New To Forum |
Post Reply |
Author | |
TORAH54
New Member Joined: 05-July-2018 Location: Georgia Status: Offline Points: 2 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: 05-July-2018 at 5:00AM |
Hi - I am new to this forum, but certainly not new to restoring cars and trucks. But this is my first Torino - just bought it from my son who was just deployed to the middle east and can no longer work on it. (Or more accurately he can no longer watch me work on it after he destroyed yet another C4!!!!)
This 1972 Gran Sport has been in our family for 4 years - my son and I rebuilt the 351 Windsor (calm down all you Cleveland guys) and retrofit a roller cam. Bored 40 over, flat top pistons, new aluminum heads, long tube headers, Holley 650 double pumper... you name it for an old school hot rod pushing way more horsepower than anybody had in 1972. And since I am over 60 with a number of old cars I know old school. I rebuilt the suspension and brakes all the way around, but basically took it all to stock condition. had to hunt for the right alignment with bigger and better tires than original. But still, as ya'll know these cars tend to handle like land yachts with a broken rudder. So, my plan is to first replace some rusted out floor boards and trunk, (I HATE RUST) make the heater/defrost work then upgrade the suspension and steering. Maybe make this actually handle better than a worn out minivan with bald tires. If I keep this long enough I'll convert to 6 speed manual. I'll post pictures when I am able - but progress will be slow. I am in the middle of 1968 GMC truck total frame off, helping my other son with his 81 Camaro, then my long term '58 Triumph TR3. Oh, and keeping our 2000 Cherokee and my '97 Mustang GT daily driver safely on the road. And work does tend to interfere with all our fun, doesn't it. For those of you that are new to the old car hobby, keep up the good work. And patience, patience, patience. It is cool to cruise the town with my 2 sons in their '81 Camaro (heck of a beast, totally upgraded 400SBC), my (now totaled) 2001 Roush Mustang and this 72 Gran Torino. The Torino got more looks and comments than anything else. Fun. Keep them between the ditches - I'll be asking some questions and making more posts later. George ('72 Gran Torino Sport) |
|
George 72 GranTorinoSport
|
|
72FordGTS
Admin Group GTS.org Admin Joined: 06-September-2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Status: Offline Points: 5848 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Welcome George! Sounds like you have a very nice Torino, despite that inferior 351W! In all seriousness, the Windsor motors have a ton more aftermarket support and they are certainly easier to build these days compared to a 351C. It sounds like you have some other cool projects too!
There is a ton of info on here about making these cars handle well. Using stock replacement parts are not even up to the standards of the 1972 OEM competition suspension. If you install a quick ratio steering box, crown vic cop car springs, Addco sway bars this will make a massive difference in handling. You'd be surprised at how well these big cars can handle. There is a some good tech info here: Please post some pictures of your car. Here's a how to thread if you need help: |
|
Vince
1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
|
californiajohnny
Moderator Group Joined: 05-October-2013 Location: winlock, wa Status: Offline Points: 14609 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
welcome george! i too have several other non torino vehicles including a 70 C/10 truck
|
|
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE 74 VETTE CUSTOM 90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED 77 CELICA CUSTOM 75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED 79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED 75 VEGA V6 5 SPD 70 CHEV C10 P/U 68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION |
|
chuxster
Member Joined: 04-July-2017 Location: Tennessee Status: Offline Points: 89 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Welcome!!
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |