"Barn Find 69" Convertible 4 speed

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by Daves69, Dec 10, 2018.

  1. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    Recently purchased a 1969 GS 400 Convertible 4 speed that was Ebay. Car was found in a barn in central Kansas. Parked for the last twenty five to thirty years.

    The good: All receipts from when the car was purchased as a used car in Nov 1972 with 73,000 miles .
    Car has never been taken apart. Everything under the hood is numbers matching except carb, still has original fuel pump, original clutch, original 4 speed radiator.
    All the trim is good and no pitting. Windows adjusted and tight. Trunk floor has no rust. Doors and fenders no rust. Should be able to remove bolts from original battery tray.
    Interior is pear white buckets console with tach. Am/Fm, 16" Sport wheel.

    The Bad: With this being a barn find there are some issues. A Pack rat was living under the hood. The guy that removed the car from the barn told me when he opened the hood. He heard something rustling in the debris, and the pack rat climbed out and sat on the air cleaner, then it ran off into the barn. Unfortunately he ate the wiring.
    The engine does not turn. Have it soaking with ATF.
    The quarter panels need some work from the mid point over the wheels forward. The rodent had gotten in there and packed the solid to the plastic vents.

    This was bought as a project car and I knew all the issues. Probably one of the nicest 69 convertible project cars I have seen.


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  2. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    Coming out of the barn.

    Warning! Not for the faint of heart.

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    Last edited: Dec 10, 2018
    69_GS_400, PGSS, BYoung and 5 others like this.
  3. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    Here are a couple of pictures that were in the file, and an invoice for the 2 tone paint. The car was painted August 1973 for a total of $181.68 and $30 was for the body side molding.

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    Last edited: Dec 11, 2018
  4. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    Some pictures of the date codes on some of the parts.

    Engine vin and RR code
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    Master cylinder and code "CT"

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    Air cleaner

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    Voltage regulator 9A date code

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    Alternator 55A 9A24

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    Last edited: Dec 16, 2018
    69_GS_400 and dl7265 like this.
  5. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    Radiator and tag

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    Distributor

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    Tach grommet

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    Original grille Note the original paint Charcoal grey

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    Last edited: Dec 16, 2018
    69_GS_400 and dl7265 like this.
  6. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    reserved
     
  7. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    reserved
     
  8. yachtsmanbill

    yachtsmanbill Well-Known Member

    No reserve! I am faced with its twin...Should I stay or should i go...??? ws

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    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 11, 2018
  9. yachtsmanbill

    yachtsmanbill Well-Known Member

    Not too concerned but there is 455 valve covers on it. Draw yer own conclusions... ws

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    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 11, 2018
  10. bostoncat68

    bostoncat68 Platinum Level Contributor

    Well.... no one can argue that the term barn find is over used here!!! Cleaning that engine bay was a labor of love. Never seen that much hay/twigs in a car engine. Can't wait to see to see the full transformation. Already looks so much better.
     
    Dano and Mike Sobotka like this.
  11. 1972 Stage 1

    1972 Stage 1 Well-Known Member

    Now that is a true barn find.

    Congrats Dave.
     
    Dano and Mike Sobotka like this.
  12. bill lagna

    bill lagna Well-Known Member

    The "UNDERHOOD " picture is priceless !!!!
    I bet it was Pi##ed when his homestead was destroyed !!
    Looks very complete !
    Good luck and have FUN !!!!!!!!
    Bill
     
    STAGE III likes this.
  13. 72STAGE1

    72STAGE1 STAGE 1 & 2

    Wow....just WOW........
     
  14. flynbuick

    flynbuick Guest

    Notice the screw in filler plugs in an original 4 speed radiator with the tag in place.
     
    SpecialWagon65 likes this.
  15. Bens99gtp

    Bens99gtp Well-Known Member

    my brothers 68 gs400 came from Kansas as well, the metal was very solid still. his came from the junk yard though not a barn. plastic teeth on timing broke off when the kid it the fuel pump on the wrong side of the cam lobe........so basically he junked the car for a 50 dollar part.

    great save should make an awesome project with tons of memories. take as many photos as you can along the way
     
  16. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    Dave, when I saw it I thought ‘wow, another Crystal Blue’ car (with light blue added), but she’s a Verde Green car originally? I think those two colors are the best on a ‘69. They seem to be the most common. Nice find!! Bill, a red on red car looks good, too!
    Patrick
     
  17. Ryans-GSX

    Ryans-GSX Have fun, life is short.

    I went over to see this GS for myself and its very solid car. Lot of work ahead but having seen the work Dave has done on his other cars I can't wait to see this one restored. Very rare to find a big block 4spd convertible these days.
     
    Dano likes this.
  18. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    Cool-painted ‘73 Mercury colors, at a Ford dealer, with the employee discount, plus hood pins. 73k miles in four years-somebody lijed to drive it!
    Patrick
     
  19. Daves69

    Daves69 Too many cars too work on

    Car was purchased in October 1972 with 73k


    Yes it was a green car. Sorry but I cannot live with green. Plan on Burgundy Mist with white top and interior.
    I was hoping it was another Twilight Blue like my other 69.
     
    SpecialWagon65 likes this.
  20. pbr400

    pbr400 68GS400

    How many miles does it show now? Does your paperwork show when it was parked and why?
    Patrick
     

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