Sometimes one thing will lead to a build, in Doug Fords case it was a 427 once raced by none other than Ricart Ford of Columbus Oh. As it set majestically on a stand Doug searched for the perfect ride for it. First a '64 Fairlane was selected to be a Thunderbolt tribute but after realizing the high quality of the body the required cutting was ruled out . So the search continued , then in February 2014 a '67 Farlane showed up on Craigslist . The previous owner stated the car was bought then stored and not driven much , but he was a paint and body man and had already begun applying his trade to it. He repainted it and then restored the interior bringing it back into its former grandeur . The owner had bought it from the original purchaser , so Doug is its third owner showing it has not seen many homes. Unfortunately by the time Doug acquired it time had taken its toll leaving the paint faded but acceptable from 20 feet away and the interior was dingy but serviceable . Doug spent many hours wet sanding and buffing bringing back the luster of the "ticket Red" .The painted bumpers though controversial are staying partially due to an $800 price tag to replace with chrome ones. Once home the ID tag read: S code 390 GT , Whimbledon white, red interior , 3 speed and a 3.25 open trac. With a 427 Tunnel Port powered '68 mustang already in the stable for years it was a safe bet that this Fairlane would not be a field dwelling show car.
First up was the heart of the beast , the mighty 427 would now fill the flanks. Cleaning it up with a .030 over bore and breathing deep with a 428 crank it draws air through a set of C80E-N CJ heads. Carls Ford Parts supplied a set of re-issue BJ & BK carbs looking majestic on top of a Blue Thunder Medium Riser dual four intake. Local engine builders Brown Racing Engines went through it rebuilding and balancing it, then onto the dyno it went churning out 518hp. Due to a neck injury Doug had a shop preform the swap for him swinging the 427 into the bay. A snapped oil pump shaft after 20 miles caused some nervous moments but it was determined that Doug had shutdown in time to save it from any damage so repairs were made and back on the street it went. A big spline Toploader is aiming that power to the venerable 9 inch rear loaded with 4.33 trac-loc. The use of Pent roof valve covers necessitated the use of a late model Ranger master cylinder and the doing away with the brake booster. Doug placed a line-loc down stream of the master cylinder to aid in burnouts and launching. While at a swap meet a Crites teardrop was found and painted to match, besides great looks it aids in letting heat out of the cramped engine compartment.
Doug says it is not a show car but his efforts have built a ride anyone would be proud of . From one mighty FE setting on a stand to the street beast in the following pictures Doug has nailed what it means to be a gearhead.
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| BEFORE |
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| AFTER |
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| The Beast , the Legendary 427 |
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