In February 72 while stationed at Cecil Field Fla I bought a new Grabber. Searched all over Jacksonville to find one without that power grabbing air conditioning and power steering. Put a 9" rear from a 57 ford and a top loader from a 68 torino 390 GT. 1 ET's of 16 seconds was all I got. The 3.00 gears and AFB probably didn't help a lot. Towed it back to NY at the end of my service behind my 64 Impala SS. Drove it only summers till 79 when it went away in a divorce. Heard about it on and off during the years and tried to buy it back last year. This year I got it back after being stored since 1989. Now has headers and an Isky cam. Also has need for a lot of work. Will start restoration end of next year. Am interested in rebuilding the original engine to install later but would like to try one of the later V8's with fuel injection. Don't know what fits so need a little research. Marlinc
from Northeast Pennsylvania Great story - glad you got the car back and look forward to following your progress
Welcome aboard! Great story. Not many people get to buy their original cars back like that. Post pics when possible.
from the great NW. great story. I wish I could find the type NW torino that I bought new in 1970. It was grabber green, which for called Washington green at the time. Glad you found yours.
Grabber is back home Picked up my Grabber this afternoon. Was in better shape body wise than I had thought. One rust hole in the bottom of the right front fender. Interior needs door panels, carpet, seats recovered, door gaskets, etc. usual stuff after 40 years. Still has the original engine with a few more miles, 71,967. All the stuff I put in is still there with the addition of traction bars. This winter will be collecting parts including outside door handles, new grill lights, and a hood. The original hood looks good from the outside but all the bracing that supports the front lip is rusted away. Thinking about finding a standard hood with good braces that I can weld into my original Grabber hood. I had, for some strange reason, kept the original AM radio I took out of the car in 73.
O.K. For some reason I thought you said your car was a 1973. I guess I should have just looked at the title thread. :doh:
Cool story. The car is pretty cool too. Love the bucket seats. I also spotted the equalizer. Very retro 80's and I've already got one to put in my 72. My car was also bought new in Florida by a guy in the service.
Its' very cool that you have your toy back after so long. Looks like a great place to start over...Have fun!!!
