We sampled a broad spectrum of Los Angeles-based Mustangs with Dearborn- and San Jose-build origins. Despite San Jose's reputation for sloppy exterior workmanship, we found some Dearborn cars with crooked letters on '65-'66 GT models. We're still looking for patterns among the assembly plants when it comes to emblem and letter positioning. And truthfully, we don't have a complete understanding of the entire picture yet.
When we measured our subject vehicles, we used a sewing tape measure that was proven accurate by extending it alongside two steel tape measures. We compared them because not all tape measures were created equally accurate. A sewing tape measure follows the lines and contours of a Mustang body more accurately than a steel tape measure or a ruler. When taped in place as shown in this article, the sewing tape measure is quite accurate. Determine your measurements, hold the emblem in place, gently press the pin against the finish to scribe marks, then drill your holes and mount the emblem. Next month we'll delve into the mysteries of the '67-'68 Mustang.
The Hole Truth
Letter and emblem placement is more than just proper positioning of pinholes. There's the peculiar nature of human sight called the optical illusion: Things aren't always what they seem. Sometimes letters look crooked when they're not. And sometimes they look off center when they're dead perfect. The longer you stare at them, the more crooked they appear. This is where we have to be careful during the measuring and drilling process. Accept no less than your measurements. And don't be afraid to measure the surface repeatedly until you're confident of the measurements.
The D dimension from the fender's...
The D dimension from the fender's trailing edge to the Tri-bar emblem is 1231/44 inches. As you can see, the B dimension is exactly 7 inches from the fender's trailing edge to the MUSTANG emblem, as on the '6411/42.
The A dimension on the left...
The A dimension on the left side is 831/44 inches from the upper beltline to the MUSTANG emblem. This one is off by 11/44 inch from the right-hand side. But it is a consis- tent pattern across three samples checked. Because consistency is important, we suggest 811/42 inches at the A dimension on both sides.
The C dimension from the upper...
The C dimension from the upper beltline to the Tri-bar emblem is exactly 7 inches on the left side.
The D dimension from the fender...
The D dimension from the fender trailing edge to the Tri-bar emblem is 1251/48 inches on the left side. This differs from the right-hand side by 11/48 inch.
The B dimension from the fender...
The B dimension from the fender trailing edge to the G in MUSTANG is 651/48 inches on the left side. For uniformity with the right-hand side, we suggest 7 inches.
The most consistent emblems...
The most consistent emblems we found were the 260 and the 289-V badges on the front fenders on the '6411/42-'66. Measure from the upper beltline radius down 111/44 inches to the displacement numbers as shown.
Measure from the leading edge...
Measure from the leading edge of the fender (at the fender, not the headlight bezel) to the tip of the V, which is exactly 411/44 inches on both front fenders.
The FORD on the hood on the...
The FORD on the hood on the '6411/42-'66 is the same and very consistent from the samples tested. The F is exactly 6 inches from the right side hood radius. The O is exactly 1431/48 inches, measuring from the hood radius to the left side of each letter. The center point at the hood peak is exactly 20 inches. Each letter should be 1 inch from the hood's leading edge. Position each letter parallel with the hood's leading edge.
The left-hand side of the...
The left-hand side of the hood is a mirror image of the right side. The D should be exactly 6 inches from the radius. The R is 1411/42 inches from the radius. Both letters are measured from the right side of the letter to the radius. Again, each letter should be parallel and 1 inch from the hood's leading edge. Use a straight edge to achieve perfection.
This is a restored '65 Mustang...
This is a restored '65 Mustang GT fender using the original factory holes, but why does it look crooked? Answer: The GT stripes aren't in perfect alignment with the MUSTANG letters, which are dead perfect. The rule of thumb here is, install the letters first, then use them as an alignment tool for the stripes.
Using the fender's trailing...
Using the fender's trailing edge as a reference point, here's how '65-'66 Mustang GT graphics add up on the right side. The M is at 3 inches, the U at 411/42 inches, the S at 631/48 inches, the T at 771/48 inches, the A at 931/48 inches, the N at 1111/48 inches, and the G at exactly 13 inches. Use the left side of each letter as your measuring point. The GT badge is exactly 13 inches from the fender's trailing edge and 8 inches from the upper-beltline radius to the top of the badge.