1968 Anyone Seen This B4?

[gazrox]

Can anyone shed some light on this stamping on one of my headlight buckets? Both are original FOMOCO parts but one has a ink? stamp "AMBRIS". I've never seen this before so does anyone know if this is an original factory marking?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Russ]

I believe that is the name of the paint inspector. San Jose cars had distinctive paint inspector stampings, and I believe you have found one of those stampings on your car. Jeff Speegle is the expert on these markings and maybe he can shed some additional light on this. Hope this helps, Russ

 

[J_Speegle]

Yes (in this case) this is the last name of one of many paint inspectors at San Jose. This style was used (intermixed with two other styles) in the spring of 68 (when the Calif Spec were built)

This style was the later version of the group and continued into 69 production.

One inspector would do the unibody and another would do the "loose" parts that were painted separately elsewhere in the plant. Normally you can find up to five of the individual parts.


Hope this helps

Would be interested in knowing which car this example came from so I can catalog the picture with all the others I have (confirming patterns and when the specific inspectors were working)

 

[gazrox]

Thanks for the info - I would never have guessed that. Will make sure I save the stamping when it goes in for painting.

Jeff, I have attached my Marti report. This car is in the registry.

 

[limelyt]

A real Canadian GT/CS

 

[GT/CS S Code]

1,000 units a week?

Wow, that gives you some idea of how fast they were pumping Ford vehicles off of the assembly line at San Jose!
Our car was serial numbered exactly one week before your car (... our serial number being assigned on 05/01/68 and yours dates 05/08/68) ... and they are 1,009 serial numbers apart! It makes you wonder how many of those assigned 1009 serial numbers were for Mustangs ... and how many of those were for California Specials?
Mind you the actual build date for ours was delayed until July 3rd, 37 days behind schedule, while yours was built on May 15th, 13 days ahead of schedule. I suppose that they could have been waiting for the big block 390 4V engine or some other big block components that they needed that weren't yet available so that they could finally build our "S" code?
Anyway, it kind of makes you go .... hmmmm .... doesn't it?
:wink:

 

[Northern Pony]

When I looked at "GT/CS S" code marti report, I saw a lot of similarities;
Serialized; the same date 005/01/68 my build date 05/27/68.
Your vin; S161311
My vin; J 161316
Both Gt equipment group cars
Both the same dealer;
B7 032
Dominion Vancouver MTRS
From other posts I see your going to Kamloops, going to Belleveau? It's got to be closer.
Oh I wish I had a 4 speed car.
BoB

 

[Northern Pony]

Note to GT/CS S code;
we also both have Front seat head rests, not as many GT/CS with head rests.
BoB

 

[GT/CS S Code]

Comparisons ...

Yeah, it's interesting to compare the serial numbers and various options. Ours was the only one of the 27 Candy Apple Red "S" codes 4 speed cars (111 total "S" codes with 4 speeds) to receive the headrests according to our Marti report. It would be interesting to know how many of the other 84 "S" code 4 speed cars manufactured in other colours had the headrests installed? It seems to be a fairly scarce option. I've noticed though that a lot of the cars seem to have been equipped with the driver's side remote adjustable mirror option.
I also can't help but wonder how many 68 California Specials were delivered to Dominion Vancouver Motors, and where are they now? There is still another "S" code GT/CS "hiding" right here in Victoria, and I was told that it was sold new out of Nanaimo (located north of Victoria about mid way up Vancouver Island), but I haven't had a look at that car yet or seen a Marti on it to compare details. I have a line on the current owner of the car, but haven't been able to get together with him to see it in person and compare details. (I'm hoping to see it sometime later this year, and will shoot some photos when I view the car.)
I think it'll just be the Kamloops Hot Nites in the City event this year if we can both swing the time off work, as the rest of our holiday time for this year is booked up already unless there are any last minute changes to our plans. We both work Monday to Friday work-weeks, and it's really tough to get extra days off, especially for Laurie with her government job. We're both hoping to retire next year if it is at all possible and then time won't be such a worry, just the budget!
:wink:
Where are you located? Is there any chance you might make it to Kamloops too?

 

[GT/CS S Code]

4 speed ...

PS: Both of my knees are awful and I've had surgery on both of them, but I LOVE my 4 speed ...!!!
When I drive this car I don't even think about my bad knees, it's like a "fountain of youth" for an aging baby boomer like me.
:grin:

 

[somethingspecial]

Another 4spd. w/ headrests

My S code/4spd. was also ordered with front seat headrests. HMMM. A rare option indeed. My Marti stats don't mention mine, but instead focus' on the Tilt Away steering. Odd. Mike

 

[GT/CS S Code]

Very interesting option list ...
The surprising thing is that the tilt away steering wheel was more than the cost of the disc brakes, ... and the optional headrests were half the cost of the power steering!
Thanks for the info.

 

[Northern Pony]

Gary, sorry for hijacking your thread, keep up the good work with the car, hope to see it at an International soon.

GT/CS S code; We are located in Calgary, and I'm thinking one trip over the Rockies will be enough for the old car this summer. No air, summer heat, I think you get the picture.
BoB

 

[gazrox]

No problem Bob! Its actually turned into an interesting thread.

Won't have the CS ready for Red Deer this year. Next year for sure - I think the 2011 International is in Seattle?? Long drive from Saskatoon

 

[TraveledGTCS]

From what I understand, the 2011 IMM will be in Spokane. Seattle is not a member of IMM.
I will be at Red Deer this year with my Special.

Bill

 

[Northern Pony]

Saskatoon to Spokane is still 800 miles, about 15 hrs, still a long haul, but yes closer than Seattle. Red Deer is definitely close for us this year. Further for Bill, but next year he is close to home.
BoB

 

[gazrox]

Thanks Bill. Spokane will work for me!!! It will be a nice drive through the mountains.

 

[rvrtrash]

I guess that means in 2011, I'll be throwing the big BBQ/get together. I'm buying new fire extinguishers in case the Northern California crowd shows up. :grin:

Steve