Ethan Langevin asked:


Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang was first produced in 1964 at a plant in Dearborn, Michigan and first introduce at the New York World’s Fair that same year. As time went on its history can be divided into four periods cleverly called generations one through five. The first generation lasted until around 1973 and the car was primarily designed around the idea of the Ford Falcon, an earlier car. In 1974 the second generation began and it lasted for about four years until 1978. It was designed around the Ford Pinto and some of its improvements included rack and pinion steering and a new frame that provided for a quieter and smoother ride. The third generation of mustangs lasted from 1979 to 1993, considerably longer the previous two generations. The new features of this generation included more trunk space and a completely redesigned interior that allowed for the seating of up to four people. The convertible was also introduced and became popular at this time. The fourth generation of mustangs started in 1994 to 2004. At this time the mustang was completely redesigned and the most popular models were equipped with slightly bigger engines. Also the convertible aspect began to disappear from production during this period. The fifth generation of mustangs started in 2005 and continues today. It was redesigned again at this time and its style became more similar to the mustangs of the sixties as opposed to those of the third and fourth generation. Its engine was also bigger than that of previous generations of Ford Mustang. That is pretty much all of the basic information about the ford mustang.



KORY

Jorge Gurza asked:


If you want to buy your Ford Mustang online at a great price, you have to do so with your eyes wide open. It is easier if you want a new car that is fully protected by the manufacturer’s warranty, although even then you have to be careful.

Even a new car could have stood outside a dealer’s showroom unprotected from the elements all winter, and you certainly have to look at it before you buy. That goes with any car, let alone a pony car, and while it is easy to but online from a site a few hundred miles away, how are you going to check it out before you clinch the deal? As long as you understand the pitfalls as well as the benefits, then you can carry on with a degree of confidence.

A guarantee or warranty from the seller regard condition of bodywork is an absolute must, and if that is refused then you must think that there must be a reason. The vast majority of car salesmen are honest, no matter what you are led to believe, but they should be willing to back that honesty up with a guarantee.

Ford Mustangs can be driven hard and that means that the maintenance must be good. Most Mustang owners love their cars and look after them, but there are the few that don’t. Be careful if the price seems unusually low, even for online, since you can more than exceed the money you saved by spending a fortune on repairs a few weeks down the road. The standard of that maintenance might also be questionable, because a lot of people go for afterparts because they are cheaper, but these are not always as good as parts from the original manufacturer.

Before buying you should ask the seller for everything needed to identify the vehicle: its model, year, place of manufacture, and details of the engine, transmission and so on. When inspecting the vehicle make sure that details on the ID plate by the driver’s door ties up with the Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) under the hood (or on the dash after 1968). If they don’t tally, or if you can’t find the plates, then don’t buy the car.

The parts of your Mustang that could go wrong, and be very costly to you, include the chassis, bodywork, drivetrain and suspension. The drivetrain especially can be expensive, and unless you are a mechanic the best way is to pay for a qualified vehicle inspector. A corroded chassis could mean that your lovely new Ford Mustang is fit only for the scrapheap, and even a new engine and gearbox is very expensive. You could buy another used car for cheaper.

The signs to look for in your test drive are squeaks and squeals, rattles and oil spots when parked. The gears should change smoothly and quietly without being forced and there should be no rust. A good driver who takes care of the car will keep the bodywork immaculate. After your test drive, keep looking: don’t buy right away. Shop around online and get an idea of the market price for the model you just checked out. If you are buying online you might have to hire a local expert to carry out the test drive for you.

If you are still interested, check out the history of your model and year. Take note of the various changes and make sure that the description fits your car. You will be able to choose with much more knowledge if you understand the history of the car, and the way it has developed over the years. You will also be able to show a degree of know-how when you speak to dealers, who might then be less liable try to take advantage and sell you a lemon. Dealers are always more wary with customers that show that they know what they are talking about.

You should also have a clear vision of what you want your car for. If you want a car just to drive around in than a Cobra might be more suitable for you than a powerful GT. So keep your intended use in mind, and then check up on the average prices of the type of Ford Mustang you are looking for. Kelley Blue Book and NADA will provide you with the book price of any specific Mustang model and year of manufacture, so you will know if you are being overcharged or not. It is always best to be armed with the proper prices when you are looking to buy a used car.

The main problem with buying online is that the seller could be a long way away from your home town, and you might not find it easy to actually see the car before buying it. If this is the case, make sure you have a money back guarantee should the car prove faulty or not as advertised. Some buyers in that kind of situation employ a local mechanic or auto service company to check over the car and provide a report. At least then you can be sure that the car has been examined by an expert.

You could ask for photocopies or scanned files of the service and repair history, but there is very little else you can do when purchasing from a distance. It is possible to get some great bargains online, and probably the best tip is to pay by credit card if possible, since you then have some degree of protection. However, the vast majority of online automobile transactions are completely honest and you will generally get what you pay for.

It is even possible to buy your Ford Mustang online on eBay, and you can get some great prices that way. As long as you know what you want and what price to expect, and take some common sense precautions in having the vehicle inspected before use, there is no reason why you cannot clinch a great online deal for your Ford Mustang, and get a good car online at a great price.



SCOTTY

Jessica Vandelay asked:


In 1964 the Ford Motor Company introduced the Mustang, selling more than one million cars in it’s just over a year. The Mustang was the beginning of a new class of sports car that would become known as “pony cars.” Ford product manager Donald N. Frey and Ford Division general manager Lee Iacocca conceived the prototype of the now classic car.

The Mustang was introduced to the public at the New York’s World Fair in 1964 and had the most successful launching in automobile history. In its first year and a half of production more than 1 million Mustangs were sold. Because the Mustang was introduced several months before the regular beginning of the production year, early Mustangs are often called 1964 and ½ models. The Mustang’s original components were based on familiar and simple components to cut down on development and retail price. The chassis, suspension and drivetrain were developed from the Ford Falcon and Fairlane. Also gleaned from the 1964 Falcon were a unitized platform frame and welded box-section side rails. Read more about Mustang components in car magazines like Car and Driver magazine, Motor Trend magazine and Lowrider magazine.

The interior of the 1965 Mustang featured adjustable driver and passenger bucket seats, AM radio and a floor mounted gear shifter in a variety of colors. Throughout 1965 Ford added to the Mustang’s interior options like sun visors, mechanical remote-operated mirror and a bench seat. Ford’s Interior Décor Group became known as “Pony Interior” because they embossed running ponies seats and armrests. Ford’s competitors GM and Chrysler were unprepared for the astonishing success of the Mustang. Chrysler introduced the Plymouth Barracuda just before the Mustang but it would be a few more years before the car became a revered Muscle car. GM had the rear-engine Corvair Monza but it did not sell well. It would take GM two years to produce the Mustang’s biggest competitors: the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird. Lincoln-Mercury also hit the market with the successful “upmarket Mustang” Mercury Cougar. In later years the Mustang inspired coupes like the Toyota Celica and Ford Capri. Read more about the evolution of Ford Mustang and its competitors in popular magazines like Car and Driver magazine, Motor Trend magazine and Lowrider magazine.

The Mustang has seen many redesigns. Currently there are five generations of Mustangs. Ford also produced many performance models of the Mustang including the Boss 302 Mustang, Mach 1 and SVO. Independent car designers like Carroll Shelby, Roush Performance and Saleen have also produced special Mustang models including what is known as the Shelby Mustang. Mustangs have appeared in many movies—more than any other vehicle–helping along the iconic status. Classic movies like the James Bond movie Goldfinger, Bullit with Steve McQueen and The French Connection with Gene Hackman. More modern movies like Gone in 60 Seconds, Vanilla Sky and Runaway Bride. In the 1980s a futuristic fictional 2015 model was featured in Back to the Future II.

For more car magazines, visit http://www.magazines.com/ncom/mag?subject=4&id=4112954372952



JAMES

Biznets asked:


helby was a racing legend even before his entry into the history books as a Ford Mustang tuner. His victory at Le Mans and fame behind the wheel of Allards is what drove Ford to turn to him with the effort of turning the sports coupe Mustang into a true racing vehicle.

While the production numbers of Shelby Mustangs is low, the influence these cars had on the industry is impressive. They began a tradition of racing legends and auto manufacturers turning out special production vehicles in low numbers but with great appeal. While Shelby ended his relatonship in the early 70s with Ford, their paths would cross again when in 2005 Ford released the latest iteration of the Mustang legend.

 

1965 Early Mustang

The first Shelby version of the Mustang appeared in 1965. All 1965 Shelbys were painted Ford “Wimbledon White” with optional Guardsman Blue stripes. Although most of the 1965 Shelbys you see on the road today have Le Mans stripes, less than forty percent of the 1965 GT 350s came factory equipped with them. All GT 350s featured rocker panel stripes with the GT350 name. The engine was a modified K-code 289 cublic inch Windsor V8 with special “Cobra” valve covers, tri-Y headers, a special intake manifold and Holley carburetor increased power from 271 to 306 hp.

Approximately the first 300 GT 350s produced were “rear battery” cars, meaning the car’s batteries were trunk-mounted. Customer complaints of acid-fumes led to the creation of the Cobra Battery Caps, which vented the acid fumes outside of the car by way of hoses exiting through the trunk floor panels. An estimated 50 1965 GT 350s (around serial number 200) came equipped with the very rare Cobra battery caps. Vehicle production changed shortly thereafter, leaving the battery in the engine compartment. Today, the most desirable of the 1965 GT 350s are the units with factory installed rear batteries.

 

 

 

1966 Shelby Mustangs

The 1966 was different in body color (non-white versions were introduced - colors included blue, red, green and black, as well as the original white) and trim. The “Le Mans” stripes were continued as an option, as in 1965. It featured special quarter-panel windows and rear air scoops on each side and an optional automatic transmission. A fold-down rear seat was now standard as well. Where early 1965 cars had black engine blocks, 1966 and later cars had the 289 engine painted blue.

The first 252 GT-350s for 1966 were “carry-over” cars. They had the 1965 Ford Mustang Bodies and 1965 Ford Mustang serial numbers under their Shelby serial numbers. They had mostly 1965 features including standard Koni shock and Engines painted black. Blue engines did not occur in 1966 until after these 252 “carry-over” models were produced. 1966 production was 1373 fastbacks including (2) prototypes and (4) drag cars and (252) “carry-over” models with Ford Mustang 1965 bodies. 1001 Hertz fastbacks were produced including (2) prototypes. 4 convertibles were also produced for a total of 2378 units for 1966.

Shelby struck a deal with the Hertz Corporation to produce a special line of GT350s for rent which were subsequently sold to the public after their rental-car lives were finished. These GT350H cars are quite rare and sought-after today, with some examples selling for more than $420,000. Shelby produced 1,000 of these cars: 800 in Raven Black, and 50 each in Candy Apple Red, Wimbledon White, Sapphire Blue and Ivy Green. All Hertz cars featured gold LeMans stripes and rocker panel stripes. Early “Hertz” cars were available with 4 speed manual transmissions until so many cars were returned from rental with burned and broken clutch assemblies that all of the later cars shipped to Hertz were equipped with an automatic transmission. These cars tend to be abused in early life from hard usage in the rental car fleet. Good restored examples can be found. 

1967 GT350s and GT500s

The new 1967 Mustang was followed with a new Shelby. It featured a 1967 Mercury Cougar tail light panel minus the chrome trim, a flip-up spoiler, and two sets of air scoops on each side. This was also the first American car to feature a factory roll bar. Surfaces such as the hood and trunk lid were made of fiberglass instead of steel for light weight and ease of manufacturering.

This year also saw the introduction of the GT500 alongside the continued GT350. The new GT500 featured a 428 cubic-inch big-block V8. This is also one of the most famous Shelby Mustangs.

A modified GT500 clone, known as “Eleanor”, was featured alongside Nicholas Cage in the 2000 remake of Gone in 60 Seconds. This modified GT500 body style is incredibly popular today, and is partially responsible for the resurgence of Shelby Mustang prices in recent years.

A convertible prototype of the GT500 was made in 1967, which was designated to be destroyed. Before Ford could destroy the prototype, it was stolen. The car was eventually recovered and sold as ‘68. 

1968 GT350, GT500 and GT500-KR

The Shelby GT350 Mustangs were powered by a 302 cubic-inch V8 while the GT500 came equipped with the massive 428 cubic-inch Police Interceptor engine. In February of 1968, the GT500-KR became available and was considered the ultimate Shelby. Under the hood was a 428 cubic-inch Cobra-Jet V8 which produced 360 horsepower. The name ‘KR’ meaning ‘King of the Road’ was a quick marketing move by Carroll Shelby who had caught wind that Chevrolet was about to unleash a marketing campaign that featured the 1968 Corvette as the ‘King of the Road.’ After a quick copyright search, they found that the ‘KR’ and ‘King of the Road’ had not been copyrighted. Stickers, photos, and decals were quickly made by Shelby and his crew and placed on the new GT500.  

1969 and 1970 GT350, GT500

Carroll Shelby terminated his agreement with Ford in the summer of 1969. The GT350 and GT500 for the 1969–70 model years received extensive facelifts, the body alone increasing in length by 4 inches. Ford was heavily involved with design and style decisions, with Shelby having very little input. Production of Shelby Mustangs ceased with the 1970 model year. The 1970 models were in fact left over 1969 models. VIN tags from 1969 Shelby’s were removed and replaced with 1970 Shelby VIN’s with careful supervision from FBI agents.

 

  27/08/2008  http://autobuynow.info/



OSVALDO

Jorge Gurza asked:


If you have a Ford Mustang, it deserves the best care that you can give it, and that includes good maintenance. Although owning a Mustang is a privilege, it can also pose some problems because of the number of changes that have taken place practically every year since that famous day in April, 1964, when it was released to the world.

Forget the demo models that were displayed at the various grand prix circuits from 1962; it was 1964 that can truly be regarded as the birth of the Ford Mustang as we know it. If you own of these original cars, then it is not only worth a fortune, but you will have a few problems finding parts for it. And that should get you thinking: if you are a Mustang owner, how do you get the proper parts for your car, new, used or aftermarket.

Many purists won’t even consider aftermarket parts, but they can be just as good as the original, and sometimes even better. They can certainly be cheaper, and usually are, but can also be inferior, and it is always good to know somebody that has found a good source of Mustang aftermarket parts.

It is also good to know a bit about your car, and you can gain a lot by knowing your Mustang and what makes it tick. It makes it much easier to get a good part from a breaker’s yard and also to fit it yourself. However, many people prefer to find their parts online, mainly because it is easier to find the part you are looking for your year and model of car, and it also a lot less work!

There is no doubt that the internet has made it much easier to shop for auto parts, and you can find just about every Mustang part you are looking for online. Not only standard parts, but you can also locate add-ons to allow you customize your Mustang and make it personal to you. headlights, floor mats, fenders, transmissions, clutches, and even brake cables: you name it, you can get it online. However, you have to make sure that the site you are visiting is reputable, and are not selling cleaned-up used parts as new. It isn’t common, but it does happen.

You also have to be certain exactly what part you have fitted. You will need your model and the year, and there are also other things you might have to know in order to get the right part. Take your transmission, for instance. If you need a new Mustang clutch, you will have to know what type of transmission you have. Check out ID tag on the jam of the driver’s door. Look for the letters ‘TR’ to the bottom right hand side of the tag, and you should see from one to five letters and/or numbers below the TR. The first identification number or letter tells you the type of transmission you have, and you can then order a clutch for that transmission. You can also order a new gear shifter using that information.

For example, the 1996 ‘ 98 Mustang Cobras and 1996 ‘ 2001 GTs were fitted with the TD-45 five speed manual OD transmission which is identified with the number 6, while the more modern Mustang 2005-07 Mustang GTs were fitted with a T-3650, the same as the 2003-05 Mach1 and the 2001 Cobra. The T-3650 transmission is identified by the letter K. It is a great help to sourcing your clutch or gear shift parts if you know your transmission. Any other numbers after the first one relate to the front and rear springs, which might be useful if your springs have gone.

The door might not be original, of course, and to determine that compare the V.I.N. (Vehicle Identification Number) with that under the hood for models up to 1967, or on the dashboard for after that. Once you have the vehicle I.D. you should find it easy to get any standard part for your vehicle online.

All you have to do then is to carry out an internet search using your favorite search engine. You can be specific, by naming the actual part, or simply carry out a general search for Mustang parts. The site you choose will then lead you to the part you want by means of menus. You might be asked simply for the model and year, or for the V.I.N. number or something even more specific, such as the transmission reference as detailed above. Whatever method is used, you should be able to locate and order the part you want.

It is easy to find Ford Mustang parts online, especially if you go to a site that has a good clear navigation system from their landing page. The most important aspects of buying Mustang parts online are that you get the right part for your year and model, and that they are of good quality. Keep that in mind, and you should not go wrong.



HUEY

Don Levy asked:


In March 1964 Ford debuted as one the most popular cars ever built. It was the car that started the pony car craze and gave us a peek into what the world would know as the muscle car era. Although it was built in 1964 it was designated as a 1965. The ones built from March until July 31, 1964 are known as 1964 1/2 Mustangs and were some what different from the ones built from August 1 and later. Most of the differences were internal and the body were identical except for the hood being rolled under in the later ones. It was basically a Falcon with a new body and bucket seats. The ones built after July are known as 1965’s and were a little more updated with such things as an alternator,adjustable passenger seat and a number of other engineering refinements. The pony interior with the running horses was offered also.

The Mustang probably had the biggest debut of any car ever made as it was introduced at the New York’s World Fair and was the pace car for the Indianapolis 500. Over 4 million people visited the showrooms and 22,000 were ordered the 1st day. It sold 417,000 the first year which broke all previous automobile sales records.

The body styles were the coupe and convertible. No fastbacks were built until the 1965’s came out in August. The engines were the U code 170 CI 6 cylinder, F code 260 V8 and the D code 289 V8 with 210 Horsepower. The GT came out in April 1965 and was offered in all 3 body styles. You had a choice of the A code 225 HP or K code 271 HP V8. The 271 HP almost qualified it as a muscle car. The 1st Shelby Mustangs, all fastbacks, came out in 1965 and was really a hotrod with no backseat and hopped up to 306 HP.

1966 didn’t see a lot of changes in the body except for the pony in the grill, side trim and restyled gas cap. The G.T. 350 came out in 1966 and Hertz ordered 1,001 of them for rental cars or “Rent-a Racers” as they were known as. Many Sundays they could be found at the dragstrip or road race course. There was a rumour at the time that a number of them were rented and the engines swapped with the renter’s engine and returned to the dealer. True or not it makes a heck of a story. This was also the first year for the High Country Special sold in Colorado and Wyoming. The Shelby GT350 was available with a 289cid that put out 390hp and likely qualified it as a muscle car. In 1967 the Mustang had the 1st body redesign, although it wasn’t a major one, mostly trim and grill. The biggest change was on the fastback where the top went all the way to the rear of the car. The convertible had a glass rear window for the 1st time.

It was the last year for 289 Hi-Po and the first year for the 390cid and 428cid engines. The GT350 had the 289cid Hi-Po while the GT500 got the 428cid. The 390cid could be had in all 3 body styles. This was the only year for the GTA which had an automatic transmission and could be had with the 289 or 390 in all 3 body styles. Only 400 High Country Specials were build in 1967.

The Chevy Camaro, Mercury Cougar, Pontiac Firebird and Plymouth Barracuda were all in the same class as the Mustang and cut into their sales, but they still outsold their nearest competitor, the Cougar by a three to one margin.

The 1968 was little changed in appearance from the 1967. The 427cid of Cobra fame came out in he GT’s. Equipped With disc brakes, racing tires and heavy duty suspension it was race ready right off the showroom floor. Mustang racer Bob Tasca efforts to build the 428 Cobra Jet was rewarded by Ford building 2,817 instead of the just 50 intial run he asked for. This was the last year for the High Country Special and a California Special was available for this year only. All the Specials were coupes.

In 1969 things really changed, the engine line had 7 different size engines and although the body had the same look it was 4 inches longer and a little wider. The engines ranged from the 2 little 6 cylinders, a regular and a Boss 302cid, 2 different 351cid, the 390cid, the Cobra Jet and Cobra Jet-R 428cid all the way up to the monster, Boss 429. The original body styles were still around, but now they were joined by the Mach 1, the Boss and the Grande. This was the last year for the GT.

The Mach 1 was basically a fastback GT with upgrades. It came with 351cid, 390cid or the Cobra Jet 428.The Grande was for the luxury buyer, with many upgrades. The Boss 302 was built to race in the TransAm series where the Camaro had beat them in 1968. They almost won it in 1969. This was the year of the Boss 429 debut, which was the Nascar version engine.

1970 was a happier year for Ford as the Boss 302 won the Trans-Am Series. Very few changes were made to the cars. The Boss 429cid came out with a hemi-head that required suspension modifications so it would fit.The 390cid was done away with. Ford built 2 1970 Boss 429 Lawmen Mustangs to tour with the U.S. troops. Only 1 of the 1,200-horsepower monsters survives today and is owned by wrestler Bill Goldberg.

In 1971 the Mustang gained one inch in wheelbase and every other dimension grew. The Mach 1 could now be had with the 429cid although the 302cid was standard. The Boss 302 and Boss 429 were both dropped in favor of the Boss 351. Like 1970 there wasn’t too much exciting happening in the Ford camp. It was like they knew the end was near.

1972 saw the end of the Mustangs wild ride. The pony had grown into a stallion, but like the stallions of the old West it’s end was near. The 429cid engine was dropped which meant that the largest engine was now the 351cid. Although the High Output version put out a respectable 275hp it was a far cry from the advertised 376hp (reputed to be much higher) the Boss 429 put out. In my estimation this was the last year for the Ford muscle cars although in reality it was 1970 as the engine cubic inches and horsepwer went the way of the dodo bird in the 1971 models.

I **** to even mention the 1973 because of the hatchet job that was done on the Mustang and other muscle cars. This was even the last year for the convertible. The 351cid was down to a wimpy 266hp. The Mustang with any kind of muscle was dead and would not really get revived until recently.

Due to the short but rich history of the real Mustangs we need to keep on restoring or preserving them so that the kids of today can have a chance to own a piece of history that will never come around again. Remember, restore them don’t crush them.



WILLIAM