Here is my dad's 69 Sportsroof. He bought it from the second owner back in 1982. This car use to be our "family car". Dad did not believe in mini-vans and station wagons (back then there really wasn't any SUV's!) so this is what I went to school in while I was growing up in SoCal. For a while I was so young that I could not see over the very high dashboard, but as I grew older, I really enjoyed riding with him. Dad would always wash it and keep it clean. He loved Armor All too, in fact he would put some on the front seats to make them shine. The only problem is that without seatbelts, any turn or acceleration I was thrown all over the car! It was quite a ride!
My dad bought me a 63 Ranchero, which I still have, in fact we have taken both to car shows in the past. Recently, my dad has put his Mustang on the back burner as he focused on his obligations. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. Even with that, and all the treatments he was still focused on doing what he does best. He is a pastor at a country community church in central Illinois, and has had a lot of people that love him dearly there. The last few years he has been becoming increasingly sick, and not much energy to do much.
Many of the guys in the church got together and decided to strip his Mustang down and get it back in good shape. My dad had not expected this and was just amazed that there were guys out there, that not only loved cars, but also who put their own time and effort in every day after work to finish it for him. They were able to get it media-blasted and painted. There were many parts were put back together, but the Mustang was never completely re-assembled.
My wife and I decided to leave the west coast to be near him and my mom during this tough time. I was blessed to have some more help from some of the guys as I was able to finish putting the Mustang back together for him. I felt proud that I was able to finish the car right.
I did add a few things to the car, including the front and rear spoiler. This car was an original stock '69 Mustang with a 302 V8. It is not a Boss or a Mach 1, but it does have the rear-fold down seat, and of course it is a Sportsroof (my dad considers this to be the best looking Mustang ever built). Over the years, dad has added a few things. The steering column is a tilt column out of a Cougar, and the engine has been re-built with roller-cam, lifters. Dad added a 650 Edelbrock Carb, and a modern ignition system.
Well, now dad can't drive the car much as his health is failing, but I know it means so much to him! As much as we are huge Ford guys, and anything else is un-aceptable
, and as beautiful as his Mustang is, my dad knows that his love for his friends and family is more special than any Mustang that is on the road today, (but not by much, HA!). Mustangs and Fords are pretty special too!
Love ya dad!