One of 335 GT-500 convertibles made that year, this Shelby was brought to us soon after its purchase and we found it to be equipped with a 352 Ford truck motor of 1966 vintage, wrong transmission and wrong rear.

After many, many months, we located and installed all the correct 428 Cobra Jet parts including block, crank, intake, timing cover, rods, pistons, harmonic balancer, pulleys and smog equipment - even with the correct date codes.

We have completely upgraded the suspension in the front utilizing tubular control arms for the upper and lower. This required relocating the upper control arms. We completely overhauled the steering system with new parts along with a faster ratio steering box. We converted the rear brakes to 4 wheel disc brakes with slotted rotors all the way around, and installed the A/C system with conversion to R134A.

We located and installed correct the transmission, and we also found, rebuilt and installed the correct rear with 3.55:1 positraction carrier. The correct radiator was also located new and installed. To deal with the common running hot issues these big block Mustangs are plagued with, we installed a pusher fan to help move the air along a little better.

The correct hood springs were also located and now the hood no longer needs a broomstick to prop it up.

The gauges were completely restored both functionally and cosmetically, and the clock was converted to a quartz movement for durability. All chrome parts have been restored as well.

UPDATE: The Shelby returned to Classic in 2004 for a complete freshening. She was taken down to bare metal and sprayed the striking year-correct color of Black Jade. New disc brakes all-around, a rack-and-pinion steering upgrade, and new A/C are not as visually apparent, but are clearly important additions to the car.

UPDATE MARCH 2, 2006:

The Shelby has returned for its yearly going through and continued tweaking and upkeep of the car in general.

	The air pump lower mounting bolt had snapped into the block necessitating a quick home visit to our customer. A few minutes later, the air pump was removed and the customer was able to enjoy his Shelby until we were able to get it in for its spring commissioning.
	After drilling out the offending bolt, we test fitted the air pump to ascertain why the bolt snapped. After careful analysis, we found the lower bracket had fatigue and allowed it to wobble. We will repair and reinforce the bracket to make sure this doesn't happen again.
	The bracket has been repaired and reinforced. This metal just wasn't designed to go this long.
	Another issue the customer was asking about was the hood bowing. It is completely normal for the hoods to warp from the engine heat on the Shelby. However, he doesn't want it that way. Once we got the car in, a closer look found the hood was actually fatigue cracking in the reinforcements.
	Same thing on the right side.
	Now the Shelby goes on the lift. We will drain the oil and replace the filter. We also will check all components and touch up the paint to keep the car looking fresh.
	Some of the modifications we had done are now visible. Power rack and pinion steering and tubular upper and lower control arms help correct some of the steering and handling issues that Mustangs were plagued with.
	Another view of the Total Control suspension and steering components. Very high quality  materials and easy installation.
	The aftermarket replacement hood fits pretty well but the overall finish leaves something to be desired.
	To prevent the warping of the hood, we have cut open the reinforcement channels on the sides and cut some 1/8" metal to fit into the channel. We will fiberglass and rivet the metal in to help the fiberglass keep from warping.
	We installed the cap back on and fiberglassed it. Once we have sanded it, no one will be able to tell we were in there.
	Now that we have strengthened the hood, we are now correcting all the imperfections and waves in the fiberglass.
	The hood bodywork has been finished. The epoxy primer has been applied. Next, we will block sand and get it ready for paint.
	The hood has now been painted in Black Jade. Black Jade is a factory Shelby color.
	The hood is on. The color matches and the body work is exceptional.
	Look, no more bends!
	The hood is flush as the customer requested. This is such a great color!
	The Shelby appears outside for a final check over before it goes back to its owner.
	Color match and fit look really good
	Even the metallic flow and content match perfectly.
	The 428 Cobra Jet is stuffed in the engine compartment. Everything is made difficult due to the fact that there is not any room for anything. Even changing the spark plugs requires engine mount bolt removal and lifting the motor followed by valve cover removal in order to gain access to the plugs. Not a 2 hour job.
	The engine is lifted off of its mounts, the fan shroud removed and the valve covers have also been removed. it is STILL a tight fit to replace the spark plugs!
	The fan is peeking above the radiator. Just to give you a visual on how high the motor has to go to gain access to the plugs.