SAAC Forum

The correct Paxton gauges for the Shelby cars are the ones that Bob pictured in a previous response (that is a pic of my gauges).  These gauges were not lit from the backside and did not have a socket provision for a bulb.  The original fuel pressure gauge does have the "Paxton" script and the 3 red birds (not lightening bolts).  The blower pressure gauge did not have the "PAXTON" script, but it did have the 3 red birds.  The needles and numbers on the face of the gauges actually glowed in the dark, which they likely used radium paint to achieve.  I believe this style Paxton gauge hit the market in or around '65/'66.  There have been a few different versions produced since the mid '60's version was introduced.  Also, this may have been the last version that actually had fuel running through the line of the fuel gauge to measure pressure.

Earlier gauges (supplied to Studebaker) would have had the McCulloch and Studebaker script on the face.  I'll try to post some more pics of the correct original Paxton gauges for the Shelby cars.

No luck in posting pics...I get a server full response.

George

GT500 #772 is a survivor with a 2 piece nose.

If you are not trying to go concourse and like to drive your Shelby and want to add a Paxton blower to your Shelby...then install it!!  The modifications are minimal and can easily be reversed.  The only modification is a hole that will need to be cut into the radiator support to run the original style air cleaner can (or you can run the K&N open filter).  It will not add any value to your Shelby nor decrease the value, but you will enjoy the heck out of it!  Just make sure you hang on to the original components that will need to be replaced, I.e. carburetor, fuel pump, and air cleaner assembly.   

Not mine, but here's an original patina'd AUTOLITE GT500 cap on Ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/67-1967-Shelby-Cobra-GT500-GT-500-Gas-Fuel-Pop-Open-Flip-Down-Cap/263466297101?epid=7014015893&hash=item3d57d0a70d:g:TWUAAOSw05tab9Hv&vxp=mtr

I agree, don't touch it.  If your plan is to just sell it, leave it as is.  Leave the cleaning to the new owner.  They may wish to leave it with the patina for a survivor car.  If someone wants to clean it up, they can do so the way they want.  Just my 2 cents. 

I love all the '65-'70 Shelby cars, but I'm partial to '67 GT350's.  My Dad and I were always into cars, mostly Vettes and Tri 5 Chevys.  He asked me what I wanted to work on next and I said a Mustang.  So back in 1987, my senior year of high school, I saw a '67 GT350 (#2585) advertised in the local WI auto trader.  We went and looked at the car and it turned out to be a California rust free car sitting in a barn in Wisconsin.  I remember the emotion that came over me when the seller slid the barn door open and backed the Shelby out into the January winter snow.  I couldn't stop staring at the car.  My Dad made a deal with the seller and bought it for me.  I was hooked and obsessed with Shelby cars at that point, especially '67's.  I still own that car today and plan on never getting rid of it.  It will always remain in my collection.

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