The complete package
This had been a fascinating thread. Much is known, and much is talked about, when it comes to the '62-'64 cars. However, the finer details of '61s and '65s are a bit harder to come by. Tommy knows ALOT about the '61s, so we all have a GOOD RESOURCE THERE !!!!
When it comes to '65s, look at the entire assemblage first. Where was it made, and when??? The cowl tag tells you where (assembly plant) and when (week and month) the car was produced. For example, if the car was produced AFTER 1/2/65, it should be a St. Louis car. The last 409s and first 396s were all St. Louis cars
I agree with the others guys who stated that NON-amateur clone creations can be built with pin-point accuracy, however one of the saving graces of the '65s is that so many parts are unique to it. The oil pan and exhaust manifolds are two gimmies
These parts are not available in reproduction.
ALL 340hp/PG cars for 1965 have >>> (and this is by no means the complete list)
1) 1/4 " fuel return line
2) a Heavy Duty PG unit. The HD/PG is easy to tell apart from a STD/PG as the case is larger and has a giant "H" cast into the top of the bell housing
3) 12-bolt rear end
4) 4-link rear suspension (PS, the left rear upper control arm is unique to 409s and station wagons)
5) 14*6 in rims (not 14*5.5)
Rock