Topic: Autolite spark plug air cleaner decal - 1965

[Goosebrau]

Hello all. My first post on the site.

I just finished my engine bay project on my May 1965 A-code Dearborn Convertible, 5F08A736023.

I've read multiple threads, posted to restoration groups, questioned parts shops, etc. I'm clearly puzzled on the Autolite Spark Plug decal. I've read it matters on the assembly plant, the engine code, early vs. late 1965, decal inventory, and even the specific employee that put the decal(s) on any given day. A fun algorithm indeed for folks that want it "correct".

I own the book "Collector's Originality Guide Mustang 1964 1/2-1966" by Colin Date. For 1965, there are some engine photos that show the rectangle and curved decal. I've attached them below.

The stacked engine photos are stated as C-Codes, showing both the curved decal on top of the air cleaner lid, and the rectangle decal placed on the driver's side of air cleaner pot.

The single photo caption states it is an A-Code and is showing the curved autolite spark plug decal on the top of the lid.

The vast majority of people are telling me to place this decal on the driver's side air cleaner pot, including my restoration shop (Mustang Restorations). But several have told me otherwise, much like these book photos.

My last bit of input is conflicting parts retailers. For example, CJ Pony Parts says the rectangle decal is for a 65-67 6 cylinder here https://www.cjponyparts.com/jim-osborn-reproductions-decal-air-cleaner-autolite-spark-plug-6-cylinder-1965-1967/p/DEC352/, while they show the curved version for V8 engines here https://www.cjponyparts.com/jim-osborn-reproductions-decal-air-cleaner-autolite-spark-plug-v8-1965-1967/p/DEC160/.

Kentucky Mustang shows the same.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm perseverating on this single sticker.

Thank you,
Steve

[carlite65]

i would not trust CJ Pony's info. now have you looked in the library section here specifically at the unrestored photos? if not then that would be your next step.

[J_Speegle]

Welcome to the site. Hope you find the information and support your looking for to help you with your concours related projects.

Since your new I guess you might not be familiar with the now being able to see and read all of the site. For your particular questions it has been posted before - and the search with some work would have helped there. Another source is the collection of unrestored cars shown in individual threads in the Unrestored picture section of the site. You will find it on the big main page near the bottom after all the individual Mustang sections by year

As far as sources books can often be dated with their information and may rely a lot on restored examples rather than original ones. As far as vendors you need to remember that many are focused on what they have that they can sell (not all of them) not always what was original.


Here are a few prior threads that might help answer your question. Location of the decals IMO would not differ between C or A code during this time period but they could differ depending on what plant (workers) were and their supply.

Thread with pictures from one of the cars in the Unrstored Picture Threads of a car likely built just before your car

https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=14857.msg92612#msg92612

Here is an additional picture from one of the unrestored picture thread - Car built likely a bit after yours

EC3-

[Goosebrau]

carlite65 and J_Speegle. Excited to jump in and continue further on the site.

Thank you for teaching this man to fish!

[dkknab]

carlite65 and J_Speegle. Excited to jump in and continue further on the site.

Thank you for teaching this man to fish!

Thought I'd just chime in as a long (relative) time member of this forum. You'll be happy to know you've hit the jack pot in terms of accurate information. There's no other site in my view.

[Goosebrau]

And some polite folks. Happy to be here.

I'm also searching the forum for restored and completed concours member projects. So far I'm seeing a general forum here:
Member Restorations/Builds > https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?board=54.0

I'm assuming other than using the search tool, there isn't a specific build year. For example, just a forum of members' 1965 Mustangs.

Thanks.

[rhjanes]

There are a lot of decal's and decal kits out there.  As noted, many vendors just want to sell at an attractive price point. A few vendors will have two decals for the same place and application.  One will be cheaper and one will be concours correct.   I find ECS Automotive as a source for correct decals.  Not necessarily cheap but if you are looking for correctness, look at them. 
https://ecsauto.com/

[J_Speegle]

Another suggestion - In general steering clear of "kits" unless you have research each and every decal in the kit and they are correct for your specific car, engine and plant. If not you'll be tossing some away

[Goosebrau]

I'm slowly learning that you're correct.

In terms of color correctness, I've seen this specific decal in discussion using different color tones for the top and bottom color bands. One being more of a red and the other being closer to an orange. It seems to me that the latter may be closer to the 289 CUBIC INCHES orange color.

I'm assuming the more orange version is the correct version, correct? I believe this was from ESC Automotive, as hjanes suggested.

[Bob Gaines]

Yes more orange. ECS is the benchmark for the correct reproduction decals. Not that they are always perfect however you can count on them to be the most correct.

[Goosebrau]

Thank you. I've asked ECS the same quesstion via email, phone and even messaging through their eBay store. No reply. I'll roll the dice on your suggestion and get the orangish decal.

[J_Speegle]

Thank you. I've asked ECS the same question via email, phone and even messaging through their eBay store. No reply. I'll roll the dice on your suggestion and get the orangish decal.

Would not suggest that your "rolling the dice" with a suggestion or guidance from this group unless that is how it is explained at the time the suggestion is given    We have a pretty good record and since this is all done on a public forum we have a very good IMO peer review attitude that invited additional information and examples for that review and discussion. This has been the practice here since we started, all in a respectful manner with a focus on what is original/true.

Oh BTW yes agreeded its the orangish one your looking for 

[Goosebrau]

J_Speegle,

Would not suggest that your "rolling the dice" with a suggestion or guidance from this group unless that is how it is explained at the time the suggestion is given

Probably too casual of phrasing by me and poor choice of wording. No offense intended. I don't doubt the record of review is top notch, thus me inquiring here in the first place. Much respect!

Oh BTW yes agreeded its the orangish one your looking for

Thank you. It's ordered.

Have a good week all.

[Texas Swede]

This is a picture of the decal on my NOS air cleaner. About 35 years ago I traded for a complete 66 HiPo air cleaner including the burgundy air filter. Base was dated 6A. The decal was on the lid. Traded the 6A base for a 5A base with Dave McDonald. It now on my 65 GT350.
Texas Swede

[Bob Gaines]

This is a picture of the decal on my NOS air cleaner. About 35 years ago I traded for a complete 66 HiPo air cleaner including the burgundy air filter. Base was dated 6A. The decal was on the lid. Traded the 6A base for a 5A base with Dave McDonald. It now on my 65 GT350.
Texas Swede

It is counter intuitive but it is typical to find the straight sticker instead of the curved one on the hipo lid.