Opinions on this "100% original" 1983 GT

[83GTJIM]

I have NEVER seen that prop rod on any other Fox Mustang. Would love to see Mick or anyone with knowledge chime in about it. My '82 is definitely not like that, nor was my '83

Just another odd ball thing to add to the list on these cars, like holes under the hood scoops of the 83 GT hoods and the side view mirrors not matching.

[noac]

A pic of my 83 GT I owned about 5 years ago. Had about 13,000 miles on it and was pretty original. It had the prop rod on the drivers side. It was built in December of 1982 I believe. It has a T5.

[noac]

My 83 GT engine with driver side prop rod...

[noac]

more pics...

[FoxChassis]

Those buck tags are from a 1982 GT, not 1983.

[2nd chance cobra]

My 83 gt has the long rod on the pass side just like my 2 79s and 80. The clips are different though

[noac]

Those buck tags are from a 1982 GT, not 1983.

Sorry- I thought that might have been the case...had an 82 just like the 83..

[sowaxeman]

Mick do you know any of the rhyme or reason to the different prop rods? Its obviously not related to early vs later years. Was it different based on assembly locations or were they all built in the same factory?

[84StangSVT]

Also as noted in the pic near the top...this car has a dealer installed alarm system...evident by the "vending machine" style key in the front driver fender. My '82 GT has the same thing:

Attachment 114611

WTF were they thinking mounting a switch like that? IMHO...that's about goofy and inconvenient as heck. Looks like it could spell nothing but trouble on a car that lived its life outdoors and driven in crappy weather.

I've never seen anything like that before.

[FoxChassis]

Mick do you know any of the rhyme or reason to the different prop rods? Its obviously not related to early vs later years. Was it different based on assembly locations or were they all built in the same factory?

I have seen both types of hood prop rods. We've never nailed down when the change-over was, if there ever was really a hard change-over.

After the 1981 model year, and through 2014, all Mustangs sold outside of Mexico were built at Dearborn Assembly Plant (DAP). This can be verified by the 11th character in the VIN.

F = Dearborn Assembly Plant

[sowaxeman]

OK...so there can't be any rhyme or reason than maybe parts that were available at the time of manufacture, as there are 82's and 83's pictured/noted in here with both options.

[sowaxeman]

WTF were they thinking mounting a switch like that? IMHO...that's about goofy and inconvenient as heck. Looks like it could spell nothing but trouble on a car that lived its life outdoors and driven in crappy weather.

I've never seen anything like that before.

It was VERY common back in the early to mid 80's. Before the advent of RF remotes for door locks and alarms the best option was a key in the fender. You got out of the car, locked and shut the doors, and turned the fender key. Before you open the door to get back in...you turn the key the other way or else the siren goes off. That goofy round key in the fender was as obvious to a thief back then as the flashing red LED today.

[84StangSVT]

It was VERY common back in the early to mid 80's. Before the advent of RF remotes for door locks and alarms the best option was a key in the fender. You got out of the car, locked and shut the doors, and turned the fender key. Before you open the door to get back in...you turn the key the other way or else the siren goes off. That goofy round key in the fender was as obvious to a thief back then as the flashing red LED today.

I suppose that makes sense, just guess I have never seen that or didn't pay much mind to it over the years. Still think they could have done something a bit less ugly.

[jessesandy]

OK...so there can't be any rhyme or reason than maybe parts that were available at the time of manufacture, as there are 82's and 83's pictured/noted in here with both options.

I have this nut (and hole) on the passenger side not being used. Is that where a passenger side prop rod mounts ?



(Yes, that is a computer power supply, using it to power/troubleshoot electrical.)

[sowaxeman]

Yep...that is the place.