New 2005 GT Owner

[Rick’s GT]

After watching the Ford GT for 20 years, I finally broke down and bought one. Seems like I buy these things at their highest selling point. I do have a couple of questions that I could use help on. My GT is black with the silver stripes and I have a real small touch up needed on the stripe that is on the clam shell. Anyone know the color and how or where I can get the touch up paint?
The brackets that hold down the clam shell when you try to open you have to either have two people or try and reach over the roof to unhook the other side. It is also hard to close all the way I I am thinking it may need an adjustment on the bumper stops. I heard that some people have had a rod made that can move the two brackets by yourself.
Any help on this would be appreciated.
Rick

 

[Rick Mustang]

The GT Guy makes the rod that opens both hatch levers at once. No reaching over the car to undo the other one.

The bumpers can be replaced with the spring loaded bumpers that open and close easier. Do a search to find the source on them.

 

[fjpikul]

The paint codes are here also. Do a search. Where are you in Indiana?

 

[KJD]

Welcome and congratulations!

As you own and drive your FGT, you'll almost certainly discover other idiosyncrasies specific to these cars

No worries, always an answer, solution, workaround, or even pending fixes reported on here

Overall our cars are nearly as bulletproof as they are beautiful

 

[nota4re]

The paint code for your silver stripe is TL. The clamshell releases are an easy 1-person task if you open the driver's door and lean into the cut-out as needed to disengage the passenger side. For closing the clamshell, I'd recommend closing it with 6-8" and then a brisk slam from there.

 

[Biginch Blake]

Welcome to the Forum. There is a lot of valuable information here. Greetings from Rockville

 

[Shark01]

After watching the Ford GT for 20 years, I finally broke down and bought one. Seems like I buy these things at their highest selling point. I do have a couple of questions that I could use help on. My GT is black with the silver stripes and I have a real small touch up needed on the stripe that is on the clam shell. Anyone know the color and how or where I can get the touch up paint?
The brackets that hold down the clam shell when you try to open you have to either have two people or try and reach over the roof to unhook the other side. It is also hard to close all the way I I am thinking it may need an adjustment on the bumper stops. I heard that some people have had a rod made that can move the two brackets by yourself.
Any help on this would be appreciated.
Rick

Welcome, sure you will love how it drives (and please drive it). I have had the opposite experience on timing....I have done pretty well, which helps since I am always underfunded. For example, I couldn't get close to buying an FGT today.

I always struggle with why people cannot open the clamshell themselves, I am a short fat guy and there are two different ways I can do it (just did it yesterday at a car show). Yes, you may need a bumper stop adjustment or you may need to replace the rubber portion as they fall apart over time.

 

[69b302]

The brackets that hold down the clam shell when you try to open you have to either have two people or try and reach over the roof to unhook the other side. It is also hard to close all the way I I am thinking it may need an adjustment on the bumper stops. I heard that some people have had a rod made that can move the two brackets by yourself.
Any help on this would be appreciated.
Rick

The hooks catch at staggered levels, so if your clamshell struts are good, you can release drivers side, and then walk to passenger side, release, and then raise the clamshell. I did eventually break down and get the GT GUYS kit to allow the hooks to operate together, and would highly recommend. Congratulations on your GT.

 

[extrap]

Yeah, the GT Garage's bar that connects the two hooks is great. And here's Camilo, the Man himself, showing how to close the clam shell at 25:58 into the vid

 

[roketman]

Go to the GT garage website
They have all kinds of cool goodies
One of my favorite is the seat lever that makes it easy to reach to slide it back-and-forth

 

[roketman]

I would also recommend the clam shell and trunk replacement shock kit from Kendall (nota4re)

 

[twobjshelbys]

Bring it down to 6 to 8 inches of close and let it drop. It will securely latch. Note you might have to adjust a little up or down depending on your struts. Just pushing down will usually leave one sprung and can give you an idiot light

Ps I was always able to open mine by myself. Release driver side and it will lift then passenger releases.

 

[Rick’s GT]

I live in Greenwood Indiana about 30 minutes south of Indy.

Go to the GT garage website
They have all kinds of cool goodies
One of my favorite is the seat lever that makes it easy to reach to slide it back-and-forth

I will visit this sight. Thanks.
I will check out the rod from the GT Guy.
Thanks for the color code.
I try to drive my cars but not very far. I have the GT, 2021 Shelby GT500, 2022 Heritage Edition Shelby GT500, 2 1967 Hi-Tech Legends Shelby GT500’s, 1969 Shelby GT500, 1970 Boss 302, 2019 Corvette ZR1 and a 2023 Corvette Z06. Trying to drive them when I can.

 

[extrap]

Bring it down to 6 to 8 inches of close and let it drop. It will securely latch. Note you might have to adjust a little up or down depending on your struts. Just pushing down will usually leave one sprung and can give you an idiot light

Ps I was always able to open mine by myself. Release driver side and it will lift then passenger releases.

Gravity alone isn't enough for mine. Requires a pretty firm push, about like Camilo does in the video, maybe even a little more than that. Do wish it was easier.

 

[Ed Sims]

Welcome Rick's GT to the best forum in the world. And ownership of the best sports car in the world! I always opened the clamshell like nota4re described. Just leave the driver's door open & it's an easier reach to the right side latch. Have fun with that car! How about a photo?

 

[Rick’s GT]

Thanks Ed.

 

[donnymac]

Congratulations! You now own the best therapy known to exist. The opportunities and gratitude are nonstop!

I hope you have a place to run the car because your fun is about to start!

 

[Rick’s GT]

I look forward to it

 

[2112]

I am surprised how many don’t want the GTG clamshell lever.

Next to the Bridgestone tires, short shifter (and leatherette boot), and bumper delete, it’s my favorite upgrade.

 

[donnymac]

And there's always exhaust and TT options.