Bumping The GuardsCan you tell me if front bumper guards (and rear, for that matter) were an option, or were they installed on every '65-'68 Mustang at the factory? I'd like to remove the front guards on my '65 and '67 Mustangs, but would not do so if it means I'll get downgraded for removing original parts. I have seen many pictures of various Mustangs that don't have them on and I prefer this look myself.Bryan LakinSpringfield, MO
Bumper guards were indeed standard factory items and must be on the vehicle for concours show points. The only exception was deletion of the rear guards on the '65-'66 GT Mustangs, as they have exhaust trumpets exiting the rear valance instead of bumper guards. Mustang bumper guards simply bolt on and can be installed or removed easily. Many owners prefer the cleaner look without the guards and remove them.
Which Speedo Gear?I'm restoring a '68 GT 500KR. When I bought the car many years ago, it had a 427 side-oiler and a Top Loader four-speed. I have since obtained the correct 428 Cobra Jet engine and C6 automatic transmission. I need the Ford part number for the correct speedometer gear. If it's not available, can you provide me with the color and number of teeth for the gear so I can search for one? The car has 3:50 gears and E70x15 tires.Jim CappelliAmhurst, MA
According to the Ford Parts catalog, your speedometer gear should be a 20-tooth gear, PN C1DD-17271-A. The gear should still be available through your local Ford dealer. CJ Pony Parts lists a reproduction as well. Call them at 800/888-6473 and order PN 1278.
Single to DualsI own a '70 Mach 1 with a 351-2V Cleveland, FMX transmission, power steering, and manual drum brakes. The car has the original exhaust manifolds and single exhaust system, but I want to install a factory-sounding dual exhaust with OEM-type turn-down tips so I won't have to change the rear valance panel. Is there a complete bolt-on system I could install that would require minimum modifications while still keeping the original manifolds?Mark SwannVia the Internet
You're in luck. K.A.R. Auto Group lists the system you're looking for. They can supply one for either style rear valance (with or without cutouts) and they even differentiate between vehicles with or without staggered shocks. The front H-pipe is available separately. Contact K.A.R. at 800/341-5949 or at their Web site, www.karmustang.com.
'69 T-5 SwapI own a '69 convertible with the 200 six and three-speed manual transmission. The 200 six is a great little engine and is running fine. I have no problem cruising at 65-70 mph. However, the problem is getting from 70 to 80 when passing. I'm thinking about swapping to a T5 five-speed transmission, which should drop the rpm from 3,000 to 2,000 at 70 mph and also improve my gas mileage. All of the transmission swap articles I've seen have used '65-'68 models and the swap requires a conversion kit for the bellhousing. I've read that the bellhousing for the '69 200 six is the same as the bellhousing for the V-8, thereby not requiring a conversion kit. Can you confirm this? Also, from which late-model vehicles, other than a Mustang, can I salvage a "not-so-old" T5?David FloresRoyse City, TX