Base model 69 fastback to BOSS 429 conversion - How costly of a conversion?

420 · Feb 22, 2007

First off... Greetings and nice board you folks have here!

My name is Matt, and I've been a GM man my whole life. However, the GF has always dreamed of owning a BOSS 429 car, so it seems a bit of a venture to the "darkside" is in order However, as the price of original BOSS cars seems to be fairly insane, I thought I would investigate how difficult and costly it would be to build a replica

Assuming that I am starting with a fairly complete 69 fastback car, how big of a budget would you knowledgable folks say would be necessary for the conversion? I am looking for a visually correct interior/exterior, but am not concerned with NOS parts, minute details, or any changes that would detract from the drivability of the car. This will be a properly driven (read: thrashed ) car, something for fun on the weekends, definately NOT a trailer queen

Any insight you folks can provide would be greatly appreciated. I searched for similar topics, but didn't find anything that really addresses the conversion costs and possible complications.

Thanks in advance!

- Matt

chepsk8 · Feb 22, 2007

An easy way is to modify the shock towers like the boss, and put in a Lima (429/460) motor in it. Happily, the scoop and decals are available, and it's an easy car to replicate. Just make sure to brace the engine compartment, and add sub-frame connectors. If you put in the big motor, it is too heavy for the Mustang II conversion.

Yeas ago I know someone who did that, it was a neat car!

BlueBossS197 · Feb 22, 2007

chepsk8 said:
An easy way is to modify the shock towers like the boss, and put in a Lima (429/460) motor in it. Happily, the scoop and decals are available, and it's an easy car to replicate. Just make sure to brace the engine compartment, and add sub-frame connectors. If you put in the big motor, it is too heavy for the Mustang II conversion.

Yeas ago I know someone who did that, it was a neat car!

Yeah...they modify it by hitting the shock towers with a mallet

1320stang · Feb 22, 2007

Assuming you're starting with nothing, $30k-$40k would be my estimate. $10k for a good car, another $10k in engine, $5k in paint......

chepsk8 · Feb 22, 2007

Dave's car had the towers shaved with plates welded in.

BB1966 · Feb 22, 2007

Yeah as long as you dont have to have a Boss 429 engine you can make a nice clone $25-$30K

zookeeper · Feb 22, 2007

If you're looking for a more budget-minded (and user freindly) clone, why not do a Boss 302? They look great, and you can build a Boss motor with common parts (302 block, 351C heads) and you'd have a car you could live with a little easier than a Boss429, even if you used a 429/460 Lima motor. Not only that, but you could do it for about a third of a Boss 429. Just a thought.

69boss429 · Feb 23, 2007

Attack of the clone!

With the ever increasing value of Boss 429's,I too have thought of building a tribute car to drive so I can park my original.
The cost of using a Boss 429 engine would be the most expensive part of the project at around $40,000.00 for a good one producing 650 to 700 HP.
But,the cost of the high end brake,suspension,steering,transmission,wheels and tires would add up quickly as well
It wouldn't be hard to invest $100,000.00 or more depenging on how much of the work you could do yourself.

RogerC62 · Feb 23, 2007

Back in the early 80s I had a 72 Gran Torino Sport (I want another one). I picked up two 429 engines, one a 429SCJ. I wanted to add boss heads to make a Boss 429. 429s were optional in 72 GTSs. The heads were still available from ford motorsports at the time but the cost was high, I can't remember how much. I ended up not building it. My current plans for my mustang is rebuild my 351C with 4 valve heads giving me a 351 Hemi motor. If you go the 429 route, you should be able to get a 429/460 engine at junk yard for a decent price. The heads will be tougher. Original heads used copper o-ring seals at the cylinders so the block would have to be grooved, don't know about aftermarket ones. Aftermarket boss heads used to be available, don't know if they still are, but you might be able to pick up a set at swap meets or classifieds (published or online). A later model 5.4L mod motor might be a better option, lighter too. I think most Boss 429s had base interiors so reproducing the look without the motor shoud be pretty easy and affordable.

420 · Feb 23, 2007

zookeeper said:
If you're looking for a more budget-minded (and user freindly) clone, why not do a Boss 302? They look great, and you can build a Boss motor with common parts (302 block, 351C heads) and you'd have a car you could live with a little easier than a Boss429, even if you used a 429/460 Lima motor. Not only that, but you could do it for about a third of a Boss 429. Just a thought.

I hear ya, but the problem is, the woman wants a 429, not a 302... I've already asked. I have found from years of experience that it would be easier to try and swap a BBC into a go-ped than to try and argue with a woman.

Besides which, I don't plan on trying to find an original 429. I will likely go 429/460, or maybe something bigger and more fun

BlueBossS197 · Feb 23, 2007

if you want something bigger and more fun, go with a Kaase 815.....

420 · Feb 23, 2007

LOL, bigger, more fun, *streetable* and *affordable*

I might as well buy a real 429 BOSS at that point

Base model 69 fastback to BOSS 429 conversion - How costly of a conversion?

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