Topic: '65-66 'Concours' Kick Panels

[drummingrocks]

I was flipping through the latest issue of Mustang Times, and I ran across an ad for Scott Drake's new/improved "concours" kick panels.  I know that previous reproductions have been all over the map; some are great, and some require grinding/filing to get them close to fitting.  One thing I was surprised to see was that these new panels come pre-punched with the screw holes.  How is that possible?  I could be wrong, but weren't the kick panel holes punched in different places according to production date, production plant, etc.?   I was under the impression that it's rare to see two '65-66s with the kick panel screw holes in the same place.  Maybe I'm wrong on this one?   

[lancelot66]

This is a very good question I think. It may be a plant-specific thing where they punched the holes in the car panel (behind the kick) but I'll be interested in what others have to say. Saw these quite awhile back, where Virginia had them newly available, and at the time, only produced in Black and White. I didn't want to buy white and then paint because I've NEVER seen painted ones not needing some touch-up or re-do later on. Then, naturally, Scott decides to produce them in Dark Red....so I HAD TO BUY some fairly recently. Did this on faith I guess too, as I have not yet installed them. They look really good though, with the reinforced holes on the back-side with the "boss" on each (2 holes), which look to match my locations (diagonal to each other, rather than the one below (3rd hole I think in early cars), located down (verticle line) from the top tailing edge one) in our 66 . Looks like the reinforcement bosses will prevent the cracking from the screws being over-tightened or from basic age too. They are nice kicks though and I wanted to have some available when I'm ready to install. Have to find some original screws now...!

[drummingrocks]

Let us know how they work out.  I'm glad these are available, as again the reproductions have been hit-or-miss for a long time. 

[lancelot66]

I will definitely do that. Should have also detailed a couple of other qualities about them too (might sound like one of Scott's sales people here - assure you all I'm not!) but the channel that accepts the windlace at the trailing top edge is very nice, and bigger! One of the peeves about other repos I've always had...
Flexibility and texture/grain is also very good, so if you were to actually "kick" one of these in the car, it wouldn't "sound" like you were kicking a piece of corrugated fiberglass roofing (even with the jute padding on the backside too). You gotta love the part number on the back of these kicks also. Always exciting to see correct part numbers IMHO!

[lancelot66]

Should also have maybe mentioned that when I ordered them from Virginia (may have been Brant I spoke to) was told that either green or blue was in line to be the next produced color. Can't remember now which it was, and didn't ask the shade of either color. Was relating my astonishment and gratefulness that Dark Red was next in line from B&W but they do base production choice on past sales/marketing, which is perfectly logical it seems to me...just one color/batch alone would be a sizable expenditure without the waiting demand...

[jwc66k]

I got a pair of white ones a couple of years back and was very happy with them. I have a deluxe interior and added carpet and the trim at the top.  They were not predrilled for mounting or the trim. If I remember they were made by Scott Drake. They replaced a pair of not very good reproductions that cracked at the very top at the door frame where the pinch-on windlace ends. The screws called out are 357903-S8, 8-15X1/2RND/WSHR HEAD and are available from AMK. I did substitute 350075-S8, 8-15X3/4RND/WSHR HEAD screws as there was not enough length with the carpet on the panel.
Jim

[lancelot66]

Thank you Jim. I'll take a look at that part number and see if they have any in stock. Been slowly putting together my next fastener order...I won't say right now how long that's been in development... :-[Maybe after another glass of wine I'll feel better about this...!

[NEFaurora]

"How is that possible?  I could be wrong, but weren't the kick panel holes punched in different places according to production date, production plant, etc.?"

No, Original OEM Ford Kick panels had pre-punched "bossed" holes already there.  The very earlier Kick panels had three screw hole bosses, and the later ones only had two screw hole bosses. The newer Scott Drakes ones are just like the Original OEM Kick panels, but a bit thicker..as the originals were like paper thin.  If you have a deluxe interior, You'll still have to make those holes for the bottom carpeting and trim.

"I was under the impression that it's rare to see two '65-66s with the kick panel screw holes in the same place.  Maybe I'm wrong on this one?"

Yep.

I ordered two pairs when they first came out for both of my convertibles.  Excellent quality! I highly recommend them!