I once thought I could fix up a project Pantera for $10 grand. Several people told me it wasn't possible, and I am eternally grateful for their advice, and that I took it.
Instead, I paid a lot more and purchased a 72 Pantera GT5 conversion that ran and looked great. It already had all the important upgrades and previous owners had put a LOT of money into it. I knew it would need some work as it had been sitting for four years. I drove it for a few weeks, had a few expected problems and then sent it to the shop to work out the bugs.
Turns out that "working out the bugs" of a good car costs almost what I thought it would cost to work on a project car (did I already say "THANKS" to Coz and everyone that said "don't buy that beat up GT4?)
I went through the car and worked on/replaced things that were dead or dying. It was a (mostly)labor of love. Here is the list:
Check motor compression (perfect, runs great)
Motor tune up (new plugs etc.)
New distributor, cap, rotor
New carburetor
New electric fuel pump
Check ZF (already safety wired)
Change all fluids
New hoses
New filters
New fuel lines
New belt
Remove, clean and lube seat rails
Front and back wheel alignment
Add steering lock (front tires rubbing)
Check all tires for leaks and rebalance (need new tires)
Fix minor fluid leaks
Weld plates to fix prior towing damage
Replace rear engine lid seal – adjust latch
Fix small dent – top driver-side fender
Fix front air dam cracks – blend paint
Flush evaporator and expansion valve on AC
Two new 1350 cfm fans and new relay
New stainless coolant pipes
New thermostat
New water pump
New battery
Clean and tighten all fuses (already has new panel)
New flasher switch (so turn signals work)
New alternator and voltage regulator
Get headlights to open (and aim lights)
Get horn to work
Get AC fan switch to work
Pay extra for wild motor to pass smog
Window tint
Put original seats back in (bad move)
I may have left some stuff out (clamps and little things, plus whatever I have blocked from memory).
It still needs things: new engine lid shocks, tires, ZF gound strap, maybe tank the radiator, etc.
This car is friggin' awesome now!!!!!
R.
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