"Correctly" restored 1966 photos/details

[jnirenstein]

HI all,
I am "restoring" a 1966 wagon. It's Arcadian blue with a 170 and 3spd manual. I want to switch the motor and tranny to a 289 and C4. I'd like the engine compartment to look as though it came from the factory that way. I've tried to find photos of a "correct" V8 66 with very little luck. Can anyone point me in the right direction on this forum or otherwise? Is there a detailed "restoration guide" that someone has put together detailing paint finishes, or other engine compartment details? Also since I will be replacing the steering column with an automatic column would a 66 have had a horn ring or just the center horn button? I Like got get things as original as possible. I Know it's an oxymoron to say that when I'm doing a heart lung transplant but I'm just weird that way... Thanks in advance for the help.
Cheers,
John

 

[Bajabrewer]

66 never came with a C4 that didn't happen until 73 but here's a 66 V8 roadster for some pics.

https://broncograveyard.com/g-12106-1966-v8-roadster.html

 

[gnpenning]

Welcome. As mentioned you won't find a 66 with a factory installed auto. Maybe some one that has converted there's will chime in.

How original is your 66?

Okie4570 is collecting serial numbers for 66s. If you haven't already shoot him a pm.

 

[okie4570]

You should be able recreate the v8 look under the hood, it will take work and attention to detail but can definitely be done. I'm not sure how far forward or back the C4 will change the engine location, if at all. 66 came with either the horn button or the horn ring, both were available. 66 year only said Product of Ford Motor Company across the button though, those aren't reproduced so hopefully yours is still there. What month was your u15 built?

 

[jnirenstein]

You should be able recreate the v8 look under the hood, it will take work and attention to detail but can definitely be done. I'm not sure how far forward or back the C4 will change the engine location, if at all. 66 came with either the horn button or the horn ring, both were available. 66 year only said Product of Ford Motor Company across the button though, those aren't reproduced so hopefully yours is still there. What month was your u15 built?

Thanks for the info! My truck is # 777842. If I understand the de-coding correctly that means it's a NOV 1965 Build. I get that it never would have come with a C4 but wanted it and figured that I could make the 289 look stock if I can get all the details correct...

 

[toddz69]

Here are few pics (last post on the page) that shows a few good '66 V8 wagon photos.

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304359&page=2

Todd Z.

 

[okie4570]

Here are few pics (last post on the page) that shows a few good '66 V8 wagon photos.

https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304359&page=2

Todd Z.

He should contact the new owner and maybe salvage all that before it sits on the shop floor for months...............

 

[sprdv1]

He should contact the new owner and maybe salvage all that before it sits on the shop floor for months...............

Most definitely....

 

[elan]

"correctly restored" and your quest to "change the vehicle" have no relation to one another.

 

[69_Sport]

Ford built the 289s at dedicated engine assembly plants, not at Michigan Truck where your Bronco was assembled. They were then shipped to Michigan Truck for installation. Engines destined for installation in non-Bronco Fords came down the same assembly line as Bronco 289s in '66.

I'm not sure you will find the correct detail info you seek anywhere in the Bronco world, as very little effort has been spent doing the grunt work necessary to document originality.

You can find most of the fine details, though, in the Mustang world. While there were obviously differences in a 289 installed in a Bronco vs one installed in a Mustang, you can take advantage of the enormous amount of info that has been accumulated on Mustangs and their minute details to arrive at something very close to correct for your truck. Things such as engine and accessory bracket colors and finishes, pulley finishes, correct fasteners, etc., are likely identical.

Concours Mustang Forum and the judging area found on the Mustang Club of America web site would be excellent places to start. AMK Fasteners is also a very good source for fasteners and information.

Specific questions on particular parts used and their finishes can be posted here and we will attempt to help you out.

 

[clarrance]

To be as close to period correct as possible using an automatic setup your going to want a 1973 auto column. It’s the only year auto that doesn’t have the hazard switch on the column. But your going to run into a problem with using a factory lower steering shaft if you are going to use P/S. The inner fender will not have a recess to accommodate the rag joint and it will rub on the inner fender. If you are keeping the manual steering, then you will more than likely need to build up a 1973 auto column with a one piece steering shaft. This was an option in 73, but very very rare to find a manual steering auto column. Also if swapping to a v8 you will need to cut off the 6cyl frame motor mounts and weld on new V8 mounts

 

[jnirenstein]

To be as close to period correct as possible using an automatic setup your going to want a 1973 auto column. It’s the only year auto that doesn’t have the hazard switch on the column. But your going to run into a problem with using a factory lower steering shaft if you are going to use P/S. The inner fender will not have a recess to accommodate the rag joint and it will rub on the inner fender. If you are keeping the manual steering, then you will more than likely need to build up a 1973 auto column with a one piece steering shaft. This was an option in 73, but very very rare to find a manual steering auto column. Also if swapping to a v8 you will need to cut off the 6cyl frame motor mounts and weld on new V8 mounts

Thanks! I did find a 73 auto column for exactly the reason you stated. I did not know about the PS rag joint issue so thanks for that tip!!

 

[DirtDonk]

Did all '66 V8's have a Thermactor/Air Pump? Or just CA models?

Paul

 

[markatherton]

66

I think just ca

 

[okie4570]

Yes just California

 

[sprdv1]

Yes just California

right...

 

[sprdv1]

"correctly restored" and your quest to "change the vehicle" have no relation to one another.

yeah. Build it like you want it and enjoy it