Hello! 1968 GTO Convertible Project
 

Hello,
New guy here with my first post. Hoping to find some expert advice about a project car that I'm looking at maybe buying. The owner has some PHS documents that shows that it came with a lot of options. He said it has the original 400 engine, but not sure what hp engine. Here's some of the paper work, the trim tag and vin that I was hoping some of you guys could decipher to tell what I might be getting into. And, if it would be worth bringing it back to life.
Thanks,
Bryan

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...ps17fc6ce3.jpg
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...ps882b303b.jpg
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...psa68a2051.jpg
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7fb40680.jpg

Pics of the car. As you can see. It's going to need a lot of work. All the parts are supposed to be there.
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6e65a349.jpg
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...psc27f1760.jpg
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4df2bf61.jpg
http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/...ps06d8ccf1.jpg

Nice options there, though what condition is the body in? Especially rust wise?
If you take a look at http://www.oldride.com/library/1968_pontiac_gto.html you will find some good info there.

If you check on the front of the block there is a machined pad near the water pump. There you will find a stamped code begining with two letters such as YS then the last four or possibly five digits of the VIN. The first two letters will give you the info on the engine (check info on link above), and the letters will confirm if it is the original engine.

Hope that helps, i hope it works for you, it looks good from here.
Dave

Thanks Gtozy for the link. The option list calls for a rally stripe. Not quite sure what the stripe looks like on a GTO.
Also, are the 68 parts easy to acquire? I know first year models sometime have one-off parts, midyear production changes and so forth that causes problems locating the correct parts. Is there anything specific that I need to make sure is there?
Bryan

In your case the engine code would be a WT, 350hp/4spd. Solar Red over Red interior with the ivory convertible top!

That's one loaded up car! Was it recently in Connecticut?

68 parts are not that bad, they made a lot of 68 GTOs and a lot of parts are also interchangeable between 68-72 GM A-bodies.

Hard to tell from those pics but it looks pretty solid.

Red convert with a great list of options. Doesn't get too much better. Looks like it was built roughly two months before mine at the Arlington plant. Like others said, there's a lot of stuff being reproduced and most of the chassis parts are interchangeable with other GM a-bodies.

Locating parts depends on how original you want to make it. You start to limit your options when you go looking for specific part numbers and date codes. The trunk lid and front valance are '68-specific and can be tricky to find in good shape. 68 custom sport steering wheel also unique and the repro isn't exact. Some of the a/c controls/system is specific too although not that difficult to locate.

The rally stripe is an uncommon option. Here's some info: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=749954

Thanks guys for the comments. The current owner started a resto and the body work looks pretty decent. I didn't see any glaring rust on the fenders, quarters, cowl or windshield frame. There is evidence that the driver side floor pan has been replaced.
I'm scheduled to go back on Saturday to do an inventory of all the parts. He says they're all there. He just disassembled it to do the body work. He's keeping them at another property that has storage. He did tell me that the engine has already been rebuilt and still has the original carb, distributor, a/c compressor and all associated pulleys and brackets.
He's asking $8,000 for the car. Does that sound out of line? I plan on doing a lot of the work myself. I did a body off resto on a 68 corvette, so I'm familiar with what it takes to go through this process. I'm doing it because I like having something work on. I'm an original nut so I would try to keep the car as correct as possible.
The car that is currently in my garage is 1970 Camaro RS/Z28

Bryan

How can you tell what the engine code is?
Bryan

Check my first reply. Code is on the front of the block

That thing is loaded like crazy.

Here is how to document the engine :
It should be a WT block with #16 heads
Carb is #7028263
Single snorkel air cleaner with chrome lid

The Engine Unit Number and VIN on the block can double document it as original.

The Block is stamped below the passenger head with the EUN and the application code.
It should read
529028
WT
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1400828111



The VIN is stamped down lower next to timing cover.
It should read
28R161345
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1400828111




The heads will be cast #16
Located on the center exhaust ports
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1400828111




Your BHC also has the Transmission Unit Number listed.
FO6P8B13
It should be stamped along front leading edge of trans.
The edge where the trans meets the bellhousing.
Usually up on top edge where it wouldn't be visible when installed in car.

Basket case projects have really gone down in price (so many un finished projects out there due to cost to complete verses buying one already done or a driver)

Front Valance SS Trim and Park Light Lens used to be "almost" impossible to find, two of the hardest parts to find on a 68.....I think they make these aftermarket now though.....been some time for me on a 68 though.

sorry for the typo , ty Boss :)

Thanks guys. Good stuff.
So the 539028 that is on the build sheet tells that it is a WT code engine.

The link shows it's a 360hp.
WT 8-400 360 445 Manual 4 BC
What's the difference between a 360hp vs. a 350hp?
Thanks,
Bryan

The guy wants $8,000. Is that too out of line for this car? The motor is supposed to be done and most of the body work, although, I want really know until I start digging into it.
Thanks,
Bryan

I'd jump on it if I were you.

Back in the summer of '84 or '85, I was riding my bike on a street near my house. I saw a GTO tooling up the street toward me. It was a Solar Red '68 convertible with a red interior, Rally IIs, and hideaway headlights. Top down. The car was in immaculate condition and was absolutley stunning. There were two middle aged couples in the car. Once it passed, I never saw the car again. But it left a lasting impression on a budding GTO nut!

Looks like it could be a decent deal. Not too many 4 speed convertibles with ac. I've got one and paid about the same price.

That link must have had a typo like i did earlier.
WT is 350hp
WS (H-O) was 360hp

WT tells the application - GTO base 400cid / 350hp - Manual trans
The Engine Unit Number is a control number that serves a few purposes now and then. Its a real nice number to have data on. And most are clueless about it.

The VIN is more widely known about , and the main one that is likely to get restamped on a replacement donor WT to appear as original. The EUN is a second layer of defense in your favor - in certain scenarios.

That is not the build sheet you have.
It is the billing history / option content / with a few other things thrown in.

Build sheet - if lucky - will be found within the car.
A lot more specific data about components listed on them.

If you can handle the work , the engine is right #s matching - parts all accounted for - thats a real fair deal on a fine ass piece of Pontiac.

Its the 2nd most expensive 68 GTO i have in my files.
And only lost 1st by less than $20.

1968 WT was 360 HP.
(as the WS also)

The automatic was 350 HP.

:)