1964 1/2 Mustang Convertible Restoration Project

Students helped 3D print replacement parts for my car.   Some parts, the Shifter Handle for example, are not reproduced.  You can get a 65 reproduction, but it is larger then the original 64 1/2.  My handle had interior plastic part broken.  Only option was to find and original one, unless my student could use calipers to measure and reproduce. With 3D printers you can print in PLA (Sugar based Filament) ABS (Oil based Filament) Metal or other resins.  Each has advantage over other by flexibility, durability and design capabilities. First measured original to get perimeters for 3D Model. Student used Tinkercad online software to draw cylinder then removed parts to match original part. Printed using PLA on basic Makebot and Flashforge Finder Printer. If wanted it in Metal or other criteria can use Print Services to send part to be printed.

My car was built during March and was completed by April 1st, 1964 at Ford's Dearborne Plant and sent to a Boston Dealership and sold April 17th, 1964 to its first owner . Apparently the first owner didn't like a convertible during the Boston winter and traded it back in. By using sales muffler slips I was able to track down the second owner.   While digging in car found original Midas bill with name on it, using the internet was able to track down the 2nd owner who had no idea where it disappeared to once gave it to sister in 1970.  They got married in the car and sent me pictures of them in it.  (June 30 1968) surprisingly the car used to come to their came every summer one town over from were we live now and beside town I grew up in... I probably saw this car during the summer..... I bought car in 1992 out of a barn in Tamworth, Massachuetts.  The car was buried under hay.... last registered in 1975 and had 1976 Bicentenial Bumper Stick...

On a Mustang, Ford stamped their parts and panels offering a variety of numbers that reveal location and date codes of the production process.  For example, when a mustang was made they would mark it to the skid that it would go through the plant on. A worker would mark it in ink (which would be under paint and over time would rust and show) It is on main cowl on left passenger side of panel by radiator and battery. Mustang ID#s RADIATOR SUPPORT C337 = Skid# 337 76A = 76 Convertible Body and A Raven Black Color 486 = 4 Interior 86 Standard Interior Code PT = Power Top BL = Backup Lights VIN Number & Data Plate Decoding Vin # = 5F08F106276 5 = Year Built (All 64 1/2 were labeled 65) F = Dearborn, Michigan 08 = Convertible body Style F = Motor 260 V8 2 barrell 106276 = Number of Car (Not One Hundred Thousand all started with that number it is number 6276) Vin Data Plate Decoding Body - 76A = Convertible Color - A = Black (Raven) Trim - 86 = Bla...

Motor and Drive Train Parts from Tags and Stamped numbers on part. Mustang ID#s Motor - Small Block Motor Tag 260 64 1   C4-C 492-B Engine CID = 260 Model Year = 64 Change Level US Built = 1 Year = 4 (1964) Month = C (March) Engine Code # = 492-B  (HP RPM 164@4400, Bore&Stroke 3.80x2.87, Carb 2V, CR 8.7.1) Motor 4C14  C40E-6013 B  4 = year 1964 C = month March 14= day 14th Inspection Markings (internal) Manifold C40E-9430 A Passenger Side Distributor   C4ZF 12127 E CB C = Decade Manufacture 1960s 4 = Decade Year 1964 Z = Car Line Mustang F = Ford Service Part # 12127 = Part # E = Engineering Department Engine Carburetor Autolite 2 Barrell C4ZF E A 4CA  C = Decade Manufacture 1960s 4 = Decade Year 1964 Z = Car Line MustangF = Ford Service Part #E = Engineering Department  4CA = 4 year 1964 C = March   Power Steering Bendix Cylinder 4C16A ...