Topic: Taking a closer look at '66 GT K-code

[CobraSpeed]

NOTE: Original poster removed their first post but thread was left since it got allot of responses, has information still worthy of sharing and may help others in evaluating (in general) purchases in the future

[sgl66]

At 2:02 of the 3rd video, are those staple holes? Game over?

Car looks nice but loaded with repo parts...many not installed correctly....or even correct.

[Bob Gaines]

Nice catch!

+1 . big red flag.

[sgl66]

Looks like floor panel grafted in which would explain dual exhaust brake line however exhaust is not hung correct for a factory dual exhaust car...it's not obvious if you don't know

[Richard P.]

The spare tire wing nut is incorrect. Looks like the repo that being used.

[hopeto]

Several parts/pieces look like they were severely rusted/pitted then sand blasted and painted. The pits are still there.
+1 on everyone's comments - LOTS of RED Flags.
One example is the horn mounting brackets:

[hopeto]

Some of the Hipo specific body features are even mimicked, both incorrectly. I don't want to write an FAQ for fraudsters so I'm leaving out the fine details.

+1 - close, but NO cigar!

Is door data plate original or reproduction?

I do think the door plate is an original based on the axle code being off center and not "perfect" like the repops.

[zray]

Several parts/pieces look like they were severely rusted/pitted then sand blasted and painted. The pits are still there.
+1 on everyone's comments - LOTS of RED Flags.

I certainly don't take exception to your observations.  There's a lot on this car that could've been done better. But let's step back for a minute away from planet perfect to planet reality. Exactly how much money  do you sink  into a coupe, K code or not, before its time to stop ?

Yes,  some of the work is crap.  Yes, it's possile that the inner apron with the VIN  has been  replaced and restamped. Even if the price were right , any buyer would want to check the hidden VINs, not just on this car, but ANY car.

Yes there are reproduction parts everywhere,. That can't really be a surprise these days.  Possibly 1 member out of 100 on this forum has a car with zero reproduction parts, and that's being generous.  The supply of NOS parts is not infinate, nor makes financial sense to load down a coupe with them, except as a statement of what can be done when money is no object .

But clearly, this car was not restored to the level of quality that is acceptable to most of us on this forum. Not surprising, as we are pretty darn particular. If I was trying to sell this car on eBay, or anywhere else, I'd be  sure to point out the shortcomings before anyone else could.

Z

[Hipo giddyup]

 +1 zray... well said.  I will also say that perhaps the radiator support was replaced with one from a six cylinder car,, one that had the staple holes. I had to replace my rad support on my 64 1/2 with a correct "vented" one because the PO was backed into by a truck and had swapped it out for a more common 66' style. I had to replace all those specific 64 1/2 parts that took me sometime to track down-- beveled headlight buckets, early hood, rad support,etc.. You just never know the cars history. I guess either way, correct or not, someone will be paying for that door tag and title! Looks to be a great driver.

[drummingrocks]

It's certainly eye-catching, but there are definitely some things that stand out.  Shouldn't the grille be blacked out for a GT? 

[carlite65]

It's certainly eye-catching, but there are definitely some things that stand out.  Shouldn't the grille be blacked out for a GT?

yes. the most notiecable thing was the undercarriage paint treatment. too neat.

[Bob Gaines]

+1 zray... well said.  I will also say that perhaps the radiator support was replaced with one from a six cylinder car,, one that had the staple holes. I had to replace my rad support on my 64 1/2 with a correct "vented" one because the PO was backed into by a truck and had swapped it out for a more common 66' style. I had to replace all those specific 64 1/2 parts that took me sometime to track down-- beveled headlight buckets, early hood, rad support,etc.. You just never know the cars history. I guess either way, correct or not, someone will be paying for that door tag and title! Looks to be a great driver.

It is a distinct possibility that a radiator support was put in based on the fact that so much else was replaced too. Based on the level of workmanship skill seen elsewhere it should be relatively easy to determine if the radiator support had been replaced or not .

[rocket289k]

Is the red primer undercarriage incorrect for a '66 Dearborn?

I believe so plus the black paint on just the framerails definitely isn't correct.

[jwc66k]

Here's my gripe sheet, not in any particular order - (comments in parenthesis)
- Rear drum blackout for Style Steel Wheels (sometimes omitted if dealer added wheels)
- Pinch weld blackout
- (Front license plate but no rear?)
- LH shock tower nut should be -S8, as well as the studs
- Fuel line bracket not painted blue
- Fuel line clip should be -S2
- Wrong fuel pump
- Radiator overflow tube should be black hose (ribbed?)
- Exhaust manifold should be Ramp-Lok based on assembly date of 19 Mar 66 (change over 1 Dec 65)
- Plug wires not factory
- By-pass hose and clamps should be painted blue
- Distributor clamp should be natural (-S2?)
- Distributor clamp bolt should be -S8
- Stud on carburetor for air cleaner incorrect
- Choke mechanism on carburetor not correct
- Distributor date code is 20 Oct 65, car is 19 Mar 66
- Painted screw(s) on door for latch (should be -S8)
- Bolt on door not painted body color
- ? Metal retainer on door courtesy light switch (white plastic)
- Clamp missing at resonator to exhaust tip
- Rear springs should be darker as in heat treated
- Wrong bolts at rear resonator hanger (too long)
- Frame rails (4) should be primerede, not painted black
- Bolts on trunk lid hinge (4) should be body color
- ? Seat belt warning light without retractors
- Grill not blacked out for GT option
- Bolts (a few) on water pump not correct
- Teflon tape on manifold outlet to heater
- Teflon tape on temperature sensor
There's probably more.
With the exception of the fuel pump, everything else looks like it can be fixed easily. The carburetor may or may not be correct, check with the HP Forum.
Jim

[65,66,67UNRESTORED]

 I have a one owner original paint 1965 C code fastback that has the same holes in the radiator support. Being that my car has NEVER been painted and  that I've been in the collision business  and Mustang hobby for more than 30 years it's possible this radiator support is original to this car. Also, the factory installed a coupe B pillar on the right side of my fastback and then leaded the area where the vent window would have been. Remember, how many Mustangs did Ford sell by the 66 model year ? Most are the same but there are variations.