The eBay Motors pop-up garage at the Woodward Dream Cruise.
Last weekend’s Woodward Dream Cruise marked the third stop for the eBay Motors “On The Road” tour. The 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback—which is being restored by the eBay Motors team led by celebrity car builder Rutledge Wood—stood taller than ever on its Race Ramps. From that height, crowds in the eBay Motors pop-up garage at the Dream Cruise could see the Mustang Fastback’s suspension raised to accommodate its unique wheel-and-tire combo.
The Woodward Dream Cruise attracted about a million automotive enthusiasts and more than 40,000 vehicles. “This is a special place in the cosmos where you can see any car you’ve ever dreamed of,” said Mike Finnegan of Roadkill fame. Mike and Randy Allgood from the Kenwood Rod Shop—key members of the eBay Motors team—conducted a mid-afternoon demo of the Mustang and hosted a pair of free-wheeling question and answer sessions.
Mike Finnegan with the fastback. Check out those cool new louvers.
“There is no bigger car cruise. I just saw a BMW Isetta, Ford Gran Torino, and GMC Motorhome ride by, followed by a flatbed Mercedes-Benz Pinzgauer with some guys riding on a couch,” said Mike. “And we have the eBay Motors Mustang sitting behind us. This is the best place on Earth.”
Riding High
Rut and the team chose a set of classic two-tone American Racing alloys wrapped in General Grabber AT2 tires. It’s an unconventional combination for a classic Mustang.
The Mustang’s rear suspension was rigged up to show the tire-and-wheel fitment at Woodward.
The choice provides a huge hint on the design direction. General Grabber AT2s are aggressive off-road tires with a five-row tread design to maximize traction in all conditions. General Tire’s motto is: “Anywhere is possible.” So it looks like the fastback is headed off the beaten path.
The temporary rear leaf-spring shackles will be removed after the final suspension components are installed.
The American Racing alloys were special ordered with a custom width and offset to fit. The Mustang’s wheel wells will be opened up to corral the new rubber. (The wheels are still being manufactured.) “The car is close to the perfect ride height,” said Mike. “It’s got a RideTech StreetGrip system, which normally would be on a car that sits a little lower than stock. This is the opposite.”
Randy Allgood bolts on an alternate wheel selection.
Added ride height is a big plus in Michigan. The pavement is notoriously rough around Detroit, where some locals claim that there are only two seasons each year: winter and road construction. But the Grabber AT2s aren’t just tough on the trail. They’re also rated for challenging winter conditions.
Kenwood Rod Shop is currently using leaf shackles (extended from the composite leaf springs in the back) to lift the back of the car until the final suspension pieces are fabricated. “The factory shock towers were falling out of the car, so we welded them back in place, two inches lower,” Mike explained. “The car is lifted and has knobby tires. It’s one step closer to being my perfect Mustang.”
West Coast car enthusiasts will have a chance to see the Mustang in all its glory this weekend at the Goodguys 31st West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, Calif. That’s where Rutledge Wood and Randy Allgood will be meeting with RideTech to devise a custom rear-suspension system. Rut will also show off the Mustang’s interior trim—and provide expert detailing tips and techniques.
The eBay Motors 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback will be revealed in its final form at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. on Oct. 31.
See Model Mustang Body Type Fastback for sale on eBay.
