Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. My Pantera arrived via transport carrier from Pacific Eastern Express yesterday right on time and with the right care and handling. I highly recommend using this company for vehicle transport. "Purgold" pretty much looked as I expected it to given all the photos I have seen. I spent half the day removing the driver's seat and remounting it so I could reach the clutch pedal. At 5'5" I had to do this with my NSX, too. The engine bay is the most spectacular feature of this car, the candy apple high quality paint job is next. As for all the gold trim, well if I end up keeping the car, that will get changed.
Unfortunately, the car needs a few things fixed. When it comes to cars, I have a simple philosophy. That being, to do it right and make the car drivable and reliable. The air suspension on this car is malfunctioning and it won't sit level. So, I plan on having a proper shock/coil-over suspension system installed. I attended a Pantera swap meet hosted by Precision Proformance in Brea. I spoke with Don Byars who is generally regarded as an expert on building and repairing Panteras. Don showed me a nice suspension set-up he recommended.
The Ford Cobra Jet 4.6L direct injection engine idles smoothly and has an awesome roar with the big bore exhaust. However, it hesitates and runs rough at full throttle. So, the engine will need to be looked at and adjusted as needed. Many gauges don't work, the gas fill feature is an issue and there are numerous others items. I know, what do you expect from a 37 year old car, right? My wallet took a major hit buying this car leaving virtually no funds to make repairs and changes. Since I want to drive it, I'll have to find a way to get the suspension and engine tuning work done somehow.
Here are a few pics of the arrival and my Pantera's crowded but new home...
Bill 1362
