1964 Mustang - A Ford Legend

The 1964 Mustang made its official debut to a very enthusiastic public in North America on April 17, 1964.



Also known by enthusiasts and restorers as the 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang, these early cars were produced between March 9 and July 31 of 1964.


















Unlike later Ford Mustang cars, they carried over many parts directly from the Ford Falcon, including its generator.

As production continued, and success seemed inevitable, improvements and ongoing evolutionary changes were made to the new pony car to improve it and further remove it from its more humble grocery getter roots.

How to Identify a 1964 1/2 Mustang

Engine choices:

Choice 2, was a 260 cubic inch 4V V8, producing 210 horsepower and required 92 octane or better regular gas.



The third choice was a 289 cubic inch High Performance V8, producing 271 horsepower and required Premium fuel with a minimum of 100 octane.

All three options were available in the 1964 Mustang,with an available 3 speed or 4 speed manual transmission or Ford's Cruise O matic transmissions.

Important Note:

Regular gasoline is now 87 octane, which can mean pinging and timing issues can happen. As well, the elimimation of lead from the gasoline not only reduced octane, it removed some valuable lubrication from the valves. When rebuilding, it is recommended that hardened valves be used to prevent premature wear.

Engine compartment:

The battery actually didn't have the louvers, they were cut out on the passenger side radiator mount, to allow air to cool the battery.

Generator

The generator on these cars tended to make the batteries run hot. And that's what made the louvers a necessity.

Voltage Regulator: A large separate voltage regulator, similar to that mounted on the Thunderbirds of that vintage, was mounted on the engine side of the radiator mount on the driver's side.

Distributor:

Early Mustang distributors had the familiar little oil wick, seen on other Autolite pieces of the time again including the T-Bird.

Power steering pumps:

Cars with power brakes had either an inner fender well mounting or an integral canister and were manufactured by Eaton.

Horns:

Early cars had large horns, which were attached to the lower frame,near the radiator mount.

Available body styles:

Two styles were offered, the standard coupe body and the convertible. There were no fastback Mustangs at this point.

Under Car Differences:

The early 1964 Mustang cars used a pressure switch mounted to the front top of the master cylinder housing. Restorers will note that most replacement aftermarket parts companies, supplying a master cylinder for the 1964 1/2 and the 1965 versions manufacture a generic model, that has a top outlet which is capped so that it can be used for any car of that model year.

Mustang Exterior Identification:

The early hoods were straight cut at their front outer edges, which made it necessary for reinforcements to be added below the top edges.

Hood Hinges:

These were painted black in early cars.

Headlight buckets:

As a result of the reinforcements to the hood, the headlight buckets had a relief or notch in them to prevent interference.

Gas Cap:

1964 1/2 Mustangs had screw off gas caps at the rear with the famous pony logo cover. Although I've been told that only the later cars, which are considered to be 1965's have a wire rope ring and pivoting attachment that make them theft proof, I've come across one just recently that is from a true 1964 1/2 and had the later wire.

Tail light connections:

These cars used standard pigtails.

Interior:

Early cars have carpeting, which do not reach and tuck under the trim at the door sill. An interior matching vinyl was used to bridge the gap between the two parts.

Interior Air flow nobs:Most 1964 1/2 mustangs have a letter "A" cast into them. I say most, because I've seen a few without them.

Miscellaneous:

Finding Cheap Insurance for your Classic.

Early Mustang Parts

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