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Restoring my 63

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Old 05-29-2018, 11:09 PM
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spudman
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Default Restoring my 63

Im new so dont laugh, but is there a way to check what your car originally came with (ie PS, PB, PW etc) like the Fords have the Marti report ?

Im trying to restore my 63 I just purchased and want to make sure it has what its supposed to have or not have. It looks pretty complete and original but I need to make sure.

Thank you
Old 05-29-2018, 11:49 PM
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LB66383
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The plate under the glovebox will give you codes for the original paint and interior colors. The engine stamp pad cab tell you if it the original engine. There is no website or documents that show what equipment the car left the factory with in '63. Tank stickers give that information, but those didn't start until '67.
Old 05-30-2018, 08:57 AM
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ptjsk
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Welcome to the forum.

Take the time to fill out your information, and by all means, post pictures of your project!

What are the numbers and letters on your stamp pad? This is located just in front of the right side (passenger) head.

Also, the information/production plates located under the glovebox door. This can also tell you if it's an early versus late production car. Post a picture of those as well.

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any product that tells you what options came with your car. But there are several indicators that may tell you about your car.

Tach red line, no power steering available on high HP cars etc...

Good luck with your restoration.

Pat

Last edited by ptjsk; 05-30-2018 at 08:57 AM.
Old 05-30-2018, 08:58 AM
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sixtysixtom
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Post a lot of pictures of engine compartment, interior, and trim tag/vin tag. The people with 63’s here are very knowledgeable. There were a lot of changes during production of the 63 model year, hence the need for your vin number.
Tom
Old 05-30-2018, 09:46 AM
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Frankie the Fink
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There are a few clues if you know what to look for. For instance, if you have power brakes but a brake return spring inside the pedal bracket it’s a non-factory conversion. Only manual brakes had that spring.

if you don’t have power windows you probably never did. Putting a shifter console in the car without the power window switch hole alone would cost close to $2,000.

Last edited by Frankie the Fink; 05-30-2018 at 09:48 AM.
Old 05-30-2018, 10:41 AM
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spudman
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Default 63 Project

I know from the VIN and the numbers on the block, its an early production, 340HP car and the numbers are matching. The codes indicate the Daytona Blue exterior color with black interior. Everything in the interior was original, except for the brown **** carpet and the 6x9 speakers mounted in the compartment cover behind the seats LOL !! I was fortunate to find a car that wasn't more molested than this one is and I'm looking forward to the task of restoring it. The wiring is old, cracked, and broken, so Im going to need to find a complete wiring kit. If anyone knows of where I can find a company that has a wiring kit for idiots, let me know.

I didn't realize people would be interested in seeing the project, so I'll post pics as I go. I just tore the interior out of it yesterday and I'm half way through getting the motor ready to pull out.

My goal is to separate the body from the frame and do a complete restoration. Clearly I'll be seeking advice and guidance along the way and I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions.
Old 05-30-2018, 10:47 AM
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Default More Pics



Old 05-30-2018, 11:11 AM
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leif.anderson93
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New wiring harnesses can be sourced from either Lectric Limited or M&H Electric. Both are excellent, Made in the USA products. I've used the Lectric Limited.
Old 05-30-2018, 12:06 PM
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Looks like the color that was on my car before restoring, ugh.
Old 05-30-2018, 12:31 PM
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spudman
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Originally Posted by MOXIE62
Looks like the color that was on my car before restoring, ugh.
Root beer brown or baby S%*t brown. You pick
Old 05-30-2018, 01:05 PM
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Rich Yanulis
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Originally Posted by spudman
The codes indicate the Daytona Blue exterior color with black interior.
First......I would like to say, welcome to the forum.
If you fill out your location, it will help you as you ask future questions.

The 490B indicates a Dark Blue Interior (look at the color in your jack compartment)

It is your car, so finish it what ever color you like, but......
Daytona Blue/Dark Blue is a nice color combination
Old 05-30-2018, 01:20 PM
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spudman
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Default Color

Originally Posted by Rich Yanulis
First......I would like to say, welcome to the forum.
If you fill out your location, it will help you as you ask future questions.

The 490B indicates a Dark Blue Interior (look at the color in your jack compartment)

It is your car, so finish it what ever color you like, but......
Daytona Blue/Dark Blue is a nice color combination
Damn !! I completely misread the code. Thank you for that. I agree the blue interior would look better as well.
Old 05-30-2018, 01:27 PM
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Welcome to the forum. Nice find and good luck with the restoration. Buy an AIM ( assembly manual) and don't hesitate to ask questions as you go. Complete your profile on this site!
Old 05-30-2018, 03:31 PM
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RE code and matching numbers on the motor! That's great!

I'm currently in the middle of a restoration on my '63 too.

Looking forward to seeing more of yours.

Also, I used Lectric Limited on my '62 and it came out great. I plan to use Lectric Limited for the '63 as well.

Keep the pictures coming,

Pat
Old 05-30-2018, 03:44 PM
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Welcome again and congratulations! Keep safety in mind, a lot of things can hurt you, especially heavy stuff and suspension parts in particular. Take a lot of pics for your sake before thing are taken apart so when you reassemble them, you will know what, where and how. Bag and tag things as your memory can't store it all. Don't throw out anything as you replace parts. Some are easy to refurbish and reuse. Contact any and all CF supporting vendors for parts and ask all the questions you want here. When it's done, don't be afraid to drive it because sitting cars can be undependable cars. Dennis
Old 05-30-2018, 03:51 PM
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Have you had the opportunity to view the birdcage area?

Lot's of work, but lot's of fun as well.

Kind of crazy, as I too had some real nice **** carpet (found remnants), in the back of mine. LOL!

Mine is a bit earlier than yours (104035), silver blue color with dark blue interior.

Pat

Last edited by ptjsk; 05-30-2018 at 03:52 PM.
Old 06-02-2018, 11:49 PM
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spudman
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Default Colors

So if my option plate indicates my interior is supposed to be Dark Blue, would my dash and door cards be Dark Blue ? Cuz right now they're not. The dash and door cards are black.

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Old 06-03-2018, 12:07 AM
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Zoomin
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Originally Posted by spudman
So if my option plate indicates my interior is supposed to be Dark Blue, would my dash and door cards be Dark Blue ? Cuz right now they're not. The dash and door cards are black.
Yep, dark blue is what they should be. If they're in good enough shape, you can paint them the right color with SEM products.

The "Parts for Sale" forum is a great resource for running down items you may need too. Good luck on your resto, and keep the pics coming.
Old 06-03-2018, 12:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Rich Yanulis
First......I would like to say, welcome to the forum.
If you fill out your location, it will help you as you ask future questions.

The 490B indicates a Dark Blue Interior (look at the color in your jack compartment)

It is your car, so finish it what ever color you like, but......
Daytona Blue/Dark Blue is a nice color combination
^
This guy Rich has a very original 63 with the 340 engine , and he was awesome about sending me pics of things I had questions about when I was restoring mine. Great guy with an awesome car.
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Old 06-03-2018, 12:50 AM
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spudman
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Originally Posted by Zoomin
Yep, dark blue is what they should be. If they're in good enough shape, you can paint them the right color with SEM products.

The "Parts for Sale" forum is a great resource for running down items you may need too. Good luck on your resto, and keep the pics coming.
Crap !! I was afraid of that. The door cards I planned on replacing but the dash I was hoping not to have to touch. Whats the best way to strip off the old paint without damaging the dash and who carries the SEM products I need ? I assume SEM has the paint color I need ?

How hard is it to remove the dash ?


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