automibile

Before purchased, the renovation had been started in California. It had the engine replaced by a 1964, 289 CI engine with electronic ignition along with a “double-pumper” four barrel carburetor. A heavy-duty radiator was added, and the engine was coupled with a four-speed, manual transmission. A Ruby Red paint job followed, and lake-pipe exhausts added. A soft top accompanied the car, but no hard top. Wire wheel covers go with the car (not on for pics). A tachometer had been added.

After purchase, an after-market top was acquired. The Bird was taken to two shops, one dealing with mechanical needs, and the other with top and paint needs, both shops working in tandem to continue the renovation.

At the mechanic shop front disk brakes and an electric fuel pump were added. Malfunctioning electronic ignition replaced and fuel gauge repaired. Cluster with oil pressure and temp gauges was added . Also the radiator was cleaned and flushed, power steering kit was installed, alternator replaced the generator, emergency brake cable was added. The heater box was repaired and, core and ducting added, header gaskets were replaced. Front end was aligned. New battery was installed. Engine thermostat was replaced. Vacuum wipers were replaced with electric wipers.

The Paint and Body shop had the soft top repaired and fitted. The hard top was fitted, received weather-stripping and new glass, windows, liner, and latches added, and top was painted the same Ruby Red as the car body. Also the body paint was touched up.

By other shops, the following: carburetor was tuned and timing set, new tires were mounted, shifting linkage was adjusted, valve cover gaskets and one rocker arm were replaced, and car was taken to upholstery shop to repair driver seat bottom.