72 T as a hot rod candidate...looking for opinions please

[Longballa]

Regardless of where you get the flairs it takes a lot of work during the installation to make them right. Trimming, shaping adding the channel to hold the rubber in the right spot etc.

Thank you guys for your continued ideas and support. She is safely in my garage now. If I do pull the trigger on fender flairs, I would appreciate hearing who makes the best quality? Thanks!

[michaelaiellosr]

I had much the same angst when deciding what to do with my 72. I can't disagree with any of the previous comments, although there is something to be said about the artful simplicity of a narrow car... not the least of which is the added cost of flares. Ultimately, among the other negatives, I think it was the thought of having to use fiberglass....the difficulty of finding factory parts.... for the front and rear bumpers that turned me off the ST RS build. My hot rod instincts were confined to an SC suspension and a 2.7 twin plug mfi motor, 7 " rear Fuchs and a sport muffler.

[NickP]

I went back and forth on whether to build a narrow body “sleeper” or ST inspired wide body from my 72T. I think that because I also own a stock 73S the decision to go wide was a bit easier. I understand the appeal of both though. If it matters, I believe the decision to add flares, wider bumpers, oil coolers, wider wheels and tires added about $10K to the cost of my build. I’d do it again as I love the shape of the ST flares streched over the 8 & 9 X 15 Fuchs.

[tcsracing1]

I went back and forth on whether to build a narrow body “sleeper” or ST inspired wide body from my 72T. I think that because I also own a stock 73S the decision to go wide was a bit easier. I understand the appeal of both though. If it matters, I believe the decision to add flares, wider bumpers, oil coolers, wider wheels and tires added about $10K to the cost of my build. I’d do it again as I love the shape of the ST flares streched over the 8 & 9 X 15 Fuchs.

Just awesome!

ST is the way to go on a 72T!

[tcsracing1]

all this ST talk got me thinking...

So basically you install ST front and rear fender extensions.

Would that affect stock front and rear bumper fitment? or do you need to buy wider front and rear bumpers?

[raspy2point2]

Yes --front and back bumpers will have to be modified to meet the new flairs correctly.that will take tallent. John Esposito in North Hollywood, CA can do it, but I do not know if he is too busy right now or not. I would copy the 1972 ST 2.5 the factory did with the sQuare holes in the front spoiler. Chris

[NickP]

On my car I used a steel S front bumper which required modification to work with the flares. For the rear bumper, I used a Getty Design fiberglass bumper (RSR, I think) which also required some work to perfectly match up with the flares. My choice was to use a steel front bumper as I prefer the durability of steel over fiberglass up front where driveways and speed bumps can ruin your day. I used a one piece fiberglass rear bumper as I preferred the aesthetics of that look. That's why ST's are great; start looking at photos of ST's in the 70's and you will see that no two are exactly alike as the privateer racing teams used a variety of bumpers, fenders & hoods (fiberglass and steel), wheels etc. Lots of freedom to build a car to you liking and still be "correct," whatever that means....

[Rico]

You can always go R inspired narrow...I did with my 72.

[Veronica87911]

Mac, here's my 72 T in Lone Pine CA on the Targa California and my seats. When I bought it, it came with a 1977 engine rebuilt by Paul Weir (RIP), a well known engine rebuilder form Seattle.

[NZVW]

I have a 72 and apart from a drivers seat and Momo steering wheel it is stock and shall remain that way as its so straight and rust free.


That aside, I am on the "look" for a clone and have always thought that what I would like was a 'narrow' R however upon reflection for the usage i want a clone for is for a more "track" orientated car and the ST with its wide "Mastiff" stance has become the logical choice for me.

I just think we are very lucky to be able to choose what we personally want and build it to suit or buy what someone has pained over previously.
What ever I am sure you Mac will achieve your desired outcome.
Mark