Codes for the three assembly plants which can be found as the first letter in
the vehicle identification number (vin) are as follows: ''F'' denotes Ford's headquarters
in Dearborn, Michigan, ''R'' designates San Jose, Calif. ( which has since been converted
to a shopping mall ), and ''T'' for Metuchen, New Jersey.
Air conditioners don't ''cool'' the air, they remove the heat through absorption
and is dissipated through the condenser (under pressure) generally in front of the
engine's radiator. For this reason, cooling systems are usually enhanced to compensate
for the extra heat generated.
The ideal length for an f.m.radio antenna is 27 inches.
The' 68- '70 mustang seats were recalled through Ford for having weak seat back
pivot brackets. Ford's repair program left something to be desired.
You can't judge a mechanic by the size of his oil can.
In 1969 printed circuit technology found it's way to the instrument cluster.
Vent windows were eliminated. Quarter windows were added to the fastback body which
was re-named the ''Sportsroof''. Door glass was glued in and eventually needs to
be re-glued (when the adhesive fails).
Fords service bulletins for six cyl. exhaust manifold installation condemns the
use of a manifold gasket. FoMoCo says to use a silicon grease compound which allows
manifold to use head as a ''heat sink'' thereby reducing exhaust manifold warping
and cracking. They also specify use of an exhaust support bracket at the engine .
All the earliest '65 Mustangs came standard with 13'' wheels and tires. All early
' 65 headliners were white.
When installing door panels, align clips in the bottom of panel first then snap
in. Install top clips last. Unless you enjoy laying on the ground.
Chicks dig Mustangs. Particularly fast ones (Mustangs) with nice paint and shiny
wheels. Not necessarily loud exhaust, but it does attract attention!
Antifreeze/summer coolant doesn't alter coolant temperature, it merely raises
the boiling point of water, as does the radiator pressure cap. Be safe, before removing
a radiator cap on a hot engine, squeeze the upper radiator hose, if you can feel
pressure DO NOT remove cap!
1966 and later 289 and some 302 heads have '' air injection '' (smog pump) castings
that block exhaust ports. Cheap horsepower AND milage can be gained by grinding exhaust
ports. Headers are practically useless with stock restricted ports.
Tighten the door latch retaining screws at rear of door. Metal fatigue causes
door jamb to crack out!
A few drops of oil on battery cables at terminal will reduce corrosion. DO NOT
over fill lead- acid batteries. As it charges, boiling of electrolyte (acid) causes
top of battery to develop a layer of acid. Tops of batteries must be kept dry to
prevent corrosion. Water dilutes electrolytes rendering it less efficient.
No 1964 1/2 Fastbacks were produced!
Original Ford radiators incorporated a ''baffle plate'' which was located in
the upper tank. The purpose of this plate is to distribute water evenly across the
radiator, improving circulation and cooling efficiency. Radiators as a rule, no longer
use this feature. Most radiator shops that must remove the baffle plate for service
seldom replace it.
If radiator coolant becomes acidic, electrolysis can destroy aluminum parts,
if this is the case, drain the fluid, fill with water and add 1/4 cup of baking soda.
After a few hours of operation,drain and refill with water, repeat. Check ph with
litmus paper or soil test kit. When the ph is neutral, fill with distilled 50/50
antifreeze. Try a radiator cap (13#) with a sacrificial anode from Shasta Mustang
to reduce degradation of dissimilar metals due to electrolysis.
Reversible keys introduced by Ford in 1966 (1967 for Mustang) can be cut to open
two different locks.
1968 Mustang ignition switches that have become worn and loose can short the
main power feed wire and burn the wire loom from the starter solenoid all the way
to the ignition switch. This is a fairly common trait with this model and carries
a costly repair bill.
On January 1, 1965 left hand outside mirror and rear seat belts became mandatory
equipment. 1968 featured the addition of the shoulder harness.
Any Mustang with power steering MUST have it's hoses routed correctly (especially
1968 models) and use a hose clamp to anchor pressure and return hoses to the tie
rod to prevent metal fatigue. Incorrect routing causes hose to burst and catch fire
against the exhaust manifold (or header). Never drive with a "dry" power
steering pump, damages may result!
It's o.k. to run with certain scissors, just not on the freeway.
1968 is the first year of Mustangs that ''radial'' tires were an option.
Power disk brakes were not an option on the 65-66 Mustang.
In 1967 when the ''select shift cruise-o-matic'' was introduced and replaced
the regular ''cruise-o-matic'' with the green dot (normal driving) , and drive 2
which has only a 2-3 shift. With Select Shift, you could do just that, hold your
gear in first, second, or drive.
Convertibles should have their door windows down at least an inch when driving
at highway speeds (when the top is up) to equalize pressure and to prevent ballooning
of the top and strain on top fabric and frame.
1969 is the only year Mustang to feature a four headlight system.
1973 was the last year for the '' Ford built'' convertible.
To quote Henry Ford ''any color you like, as long as it's black''!
Be cool, drive a classic Mustang! Be smart, shop at Shasta Mustang !
Quick Search
Menu
...Stan
G. Codger