Topic: 66 Sway Bar End Links: Are these original?

[evantugby]

Gents,
I wanted to run these parts buy you to see if they are original or not before I switch out the rubbers.  D8BC-5493-AA

I know it's not likely but worth the question. 

Thanks.

[carlite65]

not with a 'D8' part number. that would be for a 1978.

[evantugby]

not with a 'D8' part number. that would be for a 1978.

Actually I hate that I had to ask that.  I should have known D8 was for 1978.  Good catch! 

[Bob Gaines]

Gents,
I wanted to run these parts buy you to see if they are original or not before I switch out the rubbers.  D8BC-5493-AA

I know it's not likely but worth the question. 

Thanks.

You are correct not original. Lucky for you AMK sells a very nice replacement.

[evantugby]

Thanks Bob,
I usually go to Fred Ballard for all my OEM parts I need.

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks Bob,
I usually go to Fred Ballard for all my OEM parts I need.

Fred will have the correct assemblyline style parts. In this case much more (for those reading) expensive given the assemblyline markings. I didn't think you were going the thoroughbred direction given the personalized modifications like Shelby stripes.   

[evantugby]

Bob,
Thanks for the comment. 

I've made mention here on another post that I want my kar to be as original as possible to the K-code it was when it rolled off the assembly line 23 Oct 1965 EXCEPT for the following Shelby GT-350 items (Shelby paint, hood pins, fiber glass hood, side windows, side air ports, GT-6 rims, Holley Carb, Shelby intake manifold, door sill plates and Cobra tachometer). 

This is my compromise since I can't afford a real Shelby GT-350 just yet. 

[carlite65]

do you plan to present this car for mca judging?? if so those markings will not be beneficial as you most likely would be placed in a modified class.

[Bob Gaines]

Bob,
Thanks for the comment. 

I've made mention here on another post that I want my kar to be as original as possible to the K-code it was when it rolled off the assembly line 23 Oct 1965 EXCEPT for the following Shelby GT-350 items (Shelby paint, hood pins, fiber glass hood, side windows, side air ports, GT-6 rims, Holley Carb, Shelby intake manifold, door sill plates and Cobra tachometer). 

This is my compromise since I can't afford a real Shelby GT-350 just yet. 

So are you going with original exhaust over reproduction ? Fred has that too I bet. How about the battery cables ,plug wires, belts ,hoses? All original or reproduction ? What about the Holley original assemblyline or re issue? Just for a example the concours repro end link kits AMK sells are exact except they don't have the makers mark on the bolt heads and the makers marking on the spacer tube that you can see if you look close . The AMK kit is 25.00 and the NOS assemblyline kits sell for 200.00+ many times. This kind of spread is typical for many assemblyline parts compared to the good repro parts. Sometime less sometimes more . Since you are un familiar with the parts given your questions I thought I would bring this up in light of your "as original as possible to the K-code it was when it rolled off the assembly line 23 Oct 1965" statement just in case you are in aware. Trying to help you understand so that you can choose the best path. 

[evantugby]

do you plan to present this car for mca judging?? if so those markings will not be beneficial as you most likely would be placed in a modified class.

No plans to do any competitive kar shows. I'm doing this for my own enjoyment. Unfortunately I was born in 1979, about 14-15 yrs outside the window of when these Kars were new. My restoration will be the closest thing I'll get to owning a brand new mustang.

[evantugby]

So are you going with original exhaust over reproduction ? Fred has that too I bet. How about the battery cables ,plug wires, belts ,hoses? All original or reproduction ? What about the Holley original assemblyline or re issue? Just for a example the concours repro end link kits AMK sells are exact except they don't have the makers mark on the bolt heads and the makers marking on the spacer tube that you can see if you look close . The AMK kit is 25.00 and the NOS assemblyline kits sell for 200.00+ many times. This kind of spread is typical for many assemblyline parts compared to the good repro parts. Sometime less sometimes more . Since you are un familiar with the parts given your questions I thought I would bring this up in light of your "as original as possible to the K-code it was when it rolled off the assembly line 23 Oct 1965" statement just in case you are in aware. Trying to help you understand so that you can choose the best path.

I haven't decided on which exhaust yet but it will certainly be with an h-pipe, so something very similar to stock on my kar. I will turn the tips down and cut off just flush with the bottom of the rear valance. Yes, Fred does have what I need too.

I do have a set of AMK end links. I ordered them from NPD.  I'll probably just use these instead.

My kar has a Holley but not the original one that came on shelby gt350s unfortunately. 

Yes I will probably be buying new belts, hoses, battery cables. I already bought new wiring harness and engine bay harnesses. 

I do love how active you, Jeff, Bob, Carlite, and Caspian are on this website. I'm learning a massive amount about my kar!

[carlite65]

thanks....that's what we're here for.