1974 Gran Torino Transformation

I recently took up the task of transforming a 1974 Gran Torino into a S&H mobile.  I have been looking for a car that would be the coolest one in the highschool parking lot , originally I had my heart set on a 1966 Red MGB that I found.  My fathers first car was a MG Midget so it was kind of a family thing, but with all of the huge Escalades and Suburbans driving around we felt that was not a wise choice and I needed something bigger.  So as I was searching for a car one night Starsky & Hutch came on TV and I thought, "big car, cool car, my car!"  So the search began for a Gran Torino, after finding nothin solid near Chicago (Gee, Salt+Chicago Winter=bad for cars, who would have guessed ) I found a car in Winnipeg Canada, with almost no rust and the owner was a mechanic.  Only problem was it's 900 miles away, somehow (i still don't know how) I convinced my dad to fly up with me the day after thanksgiving and drive it back.  So we flew up to buy a car we had never seen and drove it the 900 plus miles home.  I began tearing it apart and turning it into a sweet ride.  I'll post photos soon.....


Edited by sauser676 - 04-April-2009 at 4:52AM

Still in winnipeg

in garage

Thats a great looking car.. You're always miles ahead when you can find a untouched original car and yours looks like it fits the bill.. I did notice the seats but thats cool..

Yea I lucked out, the car is 99% original only changes were the front seats, previous owner swapped the split bench with seats from a montenegro.

doors removed for sanding

Looking good,I like the dual snorkel air cleaner,trick!The roof looks pretty good shape after you took vinyl off.What's your plan,finish interior first,underhood and then paint it last?

What are you using to degrease/clean the door panels, etc prior to painting. Also what dye/paint are you using? I'm getting ready to start my interior as well and would like a kick start. Great looking car by the way. Looks like you have dove in head first!

I was looking at the door area and she looks damn solid..Under the hood looks complete too..Again great find..Let me know when you get sick of the 2 barrel as I have tons of parts..You have to hook-up with George(75 montego mx) and come see me.. He made the trip once and it was great.. I'll buy the drinks and we can compare notes.. I guarantee this Packer can show you Bears a good time 

rear seat after painting, still maintains that George Washington's Mt.Vernon Estate look lol

Digging that mt vernon look!LOL!You have the wig wags hooked up?Post a pic.

I'll post a link to the YouTube video when it finishes processing

Are you pulling all the panels and panel painting it?