Hi all!
I just won the bid on 2 items on ebay. Got the factory 4 barrel intake manifold and carb to start my C code to A code mod. I got the dress up kit and exhaust manifold comming from NPD. I'm gonna be busy fer a couple of weekends. I do have a question though. If you got the GT package from the factory (if it came from the factory) what engine options did you get? I understand you could get the A code mod from the dealer? Was the GT package a dealer add on? I'm kinda confused about what the GT options were and where they were put on.
Thanks, Walt

 

Got a quick question for you first - how come you went with the iron Ford intake instead of an aluminum aftermarket? The aluminum piece saves quite a bit of weight.

As for the GT package - yes, it was available from the factory as A-code and K-code cars (in 1965 and '66). Many folks argue that the dealer would also add the unique GT parts to any V8 Mustang, but I have yet to meet anyone that owns one of these cars. You'll hear the terms "factory GT" and "dealer GT" tossed around a lot, and that's what they're in reference to. But most folks will tell you that a factory GT is the only real GT. (I tend to lean that way myself.) I'm not quite sure what you mean by "A-code mod." Can you elaborate?

When you ask about "engine options," are you meaning power steering and what not? As far as I know, an A-code GT could have any of the power options that a standard Mustang could. The K-code however, could not. They could not be ordered with A/C for instance - whether they were a GT K-code or a standard K-code.

The GT package (again, for '65 and '66) consisted of front disk brakes, a stiffer suspension, quicker ratio steering box, dual exhaust, and either of the 4 bbl. V8 engines. The appearance part (of the GT package) is what most folks recognize though. It consists of the grille-mounted fog lights, the trumpet exhaust tips (exiting though cut-outs in the rear valance), a rocker stripe (decal), and GT badges. In 1966, they also came with a special GT gas cap (while '65 models used the standard Mustang cap). And in '65 GTs, the "new" 5 dial instrument cluster was used in place of the Falcon style. It bacame standard fair in 1966. All these things were put on at the factory; thus, a true "factory GT."

One more thing... the Deluxe Interior Package (most folks call it "Pony interior" these days) was not part of the GT package. From time to time you'll hear folks claim it is; but it's an entirely separate package. It could be had with or without the GT package.

Does that clear a few things up for you? Hope so. Welcome aboard!

 

Don't forget the larger diameter front stabilizer bar.

Another misconception were the Style Steel Wheels. They were a seperate option not included in the GT package.

 

Hi all!
Thanks for the relpys. In answer to you question I just wanted stock parts on my car. Not trying to deceive anybody as it is the only stang I will ever own and want to make it a GT. I wish I could buy one but with kids in college it will be the only stang I will ever own. I have a very sound car with low miles. I am going to change it to what I want and drive it happily untill I die. Then my wife can sell it. In regards to you question as to A code. From what I have read I thought a A code was a dealer option? GT was a factory option with different engine options? I know that you could get a GT without a pony interior. I have the pony. earlymustang. Is your car Rangoon red? I'm asking as I want to change the color of mine.
Thanks, Walt

 

Danny pretty much summed it up regarding the GT package, etc. But, Hey, I am an original nut, so I am pleased you are using a factory iron intake and manifold. It appears you aren't concerned about racing it, so why not make it original? The aftermarket aluminum intake and headers will significantly increase your horsepower, but if that is not what you are after, then why spend the bucks to get it there? I'm with you....keep it original as much as you can, but have the A code carb and intake added.

 

It is Rangoon Red and it is an original C code so it is not a factory GT. Is it a clone? NO! No stem cell research done here. Is it a Mustang w/GT options ...YES. Is it a factory GT....NO. Did the dealer originally offer every GT component over the counter....YES. Did the dealers say "come in and make your Mustang a GT
Clone"....NO (see original ad below). EVERY component Dan66 mentioned below plus the larger diameter stabilizer bar is on my car. So in my case, I went as far as I could to do it right. Not just stripes and trumpets. The only way you can tell it's not a factory GT is that the vin tag and apron have a C in it and in 66 not 65 you could get it w/a C4 automatic. I even have the correct grille w/the correct fog light holes. Some guys in this forum will frown upon you for changing your car to a GT. If they don't have a 100% concours car, they should just zip it because 99% of us here have parts on our cars that didn't come that way from the factory.
It's your car, do what you want and enjoy it.

[IMG]local://upfiles/14974/112A142E09BD49499B4A416E9AFA226B.jpg[/IMG]

 

Well said earlymustang. I can only hope my soon to be GT turns out as nice as yours! Really gives me something to shoot for. Now to find a rally pac
Thanks, Walt

[IMG]local://upfiles/18678/EC709D68BF85461FA64AEB8137879B15.jpg[/IMG]

 

I think you may still be somewhat confused about this engine code stuff...

The VIN (located on your driver's fender apron and on the door data plate) has a letter as its 5th character. That letter indicates what engine the car left the factory with. Neither that letter nor any other character of your VIN can be changed - by the factory, dealer, or owner. It's a federal offence.

If your car was not produced with the 4 bbl. 289 (i.e. an "A-code" car), it can never be an A-code car. The dealer could not and would not alter any car's VIN. The changing of VINs was never an "option" at a Ford dealer or any other make of car. Whatever your car was born as, is what it will die as.

I'm not sure, but I think you may be thinking that "GT" is also part of the VIN codong system. It is not. "GT" is just the sporty-sounding name that Ford decided to use on it's performance version of the Mustang. Nothing more. But for a car to be eligible for the GT package, it had to have one of the two higher-end V8 engines offered (in 1965 and '66). Those cars would have an "A" or a "K" as the 5th character of their VIN. Thus, an "A-code" or "K-code" car. Quite frankly, the dealers probably wouldn't have a clue what you were talking about back then if you asked about an A-code or K-code car. Those are terms that the hobby has coined since these cars have become collectable. (Like "Pony interior.")

So, you've got a "C-code" car that you'd like to appear as a GT. Good for you! Have at it! My fastback is a C-code. As a matter of fact, I don't even have GT badges on it. I've made my own with Cobra emblems in them. Was there a 1966 Mustang Cobra? Absolutely not. It's for my own enjoyment. Make it what you want it to be and drive the heck out of it! More power to you, Walt!

 

Walt, I have always liked white. It really shows the lines of the car. As far as the Rally Pac, there is a "high" and "low" profile available. If you have the 5 dial "GT" instrument cluster, you will want the "low" profile pac. Also, you will want the 6,000 rpm version. The 8,000 rpm version was for the K code engines.
The have them at NPD and other retailers.

 

Wow, that's a nice sig pic of your Vert, Matt. Do you have it in the Classic Gallery?