From Miata to Muscle: How a Teen’s Dream Became a 1965 Fairlane Build

Hi, my name is Paxton Sheumaker, and this is my 1965 Fairlane 500.

The story began in 2016 when I was just 16 years old. At the time, I had a 1996 Mazda Miata as my first car. However, that all changed when my dad's friend rolled into our backyard with this mean-looking, black Ford Fairlane, announcing he planned to sell it for $4,000. Instantly captivated, I knew I needed that car.

Without hesitation, I listed the Miata for sale, though it took some time and a few tire-kickers before I could finalize a deal. During this period, my dad's friend planned to take the Fairlane to the Columbus, Ohio Goodguys event to sell it. Fate intervened when a blown front tire and a busted headlight kept him from making the trip. Thankfully, I managed to sell the Miata for the exact amount needed and bought the Fairlane before it could slip through my fingers.

At that time, the car sported its original 289 2-barrel engine with a mild cam and a freshly rebuilt C4 transmission. It was a solid cruiser, but in 2018, I stumbled upon a deal for a mildly built 306 engine from an old racer’s bracket car. While I had little automotive experience, no tools, and no garage (the car lived on gravel under a carport), I didn’t let that stop me.

Armed with YouTube tutorials and sheer determination, I borrowed wrenches from a shed and got to work. Using 4x8 sheets of wood, I rolled out an engine crane, pulled the engine and transmission, and gave the 306 a budget spray-can refresh before installing it with a new C4 transmission. Despite countless challenges, I persevered, and by 2019, the Fairlane was back on the road—sounding better than ever. I drove it constantly, troubleshooting and fine-tuning as I went.

One of my most rewarding upgrades came later—a front disc brake conversion using a LEED Brakes kit. Once again, I worked on gravel, learning as I went. It was a smoother process than my previous escapade: digging a hole in the ground to fit long tube headers!

Today, the Fairlane finally rests in a proper garage, sharing space with my dad's 1963 Mercury Meteor project and my 1988 Ford Ranger with a 289 engine. I’ve embraced the old-school drag racing aesthetic, adding features like cheater slicks, a teardrop fiberglass hood, tow hooks, and other period-correct touches.

My long-term plans include restoring the body and paint, swapping in a built 289 engine, possibly pairing it with a 4-speed top-loader transmission, and maybe even adding a 1960s Shelby Paxton supercharger for extra vintage flair.

This car has taught me patience and perseverance—how time and effort shape the journey as much as the destination. I plan to keep this Fairlane forever, seeing it through every stage of its evolution.