Down-Under RadiatorI own an original, unmolested '66 GT fastback. It's a San Jose-built car with factory air, automatic, four-barrel 289 with the smog pump still there, and the original date-coded but trashed mufflers. It also has an unusual radiator top tank. It has no ribs like others; it is flat, almost squared off. I've noticed this type of radiator in various magazine photos. I found part numbers C6ZE-F and MC10-G-5 underneath. Can you help me with info about this unusual radiator?
Also, is it possible that a '66 four-barrel 289 could have been equipped with a high-rise aluminum intake manifold, Hi-Po exhaust manifolds, matching valve covers, factory air, power steering, and smog pump?Alexander LeeSouth MelbourneVictoria, Australia
The radiator in your Mustang is often referred to as the desert cooling package. It was used on cars in the southwestern United States with air conditioning.
The intake, manifolds, and valve covers were not factory options. However, they were popular dealer/owner add-ons for 1966. The air conditioning was probably a factory option because of the radiator you have. The power steering could have been a factory or dealer-installed option.
Sounds like a cool car with all the extra options.
Decal PlacementWhat's the correct placement for the spare-tire decal that goes on the inside of the trunk panel in my '69 Mach 1? The tire is on the right (passenger) side, so I presume it goes either on the right or in the center.Rich NeubauerVia the Internet
The trunk jacking instructions are usually on the right lower section of the decklid between the ribbing. The Ford certification sticker is usually in the center of the decklid, in the center of the ribbed area.
Rare FindRecently, I was searching eBay for a console to install in my '66 Mustang hardtop. On a whim, I went to the car ads to see what was listed. I found another '66 hardtop with only 11,474 miles. I contacted the seller and, after a few days of debating, I bought it.
The car was originally purchased new in California by a 65-year-old woman whose daughter inherited it in 2001. She sold it to a collector. Another collector/dealer purchased it in 2003, then I bought it. Except for the collector/dealer, it was a one-owner for 33 years. From what I have assessed, the only non-original parts are the tires (which are still bias-ply), battery, top radiator hose, and oil and air filters. It's equipped with a 289 2V engine, A/C, power steering, automatic transmission, rally wheels, vinyl top, and C-stripe. Since it came without a radio, it has a block-out bezel in the instrument panel.
The car was always garaged and never driven in the rain. The interior is spotless and looks as though it just came from the factory. The ashtray and cigarette lighter were never used so they are bright, shiny metal. The exterior is beautiful with just a few scratches. It was obviously well cared for during its lifetime. An oil-change sticker on the driver-side door reads April 1987 when the car had 9,500 miles.
I only need to clean the engine compartment and undercarriage, which brings me to my question. What should I use? Since the car was never undercoated, the bare metal components have slight surface rust. I've used Gunk and it helped a little, but is there anything better that won't disturb the factory markings and paint daubs? Also, what can I do to preserve it as is? I plan to drive it infrequently, so it will mainly be stored in my basement garage with dehumidifiers and heat registers to help maintain climate control.Dudley SimmonsPoughkeepsie, NY
Sounds like a rare find to me. First locate and replace the incorrect parts with new-old-stock Ford parts so your car will be completely concours correct if you decide to show it in the Mustang Club of America's Unrestored Class.