68 Shelby Restoration Recommendation?

Hello Jay, If you are willing to consider out of state, I can highly recommend Tri-City Mustang and Shelby Restorations in Saint Charles, Michigan. Jeff James is the owner. You can reach him at 989-295-3200. Jeff performed a ground up restoration on my 1968 Shelby GT500 convertible. Beautiful Raven Black / White with a Saddle Interior. When I displayed her she won best in class as well as a best of show. One of my favorite things about Jeff is that he does his research, gives you options and then listens to what you want ... he gives you as much or as little as you want. Jeff is finishing a ground up restoration of a 1966 GT350 for me right now. He is also rebuilding the engine for my driver 1968 GT350. One more endorsement for Tri-City ... the 1968 GT500 convertible done for me wassold at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale 2007, lot 1025. You can look up the photos and price on Barrett's website. http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/search/w_search.aspx Hope this helps your decision ..... Rick (aka Engineer)

 

Jay:

I just got my KR convertible back from Mike Mulcahy. He is a former SAAC judge and a long time SHelby nut and member of SAAC. I bought my 67 GT500 from him and he did a rotisserie restoration on it for me, same for my 68 GT500KR.

I am in San Diego and only flew to meet with Mike once in Chicago. All the parts dealers know him and I found him to be beyond trustworthy. You get options, low, medium, high, he knows where to find the hard parts. As for body work he works with a shop in Wisconsin who did my cars unbelievably well.

Here are some pics of each and a link to Mike's site:

http://www.mikemulcahy.com/

http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.herman/67GT500
http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.herman/KREngineRebuild

 

Wisconsin is loaded with Shelby experts and enthusiasts....here are my top 2..

1. Pete Disher in Deerfield...his ID on this site it CoralSnake
Probably the best 68 specific Shelby expert...gold card SAAC Judge
He has lots of 68's right now...not sure if you can get in.

2. Jim Cowles Green bay....Long been known to do excellent Shelby Restorations

 

Agreed on those two, Jim has a lot of cars @ his place as well.
What level of restoration are you looking for?
If you are not a member of LIMSOC, you should check out the local club and talk to the members there - there are a few 68's along with a few restorers who are members as well.

Mike

E. Northport, LI

 

I would state Bill of Bills Mustang and restoration in Rochester Ill. He has done 2 boss 429 vehicle for me and shelbys for other parties and they are fantastic cars. If anyone wants photos of his work email me at shlb69@aol.com. Jim Cowles does good work and has restored alot of vehicles. If anyone want some photos of a correct non restored 68gt500 underneath I have some of my car which hasnt been touched since it came from the factory. Still has markings.

 

Who are the 68 experts on the West Coast?

 

Not sure if there is an "expert" Since NJ built cars are not something that is seen on a regular basis you would have to be careful (as one would restoring a 65-67 Shelby away from the west coast in many cases) in a restoration IMHO.

Not sure how perfect or exact of a job your looking for. There are allot of places that can build really nice cars.

 

I suggest you add Jim Cowles at Shelby Parts and Restoration in Green Bay to the list of shops you are considering. He restored Carroll Shelby's '69 GT500 before it was auctioned off recently. He's got my early '66 GT350 in his shop now so you know my money is where my mouth is. But restoration is not a "one size fits all" proposition. Look around and find the shop that suits your particular needs the best.
Steve​