captmaddog

Recently bought a 68 200 CI 6cyl. All original runs good. Going to do a restoration on it front to back. I'll be on here alot asking questions and posting pictures of the progress. Any help and suggestions are going to be appreciated!

Decided to keep the engine....They put a 250 6cyl in it.

sethalot

Not to be "that guy" but this topic has been covered a lot. My suggestion is to get familiar with the search option.

Now that this has been covered congrats on the mustang, looks pretty nice

120mm

1968s are stupid easy to convert to V8s. 302s are cheaper than 289s (generally), and except for the reversed sump in the newer ones, are externally and functionally the same as the 289.

What you need is an 8" or 9" rear end that fits, a driveshaft, a new transmission, new motor mounts, new front wheels and brakes, a new throttle linkage and a new radiator.

As much as I enjoy my 1967 I-6, I just don't enjoy the lack of hill holding ability and the struggle with the crappy carburetor and lack of replacement parts.

While with a new bellhousing the old tranny can be made to work I would not even try. Get a motor/tranny out of another car and have them freshened/rebuilt/whatever and put it in there.

djbovill

I have a 289 block and c4 auto transmission im looking to sell the 289 block is a c code not as saught after as the k codes but still pretty rare.. it dates 64 65 ford I also have remanufactured 302 heads intake and exhaust manifolds im looking to sell for a reasonable price ... or if you want a 302 I have the complete 302 in the garage sitting around getting all dusty I can part with as well let me know via emailATTACH]34878[/ATTACH]

captmaddog

I decided to go ahead and keep the car as is. Found out, they had put a 250 6cyl in it as a shop class project and it is in good shape. Just going to have to put body work and paint. This is going to be my first time ever to restore a car so I'll try and post pictures as I go. Here are a couple pictures of the car now (If I can figure out how to post pictures).

congpert2

You gotta love it when a plan comes together.

captmaddog

Guess I should probably start with the exterior before I do anything on the interior. Is that right? Also, you would wait until the car is painted before working on inside wouldn't you? Any help is greatly appreciated. This is going to be a slow project as I also have 2 other jobs. But it will give me time to do things right, think about what is next and order what I need. Also, is it better to just buy fenders and doors or try and repair rust spots. My welding experience is limited. I bought a small mig welder from Tractor Supply, a sandblasting cabinet from Harbor Freight and an assortment of other tools I might need for this project. I figure the 6 cyl will be good training to learn with and the body work will be easier. First project is going to be removing the front pieces and replacing the fenders. Does the engine need to be removed to paint the engine compartment? so many questions!!

120mm

Good call on your part.

The 250 is a great engine and has all the strengths and very few of the weaknesses of the 200. I would do the same if I were in your shoes.

My '69 250 I-6 was a real screamer with very little work.

Does it still have drum brakes? The first thing I'd do is to swap out the drums for discs. Make sure the rest of the suspension is sound as well. There are lots of wear items that can make your car (and you) dead.

Next I'd maybe look at real seat belts, and any other safety issue you might encounter.

Then I'd go after any corrosion issues you might have. After that, there are several trains of thoughts as to what order you should do things in.

I would definitely tear the interior out while you are chasing after corrosion, though. That will reveal where most of it is.

captmaddog

I know that they did replace the floor pans so will still take out the interior and make sure nothing else needs replacing. Not sure if I should go ahead and do that or start from the front end and work my way back. I've already ordered some interior parts - dash, door panels, ***** and such. Seats are fairly new and they put new fabric on the headliner, but it is really loose so plan on redoing it. I definitely like the idea of converting to disc brakes. Now before I start anything, what books would you all recommend for this restoration? Thanks!

boogerschnot

I say, if it runs... Leave it as it is and go for some fun driving. The a running/driving restoration is a lot more fun than the other way around. However, keep in mind. You can find good, running 5.0/302 fox body motors for pretty cheap. I picked up one on craigslist with trans for $300.. Cant beat that! If you come across something, pick it up, if not.. no worries. That I-6 will turn just as many heads! Good find. Get to work.