Hello all. Just wanted to introduce myself after using all of the wonderful information on this site. I finally have a reason to post and hopefully can get some good advice from 'pro's' in the upcoming months.
I just trailered down my dads '68 400 4spd convertible from Oregon to California. I finally convinced him to let me head up the project because I have a local shop that I really trust. He had been talking for years about fixing it back up (hasn't ran in almost 20 years). He is the original owner. It was partially restored in early 90's but kept breaking and couldn't afford to keep dumping $ into it.
It's almost all original that I can tell, except he blew the engine a couple years after he bought it driving between bases while in the Air Force. Supposedly it was replaced by period correct 400, but have to check #s on block.
Anyway, shop just dropped the gas tank and has to be replaced (rust and crud inside), so I will keep updated with what's going on. Needs some body work on quarters, hopefully just patchwork, but looking for a body shop in the SF South Bay/ Monterey Bay Area if anyone can recommend. Sorry long post!
No apologies needed! Welcome to the site, and pics please!
Cant wait for summer... 68HO4004spvert Sleddog Iowa
God Bless the men and women past and present that have served this country. Thank you. Support D.A.V. - it helps gives a life back to those who gave so much for us.....
Tried to add a couple photo's under the File Manager-Post options, not sure if that's correct for posting pictures, or even if I can post pics yet. First is the last time is was restored in '96, and second is at my dad's in Oregon loaded up.
Anyway, tires are cracked but looks like Goodyear doesn't make the Eagle GT's anymore. Bummer, they looked good with the SS rims. Looking like BF Goodrich Radial T/A is going to be the best replacement? Any other opinions? We will also be needing new shocks.
Looks like it has the factory front disk brake option, but read somewhere they are 4 piston and should be changed to single piston for better performance, so need to check to see if that has been done already.
The Shop has already done a fair amount of work. I will post an update of what's been done. I also have a few other questions but will post in the correct spot when I can post more frequently(still have to wait 24hrs:-)
Do you know the correct color? Looks similar to Aegena Blue, but a tad too light.
It's going to be a looker!
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
Original color was Meridian turquoise. Current color is a metallic blue, but paint is toast in spots now, plus body needs patchwork on the quarters due to some rust :-(. I'm hoping the whole fenders don't need replacing. Doesn't look that bad, but won't know till paint removed I guess. Not sure how much welding patches is these days. My Dad retired to Oregon, he graduated from U of O so looking for a cool green, similar to what has been on the ducks helmets. I love the blue it is now but it's not mine! (Yet! :-) )
68tpls400- never seen redlines on the cragars, will have to check it out but we both like the look of the eagle gt. A local tire shop recommended hercules hp4000 or cooper cobra, but if the T/A's come in black letters I think that's our best bet.
Welding in patches will take far less effort than all the time required to massage the crappy repop fenders that are out there.
Been there, done that! Grrr!
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
Have you seen a FGF in that color? It is sweet! It would be my choice if I was factory ordering one of these cars new.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
Have you seen a FGF in that color? It is sweet! It would be my choice if I was factory ordering one of these cars new.
Yes, and Aleutian Blue is gorgeous as well! Both have a green tint to them.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
The 4 pistons are notorious for leaking. However, you can get the 4 pistons redone with SS sleeves. Did it on an older corvette with no issues. I would keep it original.
The 4 pistons are notorious for leaking. However, you can get the 4 pistons redone with SS sleeves. Did it on an older corvette with no issues. I would keep it original.
Ok, cool. Unfortunately looks like the front left caliper has a hairline crack, and probably have to get a replacement. Looks like price varies quite a bit. Anyone know of a brand to stay away from, or recommend a good value caliper?
