Topic: 1968 San Jose GT 390 Fastback Original Dash Convenience Group Option

[bullitt68]

IMHO the entire dash stamping is different between 67 and 68. The biggest difference is the ash tray, a 67 will not fit in a 68.

I am going to test the convenience group panel to make sure. I wonder what the chance is it could have been removed at the factory

[ruppstang]

I am going to test the convenience group panel to make sure. I wonder what the chance is it could have been removed at the factory

I think there is a very good chance.

[bullitt68]

I think there is a very good chance.

So if those areas were modified at the factory and I can confirm I would leave it as as is. Once I test fit the convenience panel I will know for sure if they modified for that reason or not. It was not a pretty modification by any means

[J_Speegle]

67 and 68 should be the same.

Believe or have found that they are different

IMHO the entire dash stamping is different between 67 and 68. The biggest difference is the ash tray, a 67 will not fit in a 68.

+1 The modification done at the plant would be indicated on the buck tags (on cars so equipped) by the listing of the option and likely done during the bucking process.

[Bossbill]

Wow. I never noticed that bar.
The only 68s I ever parted had a/c, which might explain my confusion.

Correction noted.

[bullitt68]

My painter says that the 68 Shelby he is doing right now has the exact same bar that is bent back and up out of the way. He thinks that the factory must have done it. I guess it would be quite a coincidence if they both had the same thing done to them outside of the factory. Both cars are 68 San Jose built cars. Any insight on that theory or is it just coincidence.

[stangerdude]

Hi all, In 99% of all 68's I have worked on (a lot!) and most 67's have the center bar butchered from the factory. Some were done with care but most were hacked up. In my experience, all 67 and 68's with A/C or Convenience were cut out. Some original cars with completely original interiors without A/C or Convenience had also been cut out. It is a factory thing and maybe some workers just cut the center bar on all cars in their shift. No rhyme or reason. They were Mustang's after all!
As for the dash sheet metal, 67 and 68 are not interchangeable. As someone above mentioned, the ashtray area is very different as well as the area around the steering column for larger collapsible column brackets. There are other small changes made to 68 as well. Such as mounting clip areas etc. Hope this helps.   Paul

[J_Speegle]

Hi all, In 99% of all 68's I have worked on (a lot!) and most 67's have the center bar butchered from the factory.

If you notice in reply #5 the upper edge ( the most visible) does not appear to be cut but instead shaped differently with a finished edge. Need to look through a bunch of pictures of 67 to see how many examples I can find of 67's but need to focus on another thread search rather than go on another search this moment

 

Some were done with care but most were hacked up. In my experience, all 67 and 68's with A/C or Convenience were cut out. Some original cars with completely original interiors without A/C or Convenience had also been cut out. It is a factory thing and maybe some workers just cut the center bar on all cars in their shift. No rhyme or reason. They were Mustang's after all!

Have to disagree respectfully, Supervisors and others would not have allowed workers in situations like, to waste time and effort in the way you suggest IMHO

[bullitt68]

67s still had the knee bar.
The interior here is black. What you see is dp90 primer. No metallic coat yet.
I have a PPG mix for the charcoal metallic. I can dig that out tomorrow.

I wondered about that "center bar" of yours. My car appears unmolested in this area.
People with 68s may offer up what this may be (if original to 68s).

Hi Bill just checking to see if you found that paint code yet. I am hoping to paint the dash soon.

Thanks

[bullitt68]

Hi all, In 99% of all 68's I have worked on (a lot!) and most 67's have the center bar butchered from the factory. Some were done with care but most were hacked up. In my experience, all 67 and 68's with A/C or Convenience were cut out. Some original cars with completely original interiors without A/C or Convenience had also been cut out. It is a factory thing and maybe some workers just cut the center bar on all cars in their shift. No rhyme or reason. They were Mustang's after all!
As for the dash sheet metal, 67 and 68 are not interchangeable. As someone above mentioned, the ashtray area is very different as well as the area around the steering column for larger collapsible column brackets. There are other small changes made to 68 as well. Such as mounting clip areas etc. Hope this helps.   Paul

Thanks Paul. I decided to leave my dash as I found it and not repair the bar. I will be painting the dash soon, so I hope that I can find a way to mix up some correct dash paint. Dark Grey Metallic I believe. I tried the rattle can trick previously, but did not get a good result so I stripped it and it is in primer now. If you have a suggestion please let me know.

Thanks