I have owned my 67 GT500 for many years. It was built 1/10/67 in San Jose and should have a smog system but does
not. I'm not sure if it is likely that I could find the parts to assembly one. i would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks.
Walt Weems
Smog was the hardest part to complete for my 67.
You can find parts, just takes time and $.
I have extra smog oil fill tube (reproduction).
Quote from: waltweems on May 26, 2021, 02:21:21 PM
I have owned my 67 GT500 for many years. It was built 1/10/67 in San Jose and should have a smog system but does
not. I'm not sure if it is likely that I could find the parts to assembly one. i would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks.
Walt Weems
Many years ago-over 30- I sold a 67 390 smog setup to a 67 GT500 owner in Az who had a Calif emissions car. My 67 came from Calif and had passed emissions before the owner moved back to Mi with the car. The Shelby owner told me most parts would cross right over except possibly you need to modify a part or 2 IIRC? So start by looking for a 390 car. Gary
Quote from: waltweems on May 26, 2021, 02:21:21 PM
I have owned my 67 GT500 for many years. It was built 1/10/67 in San Jose and should have a smog system but does
not. I'm not sure if it is likely that I could find the parts to assembly one. i would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks.
Walt Weems
Many parts are the same as a 390 which helps. The alternator adjusting arm for the GT500 with smog is probably the hardest part to find . It has a extra bend that the 390 version doesn't have because of the larger diameter 427 style balancer used on the 67 GT500. The repros for example that I have seen are based on a CJ alt adjusting arm for example that has a similar bend.
There is no engineering number stamped on the GT500 adjusting arm part which makes it that much harder. The correct looking filter cannister is used on the 390 system but is still a hard part to find and is the same as the 67 hipo with smog . The smog tubes look very much like the CJ versions but have different bends and are one year only. Add to that not all 390 smog cars came with the tall tube for the driver side and instead had a short one. You also have a alternative to make the system none functional . It is less expensive for the smog pump to be free wheeling and not rebuilt inside which 95% plus need. You can make it look the part but not rob HP and contribute to a overheating GT500. A complete working system should cost 2k 3K just like a comparable CJ system does. The number as a reference point given how hard it is to find the rare parts. If you can find them for less this may help with the decision to buy or not. I have had a few sets over the years and they were very difficult for me to sell so I don't go out of my way to tie up money and time accumulating parts for them anymore. I suspect other sellers have found the same thing . The 67 GT500 system is so obscure that knowing what you need and how to identify it is the challenge. It takes research and perseverance . There is much more to this subject and my post is meant to cover some brief highlights.
I appreciate that the philosophy of councours standards is to have the car restored to the original condition of the car as it came from the factory. California emissions presents an interesting philosophical question, however. It is my understanding that the Thermactor smog setup from the mid-to-late 1960's was later determined to actually increase rather than decrease NOx emissions. As a result, when California vehicle inspections occurred a few years later, the Thermactor smog setup was to be removed and the holes in the heads plugged. This seems like a smog "recall" of sorts. And didn't Ford provide specific plugs for the Thermactor holes in the smog heads for this purpose? If so, it seems that a car with the Thermactor setup removed, and the holes plugged, could still be considered "correct" in some sense. Would other recall modifications for safety, etc. still be "correct" for councours? If so, then why not the removal of the smog setup?
briefly reply to your post above - the time period used for concours judging at SAAC is "as the car was delivered to the first owner".
So in this case with the thermactor system in place.
Quote from: JD on May 27, 2021, 03:42:05 PM
briefly reply to your post above - the time period used for concours judging at SAAC is "as the car was delivered to the first owner".
So in this case with the thermactor system in place.
Got it. Thanks. I understand the philosophy, but I question it. For 1968 cars for example, I know that there was a recall of the folding front seat latches. I would rather have the replacement latch than the original "concours correct" defective latch, for safety reasons. I think the same argument could be made for Thermactor smog, especially if you are at all concerned about increased emissions. Of course, you could just gut the pump, as described above, but the actual "recall" was for removal and plugging. Absolute rules/standards that ignore subsequent reality sometimes lead to absurd results, such as mandating the use of a counterproductive, defective setup that reduces horsepower
and causes increased air pollution.
Would love to see the "recall" for removing federally mandated smog equipment. Do you have a copy?
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof"
Quote from: Tired Sheep on May 27, 2021, 04:54:10 PM
Would love to see the "recall" for removing federally mandated smog equipment. Do you have a copy?
"Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof"
I think that you are making a couple of incorrect assumptions. First, it was not a "recall," which is why I put "recall" in quotes. Second, emissions equipment was not "federally mandated" for cars manufactured before January 1, 1968. This can be confirmed from existing law in the form of the federal regulations regarding importation of motor vehicles:
"19 CFR ยง 12.73 - Importation of motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines.
(e) Exemptions and exclusions from emission requirements based on age of vehicle. The following motor vehicles may be imported by any person and do not have to be shown to be in compliance with emission requirements before they are entitled to admissibility:
(1) Gasoline-fueled light-duty trucks and light-duty motor vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1968;"
For cars made prior to January 1, 1968, what the Thermactor setup was addressing was a California emissions program. Also, California vehicles from model year 1975 and older were later made exempt from the smog requirements. This has, in part, been attributed to the counterproductive nature of the older smog setups.
There are references if you perform a Google search. Here is one specific to 1966 Mustangs with California emissions:
https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/taking-off-thermactor-system.539287/
"I deleted my Thermactor system when I rebuilt the engine and restored the car. The system actually increased NOX emissions and there was a NOX retrofit program here in CA several years later that attempted to address the problem. Ford produced a special plug for the air tube ports in the manifold. If you install the Ford plugs, you simply need to remove the components. The smog pump acted as the belt tightening device for one of the belts IIRC. When you remove it you will need a different belt."
By the way, the oft quoted knee-jerk statement: "extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" makes no sense in this context. A quick Google search will show that none of this is reasonably in dispute. The only justification for the Thermactor smog setup is the concours standard that requires the car to appear as it was when originally sold.
At the risk of belaboring the point, it seems that since there was a NOx retrofit program in California that attempted to address the problem of the vintage Thermactor system actually increasing NOx emissions, and because Ford produced a special plug for the air tube ports in the smog heads to address the problem, these facts should be reflected in the standard for "originality" of cars manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. In other words, a "Thermactor delete" retrofit should be considered "appropriate," if not "original," on a California car manufactured prior to January 1, 1968.
-JW
The incorrect assumptions are yours.
Specific engines were federally certified before 1968 production started and did not change for Shelbys during the course of the model year. The only exception was the GT350 (non smog) intakes which were certified in the spring of 1968. The vast majority of all 68 Shelbys were built after January 1, those that were built prior still had the smog controls, regardless of final shipping destinations. (California and Canada were all the same as every other location)
This is a documented fact. Factory build sheets show the same engine configurations during the entire production run from September 1967 to July 1968.
Maybe not federally mandated, but Ford adopted to the coming changes so they did have to change during production.
Unfortunately, your internet research does not match the reality of production. The only 1968 Shelbys built w/o smog were GT350 automatics.
What someone did after the fact is irrelevant to the historical correctness of how the cars were manufactured.
Quote from: Tired Sheep on May 27, 2021, 07:30:44 PM
The incorrect assumptions are yours.
Specific engines were federally certified before 1968 production started and did not change for Shelbys during the course of the model year. The vast majority of all 68 Shelbys were built after January 1, those that were built prior still had the smog controls.
This is a documented fact. Factory build sheets show the same engine configurations during the entire production run from September 1967 to July 1968.
Maybe not federally mandated, but Ford adopted to the coming changes so they did have to change during production.
Unfortunately, your internet research does not match the reality of production. The only 1968 Shelbys built w/o smog were GT350 automatics.
What someone did after the fact is irrelevant to the historical correctness of the cars.
Nope. You are missing the point. You questioned how California could require the removal of federally required smog equipment. Whether the car was a 1967 or 1968 model does not matter, as long as it was manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. I have personal family experience with a 1968 Mustang in Southern California that, while it was still required to be smog inspected in connection with the annual registration renewal, was required to be smog retrofitted. The Thermactor air holes were plugged and the remaining equipment was removed prior to smog inspection approval. The car had a manufacture date of November 1967. Was the car no longer "original"? Under concours standards, yes, but it was "legal" in California after the retrofit.
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 06:28:49 PM
At the risk of belaboring the point, it seems that since there was a NOx retrofit program in California that attempted to address the problem of the vintage Thermactor system actually increasing NOx emissions, and because Ford produced a special plug for the air tube ports in the smog heads to address the problem, these facts should be reflected in the standard for "originality" of cars manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. In other words, a "Thermactor delete" retrofit should be considered "appropriate," if not "original," on a California car manufactured prior to January 1, 1968.
-JW
The line in the sand has been as delivered to the first customer from the dealer which by the way allows for non factory variations as long as there is reasonable proof that it was done by the dealer prior to delivery. There are many examples of the evolution of parts that happened after the cars were sold new. The hinge is one ,thermactor may be another .There are many more. That is why just because a part is NOS for a particular application doesn't mean it is assemblyline correct. The evolution of replacement parts was sometimes to make it better other times it was to make it cheaper or to fit more applications for less Ford replacement parts inventory. Where do you draw the line for what "should " be reflected in the standard for "originality"? A week? A month? A year? A decade? The original post was about a 1967 application and you are making it about a 68 application . Regardless of the year of interest the same requirements have to be able to be applied across the board equally. You have not made a case for the thermactor delete being allowed in a concours venue unless this revision could be shown with reasonable (key word) proof as being done prior to the first owner taking delivery by the dealer
Quote from: Bob Gaines on May 27, 2021, 07:45:39 PM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 06:28:49 PM
At the risk of belaboring the point, it seems that since there was a NOx retrofit program in California that attempted to address the problem of the vintage Thermactor system actually increasing NOx emissions, and because Ford produced a special plug for the air tube ports in the smog heads to address the problem, these facts should be reflected in the standard for "originality" of cars manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. In other words, a "Thermactor delete" retrofit should be considered "appropriate," if not "original," on a California car manufactured prior to January 1, 1968.
-JW
The line in the sand has been as delivered to the first customer from the dealer which by the way allows for non factory variations as long as there is reasonable proof that it was done by the dealer prior to delivery. There are many examples of the evolution of parts that happened after the cars were sold new. The hinge is one ,thermactor may be another .There are many more. That is why just because a part is NOS for a particular application doesn't mean it is assemblyline correct. The evolution of replacement parts was sometimes to make it better other times it was to make it cheaper or to fit more applications for less Ford replacement parts inventory. Where do you draw the line for what "should " be reflected in the standard for "originality"? A week? A month? A year? A decade? The original post was about a 1967 application and you are making it about a 68 application . Regardless of the year of interest the same requirements have to be able to be applied across the board equally. You have not made a case for the thermactor delete being allowed in a concours venue unless this revision could be shown with reasonable (key word) proof as being done prior to the first owner taking delivery by the dealer
Well, I do not disagree with most of this, except that I was not making it about a 1968 application. The January 1, 1968 date is relevant because that is the implementation date for the federal smog law. "Tired Sheep" is the one who turned this into a 1968 model year issue, which I responded to. My point was addressing only cars made in 1967, or earlier, because that is why we need to be discussing California requirements. For cars manufactured up through December 31, 1967, California could require whatever they decided to with regard to smog. As I indicated, I have personal experience with a retrofitted car in that situation.
I understand your point regarding the "slippery slope" of modifications, but when we are dealing with a legally-mandated retrofit to be able to drive the car on public roads in the State of California, it seems that should be allowed as an exception to the general definition of "original" in councours. Perhaps that would be allowable with written documentation of the required smog retrofit. In any event, this is just a theoretical issue for me as while I am interested in originality, I do not participate in concours events, nor do I plan to do so.
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 08:00:24 PM
Quote from: Bob Gaines on May 27, 2021, 07:45:39 PM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 06:28:49 PM
At the risk of belaboring the point, it seems that since there was a NOx retrofit program in California that attempted to address the problem of the vintage Thermactor system actually increasing NOx emissions, and because Ford produced a special plug for the air tube ports in the smog heads to address the problem, these facts should be reflected in the standard for "originality" of cars manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. In other words, a "Thermactor delete" retrofit should be considered "appropriate," if not "original," on a California car manufactured prior to January 1, 1968.
-JW
The line in the sand has been as delivered to the first customer from the dealer which by the way allows for non factory variations as long as there is reasonable proof that it was done by the dealer prior to delivery. There are many examples of the evolution of parts that happened after the cars were sold new. The hinge is one ,thermactor may be another .There are many more. That is why just because a part is NOS for a particular application doesn't mean it is assemblyline correct. The evolution of replacement parts was sometimes to make it better other times it was to make it cheaper or to fit more applications for less Ford replacement parts inventory. Where do you draw the line for what "should " be reflected in the standard for "originality"? A week? A month? A year? A decade? The original post was about a 1967 application and you are making it about a 68 application . Regardless of the year of interest the same requirements have to be able to be applied across the board equally. You have not made a case for the thermactor delete being allowed in a concours venue unless this revision could be shown with reasonable (key word) proof as being done prior to the first owner taking delivery by the dealer
Well, I do not disagree with most of this, except that I was not making it about a 1968 application. The January 1, 1968 date is relevant because that is the implementation date for the federal smog law. "Tired Sheep" is the one who turned this into a 1968 model year issue, which I responded to. My point was addressing only cars made in 1967, or earlier, because that is why we need to be discussing California requirements. For cars manufactured up through December 31, 1967, California could require whatever they decided to with regard to smog. As I indicated, I have personal experience with a retrofitted car in that situation.
I understand your point regarding the "slippery slope" of modifications, but when we are dealing with a legally-mandated retrofit to be able to drive the car on public roads in the State of California, it seems that should be allowed as an exception to the general definition of "original" in councours. Perhaps that would be allowable with written documentation of the required smog retrofit. In any event, this is just a theoretical issue for me as while I am interested in originality, I do not participate in concours events, nor do I plan to do so.
The concours venues have to do with historical accuracy of the way the cars were built when new ,flaws and all. The concours venues are not meant to cover all bases. To each their own which is OK. If someone feels that is not fair or contrary to their beliefs /point of view then it only makes good sense to participate in other car events that don't require the restrictions. The historical aspect when new is the point of the Shelby and Mustang concours venues as they are currently set up .
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 08:00:24 PM
I understand your point regarding the "slippery slope" of modifications, but when we are dealing with a legally-mandated retrofit to be able to drive the car on public roads in the State of California, it seems that should be allowed as an exception to the general definition of "original" in councours. Perhaps that would be allowable with written documentation of the required smog retrofit.
Agree this would be in contrast with the intended goal or representing how the cars were originally built. Their ability to be used/driven is something that is not part of the goal. Another challenge would be the retrofit - which ones would be ok or how many retrofits one could have. There are classes at some shows and organizations that include the worked "driven" in the class title that one might make suggestions to and some allow for safety and other requirements/retrofits but they almost always have some limitations and truthfully at some point, if you are one of those that are concerned with safety, your and your family's safety should be worth losing a few points at a car show IMHO
Currently it cars can be returned to factory emission standards and do not require retrofitting. Chances of being caught in a roadside random test are small so even those that have modified their cars are not as likely to get questioned as years past since they did away with the bi-annual test
Not sure why anyone would still be running the retrofits except out of having something different for people to point out and discuss of the engine compartment were open
Quote from: J_Speegle on May 27, 2021, 09:07:58 PM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 08:00:24 PM
I understand your point regarding the "slippery slope" of modifications, but when we are dealing with a legally-mandated retrofit to be able to drive the car on public roads in the State of California, it seems that should be allowed as an exception to the general definition of "original" in councours. Perhaps that would be allowable with written documentation of the required smog retrofit.
Agree this would be in contrast with the intended goal or representing how the cars were originally built. Their ability to be used/driven is something that is not part of the goal. Another challenge would be the retrofit - which ones would be ok or how many retrofits one could have. There are classes at some shows and organizations that include the worked "driven" in the class title that one might make suggestions to and some allow for safety and other requirements/retrofits but they almost always have some limitations and truthfully at some point, if you are one of those that are concerned with safety, your and your family's safety should be worth losing a few points at a car show IMHO
Currently it cars can be returned to factory emission standards and do not require retrofitting. Chances of being caught in a roadside random test are small so even those that have modified their cars are not as likely to get questioned as years past since they did away with the bi-annual test
Not sure why anyone would still be running the retrofits except out of having something different for people to point out and discuss of the engine compartment were open
I get your point, but the "appropriate/acceptable" smog retrofit is pretty simple: Thermactor equipment removed, Ford plugs installed in air holes in smog heads. It is my understanding that was what was done, or at least what was supposed to be done.
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 09:21:21 PM
I get your point, but the "appropriate/acceptable" smog retrofit is pretty simple: Thermactor equipment removed, Ford plugs installed in air holes in smog heads. It is my understanding that was what was done, or at least what was supposed to be done.
Since we're discussion leaving cars as they were required to be retrofitted, removing the system was not a retrofit IMHO respectfully you off by allot.
Removing the system and placing 8 plugs in the heads was not the legal nor ok retrofit. That was simply a modification not a retrofit.
For Calif, for example, it was illegal to remove the system and over the years the stated would require more systems, parts and modifications to try and stay in compliance to a changing and rising emission standard. To day the systems are still required though the not as enforced as it has been in the past though the legislation continues to try and reinstate the annual or bi-annual tests every year or two
Depending on the year there things as simple as the car kit while other period could require you to drill a 1/4-1/2" hole in the intake manifold to retrofit a check valve and an aftermarket control system if the factory emissions had been removed or in some cases register a car that originally didn't have a Calif emission system. Some years part of the retrofit required a closed element air cleaner in place of an open element air cleaner.
Communicated and tried to work with the state BAR over the decades trying to even just let us put back the original systems and let it be, but as stated, over the decades, that was not enough so many owners and hot rodders could be found going to great lengths to skirt the system.
Have a fair collection of the state emission manuals and testing manuals. When the state requirement for bi-annual testing was ended I was one of three speakers that spoke to the committee exploring the possibility and started to get the change passes. So, I think I have a fair grasp of the history of the effects of state requirements on our specific historical vehicles and I think I have some experience in the subject
Quote from: J_Speegle on May 27, 2021, 09:48:55 PM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 09:21:21 PM
I get your point, but the "appropriate/acceptable" smog retrofit is pretty simple: Thermactor equipment removed, Ford plugs installed in air holes in smog heads. It is my understanding that was what was done, or at least what was supposed to be done.
Since we're discussion leaving cars as they were required to be retrofitted, removing the system was not a retrofit IMHO respectfully you off by allot.
Removing the system and placing 8 plugs in the heads was not the legal nor ok retrofit. That was simply a modification not a retrofit.
For Calif, for example, it was illegal to remove the system and over the years the stated would require more systems, parts and modifications to try and stay in compliance to a changing and rising emission standard. To day the systems are still required though the not as enforced as it has been in the past though the legislation continues to try and reinstate the annual or bi-annual tests every year or two
Depending on the year there things as simple as the car kit while other period could require you to drill a 1/4-1/2" hole in the intake manifold to retrofit a check valve and an aftermarket control system if the factory emissions had been removed or in some cases register a car that originally didn't have a Calif emission system. Some years part of the retrofit required a closed element air cleaner in place of an open element air cleaner.
Communicated and tried to work with the state BAR over the decades trying to even just let us put back the original systems and let it be, but as stated, over the decades, that was not enough so many owners and hot rodders could be found going to great lengths to skirt the system.
Have a fair collection of the state emission manuals and testing manuals. When the state requirement for bi-annual testing was ended I was one of three speakers that spoke to the committee exploring the possibility and started to get the change passes. So, I think I have a fair grasp of the history of the effects of state requirements on our specific historical vehicles and I think I have some experience in the subject
Sorry, but first-hand experience tells me that you are incorrect about what happened with California emissions over the years, and with regard to the current law for 1975 and older vehicles.
Quote from: J_Speegle on May 27, 2021, 09:48:55 PM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 09:21:21 PM
I get your point, but the "appropriate/acceptable" smog retrofit is pretty simple: Thermactor equipment removed, Ford plugs installed in air holes in smog heads. It is my understanding that was what was done, or at least what was supposed to be done.
Since we're discussion leaving cars as they were required to be retrofitted, removing the system was not a retrofit IMHO respectfully you off by allot.
Removing the system and placing 8 plugs in the heads was not the legal nor ok retrofit. That was simply a modification not a retrofit.
To elaborate on this point, while I have no way of proving that that was done in all California county air districts at all times, I have anecdotal evidence that it certainly was done in at least some county air districts for at least some period of time to reduce NOx emissions.
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 10:25:09 PM
To elaborate on this point, while I have no way of proving that that was done in all California county air districts at all times, I have anecdotal evidence that it certainly was done in at least some county air districts for at least some period of time to reduce NOx emissions.
So according to your source removing the system helped reduce emissions? Could you provide the date, section number of the document or other details for that?
Like typical government systems you can get to very different answers for the same question based on interpretation on the same day ;)
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 10:09:22 PM
Sorry, but first-hand experience tells me that you are incorrect about what happened with California emissions over the years, and with regard to the current law for 1975 and older vehicles.
Sorry but maybe we just need to agree to disagree. Not really an important hill at the moment and does not relate directly to the discussions.
Apparently, we have had different experiences as well as current understanding not a big surprise given the state and the system. Government employee for over thirty years. :)
Quote from: J_Speegle on May 27, 2021, 11:02:29 PM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 10:25:09 PM
To elaborate on this point, while I have no way of proving that that was done in all California county air districts at all times, I have anecdotal evidence that it certainly was done in at least some county air districts for at least some period of time to reduce NOx emissions.
So according to your source removing the system helped reduce emissions? Could you provide the date, section number of the document or other details for that?
Like typical government systems you can get to very different answers for the same question based on interpretation on the same day ;)
Yes, you are right in that there were possibly inconsistent enforcement and compliance methods over time and by location. This is particularly likely since California regulated air quality standards by county air districts and their varying corresponding levels of compliance with the ambient standards for criteria pollutants such as NOx. Also, the smog science was very new in the late 1960's and early 1970's, and went through a gradual evolution, including the later consensus that the early Thermactor setup did more harm than good in terms of NOx emissions. See Reply #8 and Reply #11 in this thread.
An interesting discussion, and it seems relevant to the question of what point in time to choose whether to reinstall Thermactor on a car. If the time chosen is "as new" for a California car, then yes, it clearly would have been on there. But the only point I was trying to make is that there are legitimate explanations as to why Thermactor might not be on the car, other than just that a previous owner did not like it.
I liken the removal of the Thermactor system to the gas tank protective cover that was installed over the original gas tank of our Pinto back in the day. Both measures were taken to address a defectively designed original factory part. You may disagree, but that is a matter of opinion.
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 07:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tired Sheep on May 27, 2021, 07:30:44 PM
The incorrect assumptions are yours.
Specific engines were federally certified before 1968 production started and did not change for Shelbys during the course of the model year. The vast majority of all 68 Shelbys were built after January 1, those that were built prior still had the smog controls.
This is a documented fact. Factory build sheets show the same engine configurations during the entire production run from September 1967 to July 1968.
Maybe not federally mandated, but Ford adopted to the coming changes so they did have to change during production.
Unfortunately, your internet research does not match the reality of production. The only 1968 Shelbys built w/o smog were GT350 automatics.
What someone did after the fact is irrelevant to the historical correctness of the cars.
Nope. You are missing the point. You questioned how California could require the removal of federally required smog equipment. Whether the car was a 1967 or 1968 model does not matter, as long as it was manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. I have personal family experience with a 1968 Mustang in Southern California that, while it was still required to be smog inspected in connection with the annual registration renewal, was required to be smog retrofitted. The Thermactor air holes were plugged and the remaining equipment was removed prior to smog inspection approval. The car had a manufacture date of November 1967. Was the car no longer "original"? Under concours standards, yes, but it was "legal" in California after the retrofit.
I bought a 67 FB 289 3 speed car that the owner bought less M/T and bought a 67 Cougar 390 4 speed out of a junkyard down in San Diego. He had the 390 rebuilt and installed. Painted the car and had it smog inspected with the working 390 smog on it. He brought the car back from California and then sold it due to a divorce. He said the smog worked as it passed emissions. That was 1988. Since the engine was fresh(guy even drove the car back to Michigan from SD) the smog came off as easy as you can pull one off an FE. Like I said in a previous post I sold it to a 67 GT500 owner. So if I'm reading your post correctly how would this Mustang be put through the smog test and not make the owner retrofit his car before issuing a registration? The only reason I know about his test is that I asked him why it was still on there and he said it had to be to pass emissions in Calif.
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on May 28, 2021, 05:55:29 AM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 07:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tired Sheep on May 27, 2021, 07:30:44 PM
The incorrect assumptions are yours.
Specific engines were federally certified before 1968 production started and did not change for Shelbys during the course of the model year. The vast majority of all 68 Shelbys were built after January 1, those that were built prior still had the smog controls.
This is a documented fact. Factory build sheets show the same engine configurations during the entire production run from September 1967 to July 1968.
Maybe not federally mandated, but Ford adopted to the coming changes so they did have to change during production.
Unfortunately, your internet research does not match the reality of production. The only 1968 Shelbys built w/o smog were GT350 automatics.
What someone did after the fact is irrelevant to the historical correctness of the cars.
Nope. You are missing the point. You questioned how California could require the removal of federally required smog equipment. Whether the car was a 1967 or 1968 model does not matter, as long as it was manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. I have personal family experience with a 1968 Mustang in Southern California that, while it was still required to be smog inspected in connection with the annual registration renewal, was required to be smog retrofitted. The Thermactor air holes were plugged and the remaining equipment was removed prior to smog inspection approval. The car had a manufacture date of November 1967. Was the car no longer "original"? Under concours standards, yes, but it was "legal" in California after the retrofit.
I bought a 67 FB 289 3 speed car that the owner bought less M/T and bought a 67 Cougar 390 4 speed out of a junkyard down in San Diego. He had the 390 rebuilt and installed. Painted the car and had it smog inspected with the working 390 smog on it. He brought the car back from California and then sold it due to a divorce. He said the smog worked as it passed emissions. That was 1988. Since the engine was fresh(guy even drove the car back to Michigan from SD) the smog came off as easy as you can pull one off an FE. Like I said in a previous post I sold it to a 67 GT500 owner. So if I'm reading your post correctly how would this Mustang be put through the smog test and not make the owner retrofit his car before issuing a registration? The only reason I know about his test is that I asked him why it was still on there and he said it had to be to pass emissions in Calif.
1988? Assuming your friend remembers correctly, by that late date you can probably attribute it to the tech's unfamiliarity with the then 21-year old engine, or he/she did not do his/her job correctly. Well before 1988, our cars had been retrofitted following vehicle inspections. I had a buddy with a 1967 Mustang who also had the same retrofit applied (Thermactor removed, holes plugged). But my experience is with only one California county. I have no idea what was going on in other counties.
Quote from: 1968 on May 28, 2021, 12:51:55 PM
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on May 28, 2021, 05:55:29 AM
Quote from: 1968 on May 27, 2021, 07:43:40 PM
Quote from: Tired Sheep on May 27, 2021, 07:30:44 PM
The incorrect assumptions are yours.
Specific engines were federally certified before 1968 production started and did not change for Shelbys during the course of the model year. The vast majority of all 68 Shelbys were built after January 1, those that were built prior still had the smog controls.
This is a documented fact. Factory build sheets show the same engine configurations during the entire production run from September 1967 to July 1968.
Maybe not federally mandated, but Ford adopted to the coming changes so they did have to change during production.
Unfortunately, your internet research does not match the reality of production. The only 1968 Shelbys built w/o smog were GT350 automatics.
What someone did after the fact is irrelevant to the historical correctness of the cars.
Nope. You are missing the point. You questioned how California could require the removal of federally required smog equipment. Whether the car was a 1967 or 1968 model does not matter, as long as it was manufactured prior to January 1, 1968. I have personal family experience with a 1968 Mustang in Southern California that, while it was still required to be smog inspected in connection with the annual registration renewal, was required to be smog retrofitted. The Thermactor air holes were plugged and the remaining equipment was removed prior to smog inspection approval. The car had a manufacture date of November 1967. Was the car no longer "original"? Under concours standards, yes, but it was "legal" in California after the retrofit.
I bought a 67 FB 289 3 speed car that the owner bought less M/T and bought a 67 Cougar 390 4 speed out of a junkyard down in San Diego. He had the 390 rebuilt and installed. Painted the car and had it smog inspected with the working 390 smog on it. He brought the car back from California and then sold it due to a divorce. He said the smog worked as it passed emissions. That was 1988. Since the engine was fresh(guy even drove the car back to Michigan from SD) the smog came off as easy as you can pull one off an FE. Like I said in a previous post I sold it to a 67 GT500 owner. So if I'm reading your post correctly how would this Mustang be put through the smog test and not make the owner retrofit his car before issuing a registration? The only reason I know about his test is that I asked him why it was still on there and he said it had to be to pass emissions in Calif.
1988? Assuming your friend remembers correctly, by that late date you can probably attribute it to the tech's unfamiliarity with the then 21-year old engine, or he/she did not do his/her job correctly. Well before 1988, our cars had been retrofitted following vehicle inspections. I had a buddy with a 1967 Mustang who also had the same retrofit applied (Thermactor removed, holes plugged). But my experience is with only one California county. I have no idea what was going on in other counties.
To be clear the guy bought the car(around 1987-88). had it painted and installed the engine and trans. Bought wheels. Had it inspected and then drove it to Michigan right after buying the wheels and tires. I bought it within a month of that so I would suspect the seller-in his 20s like me-had a pretty good recollection. Now me, on the other hand, am remembering what he said over 30 years ago and back then I didn't know any state was doing cars that old(Mi was only doing it on newer cars and I had owned a few 428 CJ Mustangs by then with no smog on them and smog exempt status). My 87 Grand National failed more than once and for asn extra 20 bucks-wink, wink- it passed!