SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1968 Shelby GT350/500/500KR => Topic started by: bugnbox on July 24, 2020, 11:10:58 AM

Title: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: bugnbox on July 24, 2020, 11:10:58 AM
Hey everybody! Newbie here with lots to learn. I recently pulled a GT500KR home from an Arizona estate where it's owner since 1970 had it stored. It's a solid car, but sun cooked, looks to be all original (for the most part) and I want to learn everything I can about it.

I ran the Marti report and it's a legitimate 500KR 4 speed , but I want to check the numbers on the engine and all the major components to make sure it's correct .

03330 is the number, it's in the Shelby Registry (a friend sent me a copy of the listing)

Where do I start?
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 24, 2020, 11:13:31 AM
Start here:

www.thecoralsnake.com

Feel free to drop me an email

Coralsnake68@hotmail.com
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: FL SAAC on July 24, 2020, 11:39:06 AM
Congratulations!

I would get it stopping and running properly,  then enjoy it as is. Once done
take a step back  and decide what you really want out of this, what's going to make YOU happy.

Leave it as is, maybe spruce up the interior paint the exterior use it for a cruiser, go to McDonalds, cars coffee, local shows  etc.

Full rotisserie restore and keep it in your garage and look at it, take it out on a trailer to shows exhibitions for others enjoyment.

Up to you buddy!


Quote from: bugnbox on July 24, 2020, 11:10:58 AM
Hey everybody! Newbie here with lots to learn. I recently pulled a GT500KR home from an Arizona estate where it's owner since 1970 had it stored. It's a solid car, but sun cooked, looks to be all original (for the most part) and I want to learn everything I can about it.

I ran the Marti report and it's a legitimate 500KR 4 speed , but I want to check the numbers on the engine and all the major components to make sure it's correct .

03330 is the number, it's in the Shelby Registry (a friend sent me a copy of the listing)

Where do I start?
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: bugnbox on July 24, 2020, 12:22:43 PM
Quote from: Coralsnake on July 24, 2020, 11:13:31 AM
Start here:

www.thecoralsnake.com

Feel free to drop me an email

Coralsnake68@hotmail.com

Thanks for the invite, I have already found some very useful info on your website.  One of the things I wish to do first is to make certain that the engine is original to the car. The Shelby registry notes that the engine was rebuilt at one point and I have a receipt in the file with the car that refers to this as well.  Ive not looked for the numbers on the engine itself yet, but the receipt shows some numbers...can anyone help decipher?
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Scott Fuller on July 24, 2020, 12:45:32 PM
Carb is correct for automatic not 4-speed.  Should be an AA not AB.

Scott
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: FL SAAC on July 24, 2020, 12:47:10 PM
Block 1966-1970 428

Carb holley 4 barrel for auto
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 24, 2020, 01:10:33 PM
You will want to look for a date code on the block.

This page is for the automatic version but the block casting date information is the same. The CJ 4spd is coming soon!

http://www.thecoralsnake.com/KRa

To me "remanufactured engine" likely means replacement, but lets look at the casting date.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: TedS on July 24, 2020, 01:25:48 PM
Congratulations, let the adventure begin. Would love to see some more pictures. Please don't feel like you have to have it restored before you enjoy it some. There's one that makes the rounds  in my area that still has every ounce of barn "patina".
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Rickmustang on July 24, 2020, 01:39:47 PM
Check out the 428 Cobra Jet registry. It has every CJ part identification that you need. Have fun!
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: FL SAAC on July 24, 2020, 02:38:29 PM
Registry link

https://www.428cobrajet.com

Components link

https://www.428cobrajet.org/id-main

Quote from: Rickmustang on July 24, 2020, 01:39:47 PM
Check out the 428 Cobra Jet registry. It has every CJ part identification that you need. Have fun!
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: bugnbox on July 24, 2020, 05:21:59 PM
Here is an engine pic
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 24, 2020, 05:36:50 PM
Looks good! A few parts missing, but nice! Standing by to assist you when you need it
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: FL SAAC on July 24, 2020, 05:48:35 PM
Quote from: bugnbox on July 24, 2020, 05:21:59 PM
Here is an engine pic


For your missing parts like the snorkel  try these folks

https://semomustang.com/products/air-cleaner-snorkel-1968-shelby-gt-500kr-428-cobra-jet

Scott Drake

National Parts Depot

Or just Google it, it's all out there

Oh by the way I am not affiliated to any of the above parts houses, nor do I recieve any commisions, manufacture or sell any Ford parts.

Just a citizen,  thanks
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Chris Thauberger on July 24, 2020, 06:02:56 PM
... or if you're looking for the correct replacement parts not the repo china stuff just ask. There's plenty of parts available from many of the members on this forum.

Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Royce Peterson on July 24, 2020, 06:24:37 PM
The exact same casting ID was used on every size FE (except the 427) so it could be a 352, a 390, a 410 or a 428. Casting numbers on FE blocks are generally useless except the date code next to the oil filter adapter. It may or may not be a 428CJ but hopefully it is.

You can find charts on the internet that say what FL SAAC said but they seem to have all copied the same incorrect information from earlier printed books.

At the end of the day you need the date code, the presence of a C scratch on the rear bulkhead, and a 4.13" bore size with a 1U crank to know for sure.


Quote from: FL SAAC on July 24, 2020, 12:47:10 PM
Block 1966-1970 428

Carb holley 4 barrel for auto
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: 68blk500c on July 24, 2020, 06:25:46 PM
Congratulations!  You are taking the correct approach: learn before you leap.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 24, 2020, 06:39:05 PM
QuoteYou can find charts on the internet that say what FL SAAC said but they seem to have all copied the same incorrect information from earlier printed books.

Excellent point, sir. There are those that have knowledge and others that have, well...
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Chris Thauberger on July 24, 2020, 06:43:14 PM
Quote from: Royce Peterson on July 24, 2020, 06:24:37 PM
The exact same casting ID was used on every size FE (except the 427) so it could be a 352, a 390, a 410 or a 428. Casting numbers on FE blocks are generally useless except the date code next to the oil filter adapter. It may or may not be a 428CJ but hopefully it is.

You can find charts on the internet that say what FL SAAC said but they seem to have all copied the same incorrect information from earlier printed books.

At the end of the day you need the date code, the presence of a C scratch on the rear bulkhead, and a 4.13" bore size with a 1U crank to know for sure.


Quote from: FL SAAC on July 24, 2020, 12:47:10 PM
Block 1966-1970 428

Carb holley 4 barrel for auto

+1
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Chris Thauberger on July 24, 2020, 06:44:08 PM
Quote from: Coralsnake on July 24, 2020, 06:39:05 PM
QuoteYou can find charts on the internet that say what FL SAAC said but they seem to have all copied the same incorrect information from earlier printed books.

Excellent point, sir. There are those that have knowledge and others that have, well...

++1

It's pretty obvious after a couple days. ;)

Or just a few post...  ::)
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: FL SAAC on July 24, 2020, 07:30:41 PM
bugnbox,

I do not paint, restore, consult, judge  or offer goods for sale.

I can offer you some advice. Be careful who you trust. Salt and sugar look the same, life is full of fake people.

Enjoy your journey

Quote from: bugnbox on July 24, 2020, 11:10:58 AM
Hey everybody! Newbie here with lots to learn. I recently pulled a GT500KR home from an Arizona estate where it's owner since 1970 had it stored. It's a solid car, but sun cooked, looks to be all original (for the most part) and I want to learn everything I can about it.

I ran the Marti report and it's a legitimate 500KR 4 speed , but I want to check the numbers on the engine and all the major components to make sure it's correct .

03330 is the number, it's in the Shelby Registry (a friend sent me a copy of the listing)

Where do I start?
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: cali_kr on July 24, 2020, 09:01:42 PM
Welcome to the KR family!

Enjoy the ride
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Stillakid54 on July 24, 2020, 10:24:40 PM
Quote from: 68blk500c on July 24, 2020, 06:25:46 PM
Congratulations!  You are taking the correct approach: learn before you leap.

One more congrats. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: GT350AUS on July 25, 2020, 12:12:25 AM
Great find, enjoy and welcome.

Plenty of members here that can help you get it to where YOU want it.

They've helped me with my KR each time I've shouted out from down under

Enjoy it mate.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: bugnbox on July 25, 2020, 12:28:41 AM
Thanks everybody for the well wishes. Im approaching this one as a great opportunity to learn. I love learning new stuff and this being my first time through such a beast, I am already having a blast.  Got the engine started and tuned a bit...sounds really good actually. The fuel pump is leaking out the weep hole so I ordered up a rebuild kit. The starter solenoid was not behaving properly so I replaced it with a new one (but kept the original)

I crawled under the car just now to check the casting date numbers...sadly I don't think it is the original block. The number is 6L28 which if Im not mistaken is November 28th 1966 (the day before my birthday coincidentally). I would imagine that is a notable hit in value for the car. It is what it is...still a neat find with solid history. Still proud to have it in the garage.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: 68krrrr on July 25, 2020, 01:56:46 AM
Congrats & enjoy ,thats amazing you got it running already now you can be the "King of the Road"
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 25, 2020, 08:27:07 AM
Great work so far! You are in the right place. The best experts in the world are here.

That would be a replacement block. Its not a large hit to the value, but in my opinion, you should find a Cobra Jet engine.

http://www.thecoralsnake.com/Price

Lets check the numbers on the back of the intake, between the carb and fiewall. Is the intake aluminum or cast iron?

Secondly, lets check the heads. Look around the two center spark plugs on each side. You may need a flashlight. You should find some casting numbers there.

You may have an engine with some very valuable parts. The carb you have is not correct for this car, but it is very valuable. Dont let that or any other parts get feet.

Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 25, 2020, 08:37:22 AM
Here is an article about your dealership.  :)

http://www.thecoralsnake.com/Minar
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: mark p on July 25, 2020, 08:51:41 AM
great find - welcome aboard and good luck. Sounds great that it is already running.
Keep us posted  8)
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Royce Peterson on July 25, 2020, 08:56:42 AM
It could still be a 428 from an earlier era. Fortunately there is nothing unique about a 428CJ block. The same blocks that were used to build 428CJ's were used to build 428 cop cars or grandma's 428 Park Lane station wagon. Virtually any 428 with a proper date code could be a good block for your car.

Other things are 428CJ specific. Hopefully the intake, heads, and exhaust manifolds are the real ones. There ought to be a VIN stamp on the rear face of the driver side cylinder head. I've had good luck taking photos of it using a cell phone below the brake booster.




Quote from: bugnbox on July 25, 2020, 12:28:41 AM
Thanks everybody for the well wishes. Im approaching this one as a great opportunity to learn. I love learning new stuff and this being my first time through such a beast, I am already having a blast.  Got the engine started and tuned a bit...sounds really good actually. The fuel pump is leaking out the weep hole so I ordered up a rebuild kit. The starter solenoid was not behaving properly so I replaced it with a new one (but kept the original)

I crawled under the car just now to check the casting date numbers...sadly I don't think it is the original block. The number is 6L28 which if Im not mistaken is November 28th 1966 (the day before my birthday coincidentally). I would imagine that is a notable hit in value for the car. It is what it is...still a neat find with solid history. Still proud to have it in the garage.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 25, 2020, 09:11:06 AM
Here is another resource for you as you gather information:

vinman@infionline.net

Vinny is the 1968 Shelby Registrar. He may have paperwork or information in the car.

;D
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 25, 2020, 09:28:42 AM
Oh and there is a small tag on the side of the transmission. Its on the passenger side of the transmission , under the car.

"RUG-AE" is the code you are looking for.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Chris Thauberger on July 25, 2020, 10:29:12 AM
If your up for it, look behind the instrument cluster for the build sheet taped to the wiring harness.

Chris
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: 427heaven on July 25, 2020, 10:38:47 AM
Was this car located in the MESA Tempe area? I was interested in purchasing this car about 15 years ago. The old guy had a little independent dealership that sold cars and camping trailers? Every time we got close to an agreed price the wife would get involved and stick a wrench in the spokes.  :-\
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: bugnbox on July 25, 2020, 11:02:09 AM
No, this one was in Tucson. Gentleman owned it since 1970 and would never let it go. He also had some very rare Mopar muscle (that I also have with me now in California)
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Side-Oilers on July 25, 2020, 04:40:21 PM
Congrats on your find. Great to see another KR get rescued from prison.

Yes, lots of top experts on here.

Refreshing to see a newbie not get eaten for a change. 
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: JohnB on July 25, 2020, 05:42:23 PM
Quote from: bugnbox on July 25, 2020, 11:02:09 AM
No, this one was in Tucson. Gentleman owned it since 1970 and would never let it go. He also had some very rare Mopar muscle (that I also have with me now in California)

Was a video on facebook with it!
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Bigfoot on July 26, 2020, 08:28:24 AM
Quote from: Chris Thauberger on July 24, 2020, 06:02:56 PM
... or if you're looking for the correct replacement parts not the repo china stuff just ask. There's plenty of parts available from many of the members on this forum.

Yup
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: 69mach351w on July 26, 2020, 07:18:32 PM
Quote from: bugnbox on July 25, 2020, 11:02:09 AM
No, this one was in Tucson. Gentleman owned it since 1970 and would never let it go. He also had some very rare Mopar muscle (that I also have with me now in California)
Deep down we're all car guys, so, what Mopar muscle did you rescue?
Just a quick say, then we can get back to the KR ;D
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: bugnbox on July 28, 2020, 01:50:58 AM
Quote from: 69mach351w on July 26, 2020, 07:18:32 PM
Quote from: bugnbox on July 25, 2020, 11:02:09 AM
No, this one was in Tucson. Gentleman owned it since 1970 and would never let it go. He also had some very rare Mopar muscle (that I also have with me now in California)
Deep down we're all car guys, so, what Mopar muscle did you rescue?
Just a quick say, then we can get back to the KR ;D

71 Challenger 426 Hemi 4 speed, 69 Charger 500 440 automatic, 70 Coronet R/T 440 6 pack 4 speed, and a 69 Charger R/T 440 Automatic... (so nothing special...LOL)
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Side-Oilers on July 28, 2020, 01:52:18 AM
That's a treasure trove of Mopars!  Nice finds.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: bugnbox on July 28, 2020, 01:53:18 AM
Here is a quick walk around video I did of the car.
https://youtu.be/R2HYPiQNUqc

Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Coralsnake on July 28, 2020, 08:05:46 AM
Thanks for posting the video
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: CharlesTurner on July 28, 2020, 10:48:34 AM
Cool find.  Looks like it spent some time in the north, noticed the engine info sheet had a Minnesota address.  Has the obligatory 4 rust spots on the upper inner fenders.  Hopefully that's the worst of it, but when there's rust there, there could be more lingering.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: silverton_ford on July 28, 2020, 11:27:14 AM
A lot of the fun has been posted to his Instagram page (you most likely need an account to see it).   ;D

https://www.instagram.com/bugnbox/ (https://www.instagram.com/bugnbox/)

I have been following along for a few weeks.  Very cool!  Good luck with it.
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: 68krrrr on July 28, 2020, 06:37:33 PM
Cool video & amazing it fired up so easily  for you,i love the hurst shifter & those center mounted twin tip exhaust tips looks, like she might have done some street racing in her day .
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: Side-Oilers on July 28, 2020, 09:31:49 PM
looks, like she might have done some street racing in her day .
[/quote]

Most of 'em probably did.  8)
Title: Re: Fresh find GT500KR
Post by: 6s1640 on July 29, 2020, 02:53:21 PM
Any images from "as found"?

Thanks for sharing

Cory