Topic: 66 San Jose Fastback

[gwenerater]

Asking the experts here.  I have recently come into possession of a C code 66 San Jose fastback with a build date of 22 Dec 1965 (22M). During my ongoing refurbishment I am noticing an increasing number of 65 parts within the car. I am aware that many if not most of these parts are interchangeable yet I am puzzled as to why, for example, there are 65 door panels in this car as well as a 65 horn assembly on the left radiator support but a 66 horn on the right. Curiously, the car has the early type 289 motor mounts, separate cam sprocket spacer  etc.  The list goes on and on. Has this car been hacked to death piecemeal-ed together or is there a chance that it was built this way. Just trying to learn my car.

[J_Speegle]

First welcome to the site Got allot of catching up to do   Hope you find the information and support you need in your concours related projects. Again Welcome


Believe you are discovering a mix (not untypical with 50 year old used cars) original 65 details that were carried over and parts prior owners just added.  Consider that these have often been family cars repaired or kept running often using what was easiest or cheapest for many decades. You need to treat each part and item separately.

[gwenerater]

Thank you for your response Jeff.

[ChrisV289]

By the look of the picture are you in Cali or AZ?

[jwc66k]

I have recently come into possession of a C code 66 San Jose fastback with a build date of 22 Dec 1965 (22M). During my ongoing refurbishment I am noticing an increasing number of 65 parts within the car. - for example, there are 65 door panels in this car as well as a 65 horn assembly on the left radiator support but a 66 horn on the right.

Welcome to the forum. A lot of parts were common between 65 and 66 Mustangs (I have one of each - both GT Fastbacks), but I'll question the 65 door panels. That was a definite changeover for 66. My horns are the same as yours, a mix. When you get deeper into these "mysteries", you can determine if your engine is the original, why are your engine mounts the old style (the published change over date is Dec 1, 65). Another factor is the build date - it's a "scheduled" date and most likely off by up to a week. Not a big deal - usually.
Enjoy,
Jim

[Boss/Cyclone]

Funny coinindence, I also own a 66 fastback built on December 22.   Candyapple red, red pony interior, GT, 4speed.   Mine was built at Dearborn and I have not seen any 65 parts on mine.   I have owned it since 1984.   I just saw the date your car was born and thought wow 2000 miles away mine was being born that same day.

[gwenerater]

Another coincidence worth mentioning is the fact that I was first introduced to my 66 after my uncle purchased it and drove here from San Pedro, CA in .........wait for it........1984!

[Boss/Cyclone]

Another coincidence worth mentioning is the fact that I was first introduced to my 66 after my uncle purchased it and drove here from San Pedro, CA in .........wait for it........1984!

Wow that is cool, my 66 is the first car I ever bought and still have it.