It’s always been interesting to me how some cars stand out at a Cars and Coffee. To set the scene, it’s midmorning, and I have just arrived at the Weathertech Cars and Coffee show at their facility in Westminster. I hadn’t yet fully shaken off the cobwebs from getting up, applying pants to my torso and jumping in the car to go. As I got out of my Nissan, Ian Carr (friend, photographer and SHIFT contributor) came up and mentioned there was a car I needed to see. He introduced me to Greg and went back to shooting a flurry of photographs of the Mustang in front of us. This was an impeccably done GT 350 notchback tribute, with crazy details throughout that set it apart from the generally several other late 60’s Mustangs that are commonly at these shows. I could attempt to walk you through the plurality of things that stood out to me, or let Greg share in his own words what this car is and what it means to him, and I chose to do the latter. In Greg’s Own Words: This freshly minted Rocky Mountain gem is the product of a 3-year father and son garage project executed by Greg and Ty Schwarzer, resulting in a stunning “built not bought” 1967 Mustang with all the bells and whistles you’d find in a TV car show build. Purchased with most of the GT350/California Special tribute body work done, but a worn-to-the-bone drivetrain and interior, the car was stripped to its shell, parting with everything that could be sold to other enthusiasts via Craigslist. Over evenings and weekends, the project took shape with the help of lots of YouTube, parts manuals, fabrication, and bloody knuckles. The bones of the car was the first project to tackle, with the transition to TCI Engineering’s independent front suspension, and torque arm/4-link rear suspension supporting a Curry 9” differential, all riding on coilovers. This setup eliminates the shock towers through use of a massive cross member that the motor and front suspension and steering rack hang off of. All of this serves to open up the engine compartment and provide the infinite adjustment that makes the wicked stance possible. And nope, those Rocket Racing wheels wrapped in R-compound rubber don’t rub the fenders!
The interior was also stripped, sound barrier treated, then Autometer gauges and “deluxe” aluminum trim installed along with an Ididit Custom Steering Columns column to hook to the new steering rack. The interior received a major overhaul. TMI products provided the seats and matching door panels that compliment the Mustangs To Fear one-piece headliner. Some small tweaks in the rear panels allowed the mounting of a roll bar. The long-loved stock but tired and anemic 289 CI automatic combo was replaced with a 351 Windsor pushed to 408 CI, making a little under 500 horsepower, and fuel injected by Holley Sniper controlling MSD ignition and electric fans. Since real cars don’t shift themselves, a TKO600 5-speed conversion with hydraulic clutch handles the shifting duties.
Finally, bumpers and trim were powder coated semi-gloss black and accents like Ring Brothers door handles and mirrors were added to round out the bad boy look. The Boo-berry paint was ceramic coated by Weathertech Broomfield to make upkeep “easy” and now the real fun begins!
Passion for cars and our culture revolves around youth getting the “bug”, projects like this, where my son Ty started in at 14, and 4 years later has had 3 project cars of his own is what will keep the movement alive! Spread your passion to those around you whenever you can, and get them to pick up a wrench as early as possible!