69-73 Mustang Chrome Automatic Transmission Shifter Handle

We handle a very nice chrome Auto. Trans. Shift T-Handle for the Mustang.  Originals are often scratched and/or pitted, so this is a very popular part. 

For years, only one style of chrome handle was available.  It is really the 65-67 version, but it works just fine on all 64 1/2-73 Mustangs.  This handle is made by Scott Drake Mustang, and is a super nice reproduction.

The 69-73 Mustang T-Handle is a bit bigger and beefier.  Scott Drake just came out with this one too. 

Don't forget that we also have the exact reproduction of the 68-69 Mustang Handle found in the Deluxe Interior Models.  This handle will also fit all years.

...so here is the run down:

IN-569      65-67 Chrome Mustang Shifter Handle

IN-5689    69-73 Chrome Mustang Shifter Handle

IN-5691   Deluxe Interior Mustang Shifter Handle - Black

IN-5692 Deluxe Interior Mustang Shifter Handle - Maroon

IN-5693 Deluxe Interior Mustang Shifter Handle - Blue

IN-5694 Deluxe Interior Mustang Shifter Handle - Saddle / Ginger

IN-5695 Deluxe Interior Mustang Shifter Handle - Parchment

Keep in mind that all of them will fit any year handle.

Happy New Year from Virginia Classic Mustang

We just wanted to make a short, quick post today and wish all of our readers and customers a Happy New Year!

We will also remind you that this is the last day to receive our 10% discount by using the code holiday2010.

Just in case Santa did not get you what you wanted for your 64 1/2-73 Mustang, you can just get it for yourself and save a few bucks at the same time.

Thanks for reading our Blog.  Some of our most popular posts have involved our 65 HiPo Mustang Convertible restoration.  Look for more updates as we get close to wrapping that project up.  After that, we will start our new project - a carryover 1966 GT350!

...stay tuned.

65 Mustang Tail Light Wiring Harness

Several months ago, we made a run of the 65 Mustang Tail Light Wiring Harnesses without the Back Up Light Wiring.  These went over very, very well, and we sold them all.  The Fastback versions were particularly popular among the Shelby guys.  We decided to make another run, so we now have more in stock.
Back up lights were an option on the 1965 Mustang.  For some reason, the Mustangs that were not equipped with this option actually received a different tail light wiring harness from the ones equipped with back up lights.

Correct plugs to plug into under dash wiring harness

On the cars without the lights, there was no wiring put in the harness for the back up lights.  With more folks wanting to really get the correct details on their restoration, we decided to make a limited run of harnesses exclusively for us that are correct.  We are really pleased with this wiring harness.  It includes all of the correct little details along with the properly integrated plugs to plug into the tail light bodies like the factory assembly line harness.

Correct Tail Light Socket Plug

The first one will be installed in our early 65 HiPo K Convertible project that you can read about right here on our Blog. 

Little details like this really make a restoration.

Correct Gas Tank Sending Unit Wiring Lead with proper covering, plug and grommet

Again, this wiring harness is correct for all alternator equipped Mustangs without back up lights.  This would include all of the 65 GT350 Mustangs (Shelbys) and the early 66 GT350 Carryover cars.  None of those cars were originally equipped with back up lights.

Click on below links to order:

ER-5761  65 Mustang Coupe and Convertible Tail Light Wiring Harness without Back up Lights

ER-5771  65 Mustang Fastback Tail Light Wiring Harness without Back up Lights

Happy Holidays from Virginia Classic Mustang

We want to wish all of our customers and their families Happy Holidays and a great New Year!

We will be closed December 24th and 25th.  We will also be closed December 31st and January 1st.  You can, of course, continue to place orders on our web site anytime.

We also want to remind you about our 10% holiday2010 coupon code.  It expires December 29th.

Shelby: A Retrospective at the AACA Museum February 11 - April 24, 2011

If you have never been to the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum in Hershey, PA, you may want to finally visit just for this Shelby related exhibition that will be held Feb. 11-April 24, 2011.  We visited the museum for the first time in October and were quite impressed.  It is something every auto enthusiast, young and old, would really enjoy.  Below is the information from the AACA about this special exhibit.  For more information, please visit http://www.aacamuseum.org/

Shelby: A Retrospective at the AACA Museum February 11 - April 24, 2011

Hershey, PA (December 20, 2010). Carroll Shelby is an icon of the automotive world. For over 50 years his name has served as a virtual synonym for the term “automotive performance.” Shelby began his career as a race car driver and before being forced to retire due to health reasons, won the prestigious 1959 24 Hours of LeMans driving for Aston Martin. Although he was twice named Sports Illustrated’s Driver of the Year (1956 and 1957) he is much better known worldwide for his work in his second career as an automobile builder. From his first project that combined the British built two-seat AC Bristol with a Ford V8 to create the “Cobra,” to his current partnership with Ford, Shelby has always had his sights set on building the ultimate American sports car. Along the way he has created a long line of popular and extremely successful street and race vehicles bearing the names Cobra, Daytona Coupe, GT40, GT350 and GT500 Mustangs and the Chrysler Omni GLHS.

Beginning on February 11th this compelling story will be told at the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) Museum through the special exhibition, Shelby: A Retrospective. The exhibition will feature approximately 18 cars representing the manufacturers and body styles that chronicle Shelby’s history as a sports car manufacturer and performance tuner. The exhibition will include cars from all phases of Shelby’s career. We will have an example of the first car to bear his name - the two-seat English made AC Bristol that he imported to the States, outfitted with Ford’s 260 and 289 cubic inch V8s and successfully sold and raced as the AC Cobra. Shelby continued with larger-engined versions of the Cobra while also turning his attention to the Mustang. From 1965 to 1970, specially modified Mustangs bearing the names Shelby GT350 and GT500 were produced either in his shop or by Ford under licensed contract. Outstanding examples of all of these cars will be included in the exhibition; including a car owned by Chuck Cantwell who was the project engineer and test driver on the 1965 though 1967 GT350s and GT500s.

During the mid 1960s Shelby was extremely active in motorsports racing. His cars competed and scored major victories in venues as diverse as the Trans Am series and major drag racing series. He was also a part of Henry Ford II’s all out campaign to best Ferrari and win the 24 Hours of LeMans, which culminated in the 1967 victory with the GT40/MKIV. A 1968 Mustang Coupe Trans-Am Car is among these highly desirable competition vehicles acquired for the display.

Shelby continued with personal projects throughout the 1970s then partnered with the Chrysler Corporation beginning in 1983 for a host of special performance production cars such as the Shelby Charger, Daytona Turbo and the Omni GLHS. During his stint with Chrysler he was also part of the team that designed the Dodge Viper. In 1999 he built his first ever completely new vehicle, the Shelby Series 1, a roadster powered by Oldsmobile’s 4.0L engine. In 2004, Shelby rejoined Ford for a new generation of GT500 cars based on the retro Mustang. This partnership is still active and will be represented in the display.

Our tribute exhibition will also tell the Shelby story through an historical timeline supported by graphics, period photographs and large collection of memorabilia specially gathered for this display. Specific items include the hand painted original sign from the California Fabrication Workshop, Team jackets Team shirts and the like. We plan to make this the most inclusive Shelby tribute ever assembled by a museum. Another unique aspect of this exhibit will be “Hi-Performance Motors” our re-creation of a 1965 Era Ford Dealership Showroom complete with 1965 Ford product literature.

On April 17th, we will continue the celebration by hosting an All Ford Gathering featuring the cars of Carroll Shelby. This takes placed on the 46th Anniversary of the introduction of the Iconic Mustang. Anyone with a Shelby-built vehicle, Shelby tribute car or Ford Mustang is invited to participate in this event. The participation fee will be $10 per car and will include one admission to the AACA Museum to see the exhibit and a commemorative dash plaque. Shelby engineer and test-driver, Chuck Cantwell, will be a featured speaker. Registration and additional information will be available in early 2011.

Exhibit Contact:
Jeffrey Bliemeister - Museum Curator 717-566-7100 ext. 104
jeffreybliemeister@aacamuseum.org
Media Contact:
Nancy Gates - Director of Marketing & Operations 717-566-7100 ext. 123
ngates@aacamuseum.org

Vehicle Exhibit List

Also available as a PDF Download.

•1964 King Cobra – Cooper Monaco
Courtesy of Beth & Ross Myers 3 Dog Garage

•1965 289 Cobra
Courtesy of Dave Lavertue

•1965 289 Cobra DragonSnake
Courtesy of Steven Juliano

•1965 Shelby GT350 Mustang
Courtesy of Brant Halterman

•1965 Shelby GT350R Mustang
Courtesy of Beth & Ross Myers 3 Dog Garage

•1966 Shelby GT350 Mustang
Courtesy of Robert “Fritz” Christ

•1966 Shelby GT350Hertz Mustang
Courtesy of Joe Penn

•1966 Shelby GT350Hertz Mustang
Courtesy of Steve Shanahan

•1966 Shelby GT350 Mustang
Courtesy of Chuck Cantwell

•1967 Shelby GT350 Mustang
Courtesy of Tim Rubright

•1966 427 Cobra S/C Race Car #198 CSX 3035
Courtesy of Mark Dougherty

•1968 Shelby GT500KR Mustang Fastback
Courtesy of Tom Brillhart

•1968 Shelby Team Trans Am Mustang Racer
Courtesy of Beth & Ross Myers 3 Dog Garage

•1969 Shelby GT500 Mustang Convertible with Drag Pack
Courtesy of Ron Paulhamus

•1987 Shelby Shadow CSX
Courtesy of Jerry Ayers

•1987 Shelby Charger GLHS
Courtesy of Jerry Ayers

•1987 Shelby Daytona LSX
Courtesy of Gary Marks

•2007 Shelby Cobra GT500 Mustang
Loan Courtesy of Dominic Ciliberto

•2007 Shelby GTH Mustang
Loan Courtesy of Terry Welsh

The AACA Museum is located off Route 39 West, one mile from the Hersheypark Drive intersection. The Museum currently displays over 90 historic automobiles and buses, many in dramatic settings that recall the period of their use. It is open daily, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Admission is charged. For additional information call 717-566-7100.  Visit them at http://www.aacamuseum.org/

Mustang Car Covers

We just got in a large shipment of Mustang Car Covers.  We have Car Covers for just about every application and budget.

Our TriGuard™ Car Covers are our most economical Car Covers for your Classic Mustang.  A 3-layer custom car cover material suited for light weather conditions (perfect for occasional use or Mustangs stored under a carport). Triguard™ is fairly soft and very compact. Do not use Triguard™ in harsh weather or sun. Triguard™ is also not suited in areas with industrial fall out (acid rain). Good protection at an affordable price.


The next step up is our 4 Layer Car Covers.  Four layers make Coverbond 4™ a very thick Custom Car Cover. The fabric provides breathability, protection, water resistance, and UV protection. The extra bulk helps to guard against minor nicks and dings, and even helps in light hail. Coverbond 4™ is suggested for moderate weather or indoor use.

Our most popular Car Cover is our Mosum Plus™ Car Cover.  Mosom Plus™ is a four-layer material that is a great choice for your Classic Mustang. The outer two layers are Spunbond Polypropylene, the middle layer is a special micro-porus film and the inside layer is super-soft fabric. The middle layer is an excellent rain barrier, while allowing vapors to pass through. The special cotton flock inner layer pampers the most delicate paint finish.  It is for all-around car cover use, suggested for most conditions except extreme sun, snow or ice. Mosom Plus™ is a non-woven material, so in the unlikely event a rip occurs in the material, it will not run.  This cover replaces our Noah Car Cover. The Mosum material is slightly better than the Noah material.

If you are looking for the best outdoor Car Cover for your Mustang, we recommend our StormProof Car Cover.  This is the ultimate outdoor car cover! The Stormproof™ provides the best protection for your Classic Mustang against rain and sun. It is also extremely compact making it easy to roll up and store. Like all of our covers, it will not scratch even the finest paint finishes.  The material is made of microscopic yarns that make up the advance micro-fiber material. It is important to note that this is an UNCOATED and UNTREATED material. That means that after months or years of use, it will still retain its original water resistant properties. This also makes the cover the most BREATHABLE cover available.  Gray color. Call for other colors that are available by special order.

Finally, available as a special order, is our soft, satin stretch Car Cover with custom Lemans Stripes.  This car cover is made for the Classic Mustang that is parked indoors, and for owners who want nothing but the best for their vehicle. The material has Lycra fibers for stretch in all directions, hugging and mirroring every perfect contour of your car. The inner liner is the softest fleece we've been able to find - specially designed not to rub off on convertible tops.  This cover is specially made in White with Dark Blue Lemans Stripes. Other colors are available.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas (Mustang Style)

Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

I found this on the internet and tweaked it a bit. I don't know the author (sorry), but it is pretty cool!


'Twas the night before Christmas and in the garage,

There wasn't a trace of a Chevy or a Dodge.

The presents were wrapped and the lights were all lit,

So I figured I'd mess with the ‘Stang for a bit.

I popped out the hood pins and I lifted the hood,

When a deep voice behind me said "looks pretty good."

Well, as you can imagine, I turned mighty quick,

And there, by the workbench, stood good ol’ Saint Nick!

We stood there a bit, not too sure what to say,

Then he said "don't suppose that you'd trade for my sleigh?

I said "no way, Santa" and started to grin,

"But if you've got the time we could go for a spin!"

His round little mouth, all tied up like a bow,

Turned into a smile and he said "hey! Let's go!!"

So as not to disturb all the neighbors' retreat,

We pushed the Mustang quietly into the street,

Then, taking our places to drift down the hill,

I turned on the key and I let the clutch spill.

The sound that erupted took him by surprise,

But he liked it a lot, by the look in his eyes.

With Goodyear’s a' crying and side pipes aglow,

We headed on out where the hot rodders go.

And Santa's grin widened, approaching his ears,

With every up shift, as I went through the gears.

Then he yelled "can't recall when I've felt so alive!",

So I backed off the gas and said "you wanna drive?"



Ol’ Santa was stunned when I gave him the keys,

When he walked past the headlights he shook at the knees!

Then the HiPo exploded with side exhaust sound!

Santa let out the clutch and the tires shook the ground!


Power shift into second, again into third!

I sat there just watching, at loss for a word,

Then I heard him exclaim as we blasted from sight,

"Merry Christmas to all...........what a great night!!!"

Correct Style 65-66 Mustang Front Disc Brake Hoses

We now have the correct appearing Front Disc Brake Rubber Hose for all 1965 and 1966 Mustang and GT350 Shelbys with the front disc brake calipers with 3/8" inlets.

This hose is the exact style.  It features the correct end that screws into the caliper and the correct gold plating.  DOT approved.  DOT approval now requires the double crimped fitting.  Please note that the originals had single crimps.  This old single crimp method would no longer meet DOT approval.

This hose fits the RH or LH side.  They are sold each-2 required per car.  Our part number is BK-1001.

If you just want a perfectly functional brake hose for the same application, we still have the cheaper replacement style hoses also.  Our part number on this hose is BK-100.

Mustang and Shelby Metal Signs Make Great Gift Ideas!

Our new metal signs have been the big gift "hit" for this Christmas season!  They are made from heavy gauge powder coated steel with images embedded in vibrant colors.




This is still one of my favorite Rat Fink designs of all time!!  "Mighty Mustang"

 We just wanted to mention them in this post, since we have a very low stock on some of the Shelby styles.  Because of this, we are encouraging you to order soon if you wanted to get them by Christmas!

Click here to see the entire selection.

1965 High Performance Mustang Convertible Restoration Project

Today, we have a few more pictures of the 65 Mustang HiPo Convertible project.  The dash is pretty much completely together, and it should not be long before the engine and transmission goes in.

The sealant has been applied to the firewall area.  The steering box was blacked out.  This black out procedure was observed on many Mustangs built around the production date of the convertible and was duplicated here.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Here is another look at the steering box black out.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Here is a look at the sealant that was applied to the headlight harness wiring plug area at the firewall.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

...and here is the Gauge Feed Wiring Plug.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc



All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc



The earlier cars, such as this August '64 production Dearborn car, had a type of caulking cord sealant applied to the holes where the heater hose comes through the firewall.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

We also observed that the earlier production Dearborn Mustangs had a flowable seam sealer applied to the cowl area.  This provided a smooth like finish.  Most other cars have a "sloppier" brushed and/or caulked on seam sealer that is rougher looking.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The Rally-Pac is finally back where it belongs!  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The stock AM Radio is at home in the dash.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The glove box is also in place.  The glove box light is the earlier style with the fatter black button.  The later cars have a thinner style button.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The cardboard glove boxes were stamped with an "M."  We assume this was a manufacturer stamp.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Early style accelerator pedal with no groove around the outside for the stainless steel trim.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

...and the earlier style clutch and brake pedal pads.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Here is a shot showing some of the detail under the dash.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The rear bumper guards have been fitted into place.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The gas tank sending unit wire running through the trunk area.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Frame bracket for the motor mount is bolted in place.  All images ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

10% Discount Coupon Code for your Classic Mustang Parts!

Happy Holidays from your source for quality 1964½-73 Mustang Parts and Accessories for over 30 years!


Get 10% off* your next online order with Virginia Classic Mustang. Log onto our web site by clicking above logo or clicking here (new customers will need to register), fill your shopping cart, and proceed to checkout.

During the checkout process, enter the coupon code below and click "APPLY" for your 10% Savings*!

Coupon Code:  holiday2010

*Code Discount does not include 65-67 Styled Steel Wheels, Wheel and Tire Packages, Gift Certificates or E-Book Downloads. This code only applies to online orders. Expires December 29, 2010.

1965 Mustang High Performance Convertible Restoration Project

Here's another update on the 65 HiPo Mustang Convertible Project.  Once we put together a few more pieces for the fuel system and the front suspension, we should be ready to install the engine and transmission.  They will be installed before the front end sheet metal goes back on.

The engine is just about ready to go in.  We have installed most all the parts for a photo shoot that we will be doing soon before the final installation.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Here is a look at the detailed alternator.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Original HiPo Fan Spacer Bolts with the "flag" logo.  These bolts have been replated with clear zinc plating as original.  All of the original HiPo Fan Spacer Bolts that I have ever observed have had this logo.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

We were lucky to have the original HiPo Fan still on this convertible.  Scheduled build date on the car is August 10, 1964 and the fan is date stamped "G64" - July 1964.  This stamp is really deep and clear.  I have seen a few others that have been lightly stamped and difficult to see.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Here are a few more shots of the alternator detail.  I will have to get a shot of the alternator pulley later.   Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

I've got more posts and pictures coming up soon!!!   ...stay tuned!

1965-66 Mustang Disc Brake Proportioning Valves




NOS Ford 65-66 Mustang Disc Brake Proportioning Valve.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc.

If you are really into the detail end of the 65-66 Mustang and Shelbys, you may find this post interesting.  A Kelsey Hayes disc brake proportioning valve was originally installed on the 65-66 Mustangs with factory front disc brakes.

Rather than discuss the function of this part, this post is more about the detail and restoration.  There seems to be a widely held thought that this valve was originally a bluish-gray color.  All of the New Old Stock / Ford Service parts that I have seen are certainly this color, and perhaps some of the ones originally installed on the assembly line were also this color.

Original Black Paint Finish shown on Disc Brake Proportioning Valve from a June '65 Production San Jose Mustang (Early '66 GT350)     Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Original Black Paint Finish shown on Disc Brake Proportioning Valve from a very late Production San Jose Mustang (Very Late Production '66 GT350).  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

I do have evidence though, that at least some of these valves were originally finished in black paint.  I have seen several other original examples that were black, including the one on an early '66 GT350 (SFM6S033).  This GT350 will be featured here on our Virginia Classic Mustang Blog soon.  I have also seen a black one on a much later production '66 GT350 (near the very end of the '66 GT350 production.)

The "end discs" on these valves are dated. The numbers indicate the day of the year along with the year.

End Disc stamped "81-5."  This is the 81st day of 1965, which is March 22, 1965.  This disc was clear zinc plated for restoration.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Disassembled Proportioning Valve with Zinc DiChromate Plated Nut and Clear Zinc Plated Adjusting Stud and End Disc.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc



Valve has been Cleaned, Glass Beaded and then Epoxy Primed before sending out for Brass Sleeving and Rebuild.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Rebuilt valve reassembled with the newly plated original parts and  refinished with black paint.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Jeremy at Maple Hill Restoration did the paint work on this.  He also does the restoration work on the 1965 Mustang 289 HiPo convertible that is featured on our Blog.  He will soon start on our Carryover 1966 GT350 Shelby.  You can contact Jeremy here.

 Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc



Dated end disc.  Image ©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc