Restoring my 63
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
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
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
#2
Drifting
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.
#3
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: Northern California CA
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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
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.
#4
Racer
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
Tom
#5
Team Owner
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.
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.
#6
Instructor
Thread Starter
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.
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.
#8
Le Mans Master
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.
#11
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Feb 2011
Location: Syracuse, NY and Clearwater, FL
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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
#12
Instructor
Thread Starter
Color
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
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
#13
Safety Car
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Georgetown TX
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2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C2 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2016 C2 of Year Finalist
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!
#14
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: Northern California CA
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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
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
#15
Race Director
Member Since: Jan 2002
Location: Close to DC
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C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
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
#16
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: Northern California CA
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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
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.
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
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.
#18
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Land of Thunder
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2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
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.
#19
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Land of Thunder
Posts: 33,591
Received 217 Likes
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2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
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
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.
The following 2 users liked this post by Zoomin:
Rich Yanulis (06-03-2018),
spudman (06-03-2018)
#20
Instructor
Thread Starter
How hard is it to remove the dash ?