Opinion on 72 GT Fastback Q-Code
Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: 1972-1976 Ford and Mercury
Forum Description: Technical discussion for 1972-1976 Ford and Mercury
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=21599
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 6:17PM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Opinion on 72 GT Fastback Q-Code
Posted By: KenDavid
Subject: Opinion on 72 GT Fastback Q-Code
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 1:33AM
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Greetings everyone. I came across a local 72 GT Fastback that a local towing company is selling and pretty much got the title for from an abandoned tow. Here a few specs and a little info. 1972 GT Fastback (63R) Q code 351C 4V with C6 and Axle code 9 (open 3.25) Golden Glow (6F) with black Sebring knit seats (MA) From my brief discussion with the owner and looking over some pics/videos car currently running, looks to need a complete interior (seat covers appear to been replaced at some time but with vinyl ones not he correct upgraded seats, no headliner, dash cracked, door panels look like they need to be swapped etc). Exterior is suspect (many panels in black primer, dent in nose, bondo work near top quarters where appears to been a vinyl top) and who knows what is hiding in the trunk, floor pans etc. Putting aside on what level of resto or work I will do myself just looking at an engine refresh/rebuild, rear diff upgrade, interior, paint and body (not knowing extent needed), refresh of brakes and suspension etc etc a good starting point would be $20K++++ plus the price of the car. If the body is not hiding anything I would be very interested in the car, but have no idea what a "fair" price would be and definitely can't pay a premium based on the amount of work needed? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Here are few pics. Thanks.      |
Replies:
Posted By: peter.jenerette
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 2:27AM
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Bondo on the roofline (seen in pics) is the roof seam that was sealed by the factory with either lead or other. Usually, the vinyl top cars tended to rust along the rear window channels and the front lip of the roof. Sometimes there was rust found on that weld seam. Interior is definitely changed. Can't quite tell from pictures if its a factory floor shift car or converted. Its an AC car with the compressor removed. Trim pieces can be challenging, but are out there. Headliner, seat, and carpets can be had new. The 72's are unique up front, as well as a few other places. From the photos, the header panel can be found. The grill surround (plastic) can be a tough one, as well as the metal surround trim. Rust in floors, especially behind the seats and in the toe boards are always a concern. Door corners and area behind the rear wheels may have rust or older repairs. Door jamb corners should be checked at the B-post. Frame should be checked for rust in areas around the trailing arms connecting to the frame, and other areas. I handled all mechanical on my car and with the price of the car, and some body work done by myself. I am just past the 20k point., (but this also includes, new tools, and some items I didn't need to buy (4 speed conversion), and I didn't do the interior of my car, with the exception of carpet. (Just looking at these pictures, I think its worth going to check out.) Mechanically, everything should be obtainable. ------------- Pete Jenerette 1972 Gran Torino (H-Code - 4R70W) 2022 F250 XLT 7.3 2003 Thunderbird |
Posted By: peter.jenerette
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 2:32AM
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I should add that the something about the engine ; It appears to have had the valve covers changed, a later Duraspark distributor, aftermarket intake and carb. I would do my diligence to insure the engine is what you want in the car as well. (I don't know what your goals are). ------------- Pete Jenerette 1972 Gran Torino (H-Code - 4R70W) 2022 F250 XLT 7.3 2003 Thunderbird |
Posted By: 1973gts
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 3:29AM
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Getting in the trunk will let you know the condition of the wheel houses, a common problem area for these cars. No direct replacement options available though many have adapted other car wheel houses with modifications. Also not sure whether the title obtained by the tow company would be a regular title or salvage, if not regular would affect price upon you selling it. Not knowing for sure how much work you will be doing I would guess that with paint, body and mechanical costs $20,000 would be a conservative estimate, I know mine has gone a considerable amount over that. It definitely is worth checking out, could very well be a worthy candidate for a resto. ------------- Dave - 1973 GTS N code |
Posted By: KenDavid
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 5:48AM
Thanks Pete for the pointers on what to look for and the known issues from the pics. I totally get the 20K #. I already invested in the tools and plans on doing most of the work that I can (internal engine machining/assembly is out of my reach due to lack of proper tools and time to mess with that). As far as the engine, prefer # matching if I am going to spend the money on any decent resto. Would of been nice to have the original intake and carb but that is ok as long as the block/heads are correct.
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peter.jenerette wrote:Posted By: KenDavid
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 5:54AM
Thanks Dave....I'll definitely check out those areas. I am ok with a little metal work any more than that not sure if I really want to get that deep. Good point about the title, not going to mess with a salvage title. I agree the 20K is conservative for sure! The issue is what they will let this one go for? I think the asking price is high IMO. Any thoughts of a "Range" on what to expect if all checks out? Thanks.
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Posted By: Booyah45828
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 6:39AM
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You've never listed what he's asking. Current values in good shape seem to be around 30k. That doesn't look to be in terrible shape, and NC isn't a state known for chassis rust. I think your estimate of 20k is in the ball park. I always try to estimate high, it's better to be surprised coming under budget then over. I'd guess closer to 30k for restoration, depending on how much you want to do. The title shouldn't be salvage unless it was salvage vehicle before the tow company applied for abandoned title. If it is salvage, that changes things a bit. Being that the seller got this for tow cost and paperwork, they don't have much in it. I'd throw an offer of around 5k and see what they say.
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Posted By: 72 RS 351
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 7:01AM
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The title should be considered in the beginning, states vary and some have weird laws about totals or salvage, and also lost titles. Be sure that NC has good title laws that are reasonable to work with(I think NC does). The cost to rebuild will be high as the $20k was suggested. The core car though, great shape easily can be $30k now, but close to stock and original conditions, that's much less. I'd say $10-$20K depending on how much work it has to have. Rust is massive compared to everything else, always inspect carefully for any corrosion. The parts are all tough to find, but most are possible, just be ready to pay a lot more than you first think. ------------- Don 73 Ranchero "Sport 72 front end", floor shift/console, planning EFI 7000 rpm 351 stroker 73 Ranchero GT 351C-4V &4R70W for sale later. 92 Lincoln Mark VII SE GTC, OBDII 347/4R70W |
Posted By: KenDavid
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 9:25AM
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Thanks for the additional information. Listed was posted 2 days ago and was just going to contact the seller to arrange to see it (limited availability) tomorrow. SOLD! Seems like that is my luck, any classics are getting harder to come by.....just this last month 2 other vehicles (not GTs) sold in a couple hours, oh well.
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Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 26-February-2025 at 11:00AM
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Joe Lombardo (unlovedford) had listed a project Q Code for sale. He doesn't post on the forum much anymore but he has the car on his Facebook page. Try contacting him to see if it's still available. It's located in Chattanooga TN. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1662e15grJ/" rel="nofollow - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1662e15grJ/ ------------- Vince 1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
Posted By: KenDavid
Date Posted: 27-February-2025 at 10:32AM
| Appreciate the lead. Hopefully they approve my request to join the group. Thanks again. |
Posted By: Rockatansky
Date Posted: 27-February-2025 at 11:03AM
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there's that dealer / guy in TX ? that moves quite a few Torinos also, who's got a lead on him? ------------- 72 GT Ute |
Posted By: peter.jenerette
Date Posted: 27-February-2025 at 2:46PM
PC Classic in Sherman - Here is the link for the last one he had listed. Shows pending now. https://www.pcclassiccars.com/car-inventory/1972-ford-gran-torino-sport-2-door-hardtop-%2F-original-351c-%2F-auto-%2F-ac" rel="nofollow - https://www.pcclassiccars.com/car-inventory/1972-ford-gran-torino-sport-2-door-hardtop-%2F-original-351c-%2F-auto-%2F-ac There is another up there that gets them in sometimes, Classic Car Liquidators. ------------- Pete Jenerette 1972 Gran Torino (H-Code - 4R70W) 2022 F250 XLT 7.3 2003 Thunderbird |