Project "Grand Touring" 69 Torino GT Formal Roof
 

Hi All,

Last winter I decided its time to look in to updating the rear suspension and mini tubbing the car.

Since nobody makes a kit for a Torino, I wanted to find someone local who could do the work on the car. That led me to Steve at East Bay Muscle Cars in Brentwood.

I brought my car down to Steve's shop so we could put the car on a lift and take some measurements. He happened to have a kit for a Camaro that we were able to compare and it looked like it could be adapted to my chassis. After some detail measurements Steve decided that he could adapt a DSE Quadralink to the Torino.

We both aggreed that I could fit a 12" wide wheel with a 335 or 345 tire so I ordered 19x12's and 18x8 Rushforth SuperSpokes with polished hoops and smoked titanium centers. Once the wheels arrive I brought the car down to Steve so he could start working on the car.

With the inner tubs removed here is a shot of the car with the rear wheels and tires test fitted.
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...67_JT43P-M.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...96_i8RQW-M.jpg

Finished wheel tubs.
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...4_JFRGN-XL.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...0_Z3gZ8-XL.jpg

DSE Quadralink install almost complete!
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...58_TtkDn-M.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...79_jDaV3-M.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...13_FLtBo-M.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...97_KQX8n-M.jpg

By this time, the panhard bar should be installed and shocks and new axles are on the way.

That looks hot man. :thumbsup:

Looks good man!
Keep us posted.:thumbsup:

Very sweet!

Steve is a great dude and you should be in great hands.

very nice! I like seeing alternative car builds.

What do you mean by formal roof though? Do you mean it's not a fastback?

thanks and yes the non fastbacks were called formal roof's or coupe if you will.
I've heard formal roof hardtop too but yea its not a fastback :)
If you're not familiar with the car here is another pic, I realized without the trunk on, it may be hard to tell.
http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/183021279_uxoS7-M.jpg

Wow, that looks so much different than a fastback one. I actually like it better and I like the fastback ones. I never knew they came as a formal roof. Were they simply a "normal" model while the fastbacks were the sport models if you will? What are the build numbers like for that style do you know? I honestly think this is the first one I have ever seen.

Well it seems that the fastbacks were more popular but even the formal roofs came in "cobra" models with the 428 CJ. Not sure on production numbers though but they are obviously more rare then the fastbacks.
here is an example:
http://listverse.files.wordpress.com...pg?w=400&h=300

Nice looking car!:thumbsup:
I'm really digging the color.

Nice build.
A couple of questions regarding the DSE install. What are you using for the upper shock mount? Will you use the DSE "channel" or? How about the swivel links---did you order them unwelded so you could cut to fit or use the stock GM length? I've pondered this for my Mopar project before so I'm curious as to the details.

Thanks, Wes

The shocks haven't arrived yet as far as I know, but they will be fabbing the upper mounts for those. I'm pretty sure he just ordered all the brackets, arms, etc for a Camaro. He said the lower links were the same length as the front half of my leaf springs.

Maybe Steve will chime in to give more detail on the install.

thanks

Good lookin project.Steve is an awesome fabricator.Real nice work.:thumbsup:

First of all I want to say we are proud to be involved with such a unique car. Jason will no doubt be having alot of fun with this car at shows and other events.
We used a Camaro Quadralink and kept all of the DSE factory dimensions and spacing. Due to the increased room under the floor, we were able to fab mounting brackets for the upper links without protruding into the rear seat area. We also braced these mounts to the subframe connectors as well with 1 3/4" round tube. The only cutting of the floor is in front of the gas tank to make room for the 1 3/4" round tube upper shock crossmember. We basically reversed the rounded contour of the floor panel in that area. The shocks are QA1's with a 12.5" installed height. The axles should be here this week and Hopefully Jason will be at Goodguys Pleasanton later this month.:thumbsup:

I will say it again.Real nice work. Lookin good.:thumbsup:

Thanks for the kind words!

EBMC,
Thanks for posting the pictures of the "universal" DSE install. Please post pictures of the panhard mount/install when complete.

Nice build.

Wes

This is probably a stupid question, but you can use QA1's with the Quadralink? I wonder if there's a major difference between those and the DSE Koni's in a real world sense.

I can tell you that I just switched out my QA1's for STRANGE coil overs -- and the difference was ASTOUNDING!

Even my sister said what an amazing ride quality difference it made... and what does she know?......LOL

Seriously - after making this switch - I'd never look at anything QA again.

Remind us the overall build specs
 

If I remember you are running Art Morrison front strut kit and a built Windsor with a TKO. Like the formal roof but you know I prefer fastbacks.......

hey FETorino, true on the built Windsor and TKO but only running OpenTracker components up front with an RRS rack and pinion, brakes are 13" Mustang Cobra. For now!

Looking great - did not know you were going this route on your build! Great idea integrating existing engineered parts from DSE.

Heres the panhard mounting.

woohoo, getting close! the axles come in Steve? I will likely drop by Tuesday afternoon unless you happen to be there today.

Yeah I guess I should have at least let you see the pics before posting! Axles are here and we will be wrapping up assembly next couple of days! Stop by Tues.

no worries. See you tomorrow.

http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...67_JT43P-M.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...96_i8RQW-M.jpg


WOW...I sould have mini tubed my car and went 12"s. :bow:


How is she looking for next week?

Only time will tell, most of the work should be done this week. I still need tailpipes and really not sure i want to go to a goodguys show stirring up dust. :rolleyes:
We'll see though.

If it makes you feel better mine will be turned down because I don't think my tails will clear the new axle set up I am still hoping to have before the weekend.

Danville Thursday night? :)

Yea possibly, you going to take your car there?

Axle shafts showed up yesterday, waiting to find out if Chassis Works is done with the housing and the 3rd member will be done mon/tue. Will everything fall into place so I can drive it.....hope so:D

I assume you're hoping to make the Goodguys show as well?

If she drives Thursday....I will be driving her ALL WEEKEND!!! :lol:

Sweet! I am anxious too! :D

I will keep my eye out for your vinyl top ride....:cheers:

Getting there! Got to see it on the ground and it looks killer.
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...2_7pPVj-XL.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...4_qghe2-XL.jpg
http://torino420.smugmug.com/Torino-...78_J97Vo-L.jpg

That looks awesome man!:cheers:

WOW....:thumbsup:

Is she going to make it this weekend?

or tonite to Danville?

I do love your car!:unibrow:

I owned a 72 Years ago...about the same color.