SAAC Forum

How does a car earn a celebrity choice award? 

I'll take one "as is" for $25K. 

No affiliation to this auction or vehicle.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/shelby/gt500/2352194.html

Thanks for the replies and information.

Did anyone ever hear of the early rims having the center hub coming separated from outer chrome shell due to a glue failure back in the day? 

It seems the new rims with rivets were created as a running production change (according to Ed), and not because the wording in a recall letter required them.  I can see where the rims might come off the car if the lugs came loose due to the chamfer being mismatched with the lug nut chamfer. 

I'm going to buy new rims regardless at this point.  I was curious about this issue, and what was actually called out in the recall letter as to the defect(s).  I'm not sure if recall letters were ever mailed to owners back then.  Vinnie told me he was called by the dealer for all recalls, and never received a letter.     

Quote from: Bob Gaines on December 10, 2019, 06:32:54 PM

I believe the chamfer of the lugnut holes were only on the glued in center wheels.   
[/quote]

I am not familiar with the chamfer issue.  Since my car has glued-in original rims, does that mean there is also likely a chamfer issue as well as the glue-only issue with my rims? 

So perhaps this glue failure issue was a non-issue back in 1969?  Is it possible the riveted rims was just a running production improvement that occurred by a natural improvement process, not because there were rims coming apart? 

I don't see a new suffix part number for the riveted rims, versus non-riveted rims.  Although, I am not sure that matters one way or the other to the recall.  It makes sense that if the chamfer or hole recall caused the rims to get replaced, and that a running production change to the rims occurred adding rivets, then it makes sense that owners had their rims replaced under the U-01 recall with riveted rims.  That could be a coincidence because no non-riveted rims were left or available. 

I'm trying to determine if running glued rims is actually an issue or urban legend.  I'm sure there are several other '69 Shelby owners still running on glued wheels like I am.  It would be helpful to know if that is actually a safety issue or not.  Since nobody has the recall document, it is hard to know for sure. 

After reading the responses, I am curious if U-01 even mentioned anything about the "glued" wheel issue, and replacing them with "rivet" versions.  I wonder if Ford specifically called out the glue issue in the recall, or just fixed the glue issue by replacing with riveted wheels without specifically stating it in the recall?  Does any original owners recall receiving a recall letter, and what it said? 

I purchased a reproduction radiator from US Radiator in California, and am happy with it. 

I was sold on this company after watching below video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfQl4Fxz51U

I suggest you purchase fastener kit 1968 Shelby Master Body from AMK Products, Inc.  All of the correct, new fasteners make life much easier.  Even the descriptions of what each individual kit contains will help a lot. 

Does anyone have a copy of the recall letter they can post?  If not, does anyone have the recall campaign number they can share?

Thanks. 

I still use my original, glued rims on my shelby Convertible.  The chrome is rough on 2 of them.  I am planning to get reproduction wheels next spring because I don't feel comfortable on the glued wheels any longer.  I wonder if the original center caps fit tightly on the reproduction rims, or if you have to use reproduction center caps?

Thanks Bob G for answering so many questions for me over the years. Very helpful.  Much appreciated!

I just got my branda peak molding, and am impressed with it. All of the fold over tabs line up with the holes in my original hood restored by the fiberglass guru.  Gap at front edge looks good, but not perfect.  For less than $300, it is a bargain. 

It might be common knowledge, but it was news to me.  Branda now sells a peak molding reproduction with fold over tabs.  The tabs are slightly longer than the originals.  I'm going to try one for the price, which isn't too bad IMO.  Link is below. 

http://store.cobranda.com/19shhopemo1.html

I've owned 2 classic Shelbys.  A '68 fastback from 1991 - 2012, and my current '69 convertible since 2009.  What I have noticed is that in the 1990s, I received a lot more enthusiastic responses while driving the car, and at the car cruises/shows.  As the 2000s passed, the number of enthusiastic responses has dwindled.  I believe fewer and fewer people know what my 69 Shelby convertible is.  They stare at it, and give me a thumbs up, with a puzzled look on their face.  They like the car, and it makes an impression, but have no clue it is a classic Shelby.  I have also overheard several people, of all generations and ages, speak at car cruises and say to each other "what kind of car is that?". 

My point is that in the 1990s just about any car enthusiast knew exactly what my '68 GT500KR was, and responded accordingly.  Nowadays, I think 50% of the people that give me the thumbs up fo my 69 Shelby convertible, don't know what the make of my car is.  They say "nice car", not nice Shelby.