Bought a 66 Fastback

[01_SVT]

Hey Guys,

In addition to my 2001 Cobra Vert I have purchased a 1966 Fastback. 289 V8 with Auto Tranny. I barely got it to turn over but when I did, she sounded sweet!!

I know nothing about this era except that I have always wanted a 65/66. Now the car is not in show condition...it's a project car. Not a huge project though....The car has been sitting for years in a tent. No Rust. The paint is Gold and the interior is light tan...

My question, is there a difference between a Fastback 2+2 and a GT? I noticed in 1966 that some motors are blue and othe black....why? HP Difference?

Also, where do folks normally begin with restoration. I was thinking of repainting it Black or Mineral Grey. Should I paint first?

Also, where can I get information of Code A or K? What's the difference or significance? and why is one code more sought after than the other? So much detail to learn...

 

[Snail50]

Congrats.

Not sure about 65,66, but (and I might have the C and A reversed) the 67 A code is a 4V 289 rated at 225 HP; 67 C code is 2V 289 rated at 200 HP.....But the almighty K code, which is a fairly rare option, is a 4V 289 rated at 271 HP.

The Engine code can be found in the VIN, usually the third or so digit from the left. Original K code 66s will have a checkered "high performance" flag behind the"289" badge on the front upper fender right behind the headlight bucket.

 

[LMan]

Congratulations on your new money pit

For starters, if you will post your VIN and some pics of its current condition, you will get better advice and a good foundation to begin. The ppl here will be able to answer most, if not all, your questions.

..but I'll start with the advice that paint is close to the LAST thing you do

 

[66 BLAKE 96]

Hey Guys,

In addition to my 2001 Cobra Vert I have purchased a 1966 Fastback. 289 V8 with Auto Tranny. I barely got it to turn over but when I did, she sounded sweet!!

Congrats! Welcome to the classic side of the hobby.

I know nothing about this era except that I have always wanted a 65/66. Now the car is not in show condition...it's a project car. Not a huge project though....The car has been sitting for years in a tent. No Rust. The paint is Gold and the interior is light tan...

That is great if it is rust free, but it's been my experience (and everybody elses too) that a truly rust free car is EXTREMELY rare.

My question, is there a difference between a Fastback 2+2 and a GT? I noticed in 1966 that some motors are blue and othe black....why? HP Difference?

The GT option could be had on all of the body styles. Conversely, you could get a 6 cyl in a fastback. The engine colors differ from 65-66. In 1965, V8 engine blocks were black (most with gold valve covers and air cleaner). In 1966, all engine blocks were blue.

Also, where do folks normally begin with restoration. I was thinking of repainting it Black or Mineral Grey. Should I paint first?

If you are changing the color, you need to do a thorogh tear-down so that you can properly paint the trunk and door jambs. That necessitates that most, if not all of the interior should be removed for this. The engine compartment is black on all cars, so it is not necessary to remove it for paint, though many people do since they are dissassembling most of the rest of the car anyway. While it is apart, this is a good time to freshen the unseen areas of the car and address any bits of rust that may be found. Unless it has spent the last 40 year in a giant ziplock baggie, there are likely some bits of rust somewhere.

Also, where can I get information of Code A or K? What's the difference or significance? and why is one code more sought after than the other? So much detail to learn...

The engine info is in the VIN number (5th digit I believe). It should contain the letters T, C, A, or K. The vast majority of V8 cars were C code two barrels. A and K code cars were eligible to be equipped with the GT option from the factory. You would know if your car was a K code, as you would've paid a TON of money for it if it were, regardless of condition.

 

[347Fastback]

Welcome. I am in the same boat as you. I have a 96GT and 89 Saleen Convertible. I went to a car show and fell in love with the fastbacks and now I also have a 65 Fastback back that is getting more money out of me than my other cars... I have added a 5 speed and working on a 347.

 

[01_SVT]

Hey Guys! Thanks for the posts! Very Interesting stuff. Man I see I have a lot to learn. Funny comment you made about the Money Pit...That's exactly what my Fiancee calls it! LOL

I am picking the car up Tuesday. I didn't want to drive it home with the old Distro Cap, Wires, plugs and oil. So I made arrangements to pick it up Tuesday and work on her there..... I'll have pictures and VIN Info then...

 

[01_SVT]

Also...Where do i look for the number on the motor to see if it matches?

 

[muddslide]

Good luck on the new project, I wish I could have found a good fastback project car.