Topic: 1968 Restoration Project - Any Advice Needed and Welcome

[NickB]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and in need of help/info/guidance. I have a 1968 that I purchased with my father years ago that I would desperately like to get on the road. It's been a big project since it was purchased and has had a lot of work already done (and a lot of work still needed). Most specifically at the moment I am trying get information with regards to an engine and transmission which the car has neither of. I'm fairly certain that it had a 289 automatic originally. The car will be for personal use and I am not concerned with resale value or show readiness, just hoping to get it done right.

A little background. I am most certainly a car novice. A lot of the work done to the car was done while I was not at home. I have just about every receipt but most of it looks like Chinese to me. However, I would like to learn.

If anyone has any info they can share or can point me in the right direction it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

[67gtasanjose]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and in need of help/info/guidance. I have a 1968 that I purchased with my father years ago that I would desperately like to get on the road. It's been a big project since it was purchased and has had a lot of work already done (and a lot of work still needed). Most specifically at the moment I am trying get information with regards to an engine and transmission which the car has neither of. I'm fairly certain that it had a 289 automatic originally. The car will be for personal use and I am not concerned with resale value or show readiness, just hoping to get it done right.

A little background. I am most certainly a car novice. A lot of the work done to the car was done while I was not at home. I have just about every receipt but most of it looks like Chinese to me. However, I would like to learn.

If anyone has any info they can share or can point me in the right direction it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

Welcome to the site! I hope you get some of the help you are seeking here. The term "Concours" is about restoring a car to as it was "Originally delivered" to the first owner so you might also seek help from other Mustang sites too. Many here at this site try to stay within those parameters whenever possible.

Now, as far as the original engine and transmission, there are two ideas that initially come to mind. The VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) will give you a code for the engine. The 5th character is what you would look at...code"C" is 289 2 barrel, code "A" is a 289 4 barrel and code "K" would be a 289 Hi-Po. A different character than that would mean it was not a 289 engine. Those are the three codes for a 289.

If it were Auto trans 289 (except Hi-Po) it would be a C4 auto trans.
The transmission code would have been found on the door data plate. If you do not have the door data plate, you could always contact Marti Auto Works  and get a Marti Report which will let you know EVERY option and more of what your car came with when new.

That should be a good start, given your initial request. Good luck and have fun with your project.

[NickB]

Thanks for your help Richard!

[1967 eight barrel]

Richard is correct, but even I break those rules with my Shelby. There is a lot of expertise here and most will respond to your queries in a polite manner. Good luck with your project.
                                                                                         -Keith

[WT8095]

Now, as far as the original engine and transmission, there are two ideas that initially come to mind. The VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) will give you a code for the engine. The 5th character is what you would look at...code"C" is 289 2 barrel, code "A" is a 289 4 barrel and code "K" would be a 289 Hi-Po. A different character than that would mean it was not a 289 engine. Those are the three codes for a 289.

For 1968 the only 289 available was the C code 2-barrel motor.

[67gtasanjose]

For 1968 the only 289 available was the C code 2-barrel motor.

   Whoops! I knew that, for some reason brain was stuck in '67!  (not sure why!  )

[WT8095]

  Whoops! I knew that, for some reason brain was stuck in '67!  (not sure why!  )

I'm the same way with '68s. 

[J_Speegle]

Welcome to the site Nick. If you've already started reading other threads and post (starting your education) You've discovered our focus here - hope it will provide you would some guidance, information, techniques and products that will help you to your goal.

I suggest you search out some of the threads related to researching and planning your project so that as you progress through the process you have a goal that every decision make reinforces and brings your closer to.

If you have not already - get a Marti report for your car so you know how it was originally built and equipped. It will also provide you with information like, where and when it was built, something we will need to respond to your questions in the future.

Make use of the search feature and if you can't find, the explanation is not clear or its an older post - please ask a question. We continue to learn and update our understanding and this site is finally old enough that some of the early post can be found to be dated somewhat - just happens in an endeavor such as this

Again welcome  and prepare yourself for a long but rewarding process