I've been receiving Shelby carmemories emails the past 4 months and eagerly reviewing all the great information put out by this highly knowledgeable group. Until yesterday, when I replied in response to Olafs' four post lift query, I have hesitated to write because sadly enough, I only own a 65 GT350 reproduction. However, through the notes posted here each day, I have seen that an old state of mind may have transitioned around these past 22 years since I built my car. Happily, the mind set seems to have changed from looking at the car I lovingly assembled as, "Oh no, he only has a good fake" to, "Oh yes, he owns an excellent clone." So I feel a bit easier about actively helping if I can. Although I was a judge chosen to review the Shelbys contested at the 84 Mustang Owners Club of America's Dearborn convention, believe me, seeing the level of knowledge I've read posted the past months, I will be asking for more help than I'm capable of giving. But in terms of helping, I have restored my car myself, down to the naked unibody, every nut and bolt, paint, upholstery and engine. On my back in my own garage. All the while researching and sticking to every Shelby modification as closely as I could afford. And, never - ever, hinting that my car was more than a replica of the car I grew up wishing I could have. It cost me $7K to build my GT350 replica during a time when I could have bought a great street GT350 for $11K. But, at that stage of my family life the $4K difference might as well have been $400K. It took 2 years, back then, for my wife and I to scrounge all the parts. We started with a fastback hauled to Michigan from Arizona just to get a rust free, San Jose, built body. We took first in class and best of show for modified Mustangs at the 20th Anniversary convention in 84. Now today, with the sophisticated level of identity detective work the guys now possess, this gang would I.D. my baby as a clone in a second. But that's OK I still love it! Besides, as I've told everyone the past 25 years .....Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. (It says that on my Shelby VIN tag) The early Shelby cars deserve all the recognition that they're getting, and the (out-ta my league) prices reflect it. So, I'll be content enjoying just what I have proudly. Finally, last summer I had time to rebuild the engine to suit the Paxton I got for Christmas from my wife in 1990. Hey, I longed for the day I'd have the time. I had three boys to raise! This summer I want to swap the 57 station wagon rear end to a Versailles brake and axle assy that's been sitting in my garage 10 years. I drove a used Versailles for 8 years just to scrap it for this brake modification. Today, I see you can buy many simple ready to install systems! Oh well, I'm retiring from Ford's as an X- Chassis designer this month so I'm trying to play catch up. If I can be of help to anyone I'll gladly pitch in. I'm really struggling to understand how to send out info. Should I see a copy of this note in my inbox? Or, do the guys on the distribution list see it with out a copy coming to me?
