Gary Schweitzer's World's Fair Mustang heading down the home stretch for its debut in the Mustang's 45th year.
We're having such a good time helping Gary Schweitzer of Michigan with his '65 Mustang convertible - one of 12 units ordered and built for the 1965 portion of the New York World's Fair. If you've been following our progress, and Gary's, you know he has a unique Mustang drop top - one of 12 Walt Disney Magic Skyway units that was sold off the Ford Employee Resale lot in Dearborn late in 1965 after returning from New York. Gary's father, Al, a retired Chrysler manufacturing engineer who worked at the Dodge Main Plant in Detroit for most of his career, bought this car in 1976 from the original owner with just 35,000 miles on the dial. It has been sitting ever since because the Schweitzers weren't in a position to perform a restoration. The car is now clad in paint and being assembled at this time. It looks terrific.
With help from National Parts Depot and others, Gary has been restoring 5F08T383386 to its original state as a World's Fair car. We decided to jump on board with Gary and National Parts Depot - rebuilding his 200ci six, C4 transmission, and 7 3/4" rear axle. JGM Performance Engineering has completely rebuilt his 200 six, which is being assembled at this time. After sitting more than 30 years, Gary's six needed #1 cylinder to be sleeved along with a set of Speed-Pro .030" over cast pistons, ductile iron rings, fresh bearings, reconditioned rods with new bolts, new cam/lifters/pushrods, Fel-Pro gaskets, and more. Ryan Peart at JGM Performance Engineering has completed all machine work and has assembled the short-block. Jim Grubbs turned a really nasty cylinder head into a pristine casting with new valves, guides, Viton seals, and hardened exhaust valve seats. Jeff Lattimer at JGM is rebuilding our Autolite distributor. Scott Drake Enterprises has stepped up with all kinds of goodies for Gary's engine.
Jon Enyeart of Pony Carburetors asked how he could be of help to us with this project. He took Gary's awfully nasty Autolite 1100 carburetor and made it like new. Check out the craftsmanship from Pony Carburetors.
Garrett and Arnold Marks of Mustangs Etc. in Van Nuys, California learned of this historic project and got on board - evaluating Gary's rear axle, concluding it could not be saved (severe rust from Detroit winters). These folks are building us a date-correct rear axle for Gary's Mustang using new Federal-Mogul parts. They're also going to take care of Gary's original alternator and starter in the process.
We're going to be wrapping up Gary's engine and driveline in the weeks ahead - teasing you with images on our website. Crack open your Mustang Monthly Magazine in the months ahead and learn more about Gary's extraordinary Mustang project. And when Gary finishes up, we're going to his West Michigan home to capture a world-class restoration in crisp digital fashion for our readers.
We remain hopeful 22 missing World's Fair Mustangs will surface in time. Only Gary's 5F08T383386 (1965) car and 5F08F100006 (1964 1/2) have been found to date - with 100006 being located at Mustang Central in Macon, Georgia. Here's what you need to look for in your search for a genuine World's Fair car. The 12 1964 1/2 cars have a DSO Code of 840027 and were produced in a variety of colors. The 12 1965 cars have a DSO Code of 842011 - also produced in a variety of colors. We used to believe they were all Wimbledon White. Gary has since proven otherwise via factory records. Start checking warranty/data plates in your travels because miracles happen every day. We know at least one 1965 unit exists in Kentucky based on a letter we received some time ago. Haven't heard from the owner since. Any questions, contact us at Jim.Smart@sorc.com or thesmart67@msn.com.