One of life's goals nearing reality - Page 2 - Ford Forums

FAT69XT · 12-07-2004, 03:55

Just be careful with the 9" identification- 8" or 8 3/4" or what ever you want to call them look extremely similar, and don't have bolts on the back like a 9". They're very hard to tell apart unless its out of the car, just something to be aware of.

If the back of the diff housing centre has a step in in (rather than a smooth continuous bulge), its very likely its a 9".

If it looks like a 9" but has a continuous bulge (with or without dimples), then it's likely its an 8"/ 8 3/4"- whatever.

Some 9" have a smooth bulge across the beck, but not the XY ones.

Also, confirm its actually a XW/XY length 9". Measure ******ds from the spring mount to the end of the diff flange. If its approximately 80mm, its XW/XY. If its more like 130mm, its XA-XC- not original fitment for the car, and worth a fair bit less than a XW/XY one.

If its an original 351c, the compliance plate should have K code (351 2v) or T code (351 4v, as in GTs).

An original 351 should have the 54H body shell which is the same as GT. Therefore it should have the larger radiator and big, reinforced radiator support, bigger fuel line, and factory exhaust hangers in the inner rear quarter panels.

A factory 351, 4spd 9" XY is a big dollar car, so don't be disheartened if the numbers/ codes don't match up- if its a good car at the right price, it doesn't really matter what it was originally fitted with.

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Matt

old_mate · 12-07-2004, 06:40

Went and had a look at it today, the paint is totally ****ed, the interior will need everything replaced, but the motor, box and diff are great (but are very grubby)

The car is pretty straight, passenger sill has a big dent in it, there was rust in the doglegs and in the rain gutters on the C pillars (but nothing too major). Also some surface rust on the roof, again nothing major. Rear quarters, boot floor, and everywhere else looked fine.

This was my first manual experience, I have never been in a car that will spin both wheels in the rain at half throttle thru first, 2nd and even into third (tyres must be shit haha). The car is a JG34, Factory 351 4 speed fairmont. im 90% sure the diff is a nine inch by going what was said to look for here, and it loved to turn both wheels hehe. Unfortunately i forgot what the paint code was, but the owner said from the factory it was the same green it is now. Will have to make up my mind later whether to paint it that original colour or go Wild Violet

But yeah, am totally in love with the bucket it is, and can only see potential. Would 4 grand with a little rego left be a decent price?

paull · 12-07-2004, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by old_mate

Went and had a look at it today, the paint is totally ****ed, the interior will need everything replaced, but the motor, box and diff are great (but are very grubby)

The car is pretty straight, passenger sill has a big dent in it, there was rust in the doglegs and in the rain gutters on the C pillars (but nothing too major). Also some surface rust on the roof, again nothing major. Rear quarters, boot floor, and everywhere else looked fine.

This was my first manual experience, I have never been in a car that will spin both wheels in the rain at half throttle thru first, 2nd and even into third (tyres must be shit haha). The car is a JG34, Factory 351 4 speed fairmont. im 90% sure the diff is a nine inch by going what was said to look for here, and it loved to turn both wheels hehe. Unfortunately i forgot what the paint code was, but the owner said from the factory it was the same green it is now. Will have to make up my mind later whether to paint it that original colour or go Wild Violet

But yeah, am totally in love with the bucket it is, and can only see potential. Would 4 grand with a little rego left be a decent price?

$4,000 sounds pretty good to me. I was thinking about doing what you want to do but was talked out of it. It would appear that most people are going for the original resto, as I am doing with my XB GT (sedan) and Landau. However, I think that a Wild Violet with white interior would be absolutely mint. It would be a hard call to say what would be worth more because when I am looking I tend to steer clear of the fakers and go for the original cars.

Personally, it's a hard call. Just imagine where you want to be with it in 1 - 2 years time, both having the car in the drive/driving it, as well as re-sale or long term investment. Either way, best of luck and enjoy.
Paul

FAT69XT · 12-08-2004, 02:43

The colour is likely to be Monza green, and looks smik when done freshly. 4k is a good price too if its an original 351, 4speed 9" Fairmont, go for it!

Fully restored cars with all the right gear and matching numbers are fetching into the 20K area, incentive enough to restore it to original i believe, it will probably be worth heaps more that way, but do what you want, it's gonna be your car!

Cheers,

Matt

bafel · 12-09-2004, 06:25

i know what you mean when you say you see potential! we're the same age and i just bought a 68 XR to fix up. My old mans reaction wasn't good, but he'll come around no doubt.

Just need a little patience and things will happen. Good luck!

old_mate · 12-09-2004, 06:34

Bought today for a total of $3800 including three months rego. Pretty happy with the price. Will get it next weekend.

Now gotta drive it to Queensland and think about pulling the sucker apart...hopefully, she'll be finished by this time in a couple of years (a present for when I finish my apprenticeship)