New Member/69 GT500 Question

Hello,

I own a 69 GT500 fastback that I'm starting to restore. I'm missing most of the original aircleaner assembly (have the original 'snorkle'). I wonder if anyone out there has an original aircleaner assembly that they can measure for me? The Ford Master Parts catalog lists an air cleaner assembly that is unique to both the 69 GT350 and GT500 (part number C9ZZ 9600-B) and describes it as being 18.00" in diameter and 4.98" high. But the catalog doesn't list any individual parts (tray, lid, etc.) for this assembly. Since the hood-to-cleaner seal (part number C9ZZ 9B624-E) is listed as 15.50" I.D. and 18" O.D. I wonder if there is an error in the description of the cleaner assembly (seems like it should have a smaller diameter to properly mate with the seal). I'm interested in the dimensions (and hopefully a picture or two) of an original unit so that I can be sure the parts I buy in the future are as correct as possible. Since the heat riser and S-tube are 428CJ parts, I'm mainly concerned with the air cleaner tray and lid. Just can't tell from the Master Parts manual whether these are really unique or are common to some other car models. Just bought a copy of the "1969-70 Shelby Unique Parts Catalog" put out by Jim Osborn Reproductions, but that book doesn't list any of the air cleaner parts - an apparent omission.

This is my second GT500; I special-ordered an Acapulco Blue 69 Fastback with the Drag Pack option (4:30 rear) in early 1969. Sold it around 1974 - one of those big "would'a, could'a, should'a" mistakes. Bought my current one in 1982 and have had it ever since. It's pretty much original except for having been repainted (right Black Jade color but missing it's stripes) and having the intake manifold replaced with an aluminum one and the exhaust manifolds replaced by headers. Fortunately I got the Thermactor parts, the cast iron intake manifold, and the cast iron exhaust manifolds included in the deal when I bought the car. I have a NIB exhaust port, but I'm missing the exhaust collector and related parts. Also recently bought a pair of Lucas lights to replace those missing parts.

I'm currently in the process of pulling the engine. I'm going to rebuild that and the transmission and rear end, and then decide what to do next. I don't plan to do an all-out concours restoration, but I want to restore it as correctly and originally as possible without fussing over paint stripes and obsessing over every little detail. As I've been working in the engine compartment I've discovered that the previous owner (who bought the car from the original owner) had replaced the fan and radiator with non-correct items, so I'll be looking for those also. I've verified that the heads have the correct casting number and are 428CJ heads, and using a mirror I can see that the correct partial VIN is stamped on the back of the block so I'm sure I have the original engine. Have to wait til I pull the C6 to see if it is also stamped.

If anyone can help me with more air cleaner information that would be great.

John