Posts by CharlesTurner

Quote from RalphJr

FYI - only the TOP MCA show class (Throughbred) requires exact "correct" datecodes.

Unrestored class also... Everything has to be correct except for exhaust and shocks, which can be replaced.

There's a notch cutout on the bottom of the panels for the belts to pass under.

That would be too early. The date range you should target is 0-3 months prior to the scheduled build date.

You will have to remove the rear quarter fiberglass trim to see the outboard seatbelt holes. If you look under the car you can probably see where the bolt sticks out.

The first '65 Mustang supposedly rolled off the line on March 9th, 1964. If you are referring to the regular '65 Alternator-equipped cars, then that would have been around the beginning of August '64.

Remember that the date on your door dataplate is the "scheduled build date" and could have been off as much as days or weeks before or after. Usually, if the car has unique options or trim codes out of the norm, then the actual build date was usually skew from the scheduled date.

The starter will be all black with a general fading (not heavy paint) near the attaching end. Again... to ensure good ground.

The engine to trans plate was on the back of the motor when the engine was painted. You'll see paint along the edges but a light coat around the starter area(to ensure proper ground).

Natural cast aluminum.

Styled steel wheels have been obsolete from Ford for a very long time.

NOS ones usually sell for about what you mentioned, maybe $200-300 each, not counting centercaps or lugnuts.

Have a friend who just bought a pair of red-oxide fastback quarters for around $2500.

It's either black or teal blue. NPD carries a pretty good match of the teal color.

Ideally, you would just replace the areas that are rusted. Unfortunately, this is more time-consuming than just replacing full panels.

The long engine bay braces and dash brace were added sometime around November '64.

By the way, keep in mind that my camera did not capture the 5th one which was there. This clearly shows that there was an "extra" one on the right side, which proves there were more than 3. I think that car has something like 20k original miles. Original paint.

There should be 5. Here's a picture of a low mileage unrestored '65 fastback:

[Blocked Image: http://www.early-mustang.com/charles/sturbridge%20028.jpg]

Yes, they are the right design. The gray ones were usually used on San Jose cars. There are normally 5 per car.

That's interesting that your block was cast and built so close together. The hi-po 'vert I'm restoring had something like a 4L30 casting date and a 5A12 assembly date. Same stampings in the same locations.

Seeing as B. Perkins has a July '66 unrestored with the short tabbed clamp, I think it is probably safe to say that the tabbed clamp was used from 64.5-66. NPD is working on doing a correct reproduction of this part.

Auction ended. Looks like another shady seller, advertising to sell you the correct stamps to do an inner fender VIN stamp???

The 65 San Jose K convertible I am restoring has the same VIN stamps on the engine and trans as pictured, VIN ending in 184819.