Royal RedlinesI have a '66 Mustang GT convertible and would like to add the optional dual-redline tires. I remember you once wrote there was only one manufacturer of dual-redline tires for Mustangs. There are several reproductions available today, but I want to get the originals for my '66.James GiebelFall River, WI
The original manufacturer for the 6.95x14 dual-redline tires was U.S. Royal, the only supplier to Ford for dual-redline tires in 1965-1966. According to a Ford dealer supplement, the "Dual Red Band Tires," as they were called, became available August 20, 1964, as a $57 option for six-cylinder models with 14-inch wheels and $49.60 for V-8s. Front disc brakes, Styled Steel wheels, and the emergency flasher were added to the Mustang's option list at the same time.
Dipstick BlackDuring the Mustang Club of America show in Louisville, I was listening to the judges as they inspected a black, one-owner '71 Boss 351. I heard them say that the oil-fill dipstick should be black, not Ford blue. Is this correct? The one on my Boss 351 is blue. I don't show in the concours class, but I would like my dipstick to be correct.Ben HebersNashville, TN
The correct color for the Boss 351 dipstick is semigloss black.
Concours QuestionsI have a short list of questions that have been puzzling me for several years. I'm currently restoring a '65 Dearborn-built convertible to Mustang Club of America concours-driven standards. My car's build date is November 4, 1964, and it has the A-code 289, a four-speed, front disc brakes, and the handling package. To be concours correct, I'm not converting it to a GT.
In regard to engine dress-up kits, did Ford PN C4OZ-6980-A have the open-letter Cobra valve covers? What is the part number of the kit with the chrome Hi-Po valve covers? Or were the chrome versions offered later?
Should the phosphate bolts that hold the front valance and stone deflector together be painted body color or left in natural phosphate? What about the plated sheetmetal Phillips head screws that mount the rear valance panel to the body? I assume they're not painted body color.
Finally, does the MCA approve Rally-Pacs with the clocks converted to quartz movement? I've heard conflicting opinions and can't find anything about it in the MCA rule book.Dave EnkeVia the Internet
The Cobra C4OZ-6980-A Cobra dress-up kit did come with open-letter Cobra valve covers, and the kit would be correct for your Mustang's build date. The Hi-Po chrome dress-up parts were sold individually as the C5ZZ-9600-W air cleaner, C4DZ-6582-A and B valve covers, C2S2-8100-A radiator cap, C4DZ-6766-C breather cap, and C252-2162-A master cylinder cap. The C5OZ-6750-A chrome dipstick was also available. I've never seen the chrome components listed as a kit.
The hardware that attaches the front valance and stone deflector to the front fenders is natural-finish in phosphate and oil. The screws that hold the rear valance to the body are painted body color because the valance was painted while on the car during assembly. It's common for some of the screws to remain natural if two or three were installed before the car was painted, but at least three must be painted to be MCA correct.
It's MCA correct in the driven concours class to have quartz movement in the Rally-Pac clock.
Early, Late CapsI recently attended the Mustang Club of America show in Louisville, Kentucky, with my father. We have a '6411/42 hardtop that my father bought in 1966. We've kept the car in good condition but plan to restore it in the near future.