Sent in by Matt, these photos show exactly how an EF series II Fairmont Ghia is supposed to look just out of the factory, and it is a credit to Matthew that he has been able to keep it that way. With a desire to keep it looking and sounding original, Matt has restricted his modifications to those that can be easily hidden while still achieving plenty of benefits to boot.

Dash Changes:
Reminding Matt that the Falcon he is driving is in fact not stock every time he looks at the speedo, is a dash transformed by substituting the usual blue capped light globes for high intensity Blue LEDs. Matt says the neon blue effect is even better than the job Tickford did on the TE50, costing close enough to $70 and consuming more than four hours not considering the run-around taken to obtain the components. Ever since Matt has had a truck load of requests requiring help in accomplishing the same thing on their EF / EL!

Doing most of the work himself, next on the list came the up rated stereo with TV (make sure you don't miss out on that fave TV show when caught in peak hour) and Sony Playstation 1 to keep the passengers from going crazy on all those long trips. Costing about $2000 all up, Matt chose it over the Ford fitted Rex System due more to personal preference more than anything else - saying he didn't all together like the idea of a Nintendo. Making those fast action games all the more life like is the ability to pump it all through any one of the 12 speakers located through out the cabin via the Sony head unit and stocky Ford amp and Clarion TV. Keeping with Matt's hidden formula, all was installed with careful attention to making it all look stock standard.

Not as easy to hide though is the custom rear parcel shelf helping locate the single 10" sub, 2 x 6.5" low range speakers, 2 x mids and 2 tweeters to just nicely finish it all off! The speaker grills were sprayed the original factory colour, and original style carpet was used to make the parcel shelf look factory optioned. (Note: the parcel shelf also hides the 6 antennas used to ensure good reception for the TV Set.)

Security Upgrade:
With all of that on board, it is understandable that Matt would want to increase Ford's security system - so upgraded the Smartlock to include an inbuilt alarm. Now the windows automatically wind up when the car is locked from the remote and the doors automatically lock when the car is started, taken out of park and hand brake released. The doors automatically unlock, and the interior light comes on when the car is switched off - inspired by the new AU series II security system.

Although keen to keep the exterior of his Fairmont stock, Matt allowed himself to fit Fairlane cornering lamps but with a twist. That is he wired them up so that they can be used as short range fog lamps or cornering lamps, depending on what he feels like at the time! "I didn't want to cut holes for extra switches in the dash, so I wired them up the same as they did in the EL GT." Smart move! Finishing off the exterior changes is a chrome grill - both easy to undo should Matt desire absolute purity.

Engine Changes:
Coming from the factory with the Tickford modified HP straight six is always a good start, but Matt wanted just that little bit more so began on his own improvement plan. Giving it a bit more oomph is a Stage 4 Crow Cam (second hand for fifty bucks off of a mate) which apparently is one step above the original Tickford unit rated as being equivalent to Stage 3. A K&N air filter, Split Fire plugs and Magnacore 8.8 Leads also made their way onto Matt's chosen steed. "These mods are supposed to give me about 175-180Kw, although I have not dyno'd the thing yet and my mechanic is screaming at me to change the stock exhaust and headers as these are the main restrictions left." Still, Matt worries that these last mods will be a bit more obvious than his usual "street sleeper" policy. A new addition to the 'things to do' list is to open up the air intake box through to the vents in the front bumper - but with the ABS located directly below an alternative route may have to be found. Sorting out the idle with the new cam also comes high on the priority list all of which should be accomplished some time over the next couple months.

I'll leave the closing sentences to Matt - since he puts it so well - "Again, thankyou for such a great website !!!!! Its always a pleasure to see someone as interested in these things as much as I am." Awwwe shucks (blushing) - it's nice to see someone who appreciates all the hard work we put in!

Matt's EF Fairmont Ghia - luxury to the max!