I don't want to do anything that will reduce the value or hamper a restoration in the future by me or someone else.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Peter

[DocsMustang]

Dear Peter,
You can try Hall Roy Radiator Service in Lexington first for an estimate. That will give you a place to start. Otherwise new 3 row radiators are pretty cheap. Every used exhaust manifold we've seen for awhile has been in rough shape. I think I would go with new. For tires I would go to Standard Tire in Nicholasville. The owner has a number of Mustangs and can look at your brakes/suspension/tires. For one of our catalogs call or write Doc's Mustang, 107 Louisa Dr., Nicholasville, KY 40356. Toll free 877-542-3627
Thanks, Doc

[C7ZZ-F]

welcome to the forum peter. we spoke on the phone yesterday. doc offers some good suggestions. i have a small shop at my home and could possibly assist with some of your concerns. feel free to call again.

[NEFaurora]

Pete, I have a '66 Convertible as well..but a 6 banger- although I have owned quite a few V8 mustangs... Here's what I suggest.. I would search ebay for some clean original exhaust manifolds...They are always up there...but the problem being that they are 40+ years old and made of the same old materials and have already gone through the rigors of being on a V8 for 40+ years so you may find some clean ones, but your chance of cracking/leaking failure rate is high...but if you can score some clean originals at a good price why not... The new repro Exhaust manifolds through NPD or most parts vendors (The good ones should come with a C4, C5, or C6 part# on them already.), If they don't have the part# molded onto them, Then they are the EL CHEAPO ones...Stay away from them.. The new repro ones with the part number on them are excellently made and equal or fare exceed the originals IMHO.. The only physical real difference is that they do not have the "FOMOCO" stamp on them.. That's about it..but they are excellent....so you have to weigh your own options there.

With the radiator...If it IS an original... There are ways to tell... It should have FORD part#'s on it... Then pay to have it recored... Original radiators are hard to find...

You can pick up a repro- Four.seasons/GDI/Proliance/Modine (Did you know that the radiator is the same from all four of these compainies now All four of these radiator companies have merged into Proliance/Modine .... These radiators are distinguishable, are rounded at the sides and have a white w/blue wavy lines tested sticker at the top.. and are the ones usually seen on most classic mustangs today. Only problem is that if you drive the car regularly, These radiators which go for around $235.00 only seem to last about 5 years...and they all burst/leak in the same place (Where the top tank seams are near the fill hole..definately something this radiator manufacturer has to work on IMHO) I have gone through like 5 of these radiators over the years...and one actually burst and destroyed all the paint on a restored engine compartment... I wouldn't trust these radiators more than 3 years tops...At first sign, swap it out for a newer one. The ultimate is a Griffin aluminum radiator...but it will cost you.. around $600.00.... so there are your options on that..

Finally... With tires...It's pretty much your own choice... I usually buy my tires are Pep Boys. I go with Cornell 1000's White walls...They are a good 50,000 tires...Give the right classic look.. Go with 205/75/R14 or 205/70/R14's .... My favorites size for the convertible is 215/75/R14... This tire size is awesome and gives plenty of Meat on the road...but they are getting hard to find....Pep Boys used to carry them, but not anymore.. Goodyear still carries them in White walls... So those are just a few examples...Have fun...

Tony Kovar
1966 Sprint 200 Convertible

[SHELBY]

I have a pair of NOS exhaust manifolds if you are interested.

[Jeff_Speegle]

First welcome

Originally Posted by PEB

........I do not plan to show it but would like to keep it original for use as an occasional driver on nice days. ...............
I have three issues I need to address now:
Both exhaust manifolds are broken. Should I go with new or try and find originals in decent shape? If the recomendation is orginal,.......

IF you do not want to "reduce the value " then find some nice originals. The reduction (given the specific car) would be small but that was one of your focus points

Originally Posted by PEB

The radiator is toast. Should I buy a reproduction or spend the extra money to have mine recored with the two row core?

Again - fix the original. You will see many thread of people looking for original radiators or repairable cores. Since you still have yours keep it for you and the future owner (this is the concours area of the site

Originally Posted by PEB

Tires - I was thinking of getting some BFG's with white stripes. Any thoughts?
I don't want to do anything that will reduce the value or hamper a restoration in the future by me or someone else.

How much will you drive the car and how will you drive it? If its limited to around town and street driving a good reproduction will best fit the original look of the car.

[slim]

If you want to keep your vert original (stock) looking but not yet for show you might
consider tirerack.com. Their online listing will allow you to find close to original size tires
that are in stock with the narrow whitewall usually very reasonable price.

When/if you get serious, going concours you can get a set of repro correct tires.

[PEB]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I appreciate receiving all the good information.
Peter