First-Gen Ford GT Restoration: The Lynx Approach

5 min read Post on May 11, 2025

First-Gen Ford GT Restoration: The Lynx Approach

Assessing the Challenge: Initial Inspection and Evaluation

Restoring a First-Gen Ford GT presents unique challenges. Its rarity means sourcing parts and finding skilled technicians with the necessary expertise is crucial. A successful First-Gen Ford GT restoration begins with a thorough assessment. This involves a meticulous evaluation of the vehicle's current condition to determine the scope of the project and create a realistic budget.

Detailed photographic documentation of the vehicle's condition: This forms the baseline for the entire restoration process, allowing for precise tracking of progress and identification of any hidden damage.
Identifying areas requiring complete restoration vs. refurbishment: Some components might only require cleaning and minor repairs, while others necessitate complete rebuilding or replacement. This careful distinction is key to optimizing the restoration budget and timeline.
Consultation with the owner to define restoration goals and budget: Lynx works closely with clients to understand their vision for the restoration, ensuring the final product meets their expectations while adhering to the agreed-upon budget. This collaborative approach is essential for a successful First-Gen Ford GT restoration project.
Sourcing original or high-quality reproduction parts: Finding authentic parts for a First-Gen Ford GT can be a challenge. Lynx leverages its extensive network of suppliers and its expertise in identifying and acquiring either original or meticulously crafted reproduction parts, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity for the restoration.

The Disassembly Process: Careful Deconstruction for Optimal Restoration

The disassembly process is as critical as the reassembly. It's a methodical deconstruction, requiring expertise and precision to avoid damage to delicate components. Lynx employs a systematic approach:

Systematic removal of components, carefully cataloged and stored: Every part is meticulously removed, labeled, photographed, and stored securely to prevent loss or damage. This organized system is crucial for efficient reassembly.
Detailed photography at each stage to aid reassembly: High-resolution images document the removal of each component, providing a visual guide during the reassembly phase.
Specialized tools and techniques for delicate parts: Lynx uses specialized tools and techniques to handle fragile components, ensuring that no damage occurs during the disassembly process.
Assessment of individual component condition for repair or replacement: Each part is carefully inspected to determine whether it can be repaired, refurbished, or requires replacement with an original or high-quality reproduction part.

Bodywork and Paint: Recreating the Iconic Ford GT Silhouette

The bodywork restoration of a First-Gen Ford GT is an art form. Achieving a concours-level finish requires immense skill and precision. Lynx's process ensures the iconic curves and lines of the Ford GT are perfectly restored.

Repairing rust, dents, and other damage: Rust removal, dent repair, and panel straightening are essential steps, often involving advanced techniques like metal shaping and welding.
Media blasting and surface preparation: The body is meticulously cleaned and prepared to receive the new paint, ensuring a flawless finish.
Panel alignment and fitting: Precise panel alignment is critical to achieving the correct body lines and ensuring a perfect fit.
Applying multiple coats of high-quality paint, matching the original color precisely: Lynx uses advanced color-matching techniques, including spectrophotometry, to achieve an exact match to the original factory paint code, replicating the authentic First-Gen Ford GT color. This ensures the final product remains true to the original design.

Mechanical Restoration: Reviving the Heart of the Beast

The mechanical restoration of a First-Gen Ford GT focuses on both performance and originality. Lynx's team of expert mechanics meticulously rebuilds the engine and transmission to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Engine rebuild, including block machining, crank balancing, and component replacement: The engine is completely disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt with precision, using original or high-quality replacement parts.
Transmission overhaul or replacement: The transmission is meticulously overhauled or replaced to ensure smooth and reliable shifting.
Brake system restoration and upgrade options: The braking system is restored to original specifications or upgraded for enhanced performance and safety.
Suspension rebuild and alignment: The suspension is completely rebuilt and aligned for optimal handling and performance.

Interior Refinement: Rebuilding the Cockpit

The interior restoration aims to recreate the original luxurious and sporty feel of the First-Gen Ford GT cockpit. Lynx pays close attention to detail, using only the finest materials and techniques.

Upholstery repair or replacement using original materials or high-quality reproductions: The upholstery is carefully repaired or replaced using materials that precisely match the original specifications.
Restoration of gauges and instruments: The gauges and instruments are meticulously restored or replaced to ensure accurate readings and a pristine look.
Rebuilding or replacing the steering wheel: The steering wheel is carefully rebuilt or replaced using original or high-quality reproduction parts.
Reinstallation of interior trim pieces, ensuring a perfect fit and finish: All interior trim pieces are reinstalled, ensuring a perfect fit and a flawless finish.

Conclusion

Restoring a First-Gen Ford GT is a labor of love and a testament to automotive history. Lynx’s approach, combining meticulous attention to detail, specialized expertise, and a deep understanding of the vehicle’s history, ensures that these iconic machines are preserved for future generations. If you're considering a First-Gen Ford GT restoration, contact Lynx today to discuss your project and experience the difference of a truly professional restoration. Let Lynx help you revive the legend – contact us for your First-Gen Ford GT restoration needs!