For the past four years, I have been showing off many beautiful cars on Mike's Show-N-Shine. I have been asked if I could do a post just about "Big Red," my own classic car. So here it is.
Now Big Red is no 100 pointer, for sure. I know that. But this is for the owners of the "I just love to drive it" group...and those who believe like I do, the best place to park at a show is with the participants. So, here comes Big Red! She looks pretty good for a 22 year old restoration. Sometime in my next lifetime, I will have her spruced up. For now, she is "just a driver."
Ok, Big Red is all covered up. She has been through this terrible winter weather, just waiting for the spring flowers to bloom and that last heavy rain to wash away all the salt on the Michigan roads. Let's pull off the cover and take a look.
Just a peek at the front fender gets me excited about spring. Bust your little flower heads through the snow, my little yellow daffodils. Show me the way to SPRING!
No 2x2, no GT, no Cobra Jet, just a simple 289 Mustang. I love the Mustang emblem. I feel it is right up there with the Corvette emblem. If I see either one, my heart races and I get ready to ride!
In 1965, there was a neat option. Hubcaps came in standard or spoke. But the dealership had one other item that was available as an "option" and that was - real spoke wheels. So the original owner decided to dress his 289 up a bit and added these cool wheels. I think it really makes the car look sharp! What do you think?
One of my sponsors provided me with this cool Battery Tender. Plug it in in the fall and it will keep the battery charged all winter. Not a trickle charge, but a tender way to keep that battery like new.
Another dealer installed option was this rear trunk luggage rack. I am keeping my eyes open for a 1960's suitcase so I can strap it on! My wife used to have an old Sampsonite suitcase, but I guess we threw it away at some point. Gotta keep looking!
In my back window, I have this model of a 64 1/2 Mustang and it looks just like Big Red. I just need the luggage carrier! Wire wheels, 289 engine and all. Pretty cool!
I thought the exhaust would be a bit more noticeable when I took this picture. I started Big Red up to let the engine warm the oil and make sure there were no "surprise" leaks. After 22 years since the restoration, some of the gaskets are a bit weak and need replacement.
The Co-pilot's seat. I have never sat in it since no one has driven it but me. Even though we had a '66 back in the late 60's, Janie just can't get it in her to try and drive it. Power steering and power brakes make it quite easy to maneuver.
Ahhh. The Pilot's seat. Oh how I love to drive her!! Notice the speedometer. The early 64 1/2 Mustangs used the same dash as the Fairlane. About July or so, Ford went to the newer dash. And air conditioning was not available on the early 64 1/2, so this was added by the owner at some point after he took delivery.
No rust, corrosion or broken parts. Solid car! I just love to look at this shot. I bought all new custom made carpet for Big Red, but got the wrong color. So if you need the light green carpet (wouldn't that look terrible in a red car!) let me know. What a deal I could make!
My wife and I graduated in 1965. This is the yearbook for that year. When we set up at a car show, we have a trunk load of props to set up. Besides the chairs with rain/sun covers, we have a set of 65 license plates, some great 60's pictures, a 60's transistor radio, and lots more. Presentation is everything!! Well, a great car helps!!
Not clean and spotless, my 289 is still a great runner. I have done no clean up to the engine other than a good steam cleaning every few years. A few facts. This 289 has custom headers, custom exhaust backed by Flowmaster mufflers. Electronic point system helps stop burning of points. This little 289 sounds kool!!
Ready for the 2010 season. This is the best she will get!! Pop that hood and show her off. The good, bad and ugly!!
I am ready for Spring! Did I say that before?
I know I said Big Red was no show car, but she has received a few plaques. The one on the right is our favorite. "Best Classic Car" from the AmBucs Walker show a couple of years ago.Here are some pictures of Big Red's home.
I was a big fan of Terry Labonte. All the boxes have autographs. Note the 6 pack of Coke. This was the first year Jeff Gordon raced. Coke was his sponsor. Then he switched to Pepsi. I think this is one of my favorite NASCAR memorabilia.
Well, that is the show. Hope you liked it. It is March now, and spring WILL come, you can bet on it. Mike's Show-N-Shine loves comments, so leave one below if you like. My thanks to my sponsors of Mike's Show-N-Shine. This year they will get more recognition at each car show we attend. So watch for us around West Michigan as we CRUISE INTO SUMMER!
