Team Shelby SCCA Charger #54

[5DIGITS]

Several weeks ago, I was told that one of the original Team Shelby Chargers had surfaced and that it had a new home.
Several days ago, I was told that the plans had changed and that the car again needed a home.
Several hours ago, the car arrived and is currently resting in my garage.

With several car projects already on my plate, it was difficult to justify but I am excited to begin the restoration process and return it to its original condition.
Several enthusiasts have already provided photos, documentation, and insight to help me through the process. (Thanks guys!!)
My plan is to restore the car to its original early 'battle' day condition and retain the patina of its many hours of track use.

Shelby Charger #54 after receiving its racing hardware and decals.
35957


Shelby Charger #54 in its current condition.
35959

The car is not as bad as I expected and all of the original race equipment is still in the car, including the the SCCA inspection book in the glove box.
The driver side rear quarter is the largest issue to address because it was hit at some point but seems limited to the outer skin.
With a new quarter panel, a fresh coat of paint and new decals from the original company that did the car (Competition Graphics) the car will be appreciated and enjoyed.
This car is a piece of FWD Shelby racing history that will once again be running and restored to glory!

I'm very grateful to own the car and a special thanks to those of you that made it possible.

[cordes]

That is awesome! Congrats on the new ride and awesome garage.

[86seeS]

Hell ya man! Subscribed!!!!!!!

[zin]

Outstanding!!!

Mike

[5DIGITS]

Thanks!!
This car reeks of nostalgia (and mouse urine in the glove box).
Look what they did to the SCCA book... Lunch and a place to relieve themselves.
3596135962

It really shouldn't take much to get it running and the rest is cosmetic.
Regardless, I think my 16V CSX just got trumped - my kids love it.

Thanks for looking and keep in touch.

[sy2206]

The big question is.....When it's all back to it's original glory, will it get raced, or just be a garage queen? The only thing better then having an old restored nastalgic race car, is hitting the track with it a couple times! :) I'd be curious to see what tracks it's been to. Old SCCA log books are cool, it's just kinda cool to see where the car has been.

[5DIGITS]

The big question is.....When it's all back to it's original glory, will it get raced, or just be a garage queen? The only thing better then having an old restored nastalgic race car, is hitting the track with it a couple times! :) I'd be curious to see what tracks it's been to. Old SCCA log books are cool, it's just kinda cool to see where the car has been.

I agree with you, regarding hitting the track !
This is partially why the car will not be restored to a show car appearance - That's far from it original purpose. Having it look like it did after it's first or second race adds character to the car. The SCCA book would be easier to read without the urine soaked pages but I can make out Playboy endurance, USEC - Lime Rock, Mid-Ohio, Escort 6 Hr - Atlanta, Celebration Regional, Ind NW Regional, and NVR Double. As far out as 1990, the car was used to train drivers at Craftsman and Waterford Hills driving schools. It's neat to look at but the book smells terrible.
To phrase it like a friend said it to me, the purpose of these cars was front line battle. I have been told many time that once you do something like this, you'll never go back.
After many many years of drag racing, this car is taking things in a different direction. Hopefully the restoration and trying something new will be an enjoyable ride.

[vipernbox]

I think I received a email about that car a couple months ago... the drive killed it for me..

I am glad to see it went to a good home.


Very cool...

[onerippinturbo2]

where did you pick it up from and waht did it cost you ,if you dont mind disclosing that info.

[5DIGITS]

The car has spent the last 25 years with a long time racer and former Team Shelby driver.
He simply wanted the car and the parts to find a good home.

[onerippinturbo2]

what parts did he let go with it? any pics of the interior? what mods were done to the drivetrain(other then obvious suspension work)

[glhs0075]

Very neat! I'm subscribed to this thread and looking forward to more details!

[5DIGITS]

There were two cars and the second was a standard Shelby Charger that was used for parts. There's and extra engine, transmission, harness, 2 front air dams, air boxes, suspension parts, front bumper mounts, etc..
I have spent the last couple of hours working on the car and it's very close to starting. The external fuel pump was seized, the plugs were trash, a few harness wires were eaten by mice, and the injectors were all stuck. The external pump has been fixed, plugs were replaced, wires repaired, and the injectors are now free but I think the screens are plugged. The next step is to remove the injectors, clean, and reinstall. With any hope, it'll run today.

[onerippinturbo2]

great news, thanks for the updates! is it still t1? any performance mods engine wise? i.e bolt on stuff??

[cordes]

Video to come right?

[omni_840]

Awesome! Looking forward to engine, suspension pics:nod:

[5DIGITS]

The car has the typical cheater parts - Head, .63 turbine housing, and logic module but somewhat new to me is the modified fuel rail that includes a fuel pressure sensor. The car does not have a fuel pressure gauge so I'm wondering if it's one of the few extra wires into the logic module supported something unique, to these cars.

The injectors are now clean but bank 1-2 are not firing. Knowing what the mice have done in other locations I'm doing circuit checks.
I will post additional interior pics and possibly a video after I'm done focusing on the mechanical stuff and I empty the hatch - it's currently occupied by spare parts.

[cordes]

The car has the typical cheater parts - Head, .63 turbine housing, and logic module but somewhat new to me is the modified fuel rail that includes a fuel pressure sensor. The car does not have a fuel pressure gauge so I'm wondering if it's one of the few extra wires into the logic module supported something unique, to these cars.

The injectors are now clean but bank 1-2 are not firing. Knowing what the mice have done in other locations I'm doing circuit checks.
I will post additional interior pics and possibly a video after I'm done focusing on the mechanical stuff and I empty the hatch - it's currently occupied by spare parts.

You more than anyone should know that it's illegal in all 50 sates to sell a TM without a trunk full of spare parts.

[5DIGITS]

You more than anyone should know that it's illegal in all 50 sates to sell a TM without a trunk full of spare parts.

Now that's funny!!! LOL!
The only thing worse is a trunk full of non-spare parts and they are the cars powertrain stored in the trunk.
In this case, it's a clear indication of "I can fix it" gone wrong.

[cordes]

That does sound rough. I usually get spare short blocks in the trunk along with assorted parts that I drive home with. Not the motor which could have driven the car home in the trunk while trailering it.

[5DIGITS]

Speaking of "I can fix it"... just not completely, by tonight.
The car has been started - It runs but not very well.
My garage currently stinks of varnished high octane gas that hasn't been run in twenty years that's currently being burnt in an engine that's running on three cylinders.
I'll spend more time with it and address the problems as they're figured out. In the meantime, it needs to be emptied and a good scrubbing should do wonders, for the car!

[CNH320]

From the outside pic the car doesn't look bad at all, mustve been well cared for over the years. Cool project!

[168glhs1986]

Nice, all the good stuff does not get advertised to the "public". Great find and it's nice to have Shelby Dodge friends in high places. Good luck getting her running again and back on the race track! You gonna bring it to SDAC in June?

[sdac guy]

Nice, all the good stuff does not get advertised to the "public". Great find and it's nice to have Shelby Dodge friends in high places. Good luck getting her running again and back on the race track! You gonna bring it to SDAC in June?Actually it was sort of dumb luck Ken got this car. The original owner is a long time member of SDAC and is local to the Detroit area. He was involved with Team Shelby back in the day, and kind of inherited the car once the Shelby group was done racing it. He raced it locally, and lent it to other drivers to use also over the next couple years.

It may have not been a "public" notice but it wasn't a secret either. Back in mid-August I got an email from ET (not his real initials) that this car and a parts car were available to a good home. He didn't want anything for them, but wanted the cars to go to someone that would appreciate them and not strip them or mod them up. That first email he sent out went to more than a dozen people across the country.

Then a couple days later I got an email from the guy that runs the MWSDAC that mentioned the car being available, for "just come and get it." And that email went out to 15-20 people across the country also. I heard that a few folks might be interested in it, but nobody really stepped up to the plate and went for it.

A couple of months go by and I hear that GS (again not his real initials) was gonna get the car. GS also lives in the area here and used to be deep into the Shelby Dodge sport, both showing and racing an 86 GLHS. Not long after GS gets the car, Ken has a "garage sale" of some of his extra parts and GS shows up for it. He talked about the car and its history. He was fairly geeked about getting it, but admitted it needed a lot of work. He bought a couple items from Ken for the car.

About 3 weeks ago, I heard that GS was having second thoughts about it, because after seeing it and going through it, he realized how much time it would take to get the car back to performance status. He kind of felt he had bit off more than he could chew, so to speak, so he put out the word that he would like to find a home for it.

A little over a week ago, I was talking to Ken on the phone and happened to mention that GS was looking for someone to take the car off his hands. I was a little surprised that Ken showed interest in it as he certainly does not lack for project cars already. But he was serious, he called GS, went to look at the car, and it was brought to Ken's this weekend.

The car could have just as easily found a home in Kansas, Missouri, Maryland, Ohio, or many other places in the country, if any of those folks would have shown interest.

I suppose if the car would have sat another winter in ET's yard, then he may have placed an ad in Up Front, but as a start, he only notified folks he knew that have an interest in Shelby history.

Barry

[RoadWarrior222]

Last thing you might wanna do with something like that is put it in AutoMart for $3000 then have some kid turn up with a fistful of dollars "because race car"

[5DIGITS]

Barry,
I was surprised that the car surfaced after so many years, was fairly advertised through the community and that it hadn't been spoken for.
Having it surface again was another surprise but for reasons I can understand. If the car was to be completely dismantled and restored it may lessen its ability to get completed because it would be a huge undertaking. Viewing it as something that needs to be gone through step by step and slowly over time, turns it into a manageable project that retains its character.

Another surprising element refers to the original decal kit. I have owned my 1985 Shelby Charger since I purchased it in 87'. This car also had some of the unique items that appear on the Team Shelby car. Although it was not in full racing trim it had minor engine mods, a 'cheater module', a one-off column boost gauge mount, and an early DC Dino wheel that's still in the car. It turns out the car had also seen track time and the previous owner was within the circles that supported the race teams. His company printed the DC/MP catalogs and also supplied the original graphics for the Shelby teams. Because of this, he will certainly be contacted to generate the new decal kit, to help correctly restore the original appearance of the car.
It's a small world.

[contraption22]

Very cool. Glad to see this kind of piece of history saved. Can't wait to see it on a track! Good luck. Let me know if you need any T1 parts donated. I may have a set of T1 injectors of unknown condition laying around.

[rx2mazda]

another sweet project!

[johnl]

Nice Ken; good for you. . . . and the car too!

[5DIGITS]

Nice Ken; good for you. . . . and the car too!

John, how are you?
This one is a curve-ball amongst the rest of my cars but we'll see if we can still make a hit.
Great to hear from you and thanks for the kind words.

[johnl]

I'm fine Ken, thanks for asking. Drove the R/T today.

As for #54, with retention of that log manifold, I'd be tempted to sneak some 50/50 water/meth injectors onto the underside . . . .

[5DIGITS]

You're always thinking !!.. nice sneaky idea.
My 600es has really tested my modification urge. Early on, it was a struggle to keep a T-III installation from happening. So far, I'm happy with keeping it stock.
The same holds true for this car but I do agree that there may be more head room for "hidden" improvements, like you mention.
Thanks John !!! for triggering the "mod urge"!! :)

[ajakeski]

The driver's quarter doesn't look that bad.
I was able to fix this one:
http://gallery.me.com/ajakeski/100173/DSC05386/web.jpg?ver=13023438190001
http://gallery.me.com/ajakeski/100173/IMG_0002/web.jpg?ver=12909672390001
http://gallery.me.com/ajakeski/100173/IMG_0387/web.jpg?ver=13124141640001

[5DIGITS]

Thanks for the reference pics and nice job!

Can't really tell in the pic but the TS car has layer upon layer of bondo, on the driver side quarter. I'll have a better idea once I get out the grinder.
Everything else looks solid.

Thanks

[2.216VTurbo]

Ken your project list just seems to grow and grow:eyebrows: Not only that but the cool factor on each of your projects is enviable:thumb: Dunno how you find the time to fit them all in and make good progress on them but I think I speak for lots of the gang here that we are glad you've got the TM bug again:thumb:


BTW, I think there are some pics of your Charger in that "Hot Rod's Speed secrets" book from 86, the blue magazine thingy.

[5DIGITS]

Alan - Thanks!
It's nice porting until 10:00am , sweeping up aluminum, on the computer, and sifting through data til 2:00.
Even though they're consuming at times, each bit of progress is rewarding and enjoyable... yet again.

Thank you !! :thumb:

[86seeS]

So witch project is coming to sdac?

[5DIGITS]

So witch project is coming to sdac?

It's too early to make that call..
Although, I have always favored my 85 Shelby Charger and driving it after a 17 year hiatus is something I'm looking forward to.
As far as the the Team Shelby car, it really shouldn't matter where it's at in the restoration process. If it runs, it would be nice to take it around the track.

[Scamp_GT]

"because race car"

Lol I almost bought a 84 300zx because race car.
Nice car. I'm happy that some1 would repair a piece of history and not let it sit around collecting more dust and rust.
Good luck man.

[5DIGITS]

Update:

The following problems have been corrected on the #54 Team Shelby car.
Burnt wiring
poor module connections
poor injector connections
stuck injectors
Logic module connectors pins
mouse nest and "snack wiring" near the bulk-head connector
broken head bolt
blown head gasket
seized #4 spark plug
seized external fuel pump
vacuum harness

Now that its up and running, the mouse nest has been removed from the exhaust system. :)

Next step (when time permits): Body repair

[vipernbox]

Update:

The following problems have been corrected on the #54 Team Shelby car.
Burnt wiring
poor module connections
poor injector connections
stuck injectors
Logic module connectors pins
mouse nest and "snack wiring" near the bulk-head connector
broken head bolt
blown head gasket
seized #4 spark plug
seized external fuel pump
vacuum harness

Now that its up and running, the mouse nest has been removed from the exhaust system. :)

Next step (when time permits): Body repair


Well.. One thing is for sure.. With only this information. If I didn't know it already I would be able to say with certainty you were working on a GLH or a SC.. :p

[86seeS]

Hope to see this thing at sdac

[5DIGITS]

The driver's quarter doesn't look that bad.
I was able to fix this one:

I looked back and I never responded to tell you how nice that turned out.
You did a great job.
The issue with the team car is that they put a half gallon of mud over the damage to make it presentable.
So the pic doesn't do a good job showing how it truly looks.
I'll have a better idea what to do once I get through their 'plastic experiment'.

Again, nice job !

[Tbird232ci]

I really can't wait to see more of this car. I love race heritage.

[5DIGITS]

Well.. One thing is for sure.. With only this information. If I didn't know it already I would be able to say with certainty you were working on a GLH or a SC.. :p

Shelby Charger

For as long as this was sitting, I am impressed with how it runs - as is.
All the 'cheater' parts have been put back on the car to try to retain originality but a few more 'tweaks' are needed to make it run aggresively, for what it is (T-I).
For example, I can see making the timer portion of the software work both manually and automatically, as a benefit.
These had a delayed higher performance mode so the vehicle would pass a post race tech inspection - this could now be selectable.

Thanks

[vipernbox]

Shelby Charger

For as long as this was sitting, I am impressed with how it runs - as is.
All the 'cheater' parts have been put back on the car to try to retain originality but a few more 'tweaks' are needed to make it run aggresively, for what it is (T-I).
For example, I can see making the timer portion of the software work both manually and automatically, as a benefit.
These had a delayed higher performance mode so the vehicle would pass a post race tech inspection - this could now be selectable.

Thanks

I was just commenting that the "to do" list looked VERY familiar..

Needs to include replacing rubber brake lines, Fuel lines, cleaning mouse nests from HVAC ducting, and shifter linkage replacement...

Then you have just another day at my house..

:)




Ok.. So the LM is coded to automatically switch b/t calibrations/boost levels/spark curves somehow? Very interesting..

[zin]

I think everybody would be interested in learning about the various "superior reading of rules " that went into these cars to give them a leg up, at least as much as is known. I understand the A -arm geometry was changed as another example, but to what and why I don't know ...

I love this kind of history, it helps put you in the moment as it were.

Mike

[5DIGITS]

I was just commenting that the "to do" list looked VERY familiar.. Needs to include replacing rubber brake lines, Fuel lines, cleaning mouse nests from HVAC ducting, and shifter linkage replacement... Then you have just another day at my house.. :)

Ok.. So the LM is coded to automatically switch b/t calibrations/boost levels/spark curves somehow? Very interesting..

You nailed that one !!
A lot will need to be replaced, over time.
The maiden voyage went great - the second drive came with the shift rods falling off.
Know anyone with rod hardware? I'd like to try original stuff before I switch it to heim, or even cable.
I do have a G body 525 cable set-up but I'm not comfortable doing that and it would be a last resort.

The LM and later competition SMEC were set up with a timer to run stock spark, fuel, and boost during a tech inspection lap.
After this, the timers would mature and switch to a more aggressive strategy to gain an advantage.. "Cheater code" that flew under the radar.

[vipernbox]

I like these shifter conversion parts the best.. You can source all this stuff yourself.. probably cheaper assuming your time has no value. I have installed one of these.. everything was there and it worked perfectly.

http://www.greatlakeshotrod.com/Great_Lakes_Hot_Rods/L-Body_Shifter_Kits_For_Sale.html


But if you want to stay stock.. Good luck. I am sure someone has the parts.

[5DIGITS]

I think everybody would be interested in learning about the various "superior reading of rules " that went into these cars to give them a leg up, at least as much as is known. I understand the A -arm geometry was changed as another example, but to what and why I don't know ... I love this kind of history, it helps put you in the moment as it were.
Mike

I agree with you, completely.
The car rides like a brick with shocks and struts that appear as production parts.
It may ride smoother if I installed solid 1" bars, as a replacement. :)
After some of the body problems are fixed, the suspension will be looked at much closer to see what has been done and what is needed.

I do know that unique brake pads and shoes were made with higher semi-metallic material/content.
In higher modified classes mini 4-piston front calipers were made by JFZ and used in the stock location.
There were also several style struts with shrader valves for air ride height adjustment while others were equipped with 1.5"-1.75" hollow center shafts, with a bottom valve adjustment.

38911

[5DIGITS]

I like these shifter conversion parts the best.. You can source all this stuff yourself.. probably cheaper assuming your time has no value. I have installed one of these.. everything was there and it worked perfectly. http://www.greatlakeshotrod.com/Great_Lakes_Hot_Rods/L-Body_Shifter_Kits_For_Sale.html

But if you want to stay stock.. Good luck. I am sure someone has the parts.

Thanks !

[GLHS60]

Ken:
Speaking of external L body fuel pumps, do you know if the in tank hanger is the same with single and dual pump systems? Any info on the topic is appreciated.

Thanks
Randy

PS. I find all your posts are excellent and am subscribed to them all!!



Update:

The following problems have been corrected on the #54 Team Shelby car.
Burnt wiring
poor module connections
poor injector connections
stuck injectors
Logic module connectors pins
mouse nest and "snack wiring" near the bulk-head connector
broken head bolt
blown head gasket
seized #4 spark plug
seized external fuel pump
vacuum harness

Now that its up and running, the mouse nest has been removed from the exhaust system. :)

Next step (when time permits): Body repair

[5DIGITS]

Hope to see this thing at sdac

I'm trying to make that happen.. would be nice.

[5DIGITS]

This is not the brake system on the Team Shelby Charger.
These are from the heavier modified race vehicles from the 80's FWD Dodge racing era.
These will find a new home on the 85 SC project car along with R/T rear vented discs.



3891638917

[5DIGITS]

Ken:
Speaking of external L body fuel pumps, do you know if the in tank hanger is the same with single and dual pump systems? Any info on the topic is appreciated.
Thanks
Randy

PS. I find all your posts are excellent and am subscribed to them all!!

I believe they are the same.
Back in 87' I removed the external pump from my 85' and installed the later internal pump, on the original hanger.
Thanks for the kind words.

[vipernbox]

I believe they are the same.
Back in 87' I removed the external pump from my 85' and installed the later internal pump, on the original hanger.
Thanks for the kind words.

Also as far as I know the hangers are the same. I have converted several of the dual pumps to singles and never had a problem

Those brakes are VERY cool.

[moparman76_69]

http://mwphoto-misc.smugmug.com/Cars/SCCA-ESCORT-ENDURANCE-SERIES

Found these photos and there are a couple of Paul Rossi racing #54 at Mid Ohio in 86 and several of #53 and a few of #52 at both Nelson Ledges and Mid Ohio.

[Pat]

http://mwphoto-misc.smugmug.com/Cars/SCCA-ESCORT-ENDURANCE-SERIES

Found these photos and there are a couple of Paul Rossi racing #54 at Mid Ohio in 86 and several of #53 and a few of #52 at both Nelson Ledges and Mid Ohio.

That is so cool...thanks for sharing.

[5DIGITS]

Found these photos and there are a couple of Paul Rossi racing #54 at Mid Ohio in 86 and several of #53 and a few of #52 at both Nelson Ledges and Mid Ohio.

Thanks for posting these - it is genuinely appreciated.
I did get it explained to me that the car was occasionally shared with Paul and the Rossi Racing team.

Again, thank you.

[5DIGITS]

Since SDAC-22 and prior to winter, the car received some additional adjustments and is now running great.
Additionally, the original modified/large slot rims have been cleaned up and now have a nice set of NOS 205/50R15 Gatorbacks installed.
The shift linkage is being up-fitted with heim-joints rather than a cable conversion, to retain as much originality as possible.
The rest will need to wait for mid-summer due to the 87 CSX restoration and the marketing intent 90 Shelby CSX 2.5L 16V projects.

[glhs0075]

I had a lot of fun at SDAC 22, but if if had to pick one single favourite moment, it would be hanging out in the hotel parking lot that last night. You had #54 there. I was able to take a really good look at it, and you pointed out all of the unique parts and the little 'cheats' done by Team Shelby. I really appreciated that, and had a lot of fun.

It's kind of funny though; every time you brought #54 by, it would happen to be one of those rare moments when I didn't have my camera with me! Out of the entire time there, I didn't get a single picture of it! Hopefully I'll get another chance to see it again, I'll be sure to have my camera with me next time!

[5DIGITS]

I had a lot of fun at SDAC 22, but if if had to pick one single favourite moment, it would be hanging out in the hotel parking lot that last night. You had #54 there. I was able to take a really good look at it, and you pointed out all of the unique parts and the little 'cheats' done by Team Shelby. I really appreciated that, and had a lot of fun.

It's kind of funny though; every time you brought #54 by, it would happen to be one of those rare moments when I didn't have my camera with me! Out of the entire time there, I didn't get a single picture of it! Hopefully I'll get another chance to see it again, I'll be sure to have my camera with me next time!

I must admit that I really enjoyed SDAC22 and wish I would have had more time to spend at the various events.
Thanks for your post and kind words.

[Reaper1]

Subscribed! I love this type of historical stuff!

[rooferchris]

Yeah it was very cool to learn about them at the tech session, then go outside and see one in person. I didn't take pics either, I think I was too busy staring. Great job as the MC of the tech session Ken. I remember the swirl head on an '85 and thought it was strange until Jon Trotter set me straight. Great piece of TM history, one of the many highlights of the show.

[5DIGITS]

Yeah it was very cool to learn about them at the tech session, then go outside and see one in person. I didn't take pics either, I think I was too busy staring. Great job as the MC of the tech session Ken. I remember the swirl head on an '85 and thought it was strange until Jon Trotter set me straight. Great piece of TM history, one of the many highlights of the show.

Thank you.
By the time the actual tech night occurred, I was wiped out.
I had actually tried to pull this off the prior year for SDAC 21 but the trip out of state was an issue due to schedule conflicts.
I have known many of them for many years, worked with most of them, and have friendships with some of them.. but this putting this together was a completely different situation.
Four weeks prior to the event, I was working through scheduling issues, participant issues, and near cancelling the event.
It wasn't until the Friday before that I had a 100% commitment from everyone which then left coming up with how to manage the time, topics, and personalities.
The fact that it came together and fell in place literally within hours prior to the tech session was a complete miracle.

Thanks again.

[cordes]

Thank you.
By the time the actual tech night occurred, I was wiped out.
I had actually tried to pull this off the prior year for SDAC 21 but the trip out of state was an issue due to schedule conflicts.
I have known many of them for many years, worked with most of them, and maintained close friendships with some of them.. but this putting this together was a completely different situation.
Four weeks prior to the event, I was working through scheduling issues, participant issues, and near cancelling the event.
It wasn't until the Friday before that I had a 100% commitment from everyone which then left coming up with how to manage the time, topics, and personalities.
The fact that it came together and fell in place literally within hours prior to the tech session was a complete miracle.

Thanks again.

Congrats to you on all that hard work. It paid off in a big way IMO. That session will be talked about for years to come. I know myself and Jon Trotter will always remember it if for nothing other than the first comment being about how Team Shelby whooped up on the BMW guys at their first race. We came into the tech session after speaking with a good friend's father who was going on and on about the BMWs contemporary to ours. At that moment I knew that it would be a very special night to say the least.

[5DIGITS]

It has been a while since I have posted any updates...

It has been a very busy summer and the Team Shelby Charger has received changes to slowly retain/re-gain the car to its glory days.
The latest addition has been the installation of the original machined rims that were used for increased brake cooling.
Here is how they look with a set of NOS Gatorbacks installed.
Although there are no cracks in the rubber, they are as hard a shopping cart wheels.
46378

In addition, nearly all of the original decals have been located or reproduced.
In time, the car will be straightened and painted.

Thanks for looking.

[minigts]

It has been a while since I have posted any updates...

It has been a very busy summer and the Team Shelby Charger has received changes to slowly retain/re-gain the car to its glory days.
The latest addition has been the installation of the original machined rims that were used for increased brake cooling.
Here is how they look with a set of NOS Gatorbacks installed.
Although there are no cracks in the rubber, they are as hard a shopping cart wheels.
46378

In addition, nearly all of the original decals have been located or reproduced.
In time, the car will be straightened and painted.

Thanks for looking.

haha, awesome Ken!!! Man I had a blast riding in that thing the last SDAC in Detroit! Looking forward to seeing it return to it's former glory with fresh paint and decals!

[22shelby]

oh man, Ken i am so glad to see progress on her!! the next time we meet, i want a rip in her!! preferably around some sort of closed course track but the streets will be just fine with me!!!

[minigts]

oh man, Ken i am so glad to see progress on her!! the next time we meet, i want a rip in her!! preferably around some sort of closed course track but the streets will be just fine with me!!!

Jaren, the rides are limited. I'll let you know if Ken will allow it. ;)

[cordes]

That looks great Ken. I love the look of the modified wheels. I've been thinking of doing that to my pizza wheels on the Omni.

[fishcleaner]

wow, what a car

It has been a while since I have posted any updates...
Here is how they look with a set of NOS Gatorbacks installed.
Although there are no cracks in the rubber, they are as hard a shopping cart wheels.

That's not age, that's the way they were new.

[22shelby]

hey there buddy, i donated parts to get this car back in the hot seat... lol... i don't have a rod shift trans so i gave up the GLHR end links to Ken in preservation to a car i fell in love with... i would hope that would atleast get me a few up and down shifts along with a few 2G left and right turns :D

[CNH320]

Hey Ken, conveniently there is an SDAC-GL meet on Woodward this thursday night. Maybe you ought to try out those new wheels. Just sayin' ;)

[minigts]

hey there buddy, i donated parts to get this car back in the hot seat... lol... i don't have a rod shift trans so i gave up the GLHR end links to Ken in preservation to a car i fell in love with... i would hope that would atleast get me a few up and down shifts along with a few 2G left and right turns :D

Ok, ok!! haha Man if you get to ride in it, it's SCREAMin' fast for what it's got. Makes me realize how inefficient mine is.

[22shelby]

lol im just razzin ya.. i too one day would like to take a rip in your yellow track machine!! i think it would be a heck of a photo op to see all of the SDAC race ready SCs lined up... from the SCCA cars to the full on drag cars!! they have all proven themselves time and time again and continue to do so!! this is making me want a 2 door L-Body :D

[zin]

That car definitely ended up in the right hands!...

Mike

[5DIGITS]

All of you are great !

I did make it to the Woodward cruise but brought a different vehicle.
Chris, I got there a bit later after you'd already left - I'm looking forward to getting caught up.

The deal I made with myself is that anything that does not move under its own power by fall, is gone.
A few have received notice of this, what 30 years of involvement has piled up, and what may become available, as a result.
Currently, #54, the 600es, and the 87 CSX have all been receiving attention and the newly built 85 Shelby Charger is nearing a road test.
This is why the Team Shelby car has been receiving attention, to secure its home.

Thanks again to all that responded and thanks for your supportive comments.

[cordes]

Glad to hear that you're making forward progress. It can be hard to keep moving when there is so much stuff in the way. Best of luck as you thin your collection.

[Mightymopar]

Amazing looking car for sure!

[markassbauer]

dude. this car, its history, its restoration. just makes me so happy :D

[5DIGITS]

dude. this car, its history, its restoration. just makes me so happy :D

It's Prozac on wheels !!

Thanks for posting

The latest update is an 'in-process'.
The shift rods are being removed to update the shift system - this task was started months ago with some spare rods but it was put on hold.
After realizing how incredibly nice the heim-joint system is in another car, I am no longer willing to deal with the stock/worn system.
Very impressive upgrade, indeed !

Along the way, the thought was to change it to cable but I felt this departed from the vehicles originality.
Additionally, the body will be checked and pulled if needed BUT extensive 'beautification' repairs will be limited in exchange for retained battle scars, history, and resulting patina.
This decision is an attempt to respect a War Horse and its accomplishments.


Thanks for posting

[cordes]

If you've driven a car with the heim joint conversion then you already know how awesome it will be when you get it finished. It was an incredible upgrade for my GLH.