Rutledge Wood and the crew at Kenwood Rod Shop are feverishly preparing their 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback for the Goodguys 20th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. The Mustang is in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, which is being publicly displayed as a work-in-progress in prominent car events for the “On The Road with eBay Motors” tour. The next big step is installing the drivetrain, which will be on display in Columbus from July 7 to 9.
Work on the engine bay has been minimal since the restoration started in early May. That will change when the fastback is soon married to a new high-horsepower Ford engine—not merely an updated version of the original 289 cubic inch engine that was under the Mustang’s hood when it left the factory a half-century ago.
Jason Eskew of Kenwood Rod Shop welding the inside of the rear quarter panel.
While many restomod Mustangs use aftermarket sub-frames to accommodate an engine swap, this ’67 Fastback’s original front subframe is intact and in good condition. So, the team is sticking with it. “The engine, transmission, bell housing, and clutch are bolted together and ready to go into the car,” Rutledge said. “We’re waiting for the motor mounts and transmission mounts.” All parts for the project are being purchased on eBay Motors.
The Mustang’s inner fenders have been replaced, along with the shock towers and supports.
The drivetrain will be revealed at the Goodguys show on July 7, which is fast approaching. “Randy Allgood and his team are working around the clock to install the engine and transmission in time for Columbus,” said Rut. “Still, you never know what we’ll need to do once we get there in front of the crowds. That’s what makes this project such a thrill.”
Peeling the Onion
One plus one equals more than two when teammates like Jason Eskew and B.J. Thompson work in unison.
In recent weeks, Kenwood Rod Shop’s Jason Eskew and B.J. Thompson completed the bulk of the metal work—with the new rear quarter panels, tail light panel, and lower valance in place. The floor panels were replaced (including the trunk), and the underside of the Mustang sports fresh undercoating, a task made easier with Kenwood’s rotisserie.
B.J. grinds down the welds on the Mustang’s tail.
As the team was fitting the rear sheet metal, they encountered panel alignment issues due to work on the car from years ago. When the the trunk lid wouldn’t line up, the team started digging.
Most 1968 Fastback’s rear quarter windows are covered with louvers. Will the boys come up with a different solution?
“When we started working on the rear of the subframe, we found that it had been cut and welded back together,” Rutledge said. “It was a hack job.” Any serious rebuild project—whether it’s a high-dollar Concours car or an ambitious restomod—can be a bit like peeling the layers on an onion.
In the coming days, as work moves from the body to the drivetrain, a new chapter of the adventure begins. The ’67 Mustang will come alive as the eBay project car receives its engine and revs up at the Goodguys 20th PPG Nationals this weekend.
See 1967 Ford Mustang for sale on eBay.
