Dang, I think I saw that too.
Introducing an (almost) Loaded 1965 Formula S
- Thread starter dibbons
- Start date
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Yep. It's a 478 code . My book stops at V and says "other code meanings unknown or unconfirmed" Thanks Ulf
VIN# decode
V= Plymouth Valiant/ Barracuda
8= Barracuda
5= 1965
5= Manufactured in Los Angeles
142483= Sequence number
Big_John
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
From everything I've read, the right side mirror was a dealer option, like the rear defogger. This order sheet seems to confirm that. My 65 Barracuda has the hood pad and that is part of the undercoating package, but I don't know if it was available separately or part of another option.
The 1970 Hamtramck Registry - 1965 Chrysler & Plymouth Ordering Information
dibbons
Well-Known Member
My improvements to date:
a) I rebuilt the carburetor and a local machine shop (Midway Engine Rebuilders-Salinas, California) did a stock rebuild on the 318 (that had a hole in one piston as I previously mentioned). They painted the engine blue AND the valve covers blue (need to fix that). I was pleased with the outcome. I don't think I have ever owned a motor that idled so smoothly.
b) Replaced the A904 oil pan gasket three times, but it still leaks when parked for 3 or 4 weeks without having been driven. The transmission shifts fine, but the shift cables are not adjusted properly (it can hit reverse and park at the same time making a clicking noise).
c) We installed a complete TTI 2 1/2 inch exhaust system with mufflers (stock manifolds). There is a mild drone at about 35 MPH. The shop that installed it told me the passenger side head pipe would not fit past the torsion bar. I showed up and agreed. Later, they called back and got it in (I still don't know how).
d) I needed to replace noisy rear axle bearing on the passenger side. At the same time, I had the ball and trunion driveshaft converted to slip joint.
e) First time I began to fill the gas tank, found a hole punched in the bottom. Replaced the fuel tank.
f) I replaced the very old tires (after the trip!), front are now Sears Guardsman P185/75R14 and rear are Hankook (P215/70R14).
g) I had a locksmith make a key for the original ignition switch, however, it does not fit the door locks (the trunk lock is missing) (see fotos):
a) I rebuilt the carburetor and a local machine shop (Midway Engine Rebuilders-Salinas, California) did a stock rebuild on the 318 (that had a hole in one piston as I previously mentioned). They painted the engine blue AND the valve covers blue (need to fix that). I was pleased with the outcome. I don't think I have ever owned a motor that idled so smoothly.
b) Replaced the A904 oil pan gasket three times, but it still leaks when parked for 3 or 4 weeks without having been driven. The transmission shifts fine, but the shift cables are not adjusted properly (it can hit reverse and park at the same time making a clicking noise).
c) We installed a complete TTI 2 1/2 inch exhaust system with mufflers (stock manifolds). There is a mild drone at about 35 MPH. The shop that installed it told me the passenger side head pipe would not fit past the torsion bar. I showed up and agreed. Later, they called back and got it in (I still don't know how).
d) I needed to replace noisy rear axle bearing on the passenger side. At the same time, I had the ball and trunion driveshaft converted to slip joint.
e) First time I began to fill the gas tank, found a hole punched in the bottom. Replaced the fuel tank.
f) I replaced the very old tires (after the trip!), front are now Sears Guardsman P185/75R14 and rear are Hankook (P215/70R14).
g) I had a locksmith make a key for the original ignition switch, however, it does not fit the door locks (the trunk lock is missing) (see fotos):
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dibbons
Well-Known Member
And all this time I thought I had two speed wipers! The switch does not seem to have any detents that I can feel.
P.S.After Playing with the wiper switch some more, I am still not sure if it is actually two speed or three speed.
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dibbons
Well-Known Member
If you look at the first two fotos in post #30, you can see the undercarriage is definitely undercoated. The question still remains if the hood pad is a separate option or if mine was lost somewhere along the line.
Nice! Love that order sheet. The build sheet would tell all. I am surprised a LA car had a build sheet. Many of the later years from that plant didn't get one put in.
dibbons
Well-Known Member
I forgot to mention that on the road trip back here to Mexico, the gas mileage was much less than I anticipated. I believe it was 11-12 MPG. I did find sometime after my arrival that the distributor vacuum advance had failed (I have since replaced that but I have not made another road trip to compute gas mileage again).
Placed the Barracuda here in a local car show. I told the sponsor to make sure not to offer me any awards or certificates or recognition because I was somewhat embarrassed about the condition of the windshield. When awards were over, he mentioned he followed my request to the letter (I am NOT saying a vehicle in this condition is worthy of any "award" in the first place, LOL).
There were a couple of classic car buffs at the "show" that were interested in purchasing the Barracuda (if we ever wanted to sell). I was surprised by one interested guy who was a Owner/Restorer of several pristine 64-66 Ford Mustangs. He insisted he really liked the look of the '65 Barracuda and finally he convinced me he was serious.
I now have a windshield and windshield gasket on order and that repair will be the next planned update.
Placed the Barracuda here in a local car show. I told the sponsor to make sure not to offer me any awards or certificates or recognition because I was somewhat embarrassed about the condition of the windshield. When awards were over, he mentioned he followed my request to the letter (I am NOT saying a vehicle in this condition is worthy of any "award" in the first place, LOL).
There were a couple of classic car buffs at the "show" that were interested in purchasing the Barracuda (if we ever wanted to sell). I was surprised by one interested guy who was a Owner/Restorer of several pristine 64-66 Ford Mustangs. He insisted he really liked the look of the '65 Barracuda and finally he convinced me he was serious.
I now have a windshield and windshield gasket on order and that repair will be the next planned update.
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I get a lot of attention with my Dart too. (sometimes even more than the nice cars at the show)
66Dartdriver
Well-Known Member
Very cool find and looks great as is imo. lots of people do love the early A's and Im one of them!
Big_John
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
I would say that if it was undercoated, it had a hood pad when new. Option #611 on the option sheet.
They got torn and pulled off all the time, so I am always surprised to see an original still in place.
Big_John
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
My LA built 65 has a build sheet!
dibbons
Well-Known Member
I just noticed the steering link is hitting the 318 oil pan when turning the wheel. The original 273 oil pan must of had a "relief" molded in from the factory to prevent this type of contact. i have some spare oil pans in storage, perhaps one of those will provide the proper clearance.
dibbons
Well-Known Member
Another question is if the newer 318 and older 904 have a mismatch with respect to the diameters of the nose of the torque convertor and the relief hole in the end of the crankshaft. I know there were changes during different production runs that would require an adapter type bushing/spacer to make dissimilar year motors and transmissions more compatible.
chryslerfat
Well-Known Member
Yes the 273 has a dimple there.
Yes, that is definitely a possibility, and should be looked into pronto! It will Waller out the front pump in a hurry, if it didn't already! You can contact Pat Blais and buy one of his annular rings to solve the problem!
dibbons
Well-Known Member
Before if deteriorates any more, here are fotos covering all of the build sheet (if you put them all together you can read all the codes):
If cell 611 on your build sheet is readable and has the # 1 printed in it, then your car had undercoating w/underhood pad installed at the factory.
Absence of a number indicates no factory installed pad or undercoating.
Check underneath for factory undercoating.
Can you post a picture of the build sheet? Your car appears to be very heavily optioned and it would be interesting to see what options you actually have.
Absence of a number indicates no factory installed pad or undercoating.
Check underneath for factory undercoating.
Can you post a picture of the build sheet? Your car appears to be very heavily optioned and it would be interesting to see what options you actually have.
Sorry I missed the posting of the build sheet.....but the build sheet you posted is not for a Formula S car. You have found the build sheet for another car, not the one you have. Clues: engine #30 is a 273/ 180, FS would have #31 .... your fender tag shows "W" color (white) while the build sheet color is "S" (ivory)
Unfortunately finding the wrong build sheet is not uncommon. Keep looking and you may find the correct one in there somewhere.
dibbons
Well-Known Member
Cell #611 (undercoating) appears to be blank. As shown in the fotos in post #30, I see undercoating (could be dealer installed?).
I wonder if these build sheet mix-ups occur after somewhere swaps rear seats from one vehicle to another?
I wonder if these build sheet mix-ups occur after somewhere swaps rear seats from one vehicle to another?
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The first photo shows the box is not marked. It probably got undercoated at the dealer.
Shame on me. I didn't check the numbers. #054 on the fender tag, #334 on the build sheet. Yep, wrong build sheet.
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chryslerfat
Well-Known Member
Yes seat swaps through the years is one way the sheets get in the wrong cars. Just an FYI my 65 Barracuda had the build sheet under the carpet below the heater.
Later on in the 60's California cars rarely had build sheets.
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