XA Coupe Rebuild x 2

[XA Coupe 666]

Ok, need advice again.

Finally come to my senses & will rebuild the gt optioned XA back to original.

A couple of things I'm stuck on.

Even though she is just a 500 she was optioned with the full GT front, toploader, 302, GT dash (7 grand tacho) & vinyl roof.

Here's the thing.

Hate batteries in the engine bay, nothing worse than looking at a piece of artwork (Cleveland V8) than to have this ugly messy crap next to it.

Can I put it in the boot and stay true to the resto?

And I really hate vinyl rooves. No offence to those who do.

Again, if I dont put it back will this denigrate the rebuild.

The other is a fairmont with a factory sunroof but was originally a 6 so I can have some fun with it.

Stuck between going whole hog on a 393 cleveland with CHI heads
OR
a late model EFI turbo/supercharged 6 or 8.

Your thoughts please.

[Bearman]

I wouldn't be too concerned with going the whole hog in terms of restoring it to factory exact, given that it's not a GT etc. By all means, have the battery in the boot and leave the vinyl roof off.

A lot of guys who have done GT resto's have left the vinyl roof off even though it was optioned new. Not too many have the battery in the boot though.

In any case, it's your car. Do whatever you want.

If it were a GT I would say put the vinyl roof back and leave the battery in the engine bay.

As for the other one, the stroker clevo is a popular thing to do and has a lot going for it but I do love the idea of retro-modern. In my madder moments I've thought about an AUIII 5.6L stroker and 5 speed box going into my coupe. I reckon that'd be great.

Good luck with it and please, put up plenty of pics.

[greenjgs]

This all depends on how many headaches you want to create during the rebuild. If it were me, build it the way YOU want it. As Craig said if it were a genuine rare colour/spec GT stick to the factory plan, as yours isn't go nuts!

As far as the engine goes, a 393 is cheap easy power, I have one in my car and it's excellent and wasn't expensive. Everything slots in where it needs to be and you won't need major engineering done. Your welcome to send me a PM if you want any advise on this or where to head for help.

Cheers Graeme

[XA Coupe 666]

Thanks for the view guys, it seems we are on the same wave length.

[XA Coupe 666]

Geez, can't believe I forgot to ask about colour.
It was originally a kind of burnt orange (I'm colour blind) with the GT black outs.
I'm with Henry.
Any colour you like as long as it's black.
Do I do it the colour she left the factory in??????