Topic: Grill Tab Blackout

[kutzoh]

I've been meaning to get this question answered and I saw it brought up on another thread and didn't want to hijack that one. So, was the little tab below the grill blacked out at the factory and if so how, brush or spray.


Thanks,
Greg

[mustang65ld]

Yes. The tab should be blacked out. Depending upon the factory, it could have been either brushed or sprayed on. There is also mention of this blackout treatment in the factory assembly manuals.

[J_Speegle]

+1 suppose to be blacked out - typically sprayed but if it was missed and caught by an inspector later (like other black out details) I think that is when the can of black paint and the brush appeared

[CharlesTurner]

"Supposed to" according to the assembly manual, but I've seen just as many without the blackout as with it.  I'd accept either way, but personally, I would not black it out unless I had a good reference, either the car originally had it or cars built close in production at the same assembly plant had it.

[jwc66k]

but personally, I would not black it out unless I had a good reference, either the car originally had it or cars built close in production at the same assembly plant had it.

On the other hand, if you don't have Ford documentation that verifies that your "tab" was not blacked out, and you're at an MCA show, and the judge deducts a point for a non-blacked tab, black it out and you won't upset the MCA apple cart.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Black Sharpie on hand... lol

[kutzoh]

I guess if I'm going to do it I might as well do it right - what about the attaching hardware? Was the tab blacked out before assembly? Should the hardware be blacked out or left natural (whatever finish that was)?

Thanks,
Greg

[J_Speegle]

I guess if I'm going to do it I might as well do it right - what about the attaching hardware? Was the tab blacked out before assembly? Should the hardware be blacked out or left natural (whatever finish that was)?

I've always seen the black out applied before the hardware was installed - no black on the screw

[kutzoh]

Thanks Jeff.

 I can't begin to guess what my car originally had so I'll error on the side of what was "supposed to have" and get it blacked out this spring along with a list of other misc items to correct.

Thanks again for everyone's help.
Greg