🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Ford

Model:

Montego

Year:

1968

Chassis Code:

Montego platform

Engine Codes:

Varies by specific engine option

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners and technicians of 1968 Ford Montego seeking comprehensive repair and maintenance information.

Value Proposition:

Provides factory-level repair knowledge, enabling cost-effective DIY maintenance and repair.

Accessibility:

Delivered as a digital PDF via email, offering quick access after purchase.

User Friendliness:

Easy-to-read text, numerous illustrations, and searchable functionality.

Guarantee:

Customer satisfaction guaranteed with follow-up support.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

V8 variants (e.g., 302 cu in, 390 cu in, 428 cu in)

Transmission:

Automatic (e.g., C6), Manual (e.g., 3-speed, 4-speed)

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (coil springs), Rear leaf springs

Brakes:

Front disc, Rear drum (standard), Power assist options

Electrical System:

12-volt, Generator/Alternator systems, Lighting, Ignition, Starting

Fuel System:

Carburetor systems (e.g., Motorcraft 2-barrel, 4-barrel)

Cooling System:

Radiator, Fan, Water pump, Thermostat

Exhaust System:

Manifolds, Pipes, Mufflers, Tailpipes

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, Frame, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior trim

Steering:

Power steering systems, Steering column

Body Electrical:

Wipers, Horn, Interior lights, Exterior lights, Gauges

HVAC:

Heater core, Defroster, Air conditioning (optional)

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, Common problems and solutions

Specifications:

Torque values, Clearances, Electrical resistance, Fluid capacities

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, Tune-up procedures, Lubrication

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified but implied to be extensive)

Type:

Factory Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Email with download link

📖 Manual Coverage

All Systems:

Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems.

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication, tune-ups, fluid checks.

Repair Tasks:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake service, suspension replacement, electrical diagnostics.

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common issues.

Adjustment Procedures:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment.

Component Disassembly And Assembly:

Detailed instructions for removing, overhauling, and reinstalling major components.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Detail Level:

Factory-level detail, mirroring the knowledge of factory-trained technicians.

Type:

Numerous illustrations and diagrams to aid in understanding and execution of procedures.

Feature:

Searchable PDF functionality for quick access to information.

Feature:

Printable pages for convenience during repair work.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-quality PDF, suitable for digital viewing and printing.

Searchable:

Yes

Recommendation:

Printable for workshop use, allowing for clear visibility of text and diagrams.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely 302 cu in (4.9L) V8, 390 cu in (6.4L) V8, and potentially the 428 cu in (7.0L) V8 based on common Ford offerings of the era.

Horsepower Torque:

Varies significantly by engine. For example, a 302 V8 might produce around 210-220 hp, while a 390 V8 could range from 265 hp to over 300 hp, with corresponding torque figures.

Carburetion:

Motorcraft 2-barrel or 4-barrel carburetors are typical for this period. Specifications for jet sizes, float levels, and idle mixture adjustments will be detailed.

Type:

Conventional points and condenser ignition system, with distributor and coil. Specifications for point gap, dwell angle, and ignition timing will be included.

Radiator Capacity:

Approximate capacity for V8 models, likely around 20-22 quarts including heater core.

Oil Capacity:

Typically 5 quarts (including filter) for most V8 engines of this era.

Block Material:

Cast iron

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Likely the Ford C6 SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission for V8 models. Manual transmissions (e.g., 3-speed manual) were also available, especially on lower trims or with smaller engines.

Type:

Four-speed manual transmission (e.g., Toploader) would be a common option, particularly for performance-oriented models.

Automatic Features:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls for shifting.

Automatic Fluid Type:

Typically Ford-spec Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), likely Type F or Dexron II depending on the specific transmission build date and manufacturer's recommendation. The manual will specify the exact type.

Automatic Capacity:

Approximately 2-3 quarts for a fluid change, with a full overhaul requiring more.

Type:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (SAE 90 is common).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 116 inches (2946 mm) for standard Montego models. Station wagons may have had slightly different dimensions.

Length:

Varies by body style (e.g., sedan, hardtop coupe, station wagon). Sedan/hardtop likely around 200-210 inches.

Width:

Approximately 76-77 inches (1930-1956 mm).

Height:

Approximately 53-54 inches (1346-1372 mm) for coupe/sedan models.

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3600-4100 lbs (1630-1860 kg), depending on engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Will be specified by Ford, generally higher for station wagon variants.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Performance:

No formal crash test ratings like modern vehicles. Safety features focus on passive restraint and structural integrity of the era.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes provided improved stopping power over drum-only systems. Power assist was an option for reduced pedal effort.

Seat Belts:

Standard lap belts, shoulder belts likely optional or standard on higher trims/specific models. The manual will detail their proper function and maintenance.

Steering Column:

Ford's 'energy-absorbing' steering column was introduced in this era, designed to collapse in a significant impact.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass for the windshield. Side and rear glass typically tempered.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM radio, optional AM/FM radio. Cassette players were not standard in 1968.

Cruise Control:

Optional cruise control systems were available on some models.

Connectivity Features:

No digital connectivity features common in modern vehicles. Communication and control are purely mechanical and electrical.

HVAC System:

Standard heater and defroster. Optional factory air conditioning was available, typically a dealer-installed or factory-optioned unit requiring a separate compressor and condenser.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or every 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. The manual will provide specific recommendations.

Tune Up:

Recommended at 12,000-24,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, points adjustment, carburetor check, and PCV valve inspection.

Transmission Service:

Fluid and filter change every 24,000-36,000 miles for automatics is a common recommendation for this era.

Engine Oil:

API SF or SG rated, with viscosity typically 10W-30 or 10W-40 for general use, though thicker oils (like 10W-50) might be specified for heavy-duty use or warmer climates. The manual will specify the precise recommendation.

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with water (50/50 ratio) for freeze protection and corrosion inhibition.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. The manual will specify the exact type and replacement interval.

Engine:

Potential for oil leaks, carburetor tuning issues, ignition system component failure (points, condenser, coil).

Suspension:

Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and bushings; potential for coil spring sag.

Electrical:

Corrosion in wiring harnesses, failure of voltage regulators (if generator equipped), issues with older starter motors.

Rust:

Common in floor pans, rocker panels, and wheel wells due to age and environmental exposure.

📚 Vehicle History

Ford Legacy:

Ford has a long history of producing popular and robust vehicles, from the Model T to modern iterations.

Montego Lineage:

The Montego was introduced for the 1968 model year as a mid-size offering from Ford, positioned between the Fairlane and the full-size LTD. It was based on the Ford 'Fairlane' chassis that also underpinned the Mercury Cougar and Ford Torino.

Manufacturing Locations:

Assembled in North American Ford plants, typical for the era.

Production Years:

The Montego nameplate was used from 1968 to 1976.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press:

The 1968 Montego was part of Ford's successful mid-size offering, generally well-received for its styling and available V8 power options in the context of its time. Specific awards for the Montego itself are rare from this era compared to modern vehicles.

Performance Reviews:

Contemporary reviews likely praised its ride quality, V8 performance (especially with larger engines), and comfortable interior for its class.