Daily Slideshow: Inherited Passion: Story of Brycen's 66 Mustang
Before Brycen Hicklin was gifted the old Mustang by his grandpa on his 16th birthday, the two of them had been planning on restoring it to its old glory for years.
Brought Back to Life
Growing up in Southern California, Brycen Hicklin found himself fascinated with the battered body of a 1966 Ford Mustang sitting in the backyard. One of the 443,813 coupes produced that year, his grandfather purchased it in the mid-70's and drove it for a few years before it got into an accident. Our story began when Brycen first laid eyes on it as a young man. It became a subject of bonding for him and his grandfather. Together they spoke of their plans for restoring the wonderful muscle car. By the time the Mustang found its way to Brycen, it had been sitting for 25 years.
>>Join the conversation on Brycen's Classic Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum.
Where It All Began
Hicklin describes his growing passion for the car over the course of his childhood as a source of inspiration that has affected every aspect of his life. "Despite its age and shape, seeing that car over the course of my childhood changed me deeply," he admits. "I became obsessed with it and cars in general. It didn't matter that it wasn't a convertible or a fastback, it was a Mustang." His love for the car morphed into a love for the auto industry as a whole and has steered him towards a career as a car designer.
>>Join the conversation on Brycen's Classic Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum.
The Dream Project
His fantasies of bringing the old Mustang back to life took one more step towards becoming reality when Brycen received the ultimate present. "On my 16th birthday, my grandfather gifted the car to me. I was amazed," he remembers. "I was hit by a reality quickly that cars are expensive. Especially old and neglected ones." He spent the next few years trying to gather the money needed to restore his prized possession.
His grandfather sadly passed away before Brycen could finish the restoration they had aspired for in the years prior. This lit the fire for him to try and finish the project in his grandfather's honor.
>>Join the conversation on Brycen's Classic Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum.
Falling In Love
Over the years, Brycen has been building the car back up piece by piece. Upon graduating high school, he was given the choice by his parents for either a new computer or rebuilding the engine as a gift. I think we all know which one he chose. After years of work, he finally got it ready for cruising in 2015. His vision of the restoration has always been the same. "I never wanted to make the car into something that it wasn't meant to be," he said. "That is why is am still in love with it. It's simple, yet iconic. Everyone knows what it is and everyone has a Mustang story to share when they see it."
Brycen's love for this beautiful classic parallels that for his life partner. It was soon after his 16th birthday that he began dating his high school sweetheart. And just as with the Mustang, the couple have been together since.
>>Join the conversation on Brycen's Classic Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum.
The Restoration
Hicklin appreciates the nostalgia that the factory condition of the car entails. This particular Mustang is quirky in itself as it came with air conditioning which was an expensive option back in the day, but no radio. The drivetrain is interesting as well. "When most people upgraded the engine to V8, it was common for them to also upgrade the transmission to either an automatic or a 4-speed top loader." Brycen's car, however, still has the 3 speed easily recognizable by the H pattern of the shifter.
As an automotive design student at Art Center College of Design, he would spend the duration of each term working hard on school projects, and then use the few-week breaks to further his restoration. The car now has modern wiring, electric fan, as well as power brakes. The cams, rockers, and lifters on the 289 2 Barrel V8 engine have been upgraded. Brycen plans on adding a 4-barrel carb as well. The paint, of course, and the interior have also been refurbished very close to the car's original condition.
>>Join the conversation on Brycen's Classic Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum.
Intertwined
The 66 Mustang has affected Brycen Hickin's life in many ways. "It created a bond for me and my grandfather and brought me grief when he passed away before I could finish it. It taught me lessons in determination and patience," He said. His relationship with the car has brought him wisdom in life. "Ironically, these same skills can be applied to what I've learned in my relationship with my (soon to be) wife," he said just days before his wedding. It is beautiful to see what a significant role the red Mustang has played in every part of his life, and continues to do so.
I was fortunate enough to snap this photo at their wedding this past Saturday.
>>Join the conversation on Brycen's Classic Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum.
A Legacy
There's no doubt that Brycen Hicklin's love for his Mustang is as strong as any. He did not hesitate to let us know of his life-long dreams with the car. "(I plan to) hopefully, pass it on to my grandchildren one day." As we speak, the car probably still says "just married" on the rear windshield as a reminder of the great day, and Brycen will be creating memories with his 66 Mustang for years to come.
>>Join the conversation on Brycen's Classic Mustang right here in the Mustang Source Forum.
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