I hated to steal anyone elses' fire on their threds here, so I figured I'd start another. Ive been looking for sometime now for a 4 speed project, and due to the years and kids' abuse, they are either PLUM wore out or restored and 50K+++. Both ends of that rainbow are killing me as I only have so many years left and only so much $$$ to work with. This one came up (on here actually) and Ive been in touch with the owner. Its a really long story, but its only a 4 hour spin from here. Is this real or not? Should I stay or should I go...? Valve covers not withstanding, it looks like a 455. Wont know until I see the back of the block. ws
Signal Red GS400 convertible, red bucket interior, built in Flint the fifth week of January ‘69, I think the top code is A, which is white. Patrick
My barn find 69 was built 4th week Jan and my other 69 built 1st week Feb. so the one would fall in between my two.
Thanks guys... thats perfect. Just wanted to make sure it wasnt re-badged or what-ever. It was repainted in about 1985 so anything is possible. ws
Hey Bill, I thought you wanted a 4sp project? That red car doesn't have 3 pedals in it and it's a '69, but has '68 seats and an auto floor console in it just FYI. Do you plan on converting it to a 4sp. if you get it?
Seats are ‘69-that’s a rare reclining passenger seat. (The seatback releases are on the side if it reclines). Patrick
You know.....If originality isnt a concern, its much easier to buy an automatic and just convert it to a 4 speed. Then you don't have to pay the premium commanded just because it has 3 pedals. The small block cars are the easiest to convert as almost all the parts are readily available new or used. The hardest part would be the flywheel and that isn't even that hard to find used. All the linkage for the SBB's are shared with 442's. And if you go the route of conversion, the bench seat/ column shift cars actually become preferable!
red on red drop top - with options!!! I see AC, disc brakes, tilt, buckets, console, convertible, reclining passenger seat, (probably) power drivers side, PS... nice!
This is cool, and I appreciate the input guys! I used to know all this stuff off the top of my head, but alas, that was many moons ago! Originality is out the door for me anymore. Pickins' in my $$$ range are really getting slim. I cant say I havent been trying LOL. Back in the days of flipping this stuff, a few phone calls and my stuff was gone and I was on to the next project. I guess time have changed. This is the story in a nutshell; The current owner had a bar at 92nd and South Chicago Ave (!) with an auto repair shop next door. The car guy had a giant bar tab and this car in his shop getting a "rebuilt" motor done for it. It sat for a few years and the car guy puts a mechanics lien on it. Gets the title and gives the car (running) to the bar guy in lieu of the tab. Bar guy dies in about 1990 and leaves the car to his daughter. She gets outa the "hood" and moves to central Indiana with the car. She gives it o her son for his 19th B-day 10 years ago. He cant afford it so it sits. Now the kid is in Missouri somewhere and mom wants to sell it with a clean title. It was stored inside until 3-4 years ago went it went outside onto a gravel parking spot with brand new tires on it. Now all 4 are flat on one side Im sure LOL.. That pretty much sums it up. Who know what the car guy or PO did especially "down there". As time marches on, I can see getting this guy to be in a drive able condition, then considering doing a 4 speed swap. Hanging a stomper pedal is nothing, barring allocation of parts. I can keep the current 400 turbo for the XGS. A Muncie or a T-10 would fill the space. At that time, the concern would be a flywheel for the externally balanced 455, if in fact it is a 455... to be determined. That was a good catch on the reclining seat! I didnt even see that until just now. I am going to assume that the car always had a floor shifter. Theres a different (tilt) column in there but but no PRNDL-L on the dash bezel. The kid had he column apart and forked up the turn signal switch... no biggy, and installed a new lock and tumbler with keys. He had a pal help him with that job. Can I get an AMEN for that one !!! Did the step kids use an aluminum AC bracket? The fabbed steel one looks just like the one on the 72 XGS. The front grill bar is cracked and also needs a front bumper but unobtanium hood lift off the lock spring is there LOL. No sign of a power driver side seat. I still prefer buckets and a 4 speed but the auto can do for now. Feel free to beat up on this one. At this point in US Automotive Evolution, "it is what it is". No one is gonna hurt my feelings at all. "Im not afraid of work; Ill lay down right beside it"... Willie Douglass 1978 ws
That WAS a neat car.........but man, Bill, can you name one thing that it doesn't need? There's some good looking, driving, and stopping cars out there in the 6-8k range that a guy would only have to do a trans swap to a manual, and you'd be done.......
See what happens when ya retire JC? Runnin' outa time AND money LOL...Youll be there too, soon enough LOL. I just noticed flipping through my pics from the owner that there is a piece of stainless or aluminum sheet metal pop riveted on the trunk floor. I can see the new tag on it... BAD POS haha... ws
That WAS a neat car.........but man, Bill, can you name one thing that it doesn't need? NOPE. Just lotsa wire wheels and tons of rattle cans LOL... Just trying to make that big picture small pal. I hope you appreciate the Great Divide separating you from the "salt belt". If only some of that stuff you sent was 2000 miles closer, Id be all over it... GADS; its depressing. ws
Yeah, that car says George all over it! LOL I was seeing BOAT all over it! Break Out Another Thousand... ws
Hate to be a kill joy but good Lord man that thing is a hot mess! There has gotta be better projects out there.
Even my Riv was less than half your budget, I also currently know of zero four speed Rivieras......just an idea
Hi Bill: Don't want to steal your thread, but I always like to compare other 69's with mine. I guess someday someone will have the car produced 1 before or 1 after mine. But I'm stealing the thread to see if someone can decode my Cowl tag. I was told it's an early 69 production, also the conversation about the bucket seats. I did not think 68's had headrests? Here is my tag... Also Bill you buy this car we can cruise Door County together, two 69's side by side....... Thanks for everyone's help! Bob
