The car I'm restoring has a 351 Windsor in it now, but it should have a 428CJ. I bought a 428CJ block and crank before I left the States, but finding all the other items I will need to get the engine built appears to be a real scavenger hunt. I need to know about flywheels and harmonic dampers, since the car has a close-ratio 10-bolt Top Loader. Can you direct me to anyone who specializes in Ford FE engines?Mark RedekerVia e-mail
An original red dashpad is a rare find. Obtain an original Ford dashpad in black, then dye it with the Ditzler PPG Specialty Performance Elastomeric Color System. This is a vinyl interior system sprayed from a gun; no rattle can is available. This system will look and perform as original. I always wipe down the pad with clean DDL-16 lacquer thinner to clean and soften the vinyl for better adhesion.
I would recommend Jim Cowles at Shelby Parts and Restoration (920/896-3730) for any and all questions on parts and interchanges on FE engine applications. Jim is one of the top builders in the country.
Quartz ClocksI have a '67 fastback in which the dash clock hasn't worked for some time. I think it quit in the early '80s. I have seen various articles about installing a quartz movement to get new technology into an old case. Do you know where I can send my unit for such a conversion? I've found a place where I can get the original workings cleaned, but the service comes with no guarantee, so I'm hesitant to send it there.Ron PeetersVia e-mail
Bill Herndon at Pony Warehouse (301/977-0309) is a full-service parts dealer who specializes in N.O.S. Mustang parts and restoration of original parts such as shifters, consoles, steering wheels, clocks, radios, and Rally Pacs. Give Bill a call.
Send restoration questions to: Resto Roundup, c/o Bob Perkins, Perkins Restoration, North 3123, Highway 16 & 26, Juneau, WI 53039. Send e-mail to: mustang.monthly@primedia.com.