Virginia Classic Mustang Blog: Just the Details...Early Production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang Restoration

Feb 1, 2020

Just the Details...Early Production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang Restoration

Just the Details...Following the build of a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

It is always such a great pleasure to have the opportunity to follow along with the restoration work of Jeremy at Maple Hill Restoration. The latest project that we will be featuring is a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.

Particular production times each have their own unique details, and, of course, this one is no exception. One of these details is the black painted floor pans, which are unique to this production period at San Jose rather than the almost always "copied" red sealer floor pans.

We plan to explore this detail, along with others as we document this restoration of this early Venice-built GT350.

As always, Jeremy is extremely organized and as the car is currently being prepared to receive paint, many of the parts have already been restored.

The pictures above and below show the body and some parts getting very close to having Jeremy apply the original shade of Wimbledon White.

Check out the pictures and comments below. Be sure to follow along and subscribe so you don't miss a post! This one is going to be awesome!!!!

Just the Details...Following the build of a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The original number 3259 Holley carburetor has been restored, and it is just gorgeous! Please note the date coding on this early carburetor. The "4B5" stamping translates as follows:

4=1964
B=December
5=fifth week of that month

Just the Details...Following the build of a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

As usual, Jeremy has done a terrific job restoring the leaf springs. These springs are unique to the High Performance / K Code Mustang Fastback and feature a date code of "325". In this case, the date code is the 325th day of 1964, which was Friday, November 20th.

Just the Details...Following the build of a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The above picture shows the date code on the original differential carrier housing. In this case, it translates as follows:

4=1964

K=October

2=2nd day of that month

Just the Details...Following the build of a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

Quarter vents are restored and ready to install after the car is painted.

Just the Details...Following the build of a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The seat frames were completely stripped and painted. New burlap and seat foam along with our new seat upholstery have been installed. They are now completely assembled and ready to bolt in.

Just the Details...Following the build of a very early production 1965 GT350 Shelby Mustang.
©Virginia Classic Mustang Inc

The restored rear differential carrier features a Detroit Locker with 3.89 rear gears. Check out the original pinion snubber shield that was unique to the K Code / HiPo Mustangs.