Topic: 66 Voltage Regulator Protective Screw Tips

[rrenz]

Would the ground screw that attaches the headlight ground above the battery have one of those protective tips also like the voltage regulator hardware?

[CharlesTurner]

Nope, they were not used there.  I believe the screw is shorter than the ones used at the voltage regulator.  Check Jim's hardware spreadsheet in the library section or have a close look at the assembly manual and cross-reference the number(s) to the AMK guide to fasteners.

[jwc66k]

Would the ground screw that attaches the headlight ground above the battery have one of those protective tips also like the voltage regulator hardware?

Nope, they were not used there.  I believe the screw is shorter than the ones used at the voltage regulator.  Check Jim's hardware spreadsheet in the library section or have a close look at the assembly manual and cross-reference the number(s) to the AMK guide to fasteners.

The protective caps used on the voltage regulator screws of 65-66 Mustangs that protrude into the area between the grill and radiator support are part of the "gray area" of Mustangs. I have not found documentation showing their use, nor a valid part number. Many vendors sell them for about $1.50 a pair, and I strongly recommend getting a pair and putting them on the VR screw tips. If you have ever worked in the tight confines of the left hand grill and got multiple scratches on the back of your hand you will know why.
As to any other protective caps used on screw tips, I know of only one application on 65-66 Mustangs, the five used on Fastbacks on screw tips in the trunk above the trap door.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Jim, my thoughts on the caps are they were more of an aesthetic thing so the silver tips of the screws would not be seen through the grille opening.

The originals were black bakelite material, not soft rubber like the repro's.

[rrenz]

Jim, my thoughts on the caps are they were more of an aesthetic thing so the silver tips of the screws would not be seen through the grille opening.

The originals were black bakelite material, not soft rubber like the repro's.

I had ordered a second set and was going to put one on that ground screw just to clean it up a bit. I was curious if they actually put a cover on that screw originally or not.

[jwc66k]

Jim, my thoughts on the caps are they were more of an aesthetic thing so the silver tips of the screws would not be seen through the grille opening.

That could very well be, although "red blood tipped exposed screws threads" are not aesthetic either.

The originals were black bakelite material, not soft rubber like the repro's.

I would still like to get some documentation on this. A TSB perhaps?

I had ordered a second set and was going to put one on that ground screw just to clean it up a bit. I was curious if they actually put a cover on that screw originally or not.

I took another look, you can't see that screw tip, by the battery, from the front. There is little to "adjust", "tighten", or otherwise access on that side, so no.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

I've found them on cars built as early as April '64, so doubt there is a TSB. 

[J_Speegle]

That could very well be, although "red blood tipped exposed screws threads" are not aesthetic either.I would still like to get some documentation on this. A TSB perhaps?.....

TSB would have only been created and distributed if there was a change of problem. Since they were used through a number of production years and on all cars no reason for any mention of them IMHO. If the material that they were made from changed during production at some point that would not be a reason for a Special Service Letter or a TSB article either.

[aaatp]

Would it be possible for someone to post a picture of what the original caps look like.
It would be much appreciated.

Thanks:John

[rrenz]

+1 I've never seen an original one. If its even possible for bakelite to last that long being mounted to the front of a car..

[chrisboss429]

Here's one from 65 SJ GT Coupe 18S

Thank you for all you do guys, Huge fan! Chris Knowles

[J_Speegle]

And to illustrate where they were originally installed

....... If its even possible for bakelite to last that long being mounted to the front of a car..

Will find one and cut it in half. Still think its just a high dense rubber given the mold release nipple/feature

[J_Speegle]

Dug some out last night. Can report the ones I have are dense pretty hard black rubber with the mold release detail at the tip. Each compresses with some effort without cracking