Messages

R.R.,

I do have a copy of that book (signed by both authors, btw) and am familiar with the production issues that Shelby encountered during the year. My question really centers on what paperwork was used, whose form was it, who filled it out or was it computer generated, and that sort of thing? In short, the work flow. I know that there are two sides to this issue, the Ford side and the SA side. So how did the orders come into Ford so they could get the basic car built on the assembly line prior to shipment to SA?  I can't believe that this process did not mirror what Ford had already established. On the SA side, how were the workers instructed as to which cars got which options (as few as they may have been). In 1967, they had the production order. Was there something similar in use for 1965 and 1966? Again, I wouldn't think the the process would change that much year to year and that a new process just appeared for the 1967 model year. Part of the problem is that I've never seen copies of 1965 and 1966 production forms (including DSO) other than what Jeff posted here (thanks, Jeff!).

So what is out there that most of us have never seen? What were the actual documents that were used to build the cars we all love so much? Who did the ordering (Ford, SA, dealer, or some combination thereof), the data entry, the sign-offs, etc.?  That is, the work flow that was part of the daily grind of building new cars. Thanks and I look forward to everyone's response.

Could this be what your looking for Shelby American Order Form?

Jeff,

That looks pretty close and might show the evolution from one form to the next. I wouldn't think that there would be another similar document, but who knows? Do you have any that are filled out? Like I said, I'm trying to understand how the production process differed from year to year. I'd like to see scans of as many as you might have that are filled out.

SA placed bulk special orders to the San Jose assembly plant several times during '65 and '66 production years.  The first 3 cars were 2 orders (1 street car, 2 cars with specific deleted to be built as competition models).  Then there was the big order for the next 110 cars delivered to Venice in late Dec '64.  That included 2 orders: 15 comp builds and 90 street cars.  Those orders were modified from the first orders.  The next orders were placed for the next 100 cars, which would be delivered to LAX towards the end of March '65, another 100 cars.  Those orders were modified from the December orders.  Then there were subsequent orders. 

Howard would know better as to what changes were made to each bulk order.  I have copies of a couple of them.  They mostly note specific things like the SJ plant installing tires provided.  At some point there was an 'A' and 'B' base package defined which they referenced and then changes from those.

Charles,

Wow, now you've really got my interest. I'm fascinated by the process. Coming from an engineering background that also dealt with the production of aircraft, I note some similarities between that subject and controlling the final configuration of the cars as they were shipped.

Would you be willing to share scans? Same reason as stated above. I'm also looking for copies of any DSO sheets anyone might have so I can see how the package code as constructed.

Jeff,

This is in regards to the construction of the 1965 and 1966 cars. My question is, was a version of the form that you show for the 1967 cars also used for the 1965 and/or 1966 cars? D. Mathews would not be of any help in this regard as he deals exclusively with the 1967 cars. Just trying to find out how far back (if at all) the use of this document extends. Again this is NOT a question regarding the 1967 cars. This is a question to aid my understanding of what paperwork was used to order the flow of 1965 and 1966 GT350s. I may have to directly ask Howard on this. Unfortunately, he doesn't post here very often...

Nope, the reference document I'm talking about is a single sheet of paper that is titled "1967 GT 350 / GT 500 MUSTANG PRODUCTION ORDER," NOT the DSO sheets. I'm wondering if a similar document was used for the '65 & '66 cars.

For '65 and '66 GT350s, did SAI use a production order similar to the '67 builds? If so, are those available? Thanks.

3150 was the figure I was looking for. Thx.

I don't have copies of the last two registries, but is there a final count for the total number of these cars? I've seen figures like 3300 or so (I'm sure that's 20 years or so out of date) but nothing any more definative. Mongo, Pete?

According to my copy of the Shelby American Parts and Accessories Catalog, dated 04-15-65, TMC (Traction Master Co.) made the originals (S1MS 29432-A). They are still in business but don't list them on theiir website. A phone call ((818) 565-1121) might be in order to determine if they could make you one.

Ran the Lehigh Valley Fall Shelby Tour last Saturday. Great fun.

Yes, much fun was had, even if we did run low on brakes and found that a somewhat brisk pace was in the offering. Very much looking forward to next year.

 A Daddy again? I can't think of anything more wonderful! Congratulations!

Looks like it may have been 3829431 after a quick look at paperwork. It was part of the Mustang export package of the time period as you likely know. Not sure what your going to use the part number for. Don't recall ever seeing it as a serviced part but others may have found a reference I missed.

Just wanted to add it to my list of parts I keep for the sake of completeness as I've never seen it referenced before. What is the paperwork to which you refer?

Anyone got a part number for that reinforcement plate?

I was there as well. Quite a turnout for Big George. I saw people I hadn't seen in 40 years and others that I see on a regular basis. The Celibration of Life was exactly what he wanted. A fairly large assortment of classic cars (mostly Ford) were in attendance, which was appropreate concidering that cars were pretty much George's whole life.

I'm going to miss him very much, he was my friend for 45 years. Godspeed, George, Godspeed.

Dan, We're planning on being there with our Hertz car. See you there.