I have a friend restoring what he believe is a 68 GT500KR. How to be completely sure? What do we need to check to be completely sure it is a real GT500KR? Help and pictures are highly appreciated. Thanks David
He doesn't know? Or you don't know? I think a positive identification of the car should be made BEFORE the restoration is started. Every GT 500 KR has a unique serial number. You can start by posting the serial numbers. We can then check the history. Pictures will not help you much if the car is not original with a traceable history.
Like Pete said start with the tags. Ford windshield tag, Shelby tag (LF apron), VIN stamped on apron under tag, buck tag, door tag. The more the merrier but even their presence doesn't mean its real. Post the VIN and we can check its history.
Following a tag photo. My question is that even with the correct tag, this car can be a fake. Thats why I want to know how to recognize a real deal. Body modifications, Structure modifications, roll bar ?? Thanks
True but lets start with the tags and the apron stamps, are they all there? By the way thet tag is not for a KR, its a GT 500
I will try to take more pictures tomorrow. Difference between GT500 tag and GT500KR tag? Special mark or letters? I will go back tomorrow. Any other things or details to check? I can verify them and take more pictures. Thanks
Thanks steveshelbymustang Is there any other detail that I need to check? Besides the tags of course. Body modifications? Regards David
that's a good start. The car is a GT 500, but not a KR. Next you need to make sure the other tags match. You can than try to identify the body. If we get through to that stage, private emails might be better. What do you know of the history? Where is the car now? And who owns it?
Those body mods Look correct. Numbers and history need to match as well. 4 speed or auto? Interior color? Have you looked for the ford numbers on the fender aprons? it will be difficult for anyone to Identify the car just from the photos. Determining if that body matches the tags is very difficult even if you are standing next to it.
To be certain (if that can really be done is a combination of information you find and stuff you don't find (stuff that should not be there. The combination of all of this leads someone evaluating the car to a conclusion. As Pete stated (sort of ) one can determine if a car is not "real" from pictures but it is really difficult (if not impossible) to determine if a car is real from them and feel comfortable with the outcome. As others have mentioned (and they have started the process with you) you start with the easy (VIN, tags and numbers) then work towards the more detailed area. Taillight panel look right to you guys (could just be and angle/lighting)??
Going back to your original question. What is it about the car gives you the impression that it may not be real? You may want to remove one rivet from the tag and spin it around to see if the cars vin is stamped into the apron. Try to identify if any aprons have been replaced or sections were the vins are stamped have been added to an original apron.
Yes. Vin and numbers are the first and logical way to begin the search. Part of the sheet metal was replaced or need to be replaced. I was trying to determine which other modifications (like the tail lights that are modified very ugly, and the roll bar) are correct on any shelby GT500. It has the hood and the trunk lid (fiberglass ones) but they can be purchased aftermarket any way. I know that on 65 GT350 there are modifications on the floor pans, side air vents etc. Is the engine bay area different than the regular mustang? what about suspension? are there any Body modifications like different suspension brackets, bases ??? I will go to the body shop today and take more pictures of the numbers. thanks David
The tail light panel doesn't look 100% correct[in stock form], should see the out line of all the covers with the hex head drill point screws holding them in place, but someone along the way could have tack welded them on and added some body filler? Does the roll bar have a soft to med rubber coating on it that was dipped at one time?,...the base looks a little odd,but that just could be the pic again?? Date codes on any original body sheet metal would also help. Most panels have small numbers stamped into them when they were produced. This info. along with the door tag info. will help.
Yes there are many modifications that would help to identify it. Some are obvious, some are so small that many aren't aware of them all. For obvious reasons I'd rather not make an exhaustive list of everything that makes it a Shelby. Since you came to us for as "experts" I think you need to follow our input and start with listing which tags are present and are the apron stamp(s) present. Let us steer the boat as to what to look for. If you feel more comfortable I would suggest you send info/pictues by email to Pete (Coralsnake) or myself as we both do quite a bit with 68s. Tim Jeff: tailpanel looks OK for a Dec car.
I agree with the guys (again). The tail light panel does look to have some body work over the steel light cups. I think your steps are as follows: 1) Attempt to Identify ALL the tags, Tim list them above. 2) Attempt to identify the body as a 1968 chassis that is correct for the plant and car. Looking at the apron VINs and previous bodywork will help here. 3) Attempt to determine if the Shelby mods are correct for a car built at this time. Original Fiberglass, roll bar, tail light panels, firewall, battery aprons are all clues. Tim is correct, a big list will turn into a checklist for the cloners, tributes and wanabees. I think guys are happy to share the information, they don't want to help the pretenders. The more you can post the better. I am sure you will get a lot of opinions. If the car is real, there is no harm in posting anything. It would be helpful if you list what bodywork you know has been done to the car If you can get all through all these, you need to update the records with the Shelby Club. Think of it as insurance. In six months we don't want to be answering questions for some newbie who thinks he has your serial number.
Hi all.Just one more suggestion: Join SAAC ,send in what info you know to the 68 registrar then have a Marti report done on this vin.This will help with some questions,and will also document it.Even the basic report would help.They can be contacted by mail-fax-phone-email.Both are worth every penny.If you need contact information,let us know. The taillamp panel appears to have had body repair(s) done and it looks like it should be stripped of all this before you go much further.Is the car complete?can you tell what options it came with?Does the speedometer read in miles? or kilometers?Any idea how long the car has been in your country?are there any other Shelbys around you?any Mustangs or fords?Can you find or do you have a good source to buy parts? Good Luck on your search. P.D.
Sorry guys. I didn´t disapear. I have been very busy this last days. I will try to go tomorrow to take more pictures. Thanks David