1967 Pontiac GTO Complete Restoration

This 1967 Pontiac GTO came to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop ready to start a new life.   We stripped the car, performed extensive metal repair with parts from OPGI, rebuilt and upgraded the chassis with parts from BMR Suspension, added disc brakes, and FiTech fuel injection to the 400 V8 engine.   We reupholstered the complete interior and vinyl top in-house.   The body was restored and painted in Tyrol blue, and the GTO scored top honors at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago on its first time out! Now this amazing GTO restomod is a show stopper with great driving manners!

Contact Us to chat about your restoration or restomod project!

Like that GTO Rendering in the video? Get yours – or any other Muscle Car – here: The Automotive Art of Danny Whitfield https://dannywhitfield.com/

#musclecars #gto #v8speedandresto #v8speedshop #mcacn

GTO Mentioned in V8 Radio Podcast:

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Continue reading “1967 Pontiac GTO Complete Restoration Video at V8 Speed and Resto Shop with Photo Gallery”
1970 Ford Mustang Convertible Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

We’ve recently completed a 1970 Ford Mustang convertible restoration here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. This is a cool Mustang Restomod with a rich history, and has been in the same family since the summer of 1972! The V8 Speed team completely disassembled the car for rust repairs and suspension upgrades, fixed the rusty and damaged body, and repainted the Mustang in a nearly-original color.

It’s powered by a Ford 302 V8 backed by a C4 automatic transmission, and was equipped from the factory with air conditioning. Our customer drove the car often, as it was her first car back in 1972. Over the years, the ‘70 Mustang was driven by the next generation in the family, until it was wrecked in 1993 and subsequently parked. It had not been driven since then, and we were happy to return it to the road once completed.

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop team disassembled the entire car, and stripped all the paint to reveal previous damage and rust repairs. The convertible Mustang was mounted on a fixture in our fabrication shop to keep the body structure supported and true, and sheet metal repairs began. The quarter panels, rear tail panel, doors and floors were all replaced with new steel.

While this car is restored to appear original, we modified a few aspects of the car for better drivability, reliability, performance, and more enjoyment. For example, we installed an upgraded front suspension system from Rod and Custom Motorsports, which provides a tubular upper and lower control arm assembly based on the later Mustang II geometry. It also features an oversized sway bar and a rack and pinion steering unit for more precise control and modern Mustang Road feel. Improved front disc brakes are also installed, along with all new plumbing and brake lines. Familiar but upsized 17” Magnum 500 wheels from Scott Drake are wrapped in Bridgestone tires.

The 302 small block Ford V8 was rebuilt, and is now topped with a FiTech fuel injection system for modern-day reliability, which is also controlling the electronic distributor and ignition timing. This car came from the Ford factory with air conditioning, but we elected to install a more efficient A/C system from Vintage Air, which uses current refrigerant to cool the air. The front accessory drive is a black serpentine system from CVF Racing, complete with a high-flow water pump and higher output alternator.

The color is very close to the original Ford Medium Bright Blue, but it’s been tweaked a bit as preferred by the owner for a bit more… pop! And where the original paint was a single-stage blue, today’s urethane 2-stage basecoat / clearcoat shines far more than the original finish ever did.

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop interior shop rebuilt the bucket seats and rear seat, upholstering them in the original white / parchment hue, and a new black carpet covers the sound-deadened floor. The top frame and hydraulic system was restored, and we installed a new white convertible top. Fresh glass looks crisp and clean, Dozens of new trim pieces from Classic Industries were installed to make things new again inside.

This family heirloom 1970 Mustang Convertible is nicer looking, and nicer to drive, than it was when it rolled off the assembly line brand new. We at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop are honored to have the opportunity to bring it to a new level for many more years of family enjoyment.

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

 

 

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

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Author: Miguel Pujols
Content: Great job, she’s better than new, hope the family enjoys for many smile per mile of years ahead! The classic always appeal to me its like stepping in a time machine, but a RestoMod where it counts makes it so much sweeter…

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Author: James Hutchins
Content: Absolutely beautiful! Love the very sensible upgrades making her a sweet daily driver or a show car. A true win win.

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Author: Jason Hull
Content: Looks so sharp and clean.
You guys sure do good work. I would be honored to build classic’s with you guys ! Keep em coming. We can’t get enough of them.
I’d love to see what you could do to My 1970 Camaro too. Lol

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Author: Rick Read
Content: Absolutely gorgeous! I like every thing that was upgraded to modernize the car, I’m loving it!

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Author: JSR Roadrash
Content: Your team does outstanding work. Beautiful Mustang with a great history.

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Author: Annatar the Maia
Content: What comes out of your workshops isn’t work, it’s art.

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Author: Trip Reviews
Content: Although I like an all original mustang this is a fantastic updated 1970 Mustang. The classic look has been maintained and yet it is new. Nice. 👍

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Author: GPLIPP
Content: Another home run guys. Well done!!

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Author: Plymouth Die-Cast Replicas
Content: Gorgeous pony car. Incredible job, guys. The biggest thumbs up👍👍👍

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Author: J. G.
Content: Beautiful work 👍

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Author: Charles Dalton
Content: There are so many things well done on this car but I kept coming back to the panel gaps. They look like they were cut with a laser – holy mackerel!

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Author: KFH
Content: More great work… A Real Beauty!!!

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Author: Codename C.A.R.S
Content: Nice car!

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Author: John R Smith
Content: I had the identical car, except mine had the deluxe interior, which included a console. Absolutely the worst car I ever owned, because of a complete lack of quality control during assembly. Virtually everything was wrong with the car, and I only owned it for 3500 miles. Sad, because it was a neat little car.

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Author: Kenan Turkiye
Content: There’s something about metallic blue and chrome on a good car.

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Author: echoi
Content: This restomod is the gold standard on what a restomod should be. Compared to cars with chrome air cleaners, chrome valve covers, Obnoxious 20″ rims, those generic jeep LED units, and obnoxiously loud speakers in the back. Eeewww

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Author: Jerome Hansen
Content: Nice

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1971 Chevrolet C10 Performance Final Video V8 Speed & Resto Shop V8TV

This 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne is a former work truck that is getting some great performance upgrades, but keeping the weathered look at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop.    This 1971 C10 is very special to the owner, as it belonged to a close family friend and has been a part of his life since the late 1980s.    We showed you how this truck looked when it came into our shop, and Today, it’s ready to be put back in service!   

The recipe called for the 71 C10s cab and bed to be lifted off the frame, and then the chassis was disassembled, media blasted, and powder coated black.   All new suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, and other wear parts were installed, along with a complete differential and rear gear rebuild.   

Power comes from a Blueprint Performance 383 stroker Chevy V8 engine, with a hydraulic roller cam, roller rockers, aluminum heads and intake, and a Holley Sniper EFI system making 430 horsepower.   It’s bolted to a built 700R4 overdrive automatic transmission for smooth highway cruising.  

The suspension is new with lowered spindles, springs, and shocks, and the ‘71 C10 now rolls on 20” Detroit Steel wheels for a modern look.   Ned bed wood completes the look.

Inside, the V8 Speed & Resto Shop interior department restored the original interior to look brand new.     We recovered the seats in the original Cheyenne pattern, upgraded the dash with new Dakota Digital gauges, added upgraded audio, vintage air a/c, cruise control, tilt steering… all things you’d expect in a modern truck.    Plus, a secret exhaust cutout switch turns up the volume on the 383 at will!  

We’re excited to see this 1971 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne rolling down the road, and the owner is looking forward to making more memories with the old friend of a truck. 

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

Author: Brody Prater
Content: That’s my truck, thanks V8 for making my dream a reality!! You guys did an amazing job on my girl!!

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Author: Scootosan
Content: Well done. The variable exhaust is a nice touch. My Dad had a 48 Ford with a Flat head and a manual valve on the floor from Muffler when the Cops around and then back to straight. Modern wheels that are relative to the factory appearance is the perfect choice.

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Author: Charles Dalton
Content: That truck is perfect. Until now, I didn’t care for “rustifications” (as I call them) but now I see it’s because the other ones weren’t executed properly. And the paint to match the weathering and rust – that is artistry. Outstanding – you all should be proud!

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Author: raddad10
Content: Absolutely lovin it. Pretty much what is going on with my 64 short bed big window C10. Unfortunately, the truck doesn’t have a good enough patina to wear on the road. Great job guys!!!!!!

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Author: DIY Life
Content: Awesome! Looks old, but performs like its new! Best way to restore! Great Job V8S&R!

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Author: Garden
Content: Great build, big advantage when you can take your ride out for lunch and not worry about door dings . It looks like that tilt you used is way too far back than any I have seen?

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Author: James Hutchins
Content: Looks like a good, safe and dependable driver. Sweet

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Author: Kevin Guthrie
Content: You can polish that single stage factory paint to a mirror shine. If you wax it enough times where there’s rusted sun burned through paint it just becomes shiny bare steel and it looks really good

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Author: GPLIPP
Content: Nicely done!

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Author: Cyclone Kevin
Content: Very nice job.

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Author: James Veach
Content: really nice I have a 1987 Ford ranger I wish I could do that too but since I live on $700 a month Social security it’s only a pipe dream I guess

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Author: Gary Jones
Content: Nice truck…

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Author: Phillip S
Content: RESPECT!

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Author: G McNelly
Content: Ain’t no good if you can’t drive them (a lot)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Author: Harold Lemons
Content: Please buy mine

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Author: Ex Pat Conn
Content: Trick

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Author: @rqkeating
Content: Looking forward to seeing more of these kind of videos to see all the fun stuff you guys are up to. Thanks!

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Author: @plymouthdie-castreplicas
Content: What a great project! I like these classic trucks so much.

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Author: @cemeteryhill
Content: Awesome refresh for a awesome truck!
My nephew(18) has a project 85′ C10. Always encourage him to work on it.

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Author: @tacocin
Content: Gee thanks for reminding me about how stupid I was to sell my 72 C-10! Great truck!

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Author: @gplipp6489
Content: Great vid. Love to see update work. Teal for a truck is pretty funky

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Author: @bruceh92
Content: C10’s are popular – anyone notice resales going up up?

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Author: @Brian.8272
Content: i just bought an 81 turbo trans am. 45k miles. mint condition, please do a show on upgrading the 301 v8 for some speed!!

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Author: @user-du7qq2ou2k
Content: like all the way. i love C10s

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Author: @bretz71
Content: Like Farm Truck, but Park Truck!

 

Top Camaros Built at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

We’re big fans of first generation Camaros here at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop. Today we’re taking a look at 5 of our favorite restomod First Gen Camaros built here in our shop, in no particular order.

LOU’S CHANGE 1969 CAMARO
See More:  1969 Chevrolet Camaro Lou’s Change LSA Supercharged Pro-Touring Camaro Build Photo Gallery at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

First up is a 1969 Camaro named Lou’s Change.   The goal for this car was to combine modern Camaro styling and performance with the classic look of the ‘69.  Dan Steinhauser created the rendering, complete with a modern ZL-1 style hood with carbon fiber insert and a 3D printed grille.    

We performed all the metalwork in-house, including fabrication of the custom hood, and installation of all new floors, quarter panels, tail panel, fenders, and more. Lou’s Change rides on a complete Detroit Speed suspension front and rear. Deep tubs were installed to accommodate the Toyo R888 tires wrapped around Forgeline wheels. The engine is a modified supercharged GM LSA  6.2L V8 making approximately 630 HP, backed by a 6-speed manual transmission.   The car was sprayed in Mars Red, with a black ZL1 stripe.  It was a feature car at the SEMA show, the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals, and in Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine.

COMP CAMS 1969 CAMARO RS CONVERTIBLE
See More: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COMP Cams 40th Anniversary Restoration at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

This ‘69 Camaro is owned by one of the best names in performance parts, COMP Cams! When it needed a refresh, we were honored that they sent it to us at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop. Upgrades include a Heidt’s front subframe and tubular suspension and rear 4-link system supporting the Currie rear axle. Power comes from is a Butler-LS built LS 454 making 690 HP, and a TCI 6X 6-speed automatic transmission shifts the gears. The interior features Distinctive Industries Touring II seats, Dakota Digital gauges, and Vintage Air A/C.

ZR9 1969 CAMARO
See More: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZR9 800 HP Pro-Touring Camaro Build Photo Gallery

This next Camaro is another ‘69, but it’s an all-new car with nearly 100% aftermarket parts. We utilized a new Camaro shell, added some bigger wheel tubs, subframe connectors, and a complete Detroit Speed suspension system. Power comes from a MAST Motorsports LS7 based 427 topped with an LS9 supercharger making over 800 horsepower with a 6-speed manual transmission. Inside you’ll find a full leather and carbon fiber interior, with speedhut gauges, Vintage Air, and high-end audio in a custom dash. The color is Corvette ZR1 Jetstream blue, which really makes the polished trim and Forgeline wheels stand out.

RELOADED 1968 CAMARO
See More: 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Pro-Touring “Reloaded” Build Gallery and Videos at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

The goal of the Reloaded Camaro was to create a modern version of the dealer supercars from the late 1960s, like the 427 Camaros built by Yenko and Nickey Chevrolet. The original front subframe was modified with a Detroit Speed coilover suspension, while a QUADRALink rear suspension was added for far better traction. While the body was being massaged to perfection, our friends at Fast Times Motorworks assembled a 490 cubic inch roller cam V8. The engine is super clean, with satin colors that compliment the exterior with no messy wires or hoses. The transmission is a TCI 4L80E automatic overdrive.

SILVER LT4 1969 CAMARO
See More: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Transforms From Big Block to Supercharged LT4 V8 at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

This one came to us with a stock suspension system, and a carbureted big block Chevy engine, but the owner wanted more… of everything. The first time the car was here we installed a whole Detroit Speed suspension system front and rear, and an EFI system on the big block Chevy. Bigger Baer brakes were added, and a new set of Forgeline wheels was custom made for the car. The handling and braking improvements were huge, but after a bit, the owner wanted the smooth power of a supercharged dry-sump LT4 engine, so the car came back to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for round 2! Stock LT4s are powerful, but this one is making north of 750 HP with upgraded pulleys, valve springs, and injectors. Of course, we also build less radical Camaros, but we’re always looking to push the envelope of performance and creativity. What ideas do you have for your ideal Camaro? Contact us at www.v8speedshop.com today, we’d love to bring those ideas to life!

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

 

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

Author: Michael Clarke
Content: Awesome examples of first gen F-bodies. I’ve been fortunate enough to see a few of these Camaros up close and the video doesn’t do them justice. They’re that good.

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Author: Plymouth Die-Cast Replicas
Content: It’s great to hear Kevin’s commentary again! He has swallowed the dictionary. Awesome Camaros, guys! I love that blue ZR9. Absolutely wonderful machine.

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Author: Jason Hull
Content: The true heart of muscle cars and hot rodding. These are absolutely stunning examples. The level of craftsmanship and detail is above top shelf. Another well deserved hat tip to that remarkable team !
And for the record 15 minutes is the perfect length video for the octane junkie’s lunch break ! Haha 🍻
🇺🇸💪👍

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Author: William Wright
Content: You guys just do awesome work! I am beyond thrilled, to know my car is in good hands!

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Author: Paul M
Content: Beautiful , I take the red one 😇. I would only want it without the supercharger as the naturally aspirated LS is plenty powerful and reliable for daily use. Great builds regardless

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Author: Primoz Krajcar
Content: Those are some bad ass machines. Can you do a similar list on the Corvettes? Top Corvette builds and then go to top Dodge builds and top Mustang builds. I already envision a series here! 🙂

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Author: Lawrence Atwood
Content: I am fortunate enough to “Drive it like I stole it!!” Thanks for the awesome work V8 Speed Shop Team!

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Author: Gary Keenan
Content: Loose Change is a work of art past n present nicely done!!! Comp convertible is a powerhouse would be fun laying down some pavement black marks!!!

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Author: Heavy Pedal Garage
Content: Pure awesome! Gotta love the F bodies! I’ve got a second gen firebird that I’m restomodding over on my channel. I dream of doing a first gen one of these days. Thanks for sharing such amazing cars in some really cool videos. Motivation and inspiration!

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Author: chisel83
Content: Awesome video guys. Happy holidays from south Australia 🇦🇺

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Author: Justin Opinion
Content: You had me at “Camaros”… but then you had to go and make it an awesome video anyway!

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Author: Johnny Hot rod
Content: Love your work
If I ever hit the lottery you guys can do my 67-LT4 with a 6 speed my dream
And fix all my bad gaps
One can dream…

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Author: Calvin Cooley
Content: As far as ideas go I have many! Lol that’s not to be confused with money!
Here is one for the one with the stack.
A modern Nomad-ish build using a base of one 78 to 87 Malibu wagon and some El Camino doors & glass. Maybe a Monte SS nose.
Cut the B pillars, fab some jambs and …….El Mad!
You get the picture I’m sure.
You’re welcome.

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Author: Calvin Cooley
Content: When the hammer falls so do the jaws.

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Author: Tom Wagner
Content: Tesla eat you heart out

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Author: Bruce H.
Content: “We used an all new body on this one”. Really, aftermarket?

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Author: HEY BERT 1984
Content: Cool 70 imp in the background at :21 what are you folks doing to that. I have a 70 myself that i ls3 swapped

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Author: Turbo Lives In my heart
Content: Agh- I can’t breathe

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Author: Big Sexy Muthashutyomouth
Content: Beautiful vehicles gentlemen! The ZR9 has to be my favorite one of all!!!!

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1957 Ford Ranch Wagon 427 SOHC Roadster Shop Chassis at V8 Speed and Resto Shop

The goal of this 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon build is to add modern car handling with barely-streetable power from a Ford 427 legendary Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V8, all while keeping a stock (ish) sleeper appearance.  The elements include a 700+ HP John Kaase built 540-cube SOHC engine, 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, a Roadster Shop chassis and suspension, and great brakes.  The wagon will ride on 17” steel wheels – or Halibrand kidney-bean style wheels, depending on the mood.    The chassis will deliver a slightly lowered, but usable stance.   The Ranch will wear an original Starmist Blue and Colonial White color scheme, with a coordinating restored interior.  The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is handling the build, and it’s going to be an amazing ride!

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

 

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

TECH DATA - 1957 FORD RANCH WAGON

ENGINE:

Aluminum Ford Single Over Head Cam (SOHC) built by John Kaase

Horsepower: 750 (est.)
Torque: 800 (est.)
Compression Ratio: 10:1.
Displacement: 540 cubic-inches 

TRANSMISSION:

GM 4L80E 4-speed automatic

FRONT SUSPENSION:

Roadster Shop

REAR SUSPENSION:

Roadster Shop

BRAKES:

BAER

ENGINE MANAGEMENT:

Holley EFI

Continue reading “1957 Ford Ranch Wagon SOHC Full Build at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Photo Gallery”
1957 Ford Thunderbird Coyote Swap

This cool 1957 Ford Thunderbird came to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop in tribute to the owner’s Father who owned several of these cool Birds over the years.   Today, we’re going to make this one more powerful and reliable for years of trouble-free cruising.   The V8 Speed & Resto Shop team will be installing a custom chassis, complete with Wilwood brakes, coil-over shocks, and upgrade the sway bars for better handling.   The ‘Bird will have far more Thunder thanks to a new Ford Racing 5.0 V8 cranking out 430 HP and over 400 lbs.-ft. of torque.   Additionally, we’re installing a 6-speed automatic transmission spinning that steam back to a new 9″ rear axle.    Upgraded audio and lighting will make it even more fun to drive.  Follow along as we make the upgrades on this slick ’57 Thunderbird!

Click “Read More” for the complete photo gallery!

Continue reading “1957 Ford Thunderbird 5.0 Coyote V8 and Chassis Swap at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Photo Gallery”
1964 Chevrolet Corvette Repaint and Upgrades at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

This 1964 Chevrolet Corvette visited the V8 Speed & Resto Shop for completion of various restoration items.    On the list include some electrical rewiring, cosmetic updates, engine tuning, and overall drivability improvements.   It’s also going to receive a whole new look thanks to custom paint and striping.  We’re happy to help return this cool 350 4-speed powered ’64 Corvette back to the road! 

Click “Read More” for the complete photo gallery!

 

Continue reading “1964 Chevrolet Corvette Repaint and Upgrades at V8 Speed & Resto Shop”
1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 Restoration at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

This cool 1966 Chevelle is the second for it’s owner Larry Frees, who might be familiar as the caretaker of the “Mr. Chevy” 1955 Chevy gasser and hauler ramp truck.     He had a Marina Blue ‘66 many years ago, and this car will serve to be the “jumping off point” from where his old ‘66 left off.    Larry provided us with the beginning of the restoration story as it unfolds in the V8 Speed & Resto Shop.   The car turned out beautifully, after some sheet metal surgery, laser-straight bodywork, and a custom color brewed in-house. It’s putting out over 400 horsepower, it rides on air, and looks fantastic!

Click “Read More” for the complete photo gallery!

Continue reading “1966 Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop”
1972 Ford Bronco 5.0 Coyote Install at V8 Speed & Resto Shop

The V8 Speed & Resto Shop recently completed a modern 5.0 Coyote V8 swap into a 1972 Ford Bronco that was brought to us as a restored truck. Now, the restomod Bronco runs much stronger and is more reliable thanks to the Ford Performance 5.0 Coyote V8 engine swap and upgraded Dakota Digital Gauges. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop conversion also included installing a custom mandrel bent Magnaflow exhaust system and high-pressure fuel system to run the Coyote engine.

Now that the 2021 Ford Bronco has been revealed, it’s fun to show how early Ford Broncos can be retrofitted with modern Coyote V8 engines and technology to make the classic Ford Bronco perform like the new 2021 Bronco.

Continue reading “1972 Ford Bronco 5.0 Coyote Restomod Build at V8 Speed & Resto Shop Video”

1939 LaSalle Ambulance Restoration Photo Gallery

 

This 1939 LaSalle ambulance / hearse was originally commissioned in the town of Red Bud, IL… which happens to be the home of the V8 Speed & Resto Shop!   We’re excited to change the color and tune up the appearance of this originally hand-built coach.    Follow along with the photos to see the progress!

Click “Read More” for the complete photo gallery!

Contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with all your Classic or Muscle Car needs today!

 

817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278

 

Continue reading “1939 LaSalle Ambulance Restoration at V8 Speed and Resto Shop Photo Gallery”