Topic: 68 Running Changes - Hood Hinge changeover on 68 Mustangs

[68Metuchen390GT]

I’ve searched on here about C9 hinges and I’ve read Marcus Anghel’s article in the library on the hinges and the various differences. I have a fairly original Metuchen 390 GT with original paint that was bucked June 11, 1968 and built June 19,1968.

Marcus says in his article “ Second generation of hood hinges, the 1967/1968 version was used until 1968. Change over date from the C7 version to the C9 version started around March of 1968.”

My hinges are definitely the later C9 hinges with the x rivets and date codes Jan 10 and Jun 11. Since my car was built after the start of the changeover would these be original to the car with such wide date codes between them and the last date being the same as the bucked date?

I’ve attached some pictures of before pictures and some after they were cleaned. I sprayed with rust prevention for storage until I’m ready to restore them and put them on the car after I get the body work done.

Thanks Richard

[bullitt68]

I’ve searched on here about C9 hinges and I’ve read Marcus Anghel’s article in the library on the hinges and the various differences. I have a fairly original Metuchen 390 GT with original paint that was bucked June 11, 1968 and built June 19,1968.

Marcus says in his article “ Second generation of hood hinges, the 1967/1968 version was used until 1968. Change over date from the C7 version to the C9 version started around March of 1968.”

My hinges are definitely the later C9 hinges with the x rivets and date codes Jan 10 and Jun 11. Since my car was built after the start of the changeover would these be original to the car with such wide date codes between them and the last date being the same as the bucked date?

I’ve attached some pictures of before pictures and some after they were cleaned. I sprayed with rust prevention for storage until I’m ready to restore them and put them on the car after I get the body work done.

Thanks Richard

Hi Richard we have very similar cars built around the same time. My car didn't receive a buck tag but was finished June 5, 1968 and is also Raven Black, but was built in San Jose. I also read Marcus's article which is great. Here are my springs. Perhaps we can co spare notes on our cars since the are so similar.

[68Metuchen390GT]

That’s great thanks, would love to do some comparisons, I’ve read some of your posts. So one of yours is dated April and the other Jan? Both original to car? Only one stamped OB?

I think I read you were looking for a trunk lid or was that someone else?

[bullitt68]

That’s great thanks, would love to do some comparisons, I’ve read some of your posts. So one of yours is dated April and the other Jan? Both original to car? Only one stamped OB?

I think I read you were looking for a trunk lid or was that someone else?

Hi Richard Yes I am still looking for a trunk lid. Do you have one? I have the one that came on my car that was not original as it had some small rust issues on the rear lip. I also have new reproduction, but I always prefer to use original parts when I can.

This set is dated all April

[bullitt68]

That’s great thanks, would love to do some comparisons, I’ve read some of your posts. So one of yours is dated April and the other Jan? Both original to car? Only one stamped OB?

I think I read you were looking for a trunk lid or was that someone else?

This is the January dated set

[68Metuchen390GT]

So did either one come on the car originally? Your January set is 68 and the April is 69?

I’m hoping someone can weigh in on the date ranges of mine.

I’ll PM you w the decklid info

[bullitt68]

So did either one come on the car originally? Your January set is 68 and the April is 69?

I’m hoping someone can weigh in on the date ranges of mine.

I’ll PM you w the decklid info

Both sets are 68. Don't know if April set came on my car new or left the factory that way. The January set is another set I just picked up with the early design. Not sure which set I will use on my car yet. Wanted to use the set that makes the most sense based on the date. SO far it looks like the later design dated april would more correct t for my car. Are you sure your springs are the factory installed springs?

It seems odd to me that the hinges would be dated so far apart and also I would assume that the January hinge is a 69 as they didn't start the latter design springs until March of 68 according to the article by Marcus. I am sure one of the experts will chime in soon

[J_Speegle]

Maybe we need to start a Running Changes thread for 68's also.

Will look through my picture collection and see what I can offer for the discussions. Pete D would likely have some data from unrestored Shelby's also considering the plant your focusing on

[68Metuchen390GT]

Thanks I appreciate it.

[J_Speegle]

Changed the title of the thread slightly as identifying the "newer" version of the hinge as a 69 piece may be misleading once we collect all the facts (what I'm finding half way through the 68 NJ cars) Just trying to keep it simple at this point.

[Laurie S.]

Only picture I have of mine (in Mexico right now).  Original owner Dearborn-built, build day of June 2, 1968.

Well, shoot, it's not letting me add an image.  They are the C9 hinges with the x on the rivets.  Can't see the date on the hinge in the photo.  I'll check when I'm back home.

[68Metuchen390GT]

Thanks Jeff and Laurie both, I agree with the title change, it’s really more of a 68 change than a 69 change.

[Laurie S.]

My dad worked in Ford management.  I remember him saying years ago that there were about 117 running changes in the 68 model year.

[68Metuchen390GT]

Wow now that would be a list to see

[krelboyne]

I am going to suggest that there is a late 1968 or C8 version of the hood hinges. Has the cut down section for hood clearance, but still retains the straight cut at the back of the hood mounting section.
The common C9 version has arc'd cut at the rear.