Project "Chihuahua" '65 Formula S Restoration "Estilo Mexicano"

Might as well decode the fender tag while we are at it:

Drivers side manual mirror, variable windshield wipers, 273 four-barrel, Formula "S" package, 904 Torqueflite, air conditioning/heater, power brakes, AM radio, tachometer, back-up lights, retractable seat belts (front & rear), console, premium vinyl bucket seats (gold), January 15, 1965 production date, white mono body, gold metallic upper door panels. The vehicle also has a padded dash, wheel well moulding, and power brakes not specified on the fender tag. The Torqueflite is the correct model/year.

When I purchased the vehicle it had some upgrades/changes: circa 1980 318 cylinder block (318 oil pan rubs on the steering link), correct 273 AFB on a factory 1966 four-barrel intake manifold and correct 273 wrinkle-finish valve covers , correct chrome air cleaner; a passenger side outside mirror, an 8 3/4 differential (open 2.93), rallye wheels, black front and rear seats (build sheet from another vehicle under rear seat), black door panels, missing radio, missing most A/C parts, missing shroud (if it had one), missing bumper jack. I converted the ball and trunnion driveshaft to conventional joint and added a complete TTI 2 1/2 inch exhaust system with the Dynomax mufflers (no X/Y tube). A local shop rebuilt the stock radiator and a local speed shop owner rebuilt the AFB.

The 318 had a hole burned right through one piston when I purchased the vehicle. A local California machine shop performed the stock rebuild for me. Engine idles as steadily as I have ever seen one idle. The machinist painted the black, finned 273 valve covers blue, however, as you can see in post #26.