Topic: 65 GT Maybe? Something doesn't "smell right"

[WT8095]

The PLOT thickens:
So since this is NOT a GT, and I need to build an estimate to accomplish a job I find suitable to sign my name to, I need a few more items than originally known before actually seeing the car.

One more thing to evaluate: Since it's been established that the car is NOT a GT - what is the condition of the rear valance? In other words, if it's a genuine or repro GT valance that was added to the car, you may not have any issues. But if it's the original non-GT valance that was modified, replacement tips and trim may not fit properly. Worst case is you end up replacing the entire panel (plus having to paint it to match).

[Smokey 15]

 With the riveted tags, some of the 'correct' GT parts, etc., I'm thinking it may be a re-body. The original GT could have been wrecked or rusted beyond salvation.  ............Just a thought.

[jwc66k]

With the riveted tags, some of the 'correct' GT parts, etc., I'm thinking it may be a re-body. The original GT could have been wrecked or rusted beyond salvation.  ............Just a thought.

The "dip" in the dash for the speedometer in the front, the doubler plates behind the rear seat in the middle for the muffler hangers and the crush tubes in the rear frame rails for the dual exhaust hangers (the first thing I look for - see pictures) are the key component or traits that make a GT. Just about everything else is "bolted on". It's a lot easier to prove a 65 Mustang is not a GT than to prove one is. Experience helps.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

Pretty common (during the late 70 and through the 80's) to add GT pieces from donor cars to non-GT's. Done all the time and after 40 or so years most/many buyers don't even question the GT after all that time. Remember all the early collector auctions being littered with GT's  to the point where non-GT's were uncommon. Had to break the bad news to many a GT pony interior cars (lots of convertible owners) that their cars were really/originally  6 cylinders

[67gtasanjose]

Well, I've now talked with the current owner about the stays of his car, he's a little disappointed but he is OK with it as it is.

I bought a set of the 2" Drake extensions to use and stock style reproduction hangers etc. One of the trim rings in the rear apron was upside down (see pictures) so when I went to turn it over the spot welds broke (no effort at all) so I bought a new pair of those too. I'll be using an Exhaust Kit to get the correct style mufflers but ordered the non-resonator type. The rest is just another day bending and fitting pipes, nothing new for me. Having the equipment helps, but honestly, building a nice job from "scratch" not always real easy. A $200 exhaust kit saves a bunch of time!