Topic: 68 X-Code (or S-Code) Air Cleaner Lid

[68 X-Code]

Hello everyone,

I?m new here, referred over from VMF. I have a 68 X-Code Fastback (390) with, what I believe is, the original air cleaner lower but no way to be sure. I bought this blue lid (see picture) off eBay several years ago and painted the correct blue to match. I cannot seem to find info anywhere on whether or not the air cleaner lid should be chrome or blue. Do you all have any info or even pictures of original 68 390s?
It?s a 4 barrel now so I?m not trying to match the 390-2V necessarily, I?m just also not sure what original S codes had? Any help is appreciated.

[RoyceP]

An X code 390 would have a blue painted lid. In 1968 the S code would have chrome power by Ford valve covers and chrome air cleaner lid.

The sticker in your picture "Front" was last used in 1967 on air cleaners. The 390 High Performance sticker is a fantasy piece that never came from Ford.

[ruppstang]

Here is our 68 S code,

[J_Speegle]

Here are a couple of original X code examples/ Upper left is a 40K mile car with a few extra state required decals added over the years

As mentioned the S code would use the same lid but with it chromed and different stickers. Not sure of the 67 comments but we can save those for another discussion

[68 X-Code]

This is great info everyone, thank you! My car has the chrome ?powered by Ford? valve covers, they look old but I guess they are not original. I?ll have to buy new valve covers or a new cleaner lid either way to have a matching engine. Anyone know where I can find a chrome S code lid if I go that direction? When I was searching before the 67 chrome lid was all I could find.
Thanks again!

[ruppstang]

It is difficult to find a nice chrome lid. The painted version is the same dimensions, you could just have it chromed. I think it cost me about $160 to rechrome mine.

[68 X-Code]

It is difficult to find a nice chrome lid. The painted version is the same dimensions, you could just have it chromed. I think it cost me about $160 to rechrome mine.

That might be my only route if I go chrome. Anyone you specifically recommend for rechrome work?

[jwc66k]

The environmental laws in California have just about run all the chrome shops out. The few remaining shops, send their stuff to Mexico.
In your case, with each "lid", you get a "lid".
Jim

[68 X-Code]

An X code 390 would have a blue painted lid. In 1968 the S code would have chrome power by Ford valve covers and chrome air cleaner lid.

The sticker in your picture "Front" was last used in 1967 on air cleaners. The 390 High Performance sticker is a fantasy piece that never came from Ford.

RoyceP, I?m wondering about the reference to the fantasy HiPo sticker. I?m not saying you are incorrect however on the Vintage Mustang Forum every picture of an S Code had this sticker including the two from Rick at NPD. Is it legitimately not an original decal?
Would the S Code correctly have the 390 4V Premium Fuel decal as the only option? Thanks for any clarity.

[ruppstang]

The one pictured above in my post is the correct decal. They are not easy to find.

[RoyceP]

One of the repop sticker makers started adding "High Performance" to every size engine in the late 1970's when Mustang collecting first started. The original 390GT stickers for 1968 looked like this, although the material used in the repros has never been correct.

Because repop stickers have been available for so long the early repops often are mistaken for originals.

RoyceP, I?m wondering about the reference to the fantasy HiPo sticker. I?m not saying you are incorrect however on the Vintage Mustang Forum every picture of an S Code had this sticker including the two from Rick at NPD. Is it legitimately not an original decal?
Would the S Code correctly have the 390 4V Premium Fuel decal as the only option? Thanks for any clarity.

[68 X-Code]

Got it, thanks for the help guys!