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To Paint?

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: General Discussion
Forum Name: Auto Body Forum
Forum Description: Discussion of anything related to body, paint and metal work/restoration
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=17658
Printed Date: 28-March-2024 at 10:22PM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: To Paint?
Posted By: Uante
Subject: To Paint?
Date Posted: 10-December-2018 at 5:02PM
So I'm at a point where I need to decide how I'd like to paint my car. 

First of all the reason it needs it is because the hood and trunk don't match the rest of the car and I'm getting tired of it. They are close, but you can tell in most lighting, especially in daylight at car shows. 

Second I don't really like the way the car is set up. It's all original with the vinyl roof and side body molding, but I feel it's dated and boring. Normally I like all original, but if I keep all the trim, it could always be put back on. 

I asked the question at work today and one guy said, "Would the car be worth more or be easier to sell if it was all original looking or more with a fresh more eye catching look? I answered that I thought given the type of car it is and it being not one of the more collectable models, that a fresh look would certainly draw more interest. 

I really like what Casey and others have done with their cars. I would keep mine Gold, but get rid of the vinyl roof and side body trim. Not sure about any graphics, but that could be cool too.  


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*



Replies:
Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 10-December-2018 at 5:18PM
i agree with ditching the wide side trim and the vinyl top Wink


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 1:12AM
Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

i agree with ditching the wide side trim and the vinyl top Wink

Well I've had the car 10 years now, well in 2019 will be 10...Perhaps it's time for a change!


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 6:07AM
the wide trim helps tie in the bumper

maybe anodize it a complimentary or contrasting shade, copper plate?

ghost flames, true fire? https://www.killerpaint.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.killerpaint.com/


-------------
72 GT Ute
   


Posted By: gpd294
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 8:16AM
There used to be a way to do a Poll on here where everyone could vote. It may still be on here, but that might be a fun way to get responses and then go from there. I sorta like your car the way it is and the "retro-going back in time" photos you have taken were pretty cool too. Good luck!  

-------------
Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station

Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana


Posted By: albo74
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 8:57AM
Keep the Trim , Lose the  top ,  Muscle cars don't need vinyl,  But the molding is unique to Gran Torino IMO

-------------
albos73gts


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 9:21AM
Originally posted by albo74 albo74 wrote:

Keep the Trim , Lose the  top ,  Muscle cars don't need vinyl,  But the molding is unique to Gran Torino IMO
 
 
So if you get rid of the vinyl, for a "Formal Roof" car like mine, it seems the chrome goes from the front bottom of the window up and over the top and stops. What's used to cap the chrome piece at the stop? Anyone got a picture of how it ends?
 
Also if I ditch the vinyl what about my Brougham badge behind the side windows? Probably look strange without the vinyl top.
 
 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 11:55AM
Any pics?


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 12:20PM
This is what the car looks like now. I did a quick photoshop taking the vinyl roof out and it looks ok. I'll load that one later. 



-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 12:46PM
I usually don't like vinyl tops but your car looks good with one. It goes nicely with the dark paint on the lower part of the car. I'd like to see the photo shop without.

You could also eliminate the trim and add a laser stripe. That might work with or without the vinyl top.


-------------
Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 12:58PM
Originally posted by 72FordGTS 72FordGTS wrote:

I usually don't like vinyl tops but your car looks good with one. It goes nicely with the dark paint on the lower part of the car. I'd like to see the photo shop without.

You could also eliminate the trim and add a laser stripe. That might work with or without the vinyl top.

I was thinking along the same lines. Here's a picture of the quick photoshop hack job I did taking off the roof. I like the idea of having laser style stripe made and putting it in the body line like Casey did with black. I'd do the brown into yellow (gold) and redo the lower brown on my car to just a couple of inches instead of the whole lower section. 

I'm going to try a photoshop of the whole scheme later. 





-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 2:47PM
that's a damn good photoshop! color and lighting is perfect looks real to me!
 the drip rail is closed at the end about 3/4" past the window... easiest thing is to cut and carefilly bend the edge in, or swap drip rails from a 2dr hard top
 brougham emblems... just a couple holes to weld shut Wink


-------------
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


Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 11-December-2018 at 2:57PM
It looks good either way. Plus, the wheels are sweet.


Posted By: albo74
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 12:55AM
Right now I am having the vinyl top pull off my 72 Chevelle  I have resisted all these years because it was factory green , boy does it look good just off!  Opera windows were only available with vinyl  tops. Late 70's early 80s' I had the white top removed  from my 74 sport to repair some body damage and never wanted it back , Did add some pin stripping   and deleted the sail badging  moved Sport onto the fenders  That was my daily driver most all of the big 80s  
 


-------------
albos73gts


Posted By: 7T9_Tbird
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 1:19AM
Nice. Thumbs Up Is the bike a CB750?  Early to mid '70s?

-------------
John
79 Thunderbird Heritage
79 Thunderbird Town Landau
02 Ram 1500 Sport Quad Cab


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 3:21AM
Thanks for all the input so far. It's been great for ideas and in the decision making process. Albo74 had a great idea about relocating a badge to the front fender below the Gran Torino...after seeing that I'm like "Duh! Why didn't I think of that?!"
 
Anyway, no luck with the further photoshop picture. I tried to rush it yesterday because I had to grill some chicken for dinner and it looked terrible.  
 
- Update: Made an appointment at a Custom Paint shop for tomorrow to get an estimate.


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 8:53AM
It seems if I delete the vinyl roof, I'll have to get a set of side Window Rain Drip Trim pieces. From what I could tell, they terminate just above the AFT edge of the rear side window. Can anyone verify this or does anyone have a set?

-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 3:31PM
More Photoshop. btw, Thanks Johnny, just don't look too closely lol 

Before 



After Trim and Top Removal (PS) 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: ZCowher
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 3:46PM
If you remove the vynil you definitely need to add something else to break up allow that color.

-------------
ZC
2016 F-150 xl 2.7 liter
73 Gran Torino Formal roof, Ten damn years, and its almost there.


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 5:00PM
Originally posted by ZCowher ZCowher wrote:

If you remove the vynil you definitely need to add something else to break up allow that color.


Agreed...way to plain like without something added.

-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: stanman
Date Posted: 12-December-2018 at 10:54PM
I seem to be in the minority, but I like the vinyl roof. Maybe change it to black? Just my opinion.


Posted By: ZCowher
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 12:36AM
Image result for 73 dodge challenger
 A stripe like this could be cool. The vinyl does look good though, or both.

Image result for 73 dodge challenger




-------------
ZC
2016 F-150 xl 2.7 liter
73 Gran Torino Formal roof, Ten damn years, and its almost there.


Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 5:36AM
the wide Sport trim is iconic Gran Torino, needs nothing else but a unique graphic ~might~ work

have you ever seen a true natural beauty all Censored up with tattoos & piercings?

suck that rear bumper in or fill the gap & call it good ;)


-------------
72 GT Ute
   


Posted By: 1973gts
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 5:48AM
Just another possibility, coloring in the flare with a good contrasting color similar to this

-------------
Dave - 1973 GTS N code


Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 6:35AM
been done

Originally posted by M Casey Stock M Casey Stock wrote:





-------------
72 GT Ute
   


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 6:58AM
Originally posted by Rockatansky Rockatansky wrote:

been done


[/QUOTE]

Yes I know...what Casey did looks awesome. It's what's inspiring me to change my car up, but I don't want to just copy his ideas.

I'm headed now to get a quote for several options. It'll probably be more than I want to spend, of course, so I'll end up with keeping it like it is and just repaint the horizontal surfaces and tuck the front bumper.

-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 9:16AM
Just got back from the Body Shop. Full repaint is too expensive. Painting/fixing the horizontal surfaces is much more within the budget, so that's all that's going to get done, plus maybe the front bumper tuck. 

Thanks for all the input! It was fun dreaming up schemes for the car...wish I had more cash to stick into it. 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 3:22PM
Out of curiosity, if you're willing to share, what was the estimate for a full paint job? I have no idea what it costs these days.

-------------
Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 13-December-2018 at 4:53PM
Well for a top notch job at a pretty good place he said it would be between 9 and 10K. That would include welding all the trim holes in and complete sanding of problem areas from a previous crappy job. To just do the hood and trunk blending into fenders fixing a mismatch job it will be less than 2k.
 
Checking around I found a short with a reasonable price. If I wanted the top redone in a different color, say black, it would be about $700. If I wanted the top removed, holes filled and a full body paint it would be about $3200. About the same price if I wanted a full paint and new top since there wouldn't be a buncha hole filling.
 
 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: albo74
Date Posted: 14-December-2018 at 10:46AM
  Wow , I hope my guy never hears about this . yup the economy is good . so if you fix the sails and weld up all the holes , it is the same as covering them up with a new top ,

-------------
albos73gts


Posted By: MrSmog
Date Posted: 14-December-2018 at 4:08PM
I say keep the vinyl roof but lose the big brougham emblem, lose the wide mouldin and add a laser stripe in the yeller to brown fade.


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 02-January-2019 at 6:30AM
Still working on getting a bumper donor from a wrecking yard. They were closed last Monday, so it'll have to wait until Saturday.
 
Meanwhile...Does anyone have a set of Drip Rails with the termination point just behind the rear window? If I go through with this and get rid of the vinyl top, I'll need them. I've located some but they are asking a lot for them.
 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: hogfiddles
Date Posted: 02-January-2019 at 11:55AM
I'll look in my stash of trim parts from my parts car.

Did anyone else spot the Torino coupe on top of the rust pile in the background by the word "both"?

-------------
1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold
1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project
1972 Gran Torino - parts
1969 Torino GT - M code
95+/- mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (10 trophies)


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 02-January-2019 at 12:47PM
I see it now. Last time I was out there, there were a lot of Torinos of different types. Most were picked over or stacked. I'll take some pictures when I go this Saturday. 

I went out a couple of years ago to see if my 1st Torino somehow made it out there. I've tried to track it down before. Fortunately I didn't see anything that could have been it. 



-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: hogfiddles
Date Posted: 02-January-2019 at 2:17PM
Uante....

Looks like we should talk...send me a private message, and I'll give you my cell #. I put one set aside.

Dave F


-------------
1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold
1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project
1972 Gran Torino - parts
1969 Torino GT - M code
95+/- mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (10 trophies)


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 02-January-2019 at 6:43PM
there ya go brent! i just checked i'm sold out of those!


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 19-January-2019 at 2:12PM
With the bumper tuck underway I came across a vehicle with a worse bumper than the 5 mph bumper! And I thought the Torino bumper was bad! 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 19-January-2019 at 5:06PM
Originally posted by Uante Uante wrote:

With the bumper tuck underway I came across a vehicle with a worse bumper than the 5 mph bumper! And I thought the Torino bumper was bad! 


Shocked

-------------
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


Posted By: hogfiddles
Date Posted: 20-January-2019 at 2:10AM
But just think a second..... you could add a big bell, a winch, a siren, and a water pump!!!

Rock it on out!

Oh yeah... paint it red with a white stripe, too!! FIRE That sucker right up!

-------------
1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold
1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project
1972 Gran Torino - parts
1969 Torino GT - M code
95+/- mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (10 trophies)


Posted By: 73torino gt
Date Posted: 20-January-2019 at 3:43AM
I like the vinyl top but not all the trim.


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 21-January-2019 at 3:40AM
Originally posted by 73torino gt 73torino gt wrote:

I like the vinyl top but not all the trim.
 
 
That's a nice picture. Car looks good without the trim. I like the black vinyl too, but wouldn't work with mine as I have brown interior.
 
It would take a lot, but I could see a black top redoing the interior to black and taking off the trim and repainting. Probably won't go that route, but certainly an option that I would like.


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: 73torino gt
Date Posted: 21-January-2019 at 3:46AM
My interior was originally ginger but I painted it and put new carpet in.


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 21-January-2019 at 4:09AM
Originally posted by 73torino gt 73torino gt wrote:

My interior was originally ginger but I painted it and put new carpet in.
 
Did you paint the dash and dash pad with Plastic and Vinyl paint and the Headliner with cloth paint?


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 21-January-2019 at 6:11AM
Originally posted by 73torino gt 73torino gt wrote:

My interior was originally ginger but I painted it and put new carpet in.
 
I looked at that thread about when you were selling your old seats and saw your interior. Pretty nice with those new seats. Ever sell the old ones?


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: 73torino gt
Date Posted: 21-January-2019 at 6:13AM
I just sold them about a month ago.


Posted By: 73torino gt
Date Posted: 21-January-2019 at 6:17AM
I put a new headliner in and used SEM brand paint for vinyl and plastic, their is even vinyl prep and adhesion promoter.


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 21-January-2019 at 3:21PM
Being in the frame of mind to remove ornamental badging, I took off my front grille emblem with the leaf/branch sides. After it was off it looked like it needed something, so I guess it will go back on. While it was off I decided to look and see if there are any alternatives. There's the Sport emblem that looks like a gear, and a plain round one from the Plain Jane Torino. I really like the Round One! Too bad it won't work on a Gran Torino Grille! 

Here's the Plain one. 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 22-January-2019 at 6:45AM
Does anyone have one of these round base model 73 grille emblems in decent shape? I've located one, but figured I'd ask here too.

-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 22-January-2019 at 6:00PM
no, i have a nice 73 emblem but it has the leaves around it for a gran torino....


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 23-January-2019 at 3:17AM
Thanks John, but got one of those Tongue
 
So I picked up one of the plain ones on eBay. It will have to be modified, but I think I have it figured out how to do it. Should be interesting.


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 23-January-2019 at 1:05PM
Thumbs Up

-------------
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


Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 23-January-2019 at 2:57PM
It should look good!  Keep us post on the mods required to make it work.

-------------
Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 24-January-2019 at 9:34AM
Originally posted by 72FordGTS 72FordGTS wrote:

It should look good!  Keep us post on the mods required to make it work.
 
It's probably going to be more trouble than it's worth. The main issue is that the Gran Grille has only two cross bars and the Base Grille has 4. Once I get the Base emblem assembly I'll be able to tell which one of the two ways I've thought about modifying it will work best.
 
Hopefully my bumper will be finished today. I commissioned a neighbor down the street, who is a welder, fill in the Rubber Rub attach holes, bumper guard holes and weld the attach bolts in and shave off the heads. He's taking a lot longer than he said, so I guess it's been a pain in the neck to do.
 
 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 24-January-2019 at 3:39PM
filling all those hose can take a while. i'd suggest on the blind bolts... use some good grade counter sunk allen type bolts, taper the hole some with a countersink bit, so the bolt has some part to partially grip after the heads are welded and ground flush Wink
6#-32 Hex Socket Screw Allen Flat Head Screws Countersunk Stainless Steel Bolts


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 24-January-2019 at 4:16PM
Thanks for the advice, but the holes are already filled and the attach bolts welded and ground. Just some small filler welds left and final blending.  Thumbs Up

-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 24-January-2019 at 7:36PM
Clap

-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 13-March-2019 at 3:57PM
Update on the Paint Project... 



Bumper lowered to take out lights and zip-tie back on temporarily for driving. Also removed the lower trim below bumper. 



Both bumpers are going in for re-chroming Friday. The rear has a small crack in it and a couple of chips so I figured might as well get it done with the front one. 

Got a new estimate and it will be $5500 for welding in all the trim holes and addressing a couple of small body issues and the painting with sanding and buffing afterward. This would not include removing the vinyl room as I have decided to keep it. Probably keep taking off trim and prepping it myself and give it to the paint shop in a couple weeks. 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 13-March-2019 at 5:35PM
that's not bad! considering all the holes they'll have to weld up Wink (i'd ditch the top, but that's just me LOL)


-------------
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


Posted By: albo74
Date Posted: 14-March-2019 at 12:29AM
 Brent ,    I was trying to keep a stock look and be able to reinstall the original bumpers . So with another  I  had all the holes and slots filled and the brackets welded to the bumper So as to eliminate the chrome bumper bolts ,smooth them up . I didn't realize at the time using 72 brackets would have tucked it in . So if you are still going to use chrome bolts . get a set of 72 rear bumper brackets and you  can delete that rubber filler strip . Looks like a nice rust free car .   with the chevy I had the whole car painted  keeping  the top but when it came home it just didn't look as good , new paint , 47 year old top ,  I did  had some issues with rust and poor body work under it too  , so it had to go .  Alan

-------------
albos73gts


Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 14-March-2019 at 10:43AM
Looking good Brent.  If it were my car, I'd ditch the top too, but I am biased as I hate vinyl tops.  To be honest though, looking at photos, the vinyl top with no trim does look pretty good, and better than your original setup.

-------------
Vince

1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car

GTS.org Admin


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 14-March-2019 at 11:34AM
Thanks for the input.

Interesting about the 72 bumper brackets...I didn't know they were different. I looked a bunch of 72 models today and they do seem tucked more than the 73. And you don't need the rubber piece? Sounds good as mine is damaged on one side anyway. I'll look into finding a pair, if anyone has some to sell, let me know. 

So as I said, I got that paint quote and the guy was skittish about removing the top and wanted to stay away from it as he has had bad experiences before. However, I thought of a plan. I really don't want Brown anything anymore. There's a place I talked to that does vinyl tops so I'm going to ask for the price to redo mine in Black. And like Alan pointed out, it might look bad with new paint an old sap stained vinyl. 

If the price is reasonable, I could take of the old vinyl, have a look and if it is bad, just plan on going with black after the paint. If it's good under there the painter dude already said we could opt to do the top then. 

Regardless, Black top and go with black interior, or painted top and change interior to black.  

btw My Girlfriend thinks I'm crazy. lol 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 14-March-2019 at 4:00PM
well do you have any abnormal bumps under the top? usually around the bottom trim... if not it could be fine under the top Wink as far as trim holes to weld up there's not as many for the top as you'd think some holes and some nail head studs for plastic clips
 i'm sure he's scared that it will have huge rust holes like most do but being in the desert it's dry and may just be fine under there????


-------------
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


Posted By: fordismyboss
Date Posted: 14-March-2019 at 4:52PM
Like you, I was not fond of brown, and knew I could always add a VT later in black if needed. So I had the holes filled at paint and saved all the trim/hardware.......and I just love Gold Glow Metallic!



Then I started to like the ginger interior, and just stopped thinking about the top.......



Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 14-March-2019 at 5:24PM
Your car looks great! Pretty mean looking with that low stance too 😎

-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: gpd294
Date Posted: 15-March-2019 at 2:05AM
 I know we are not voting here, but thought I'd chime in. I like the vinyl top even though they reek havoc on the metal roof underneath. Unfortunately it appears most were just slapped on with little to no protection back in the 70's. But after seeing this 72 without it, it looks pretty sweet. It's much cleaner and more aggressive for some reason. I may just have to change my vote. LOL!
 
Great job Brent. By the way your thread helped me a ton when you cleaned up your engine bay...I used it as a guide to do mine way back when. Clap   


-------------
Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station

Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 15-March-2019 at 8:38AM
Thanks Carlos, It's been so long since I looked at my thread that far back I forgot what was posted there. Sure was clean. Hasn't stayed that way! lol Needs a little refresh! 

You're wagon is awesome. I was just checking out your thread, looks to be a big hit at the car shows! 

I've almost sold my Torino several times over the last 10 years and bought some sort of wagon...I grew up in wagons. The last one my family owned was a 73 Gran Torino Bronze one. My Mom traded it in on a 78 Bobcat during the gas crunch. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of either.  


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: unlovedford
Date Posted: 18-March-2019 at 1:18PM
This is one of the few pictures I have of my Mom's old '72 Squire. It is what started my love of Torinos.





-------------
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
Popeye and Brutus (Rams)


Posted By: unlovedford
Date Posted: 18-March-2019 at 1:20PM
Even after all these years, I can still remember what that 400 sounded like when running hard.

-------------
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
Popeye and Brutus (Rams)


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 28-March-2019 at 2:20PM
Getting closer to handing the car over to the body/paint guy...probably in a week or so. I was thinking of changing my interior to black. Part of that would be swapping out my wood grain instrument cluster and passenger side dash panel.

Anyone have any extras and would like to trade? 

Looking for Black like these...  








-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: hogfiddles
Date Posted: 28-March-2019 at 3:30PM
We should talk, cuz I want switch to woodgrain. I think we can work something out.

Dave F

-------------
1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold
1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project
1972 Gran Torino - parts
1969 Torino GT - M code
95+/- mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (10 trophies)


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 28-March-2019 at 6:27PM
on the torino piece there's 2 different lengths... a/c are shorter than non a/c Wink


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 29-March-2019 at 5:50AM
Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

on the torino piece there's 2 different lengths... a/c are shorter than non a/c Wink
 
I was wondering why the one in the picture looked so long. My car came with A/C so it's the shorter one I need. There's a black short one at the junkyard in good shape, but it only says Torino on it.
 
 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 23-April-2019 at 5:56PM
So with the car at the painters, I have been looking at different options for interior. One way I'm leaning is getting bucket seats. Also was thinking about putting in some sort of console. Can someone tell me how wide the original consoles are for Gran Torinos? I found something that might work, but I think it's a little thin...
I think finding an affordable console is doubtful, so I'm looking at alternatives. 



-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 23-April-2019 at 7:59PM
not sure 8"??? i can call my buddy dave tomorrow and have him measure his, it's out of the car, if he has a tape measure?!!Confused

 don't forget to get a few in progress paint pics Big smileThumbs Up


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 24-April-2019 at 4:19PM
Haven't gotten anymore pictures yet. The painter is having drama getting the vinyl top glue off. I offered to do it when he leaves next week for a short trip, but he said he'd get it. 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 15-October-2019 at 3:48PM
It took a long time, but the paint is done and I'm putting it back together. Without all that trim...I want to put some type of stripe on the car. I've looked at quite a few different schemes and drew out one or two of my own, but there really isn't a whole bunch of them that appeal to me. 

Of course when someone says "Stripe" and "Torino" together you almost always think of the S&H Stripe and the Lazer Stripe. Both of those are classic, but not what I want. Here's a few of the ones I've seen in image searches:



This one is kinda cool...different how it tapers out towards the rear. 



Nice Classic look with the rear body line filled in. Stripes on the hood are a bit much for me. 



Looks a bit like a Boss Mustang Style...Looks good on this car. 



Not a Stripe, but like the car color lol 



Another version of the rear body line filled in, but with something more than just a solid color. 



Lower stripe taking the place of the lower body molding. Not bad. 



Hmmmmm...Not quite liking this one. The lower part is too much for me. But I like the Torino worded in there. 



Something is off on this one. Too busy maybe. 



This one is really cool. A bit Mopar looking plus a front end accent. 



Another Classic Rear body line fill in coming forward. Nice. 



Casey's Copperhead Rear Body Line fill in seems to hit the mark. I like the way he ended the stripe behind the front wheel and incorporated some letter and some edge secondary stripping. I took this picture into photoshop and graphed my wheels on it and turned the color gold and it looks really good to me. Casey, hope you don't mind, but I'll probably copy this style except have different wording added. 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 15-October-2019 at 4:26PM
Your photo shop looks sweet. Whatever suits your fancy us what you should do. Me, I would wait a while and keep looking before you stripe it. It isn't cheap to repaint once it is done. 
  Are there any stripe kits that peel off without effort, like a kids window decals? Then you could have time to give it 100% satisfaction and not have any doubts as to your choice.


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 15-October-2019 at 4:34PM
i really like casey's the gt makes it! Wink

the black one at the top is cool too....

the yellow mopar style is cool Big smile  there was a member on here that was going to paint his like that but lime green for the color IIRC


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 15-October-2019 at 4:49PM
That wasn't my photoshop picture...This is the one I made. With my wheels and "Gold Rush" wording. But I'll have chrome bumpers and trim also the stripe I'm looking into having put on will be vinyl, not painted on. 




-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 15-October-2019 at 5:09PM
Definitely nice. And good call on vinyl. 

I wish my stripe were vinyl. I have no choice with mine. Some day it is getting a laser stripe, it is something I always wanted along with new wheels. Half way there. Haha


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 15-October-2019 at 5:21PM
Originally posted by handsofstone handsofstone wrote:

Definitely nice. And good call on vinyl. 

I wish my stripe were vinyl. I have no choice with mine. Some day it is getting a laser stripe, it is something I always wanted along with new wheels. Half way there. Haha

Your white stripe looks good with the dark blue...but those laser stripes do look good, especially on a Sport Roof. 



-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: ZCowher
Date Posted: 16-October-2019 at 3:03AM
That very top stripe is the one I'm doing on my car. Green car white stripes.

-------------
ZC
2016 F-150 xl 2.7 liter
73 Gran Torino Formal roof, Ten damn years, and its almost there.


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 16-October-2019 at 3:23AM
Clap the gold rush!! hell yeah that looks sweet Wink


-------------
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


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 16-October-2019 at 4:08AM
Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

Clap the gold rush!! hell yeah that looks sweet Wink

Gold Rush is the favorite right now. I've used some different fonts and wording and sizes...it's a hard choice. Some of the other wording has been: Gold Fever, 351, GTB, Gold Strike, Golden Oldie (the longer ones need small font about the size of the Gran Torino emblems) Golden Rule and a couple others I can't think of right now. Leaning towards Gold Rush like I said especially since it has the girlfriend's vote lol 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 16-October-2019 at 5:08PM
no meant gold rush and the font just like in the pic Thumbs Up and if the GF agrees that good too! what does the cat think?Wink


-------------
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


Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 16-October-2019 at 5:33PM
Do you watch the show Gold Rush? One of my favorites. Your car is rockin no matter how you stripe it. 


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 18-October-2019 at 4:23PM
Originally posted by handsofstone handsofstone wrote:

Do you watch the show Gold Rush? One of my favorites. Your car is rockin no matter how you stripe it. 

I haven't seen it, but I don't watch much TV except sports and netflix type series. I looked it up though, seems interesting. 


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 19-October-2019 at 7:55AM
for whatever reason i keep thinking of some form of a mopar style 'strobe' stripe for my Ranchero

even if it's just 1/2" - 3/4" over the fender arches?




-------------
72 GT Ute
   


Posted By: M Casey Stock
Date Posted: 03-February-2020 at 4:45PM

Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

i really like casey's the gt makes it!

Thanks Johnny, I put a lot of thought into it. The coolest part is that it's real, not photo shopped. LOL

-------------
1975 Gran Torino, Copperhead

http://forum.grantorinosport.org/75-gran-torino-soft-restoration-copper-head_topic15137_post169060.html?KW=#169060


Posted By: M Casey Stock
Date Posted: 03-February-2020 at 5:20PM
LOL...mine isn't photoshopped. It's the real deal. Don't mind the script, I actually considered putting "Sport" instead of GT but since it isn't a true sport I settled on GT, in my case standing for "Gran Torino"  I've never been a fan of the aluminum slots, a bit to S&H for my taste. I have made a change from the 500s though, something a little more up to date LOL.

-------------
1975 Gran Torino, Copperhead

http://forum.grantorinosport.org/75-gran-torino-soft-restoration-copper-head_topic15137_post169060.html?KW=#169060


Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 03-February-2020 at 5:23PM
As long as you are haopy with the results that is all that matters. Looks nice. 


Posted By: M Casey Stock
Date Posted: 03-February-2020 at 5:54PM
got a picture of your ride? Don't know that I have seen it.

-------------
1975 Gran Torino, Copperhead

http://forum.grantorinosport.org/75-gran-torino-soft-restoration-copper-head_topic15137_post169060.html?KW=#169060


Posted By: californiajohnny
Date Posted: 03-February-2020 at 6:35PM
good to see you back on here casey Big smile


-------------
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


Posted By: M Casey Stock
Date Posted: 04-February-2020 at 8:02AM
Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

good to see you back on here casey Big smile
Thanks, life got a little wild there for a minute. 

Hey, how do I get back to the "completed restoration" thread? Wanted to post my new wheels on there too (still have my Magnums in case I want to go back old school)


-------------
1975 Gran Torino, Copperhead

http://forum.grantorinosport.org/75-gran-torino-soft-restoration-copper-head_topic15137_post169060.html?KW=#169060


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 04-February-2020 at 11:05AM
Here's my car after paint and mostly back together. 









-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: handsofstone
Date Posted: 04-February-2020 at 11:13AM
My son said it is awesome and the hoodscoop is sweet. He is 7.


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 04-February-2020 at 11:50AM
lol It makes me feel like a kid again that's for sure, but 18 maybe 



-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: M Casey Stock
Date Posted: 04-February-2020 at 2:24PM
Looks nice...I like the bucket seats, what kind are they?

-------------
1975 Gran Torino, Copperhead

http://forum.grantorinosport.org/75-gran-torino-soft-restoration-copper-head_topic15137_post169060.html?KW=#169060


Posted By: Uante
Date Posted: 04-February-2020 at 2:54PM
Originally posted by M Casey Stock M Casey Stock wrote:

Looks nice...I like the bucket seats, what kind are they?

Thanks! They are 2014 Nissan Ultima seats. So much better than the saggy bench seat I had in there, but I wouldn't recommend them, the fitment was a bit tricky. There's probably a lot easier seats to install. There is a guy up in Camp Verde AZ doing a lot of the same modifications a few of us have done with installing a console and getting rid of the bench seat that used Firebird buckets from the mid 80's I think. They were one piece high-backs that he said bolted right in.


-------------
'73 Gran Torino Brougham
'63 Econoline Standard Van
- Brent *USAF RET*


Posted By: M Casey Stock
Date Posted: 04-February-2020 at 3:14PM
Thanks, I'll try to put my hands on a set.

-------------
1975 Gran Torino, Copperhead

http://forum.grantorinosport.org/75-gran-torino-soft-restoration-copper-head_topic15137_post169060.html?KW=#169060



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