SAAC Forum

My car had both the shifter and lower boots torn when i removed the transmission from the car. (4 speed). I simply unbolted the chrome shifter and dropped everything out below. Now that I am putting it all back and looking at the new boots i realize i probably need to approach this in a specific sequence. I checked many sources and havent seen anything giving insight into best practices for reinstalling.  So... a few questions i have are:
1. Do i need to pull the center console?
2. I assume the lower boot goes on first?
3. I see screw holes on both boots are those screws under the consule and the upper boot "pops" through?

The connection to the bell housing etc. i am set with it, its just the shifter/boot situation that has me puzzled. Any help would be appreciated. -John

does this capability need to be granted to me or do i need  to turn that feature on? I have no ability to attach and that option isn't below my reply box. Thanks

I'm beginning the journey of gathering the smog parts I need for my 350 4 speed. I haven't found a definitive list nor a real assembly manual picture that I can use to assist me in getting all the parts I need despite having checked the typical sites. I would appreciate a list, link or assembly manual reference that would help me. My car still has the pump bracket and pulleys... I think that is it. Thanks all as usual!

looked in archive didnt see anything..... I know my block is later than the car. Is there someway to tell if the heads are correct? 1968 4speed GT 350. Nothing clear on the internet? Thanks

Help!!! looking for March date code ideally. Thanks

I saw a crack in my manifold. I removed it today for repair and it is split in half. The engine is NOT original but the manifolds are and in very rust free legible shape. Finding another in nice shape with correct date code 8C18 will be very difficult. So do I use any date code or from an originality perspective or do I seek another or even attempt to repair the one I have?

Thoughts? Thanks

i need new rear lines including the long one. Is there a recomended manufacturer to be using that is "most corect' and how do i know if i have a 28 or 31 spline without taking things apart? GT 350 4spd Con. thanks!!

My 68 had its air cleaner stolen in the early days and the original owner put on an earlier Shelby air cleaner. Ive since gotten a proper 68 and will be looking to sell the one I have. Im just not sure what year it is? How might I tell? Thanks

need one set for the rear. one clasp and one spade 7745713774

i have a used set of C9zx Autolite shocks with the Shelby stickers on them. They are white with overspray on them. Someone expressed interest in them, they are of no value to me but id like to get a feel for the value before I move them on. Any thoughts?

transmission is a RUG N1. Most castings on the car are March 68. This seem like the correct tranny? Also what are the numbers stamped below the RUG... ? Thanks

needs to be in usable and presentable shape 302 engine

call/text 7745713774

my front and rear have had after market bumper guards added. The car is very original and so i dont want to put bright new bumpers on it but i cant live the guards. I would prefer very nice original chrome that would have "aged" as nice as the car has.


Anyone have some nice originals? -John
text/call 7745713774


thanks

i spent some time this weekend with a 40,000 mile all orininal 1970 Mach I taking photos for my restoration. There were some areas on the car where somehting was stamped from the factors but the person who did so of coruse didnt take the time to ensure the stamp was perfect. It is smudged and i cannot read at all what the stamp may have said. It is very small maybe 1.5" wide and .25" tall letters. there appears to be two lines on the trunk lid and only one on the hood. On the fender there is similar that can be read First line Paint OK second line Riddle. I assume the inspectors last name. Perhaps this is the same as the others? This seems larger to me. Any ideas?

are the raised "ribs" and COBRA lettering a polished aluminum or do they remain natural? getting ready to finish mine correctly. thanks

While making repairs to my 68 Pontiac I apparently pinched a nerve in my neck which put me out of commission for many months. Last month my wife and I had plans for a northern New England early Chevy cruise with our 38 and so I wanted to have the car hauler in tip top shape, specifically the bearings packed and the brakes checked. Due to my neck issues I cannot do it myself. I contacted the local repair shop (I live in a very small New England town) to see if they could handle my trailer. They could. So I drive it down and drop it off. This is a very small shop and as I walked past the cars to be serviced among them is a 1968 Shelby 350 convertible. Blue with a white top. Stopped dead in my tracks I took a closer look. The car appeared to be untouched other than the paint and yes it is a 4 speed. I go into the office and express my astonishment to them and they too express theirs. They also tell me it belongs to the original owner who is looking to sell it. hmmmmmmm

I leave my name and number and go about my business. The trailer is ready in a few days and the car is still sitting there. Exposed to the elements and souvenir hunters should there be any. I pick the trailer up and find out she never gave my name to the owner but she gives me his. I call him and leave a message. The wife and I go on our trip and have a great time.

We are almost home with the trailer and I get the call. A very old voice on the other end answers some questions for me and I realize that I cannot make a reasonable offer for the car as I don't have disposable cash close to what he has been offered. He also tells me he replaced the motor in 1970 as it was recommended by the dealer to be cheaper than repairing the original. Bummer. So I move from discussing money and begin to express my concern about the car sitting out there unsecured and put him in touch with someone I know can repair it for him appropriately (3rd gear issue) and offer my garage for storage until he decides what to do. He lives in the town next to me. I tell him that my wife and I care for and drive our classic cars we are not collectors. He tells me he was a Vietnam pilot and bought the car while in the service. His family has treasured the car he calls "Jet" but now at 80 they are downsizing and liquidating some assets. He asks what I might offer and I tell him what my insulting capability might be. Way off from what he has been offered but he tells me to check it out and then come back with a new offer if I like what I see.
Back to the station I go that weekend, take a really close look notice a few things like pot metal issues, broken interior mirror, wrong air cleaner and nit-picky bits and pieces.  I check with the Shelby registry and confirm it's the real thing although you could see it obviously. I know I won't own the car but think it will be helpful for him to understand the current state so he can sell it realistically. While looking at the car I realize this is a time capsule including the 1969 parking sticker on the bumper. The car also has bumperettes on the front and back I assume are not correct? He installed a power antenna and some speakers were installed in the back panel. However the top, exhaust, carpet, dash etc  are all original, little rust, 61K miles, the car is amazing and runs great. 

I call him back after my evaluation we talk more about how I would care for it and I offer him $5K less than my original insult. He agrees to discuss it with his wife and will call back in a week. I told him I was traveling; I apologized for the offer and said please let me know in the next few days as I will be gone. He calls back that evening with his wife on the phone and they agree to my offer! They want the car cared for not in a collection somewhere. We agree to do the transaction in two days. I tell my son the story who rightfully sets my expectations that between now and then he will change his mind and the deal will not be done.

So now I am the owner of a 1968 Shelby Convertible. I cannot believe it sometimes. The previous owners came to my house to see where it would be stored to ensure it is in good hands. They didn't need the money but wanted to see the car well cared for as they have an emotional attachment. I'm trying to learn as much about the car as I can and intend to do a preservation not restoration and guidance in this area will be appreciated.
I recognize this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am just happy I had to take my trailer in for service which I guess means I am happy I pinched a nerve in my neck? :0)