With some downtime I have been looking at and thinking about 6S281. Over the last several years I have managed to accumulate virtually all of the hard to find Shelby/K code items that had gone missing or just rotted over many years. My goal is to restore 281, within reason, to “as new” (as possible) when delivered to Richardson Ford here in Albuquerque Nov 1965. I have become a bit of Realist when it comes to items like double / single crimped brake hoses, I have decided to use Ford service replacement double crimped hoses primarily for safety, just seems like common sense at this point. Plus I can always upgrade down the road if desired. That said, I intend to drive this car sparingly, I have no interest in going to concourse level one condition, I will take a run at concourse level two.
All that being said I would like thoughts and opinions concerning my recently acquired date correct carburetor. Drew at air-fuel-spark sounds like the guy to have mechanically and cosmetically restore these carburetors. My plan was to box this unit up and send it to him but I am now having second thoughts, not because I don’t trust him, I just don’t want to get this wrong. My question is this, should I restore this carburetor mechanically or go all the way into the external cosmetics, color also? I have seen older pictures Of early Shelby’s with carburetors that look exactly like mine does now, please see pictures. I have also seen pictures of nicely restored cars with the brighter and darker colored carbs. What to do? Thanks in advance for your comments and thoughts.
Karl