new member with inherited '67 barracuda

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A_VAS

Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2025
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Location
Central PA
I've taken in this project from my late father, he had bought the car up in New York state a few years back. I loaded up what I could find scattered about from his garage, and trailerd the car back to my shop...got it on the lift this weekend and trying to see what all it needs...we worked on the car a bit together when he was still with us. I took the original 273 apart and we honed it .020 over and redid it with new bearings, pistons, etc. Stock melling 340 cam in it, with Edelbrock LD4B intake.
Still working out some bugs to get the engine running to my liking and also wanting to figure out what exactly I have here...
hoping someone can help me decode the broadcast sheet particularly for the trans and rear axle.

picture of the build sheet attached that I was stoked we found under the seat. There are build codes for Trans and Axle at the top, and also near the bottom..so I'm unsure which ones to use?
car has the 8.3/4 rear in it with 741 case, trans is a 4 speed manual so I believe all is original. Like to make sure the car is original 4 speed and what rear axle ratio it came with...
it does not seem to have much gear and the larger rear tires my dad mounted might be making it struggle a bit (275/60/15 rear tire)

Having a tough time trying to decide what to do with this, keep it fairly original and cruise it...or put something healthy in it and street/ strip the car and have fun. I welcome any advice you guys have on that...I've read thru a lot of threads already and learned a ton.

- fuel tank was leaking so it's out (new filler neck seal coming)
- trans is leaking a couple spots
- father had already bought front gasket and clip kit for the 68/69 stainless trim. I plan to pull the windshield soon and do that. Need to find rear trim for the fast back window yet.
- he had bought this rear valance panel with the dual notches from AMD, so I started looking into that job so far.

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Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I’d get it going and see how you like it. You can always enjoy it for a while and make improvements as you go
 
There also was a Certicard with the holder attached to the inner fender. It has some of the same info, plus the original buyer.

Some of the build sheet codes will match the codes in the salesman's book.
That can be found here

I agree that can be a lot of tire depending on the gearing.
I use a 215/70r14 on the street and a 225/50r15 for autocross, with a 3.23 rear diff and standard 727 gearing. The 215/70r14 keep the rpms under 3000 for most driving and pretty comfortable distance driving while still being plenty responsive.
 
Vin tag on A pillar, should have an "E" for 5th digit for 273 4bl. Also for Formula S, there is a "7" under the "F" on fender tag. Fingers crossed for ya. Either way it will be a great car.
yes fender tag is there, I did not snap a pic of it...will add it soon.

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There also was a Certicard with the holder attached to the inner fender. It has some of the same info, plus the original buyer.

Some of the build sheet codes will match the codes in the salesman's book.
That can be found here
[/URL]

I agree that can be a lot of tire depending on the gearing.
I use a 215/70r14 on the street and a 225/50r15 for autocross, with a 3.23 rear diff and standard 727 gearing. The 215/70r14 keep the rpms under 3000 for most driving and pretty comfortable distance driving while still being plenty responsive.
Thank you for that link...so I see transmission code 395 from my build sheet is a Torqueflight (automatic). ..this car must have been converted to a 4 speed then...damn.
 
Only the 383 cars got duel exhaust in '67. The tail pipes can be turned down, or you can run a chrome tip like the factory did on some, but maybe not 67 383.
Here's the thing. '67 and '68 hang the tailpipes differently. One goes under the frame rail, the other hang from the side of the frame rail. So the exit location under the valence shifts depending on which way you hang the pipes.

Honestly with a 273, there's a good arguement that a single exhaust exit is better. You can go look up Calvin Elston's blog and forum posts on places like Speed-talk.com for more on that if you're interested. He built alot for NASCAR and had opportunity to explore exhaust flow more than most.
 
Thank you for that link...so I see transmission code 395 from my build sheet is a Torqueflight (automatic). ..this car must have been converted to a 4 speed then...damn.
So it does. Several guys here are good at and enjoy decoding. @Dana67Dart is one and has a couple of 67's himself.

Its interesting it has some items listed under the Fleet catagory. I don't know how common that is, especially for a Barracuda.
 
Only the 383 cars got duel exhaust in '67. The tail pipes can be turned down, or you can run a chrome tip like the factory did on some, but maybe not 67 383.
Here's the thing. '67 and '68 hang the tailpipes differently. One goes under the frame rail, the other hang from the side of the frame rail. So the exit location under the valence shifts depending on which way you hang the pipes.

Honestly with a 273, there's a good arguement that a single exhaust exit is better. You can go look up Calvin Elston's blog and forum posts on places like Speed-talk.com for more on that if you're interested. He built alot for NASCAR and had opportunity to explore exhaust flow more than most.
good point, if I keep the 273 it for sure does not need duals....I think down the road this car will get something bigger. I have a 408 stroker to work with, or contemplating 6.4L. If the car is not completely original at this point, seems maybe I should warm it up. Many rabbit holes this can go down LOL
 
pics of the VIN tag and the fender tag. I sanded some of the black paint off lightly to try and show the numbers better. Can someone tell from this is the car a 4spd originally or Auto? It has the 7 under the 'f' so the formula S matches up. Badges on the car and trim are really decent driver quality. The paint on the other hand, has this staining on all the top surfaces...like it sat under a tree for a bit. Thanks

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Do a rubbing if the tag is hard to read. Can't put back metal removed.
I see
b 4
u 1

D 9
F 7
M 2
R 1
T 4
X 1

AX 48
TRM H6X
PNT 881
8

From some previous decodes here:
b 4 Bucket seats
u 1

D 9
F 7 Formula S
M 2
R 1 AM Radio
T 4
X 1 Windows tinted

AX 48
TRM H6X Black
PNT 881 Maybe BB1 Black
UBS 8

Barracuda
Hardtop 29 (fastback)

32 Engine 273 4 bbl
3 Transmission 393 Manual 4 speed
285 Tires 28 D70-14 Red Streak (5)
213 Scheduled build date Feb. 13

You can try these or call out some of the folks who know the quirks of '67 decodes

 
b 4 Bucket seats, aka 564
u 1 = ordered car, aka 691

D 9 = disc brakes, aka 479
F 7 Formula S, aka 367
M 2 = 2nd assembly line
R 1 AM Radio, aka 421
T 4 = vacuum gauge, aka 574
X 1 Windows tinted, aka 521, all windows

557 = lap belts, Center passenger rear, interesting
487 = cigar lighter
529 = molding, wheel lip
535= molding, drip rail
581 = wheel covers, deluxe
622 = battery 68amp
624= H.D. suspension, included with F7
638 = H.D. shocks, included with F7
404= 3.23
408 = Sure-Grip
32= 273 4bbl 235hp
393 = 4 speed

AX 48 = Sure-Grip
TRM H6X Black
PNT BB1 = mono tone Black
UBS = B, aka upper door frame black
 
b 4 Bucket seats, aka 564
u 1 = ordered car, aka 691

D 9 = disc brakes, aka 479
F 7 Formula S, aka 367
M 2 = 2nd assembly line
R 1 AM Radio, aka 421
T 4 = vacuum gauge, aka 574
X 1 Windows tinted, aka 521, all windows

557 = lap belts, Center passenger rear, interesting
487 = cigar lighter
529 = molding, wheel lip
535= molding, drip rail
581 = wheel covers, deluxe
622 = battery 68amp
624= H.D. suspension, included with F7
638 = H.D. shocks, included with F7
404= 3.23
408 = Sure-Grip
32= 273 4bbl 235hp
393 = 4 speed

AX 48 = Sure-Grip
TRM H6X Black
PNT BB1 = mono tone Black
UBS = B, aka upper door frame black
Thank you Mattax and Matthon...
the paint I see it as 881 = bright blue poly. 88-1 would be a solid color blue, H6X black interior. which all matches up to what's here. I'm stoked it's a 4spd car, thank you for that !
I'm guessing the rear is original 3.23 with 741 case...with these 275/60 tires she's working hard to move. I believe there is a set of 3.91 in my Dad's old pile of parts. ..
 

67 Formula S 4 speed, doesn't get any better, imo.

Buildsheet and fender tag, nice. Contact Chrysler Historical and request the IBM build card. Build card was used to make the other 2, has additional info, dealer, etc.
Also contains the actual shipped date, not just scheduled production date.

I have a 67 Formula S, just upgraded to bbp axles, stuffed 275/60/15s on the back and they fit fine and look great.

Don't be afraid to "ruin it" like I did, sure, I kept the original engine/trans, but built a drive train to thoroughly enjoy.

Also, since mine is a 383 car it has the 1 year only rear valance. Accurate Exhaust has the correct exhaust with turndowns. Fits perfect, sounds great, looks better, however last I checked expensive.

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All of the paint codes are Letter Letter Number. So it can't 88.

I agree. 4 spd Formula S 273 4 bbl with disk brakes is super. I'd go for factory, or day 1, day 2 restoration.
IMO great combo for street, rally, and autocross especially with shorter tires. Responsive and will put a smile on your face.
Be OK in the quarter mile but just like the '66 SCCA sedan A, and trans-am cars, their advantage was in the handling and overall package not the top end power. I've never compared the 340 to the 273 Commando cam but I'm sure it will be fine.

this going a little extreme but gives you an idea of what was done
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Paint codes are letters and numbers 2 through 8.
881 is on the buildsheet as well.
In 67, 881 = bright blue metallic.
In 68, same color was QQ1.
 
Paint codes are letters and numbers 2 through 8.
881 is on the buildsheet as well.
In 67, 881 = bright blue metallic.
In 68, same color was QQ1.
You guys are right. I missed that.
More coffee or too much coffee?
 
67 Formula S 4 speed, doesn't get any better, imo.

Buildsheet and fender tag, nice. Contact Chrysler Historical and request the IBM build card. Build card was used to make the other 2, has additional info, dealer, etc.
Also contains the actual shipped date, not just scheduled production date.

I have a 67 Formula S, just upgraded to bbp axles, stuffed 275/60/15s on the back and they fit fine and look great.

Don't be afraid to "ruin it" like I did, sure, I kept the original engine/trans, but built a drive train to thoroughly enjoy.

Also, since mine is a 383 car it has the 1 year only rear valance. Accurate Exhaust has the correct exhaust with turndowns. Fits perfect, sounds great, looks better, however last I checked expensive.
nice car. I like the sinister look of these cars with plain jane wheels...I plan to lower this one a bit as Dad put SS springs on the rear, sits a little high. You can sort of see the stance here in this pic of it on the trailer. Currently has a 1" wheel spacer on the rear with these 15" wheels. 14" wheels up front. Engine bay looks mostly all original...except the holley and LD4B. I did upgrade the manual master cylinder with the 15/16" unit from Dr Diff

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pics of the VIN tag and the fender tag. I sanded some of the black paint off lightly to try and show the numbers better. Can someone tell from this is the car a 4spd originally or Auto? It has the 7 under the 'f' so the formula S matches up. Badges on the car and trim are really decent driver quality. The paint on the other hand, has this staining on all the top surfaces...like it sat under a tree for a bit. Thanks

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Welcome and nice car! Sorry about your loss too.

Don't be surprised if the resident VIN police chime in about not having the "correct" VIN rivets.
 
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