A few years ago, I came across an article about the 69 Shelby origins. It contained general info that was common knowledge along with some info that I had never heard of before. In the event that it might prove to be even partially useful, I will reprint it here.
The Factory Had It Rough
The 1969 Shelbys were built under District Special Order (DSO) codes allocated to Ford's Home Office Reserve. Therefore, every 1969 Shelby door data plate DSO code begins with 84. It is known that, at times, several vehicles would be ordered under a single six digit DSO number. These knockdown models, or Base Vehicle Shells, could be delivered for conversion and sale only to dealer 84-999, the Shelby Automotive Company. The final six digits of their VI N codes would begin with 48 (with one or two exceptions on the earliest prototypes).
Creating the 1969 Mustangs to be shipped to Shelby Automotive's lonia, Michigan, plant was directed by a Special Competitive Vehicle Product Letter dated July 19, 1968, and issued August 15, 1968. The vehicle release and special equipment parts list indicated that four separate situations be recognized:
Parts List 9393-400 provided guidelines for modifying a Mach 1 to Shelby specifications. Everything from omitting the production steps of drilling sheet metal holes for Mach 1 trim to installing a Cougar console (C9WB-65045A06-N1A) was included.
Parts List 9393-450 upgraded a base Mustang convertible to Shelby specs. From the addition of the GT Equipment Group and Mach 1 Sound Package to the deletion of interior rear-quarter trim (where the rollbar would be installed), the steps were detailed. Preparing the front ends for Shelby's unique fiberglass pieces and custom grille/bumper assembly required the systematic deletion from the Mustang process of eighty-four separate components. At least sixty-four additional deletions were needed to complete the task.
Parts list 9393-350 directed the creation of the factory input to the GT-350 package. Because the fastbacks began as Mach 1s and the convertibles as base (no option) convertibles, certain items such as the Heavy Duty (or GT) suspension and Deluxe Interior were already standard for a Mach 1. Only the Shelby convertibles received specific instructions to add those two items. The Mustang shocks were replaced with Gabriel Adjustables (C9ZX-18045-B, front; C9ZX-18080-C, rear), the exhaust system was readied for the Shelby rear exhaust outlets, and 0.95in stabilizer bars replaced 0.85m units. Even details such as the inclusion of Cougar-type gearshift knobs (C8WA-7213-C) for four-speed cars and the addition of a C4DB-16A238-A radiator support-to-hood rubber seal were listed.
Parts list 9393-500 directed the factory input to the GT-500 package. Here, the convertibles got high-back bucket seats with knitted vinyl trim, the Deluxe Interior Decor Group, the tachometer and trip odometer for automatic transmission cars, and power tops with glass backlights. The Cougar-style 428-4V air cleaner for Ram Air (C9ZF-9600-D) was slated to replace the C9ZF-9600-E Mustang unit; likewise, a C7ZF-9601-A air cleaner element and C7ZF-9661-A cover assembly were noted. Part number C9ZX-5556-A two-stage rear springs replaced those slated for Mach Is (C9ZA-5556-G) and convertibles (C9ZA-5556-E). Dozens of other changes were made before the Base Vehicle Shells left Ford's Dearborn Assembly Plant.
Very Nice
Tom, it is proper and helpful to list the source of this article, if you know it.
It sure reminds me of one that Tom Corcoran authored, or co-authored, many years ago.