For shifting, Dan stayed with the reliable and fun Ford Top Loader four-speed with a Hurst Competition Plus shifter, a heavy-duty clutch, and a new driveshaft. Further back is the original 9-inch Limited Slip with 3.25:1 cogs and Moser 28-spline axles.
Auto Meter instrumentation keeps Dan informed about real-time events underhood. He upgraded to '69 Mach 1 seats and a console clad in custom brushed-aluminum to match the car's dash and overhead console. Also inside is an Alpine AM/FM/CD sound system with 6x9 speakers in back and 4x6s in the doors. Four-inch tweeters hit the high ranges while a 100-watt subwoofer thunders the lows.
When Dan first tackled this car, he was committed to taking it down to the bare shell for a first-class job. He spent three months preparing the body for paint, GM's Torch Red in basecoat/clearcoat from PPG. A custom hood hints at Shelby-American with its functional dual-opening scoop. Dan fabricated the custom billet-aluminum grille, so don't ask him where he bought it. The wheels are Edelbrock 409 five-spokes measuring 16x8 front and rear.
Even with 25 years of car-building experience, Dan didn't know how well the car would turn out. He credits Karen for a lot of support and help along with neighbor Jamie Baker. Dave Anderson performed the final prep and paint. Companies like Mustangs Plus and American Mustang provided advice and restomod parts.
Dan's fastback isn't finished. He has plans for a Tremec TKO five-speed to improve fuel economy in today's $3-a-gallon environment. He's also planning electronic fuel injection. Once that's done, he's headed for open track driving and a some more fast, quick, and hot fastback fun.