The Ford Mustang 1967 GT/GTA 2+2 Fastback is an iconic piece of American automotive history, celebrated for its sleek design and raw performance. Restoring this classic Ford Mustang requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and a passion for preserving its legacy. Whether you aim for a concours-quality showpiece or a modernized driver inspired by Revology Cars, the restoration process demands precision. From sourcing the right Ford Mustang to upgrading critical systems, this guide outlines the steps to restore a 1967 Mustang GT/GTA Fastback correctly, ensuring both authenticity and functionality.
The 1967 model year marked a pivotal evolution for the Ford Mustang, featuring a wider stance, refined grille, and aggressive fastback profile. The GT and GTA variants, equipped with powerful V8 engines and premium features, are highly coveted by collectors. However, years of wear, rust, and modifications pose restoration challenges. A successful project begins with a clear vision stock rebuild or restomod and a realistic budget to achieve your goals.
Locating a suitable Ford Mustang 1967 GT/GTA 2+2 Fastback is the first critical step. With production numbers under 20,000 for these fastback variants, they are rare. Explore classic car auctions, enthusiast forums, and reputable dealers to find candidates. Verify authenticity by checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) and data plate, confirming it’s a true GT (with a K-code 289 Hi-Po or 390 V8) or GTA (automatic-equipped GT).
Inspect the car’s structural integrity, focusing on rust-prone areas like floor pans, quarter panels, and frame rails. A solid body is essential to avoid extensive repairs. Confirm original components, such as the 289 or 390 engine, C4/C6 automatic or Toploader four-speed transmission, and GT-specific features like fog lamps and quad exhaust. Marti Reports provide factory specifications, ensuring you select a genuine GT/GTA.
Define your restoration goals: a factory-correct rebuild for purists or a restomod with modern upgrades, like those from Revology Cars. Document the car’s condition with photos and create a detailed plan, prioritizing structural repairs, mechanical systems, and cosmetics. A clear roadmap keeps the project on track and helps manage resources effectively.
Rust is a major hurdle in Ford Mustang restoration. Strip the car to bare metal using media blasting to uncover hidden damage. Replace rusted floor pans, torque boxes, and quarter panels with high-quality reproduction parts from suppliers like Dynacorn. Weld new metal precisely, applying rust inhibitors to prevent future corrosion. Reference factory blueprints for accurate alignment.
Achieve a flawless finish by straightening dents with minimal body filler and block-sanding for smoothness. Apply a high-build primer, followed by a basecoat/clearcoat in a period-correct color like Acapulco Blue or Raven Black. Wet-sand and polish the final coat for a show-quality shine. Reinstall chrome trim, emblems, and GT-specific badging using NOS or reproduction parts.
Replace cracked or pitted glass, including the windshield, side windows, and rear glass, with date-coded reproductions for authenticity. Install new weatherstripping around doors, windows, and the trunk to ensure a watertight seal. These details enhance appearance and protect the interior from water damage, a common issue in older Mustangs.
The Ford Mustang GT/GTA Fastback’s V8 engine 289 Hi-Po (271 hp) or 390 (320 hp) is its heart. Disassemble the engine, inspect for wear, and rebuild with new pistons, bearings, and gaskets. Retain original components like the block and heads, machining them to factory specs. Upgrade to a modern electronic ignition and carburetor for reliability while maintaining a stock look.
Rebuild the C4/C6 automatic (GTA) or Toploader four-speed (GT) transmission, replacing worn synchros, seals, and bearings. For restomods, consider a Tremec T-5 five-speed manual for better highway cruising. Upgrade the 9-inch rear axle with a limited-slip differential and stronger gears (e.g., 3.50:1) for improved traction, enhancing drivability.
Improve handling by replacing worn bushings, ball joints, and shocks with polyurethane components and heavy-duty shocks. For restomods, install a coil-over front suspension and four-link rear setup, inspired by Revology Cars. Upgrade to four-wheel power disc brakes with a dual-circuit master cylinder for enhanced safety and stopping power.
The Ford Mustang’s interior defines its character. Strip the cabin, replacing rotted carpet, cracked upholstery, and faded dash pads with reproduction kits from TMI or Scott Drake. Opt for Deluxe interior features, like woodgrain accents and sport seats, for GT/GTA authenticity. Reupholster seats in vinyl or optional leather, matching factory colors.
For restomods, add subtle modern upgrades:
Install a RetroSound stereo with Bluetooth, hidden in the stock radio slot, and discreet speakers.
Include air conditioning, power windows, and heated seats, as seen in Revology Cars’ builds, for comfort. Use sound-deadening materials like Dynamat to reduce noise, creating a refined driving experience while preserving the classic aesthetic.
Overhaul the 1967 Mustang’s electrical system by replacing the wiring harness with a reproduction kit, ensuring proper grounding. Upgrade to a modern alternator styled like the original and install LED bulbs for brighter lighting. Add a hidden battery cutoff switch and USB ports for restomods, balancing convenience and reliability.
Reassemble the Ford Mustang meticulously, torquing bolts to factory specs and routing wiring neatly. Install the engine, transmission, and suspension, checking alignments and clearances. Reattach body panels, glass, and trim, ensuring consistent gaps. Use stainless steel hardware for durability and a polished look.
Test all systems engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical after assembly. Break in the engine gradually, monitoring oil pressure and temperature. Adjust the carburetor and ignition timing for smooth performance. Road-test the car to assess handling, braking, and drivability, fine-tuning as needed to optimize performance.
Detail the Ford Mustang for a flawless presentation. Polish the paint, clean the engine bay, and condition the interior. Chrome or powder-coat undercarriage components for a factory-fresh look. Apply ceramic coating to protect the paint, ensuring the car shines at shows or on the road.
Restoring a 1967 Ford Mustang GT/GTA 2+2 Fastback is a labor of love, blending craftsmanship with passion. From sourcing a solid candidate to rebuilding its V8 heart, every step demands precision and dedication. Whether crafting a factory-correct masterpiece or a modernized restomod inspired by Revology Cars, the result is a timeless classic that captivates enthusiasts. The 1967 Mustang’s iconic design and performance legacy make it a worthy canvas, ensuring its status as a muscle car legend endures.
What makes the 1967 Ford Mustang GT/GTA Fastback special?
The 1967 Ford Mustang GT/GTA Fastback is prized for its aggressive styling, powerful V8 engines (289 or 390), and limited production. Its iconic fastback profile and GT/GTA features make it a collector’s favorite.
How do I verify a 1967 Mustang is a true GT/GTA?
Check the VIN and data plate for GT-specific codes (K-code for 289 Hi-Po or S-code for 390). A Marti Report confirms factory options, ensuring authenticity of GT/GTA features like fog lamps and quad exhaust.
What is the difference between a 1967 Mustang GT and GTA?
The GT features a manual transmission and V8 engine, while the GTA is an automatic-equipped GT with the same performance features. Both share identical styling and options, like disc brakes and fog lamps.
How do Revology Cars enhance the 1967 Ford Mustang?
Revology Cars builds reproductions with modern upgrades like a supercharged V8, coil-over suspension, and disc brakes. These models retain the 1967 Mustang’s classic look while offering improved performance and comfort.
What are common rust issues in a 1967 Mustang?
Rust often affects floor pans, quarter panels, frame rails, and torque boxes. Media blasting reveals hidden damage, and replacing rusted sections with reproduction parts is essential for a solid restoration.
Where can I find parts for a 1967 Ford Mustang restoration?
Suppliers like Dynacorn, Scott Drake, and TMI offer reproduction parts, while NOS parts are available through specialty dealers. Enthusiast forums and swap meets are great sources for rare components.