1965 Mustang GT Coupe Restoration Complete – San Diego, California

After a year long restoration, the 1965 Ford Mustang GT Restomod is now complete. The customer was all smiles when he said “it’s fast.”  The freshly restored A -code coupe was entered in it’s first car show, and received 2nd place in the 1965 Modified Class at San Diego Mustangs by the Bay. I believe it was due to the finger print I forgot to wipe off of the door handle. It was still a great show, and all the hard work from JBA Performance Center, Custom Autobody & Paint, and Ar-Jays Upholstery paid off.

Project Highlights

• Complete Rotisserie Restoration
• JBA built & Tuned 302 Block Stroked to a 331
• 438 HP @ 6300 RMP 400 FTLB @ 4400 RPM at crank
• Tremec TKO 600 five-speed
• Modern Driveline hydraulic clutch kit
• Currie Enterprises 9-inch posi rear end with 3.83 gears
• JBA ceramic-coated headers and Exhaust
• Global West Sub-frame connectors
• Borgeson integral power steering system
• SSBC dual aluminum master cylinder with brake booster
• 4 Wheel Willwood 13″ brakes
• Polished Torque Thrust II 20×8-inch wheels
• Pony Interior Conversion
• Stock appearing AM/FM radio with Focal sound system

The Crew
JBA Restoration Specialist – David Toth
JBA Engine Builder – John Elderhorst
JBA Lead Mechanic – Tim Naylor
JBA Mechanic – Steve Fenn
JBA Exhaust Fabricator – Scott Case

Special Thanks To
Ar-Jay’s Upholstery
Custom Autobody and Paint
Al & Ed’s Stereo

Follow the progress of the restoration:

Restoration Part 1

Restoration Part 2

Restoration Part 3

Custom Instrument Gauges and restoration

Air Conditioning Box Restoration

1965 Mustang GT Coupe Restoration – Part 1

My latest restoration project at JBA Performance Center is a 1965 Mustang GT Coupe.  The customer wanted a Restomod, but wanted to keep the GT characteristics as well. Although, the Mustang looked like a decent daily driver, it had many hidden issues of a typical 45 year old car. Hidden underneath all that paint were several bad patch panels, and a lot bondo and rust. The worst of the  damage were the cowls panels, and had to be completely replaced. The customer wanted a rotisserie restoration. He wanted everything replaced with new reproduction parts, but I restored as many original parts as possible.  Most of exterior trim, engine compartment, trunk area, front suspension, and brakes are finished. The project should be completed in 2 more months.  Just in time to enjoy driving in the Spring. Here are some of the highlights.

• BODY AND PAINT -  Custom Auto Body (Kearny Mesa, California)
• RESTORATION – JBA Performance Center by David Toth and the crew (Kearny Mesa, Ca)
• ENGINE – 331 Stroker by JBA (Eagle Rotating Assembly, Ross Pistons, Comp Cams, Manley Rods and AFR Heads,Edlebrock Performer RPM Intake, Holley 650 cfm carburetor)
• TRANSMISSION – Tremec TKO 500
• REAR END – Currie 9 inch, gear ratio TBD
• SUSPENSION – Mustangs Plus Grab A Trak, Bilstein shocks
• STEERING – Borgeson’s  Integral Power Steering
• BRAKES – Wilwood 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, SSBC Power Booster/Master Cylinder
• WHEELS – 20 inch American Racing Torque Thrust
• CHROME – Pacific Plating (San Diego, Ca)
• INTERIOR – Red/White Pony Interior restoration by David Toth, and Seats and Headliner work by Ar-Jays Upholstery in Kearny Mesa, Ca (Materials from Distinctive Industries & ACC Carpets)
• OTHER RESTORATION PARTS – Scott Drake

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