Mustang Club of Maryland

1964 1/2 and 1965 Differences
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http://www.svs.com/zim/mustang/64faq.html

Differences between the 1964 1/2 and 1965 Ford Mustangs

This is an overview to help determine if your car is a 1964 1/2 or not. The car may have all of the items listed, or just a few. This can be due to variations in production lines and parts supply at that plant. Some items can carry over into the 65 production line, as people on the line would use up what they had. There may be other detail items, such as casting numbers, that have been intentionally missed due to space.

Date codes used in this list are as Ford used in 1964 and 1965:
-----------------Jan. 1965 = A
-----------------Feb. 1965 = B
Mar. 1964 = C Mar. 1965 = Q
Apr. 1964 = D Apr. 1965 = R
May 1964 = E May 1965 = S
Jun. 1964 = F Jun. 1965 = T
Jul. 1964 = G Jul. 1965 = U
Aug. 1964 = H Aug. 1965 = V
Sept. 1964 = J
Oct. 1964 = K
Nov. 1964 = L
Dec. 1964 = M

First Mustang had build date of 05C (March 5, 1964)
(Note: Build date was not always exact. Some cars were built 2 or 3 weeks after the original scheduled build date.)

Note: many changes came before the cut off date for 64.5 production (Sometime in early August, 1964.) and many came well into the regular 65 production.

Ford did have a shutdown period for retooling of the Mustang lines in early August, 1964. This is when the switch from generators to alternators was made. When they started back up, the VIN numbers were rounded up to 5FXXX250001 at Dearborn, and 5RXXX125001 at San Jose. To those of us in the hobby, this is the point when the 64.5's ended and the 65's started.

The early version of a difference is called "64.5" and the later version is called "65". This does not mean the the items were only found on pre-shutdown or post-shutdown cars. There was a lot of overlap before and after the shutdown.

Question: Was there a 1964 model year Ford Mustang?
Answer: Although many people refer to the 1965 early-production units as the Ford Mustang 1964 1/2, the first official model year of the Mustang was 1965, not 1964.

As with many vehicles, a number of units were produced prior to 1965 in which the model year reflects. As an example, the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby is set to be released late summer of 2007, but the vehicle will still be classified a 2008 model Mustang, not 2007.

The 1965 model year Mustang can be broken up into two segments: 1964 1/2 which reflects the vehicles built between early March and July 31, 1964 and those produced thereafter.

That's not to say there are not differences between the 1964 1/2 Mustang and those produced later in 1965. The late 1965 Mustangs featured many changes. The 170-cubic inch six-cylinder engine was replaced by a 200-cubic inch six-cylinder version. This increased the six-cylinder’s performance from 101 hp to 120 hp. The 260-cubic inch V-8 was also replaced with a more powerful 289-cubic inch V-8 engine, capable of producing a whopping 200 hp. This GT Group option far surpassed the 164 hp the smaller engine had generated. In addition, an optional 289-cubic inch V-8, with a four-barrel solid-lifter, was available, capable of producing 225 hp. The 289-cubic inch V-8 "Hi-Po" was also an offering, generating 271 hp. In addition to the new Fastback Mustang, the existing notchback coupe and the convertible were also available offerings. The V-8 GT group Mustangs also touted GT badging, racing stripes on the lower body, and a dual exhaust.

To be a 1964-1/2, a Mustang has to be factory-equipped with a generator charging system, a 170-cubic inch six-cylinder engine (U-code), a 260-cubic inch V-8 engine (F-code), or a D Code 289 Mustang engine with an Autolite 4-Bbl carburetor low-compression engine. In addition, the 1964 1/2 featured large horns mounted on the frame behind the radiator.

Early 1965 Mustang:

On March 9, 1964, the first Mustang, a Wimbledon White convertible with a 260-cubic inch V-8 engine, rolled off the assembly line in Dearborn, Michigan. A month later on April 17th, 1964, the Ford Mustang made its world debut at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York.

The first model Mustang, the early 65 (or as many refer to it, the 64 ½), was available as a coupe or convertible, and featured a base 170-cubic inch six-cylinder engine with a three-speed floor shift transmission. An optional 260-cubic inch V-8 engine was available, in addition to a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic “Cruise-O-Matic” transmission. The Falcon platform Mustang featured full wheel covers, bucket seats, carpeting, and a padded dash; all for a base retail price of $2,320. According to Ford, 22,000 orders were taken the day of its debut. This came as quite a surprise to Ford executives who had predicted annual sales of about 100,000 units. Within its first 12 months, Ford would sell close to 417,000 Mustangs.
Late 1965 Mustang:

In August of 1964, Lee Iacocca was approached by Carroll Shelby who envisioned the creation of a high-performance Mustang. He wanted a vehicle that could hold its own both on the road and on the track. Shelby received approval from Iacocca to move forward on the project. In the end, he created a Fastback 2x2 Mustang, featuring a modified K-code 289cid V8 Engine with 306 hp. Ford termed the car the Shelby GT350 Street. It was revealed to the general public on January 27th of 1965.

Other changes in the Fall of ‘64 included an entirely new Mustang engine lineup, and the addition of the GT group. The 170-cubic inch six-cylinder engine was replaced by a 200-cubic inch six-cylinder version. This increased the six-cylinder’s performance from 101 hp to 120 hp. The 260-cubic inch V-8 was also replaced with a more powerful 289-cubic inch V-8 engine, capable of producing a whopping 200 hp. This GT Group option far surpassed the 164 hp the smaller engine had generated. In addition, an optional 289-cubic inch V-8, with a four-barrel solid-lifter, was available, capable of producing 225 hp. The 289-cubic inch V-8 "Hi-Po" was also an offering, generating 271 hp. In addition to the new Fastback Mustang, the existing notchback coupe and the convertible were also available offerings. The V-8 GT group Mustangs also touted GT badging, racing stripes on the lower body, and a dual exhaust.

1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Model Profile
Timeline:
Production began March 9, 1964 and ended August 17,1964
Only Coupes and Convertibles were manufactured during this period
Only Generator equipped cars were produced during this period
Date codes are OCO through OHO, (found on the VIN Data plate)

1964 1/2 Engine Displacement & Code:

170 cubic inch 6cyl 1bbl "V"
260 cubic inch 8cyl 2bbl "F"
289 cubic inch 8cyl 4bbl "D"
289 cubic inch 8cyl 4bbl "K" (Available in June of 1964)

1964 1/2 Exterior Appearance:

The Gas Cap has no security cable.
The edges of the Hood have stiffening skirts (flanges)
The headlight extensions have corresponding bevels to the hood skirts
The Mustang word on front fenders is 4-3/8", later lengthened to 5.0"
Windshield wiper shaft bases are chromed pot metal and have a threaded pivot

1964 1/2 Interior Appointments:

Door Locks knobs are color-keyed to interior, changed to chrome in 1965
Owners Manual states engine options as, 170 C.I. six cylinder, and the 260 low compression V8, and the Hi-Performance 289 V8
The fresh air vent knob on the drivers side is marked with a White "A"
Door handles and Window cranks are held by concealed spring clips
Instrument Cluster has Red "GEN" light (Generator), later 1965 models had Red "ALT" light (alternator)
Heater blower is two speed with the "OFF" position located in center
Carpet had color-keyed rubber heel pad, no toe pad, as in later models
Carpeting stops at rocker stiffener plate, color-keyed vinyl under door sill plate
Front Seatbelts are secured with an eye bolt
Passenger seat was fixed into position with no fore/aft adjustment
Smaller "T" handle on automatic transmission equipped cars

1964 1/2 Trunk Compartment:

Mat is Grey burtex in hardtops, and speckled Grey rubber in convertibles
Spare tire hold down is slotted for carriage head bolt
Tail lights have 3 wire pigtail assembly

1964 1/2 Engine Compartment:

Hood Bumpers have recessed Phillips screw to hold bumper to stud
Radiator Core support has air vents/louvers in front of battery for cooling
Larger horns than on later models, mounted low on the frame behind radiator
Generators are installed, have black metal/rubber shroud
Oil dipstick is on passenger side and very long
Oil filler tube is on front cover of engine, not valve covers
Small flip open oil cap on distributor base
Ignition coil is mounted flat on intake manifold
Brake switch ( 2 wires) is mounted on the master cylinder
Engines have a road draft tube, with/without a PCV valve

Production Stats
1964 1/2 Ford Mustang
Standard Coupe: 92,705 units
Standard Convertible: 28,883 units
Total Production: 121,538 units

Retail Price: $2,320 Standard Coupe
Retail Price: $2,557 Standard Convertible

1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Photos
Model-Year Overview
The first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line on March 9, 1964. On April 17, 1964, the Mustang was introduced to the public at the World’s Fair in New York. Before the day was over, Ford had secured 22,000 orders for the vehicle at dealerships across the country. As such, the Mustang was considered an instant hit with consumers.

Features
Horizontal Speedometer Layout Similar to Ford Falcon
U-Code, F-Code, or D-Code engine
Generator for Charging Battery
Large horns mounted on Frame Behind Radiator

Contrary to popular belief, the first model year for the Ford Mustang was 1965. Mustangs produced between March 9th and July 31st of 1964 are often coined the 1964 ½ Ford Mustang by enthusiasts. Initial production of the second round of Mustangs began on August 17th, 1964. Both the original production Mustangs and the second run are technically considered 1965 Mustangs by Ford. That’s not to say there aren’t differences between the two. The first Mustangs produced feature unique characteristics that set them apart from those produced after July 31st, 1964.

For instance, the 1964 ½ Mustang features a generator charging system for the battery as well as a generator charge light. It also features either a U-Code, F-Code, or D-Code engine. Additional highlights include a horizontal speedometer layout (also found on 1965s), similar to the one on the Ford Falcon. The Mustang was, after all, based on the Ford Falcon. Thus, the early models carried over some of these features.

Other features of a true 1964 ½ Ford Mustang include a brake-light pressure switch on the master cylinder as well as large horns mounted on the frame of the vehicle behind the radiator.

Another difference is the front hood of the 1964 1/2 Mustang. The 1965 models, produced after July 31st, 1964, feature a rolled front edge, unlike the 1964 ½ model which features angled edges that are not folded.

The 1964 1/2 Mustangs feature full wheel covers, a chrome grille with vertical bars, and the famous running horse emblem. They also feature carpeting throughout. Front bucket seats were standard, with a front bench seat optional. Buyers had the option of 3-speed, 4-speed, or an automatic transmission.
Engine Offerings

Engine Code U: 170 cubic inch V-6 engine @ 101hp
Engine Code F: 260 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 164hp
Engine Code D: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 210hp

Vehicle Identification Number Decoder
Example VIN #5F07F100001

5=Last digit of Model Year (1965)
F=Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen)
08=Body Code (07-coupe, 08-convertible)
F=Engine Code
100001=Consecutive unit number

Exterior Colors: Cascade Green, Caspian Blue, Chantilly Beige, Dynasty Green, Guardsman Blue, Pagoda Green, Phoenician Yellow, Poppy Red, Prairie Bronze, Rangoon Red, Raven Black, Silversmoke Gray, Skylight Blue, Sunlight Yellow, Twilight Turquoise, Vintage Burgundy, Wimbledon White, Pace Car White

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