Topic: 64.5 end date?

[Armond]

I am sure someone here will have a good answer to this question.  I have sitting here what I thought all this time was a 64.5 convert.  I haven't payed much attention to it since I am not really into them.  Well I was showing it to a guy who might be interested in buying it.  We looked at the door tag and the build date is 20 H, trans 1, Axle 6. paint X Body 76 A. Vin # 5R08C130241  He thinks it is a 65. It has one 64.5 headlight bucket. One was replaced and the hood had been replaced from a prior accident.  I do have a 64 hood for it.  it does have an alternator. Is there any other exact give away's a 64 would have a 65 would not? Anyway, opinions and thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks!

[jwc66k]

The Mustang is a 65. The give-away is the engine code "C". That engine was not available in the 1964 1/2 time frame. The 64 1/2 engine codes were "U", "D", "F" and "K", 65 engine codes were "T", "C", "A" and "K". The other give-away is the scheduled build date, 20 H, which is August 20, 1964. Per the "Mustang Production Guide", the last documented 64 1/2 San Jose Mustang was built on July 31, 1964, the first 65 Mustang from San Jose was made on August 1, 1964. Early 65 cars used up parts from 64, the hoods and headlight buckets being two. There are others.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Even more reliable than an engine code is the consecutive unit number:

Before 250001 at Dearborn is a Generator car, including 250001 and up is an Alternator car
Before 125001 at San Jose is a Generator car, including 125001 and up is an Alternator car

Doesn't get any simpler than that. 

[Armond]

Thank you Jim and Charles. I appreciate your input!

[5F09CNot4Sale]

Armond, A lot of the "64.5" sheet metal is found into mid year 65 cars. I have a Sept 64 fastback and there are tons of what people call 64.5 things on it. (hood, bezels, carpet, sill panals, spare tire tie down, ect...) I photographed a car made in November 64 that had a lot of these features. Some can go into Feb. it just depends on the part, plant and time they ran out and upgraded.

[CharlesTurner]

Agreed regarding the parts...  There are LOTS of parts that ran well into '65 production that have been commonly referred to as "64 1/2" parts.