Topic: Color Verification Shock Tower Cap and Alt. Bracket 1968 Metuchen 6-cyl

[wll17057]

Our 1968 Couple is a Metuchen 6-cyl. 3-speed Manual. 8T01T225520.

Alternator bracket:  It is my understanding alternator brackets on 6-cyl engines were attached to the engine block when it was painted.  Therefore, the alternator bracket carried the same blue engine block color.  The alternator bracket on 8-cylinder engines was not attached to the block when it was painted.  8-cyl alternator brackets were subsequently painted black. 
Our bracket is blue.  We are headed to shows this season and I'm sure we will be told the alternator bracket should be black and not blue.  Is there hard documentation (Ford or Metuchen) somewhere that supports the blue bracket color on our engine?

Shock tower caps:  It is my understanding that there were two suppliers for this part at the Metuchen plant in 1968.  Some supplied black caps while others phosphate and oil caps. Our cap is black.  Similar to above, is there hard documentation somewhere that supports the black finish on our car?  I have seen Metuchen VIN numbers....some noting black and others noting phosphate and oil.  How can we find documentation that would support the black Shock Tower Cap on our car?

Thanks very much.

[Keith Stem]

Refer back to the Judging Rules, they were revised this month. I would follow the rule, as judges our judging sheet are our only written guidance. Without documented proof you could lose some points. I have lost points on items I did not want to change, but the car still got 10 golds in 11 shows. It is your car restore it the way you want.

Shock tower caps for your car by the rule are natural, the trunk will have a mat, and the alternator bracket and adjustment arm should be black.

It was discussed in the last judges meet in December, that there are exceptions to the rule, but it would be difficult to have rules that included all exceptions.

[ruppstang]

I have seen a blue alt. mount on the 6 cil. motor. I would not deduct for it. I think all Metuchen Mustangs had phosphate and oil shock caps. The exception is a Shelby that had the reinforced shock caps that were black. 

[dkknab]

Refer back to the Judging Rules, they were revised this month. I would follow the rule, as judges our judging sheet are our only written guidance. Without documented proof you could lose some points. I have lost points on items I did not want to change, but the car still got 10 golds in 11 shows. It is your car restore it the way you want.

Shock tower caps for your car by the rule are natural, the trunk will have a mat, and the alternator bracket and adjustment arm should be black.

It was discussed in the last judges meet in December, that there are exceptions to the rule, but it would be difficult to have rules that included all exceptions.

I downloaded the new judging sheets.  It would be helpful if changes were identified somehow in the new documents. Guess I'll have to do my own comparison.

[carlite65]

it sure would be very helpful. several years back i was heavily involved in the rules revisions and one of my peeves was highlighting the changes. with mca personnel changes recently those in power now do not feel or see the need for that to occur......shame on them. they are doing a disservice to those who show their cars in competition.

[jwc66k]

it sure would be very helpful. several years back i was heavily involved in the rules revisions and one of my peeves was highlighting the changes. with mca personnel changes recently those in power now do not feel or see the need for that to occur......shame on them. they are doing a disservice to those who show their cars in competition.

The MCA is under new "management", and "it" shows.
Jim

[ruppstang]

it sure would be very helpful. several years back i was heavily involved in the rules revisions and one of my peeves was highlighting the changes. with mca personnel changes recently those in power now do not feel or see the need for that to occur......shame on them. they are doing a disservice to those who show their cars in competition.

I attended the judges meeting last December and we spent many many hours updating the 2025 sheets during and after the meeting. After they were approved by board someone had to make all those changes to the judging sheets. That was a huge task. I agree it would be great if they could be highlighted, but we are all volunteers with our own lives too. Too many want to complain and not lend their help. My suggestion is if you want something get involved and make it happen.

[Bob Gaines]

I attended the judges meeting last December and we spent many many hours updating the 2025 sheets during and after the meeting. After they were approved by board someone had to make all those changes to the judging sheets. That was a huge task. I agree it would be great if they could be highlighted, but we are all volunteers with our own lives too. Too many want to complain and not lend their help. My suggestion is if you want something get involved and make it happen.

A BIG +1. Well said Marty.

[dkknab]

I attended the judges meeting last December and we spent many many hours updating the 2025 sheets during and after the meeting. After they were approved by board someone had to make all those changes to the judging sheets. That was a huge task. I agree it would be great if they could be highlighted, but we are all volunteers with our own lives too. Too many want to complain and not lend their help. My suggestion is if you want something get involved and make it happen.

Great suggestion Marty.  I'll reach out to MCA and offer to do my class' judging sheet.  Given technology of the today I'd like to think this is doable.

[Keith Stem]

Plus 1 Marty,

The first-generation December judges meeting lasted for an intense 2 1/2 days. Making a change document would have been a beneficial addition for MCA members, but the main concern was first to correct and improve the current judging sheets and second to ensure that the judging rules that are published on the MCA website matched the judging sheets used by the judges. After going through this process, it would be prudent if the remaining judging groups would do the same.

[DTruitt]

Our 1968 Couple is a Metuchen 6-cyl. 3-speed Manual. 8T01T225520.

Alternator bracket:  It is my understanding alternator brackets on 6-cyl engines were attached to the engine block when it was painted.  Therefore, the alternator bracket carried the same blue engine block color.  The alternator bracket on 8-cylinder engines was not attached to the block when it was painted.  8-cyl alternator brackets were subsequently painted black. 
Our bracket is blue.  We are headed to shows this season and I'm sure we will be told the alternator bracket should be black and not blue.  Is there hard documentation (Ford or Metuchen) somewhere that supports the blue bracket color on our engine? it sounds like this may be your first MCA Show and as such, understand you are subjecting yourself to Judging based on the MCA Rules. I would recommend keeping the brackets as they currently are and explaining to the Judging Team what your findings on your car were, and the research you have done to support your decision.  The Judging Team may or may not take that into consideration when judging.  On page 4 of the current Judging Rules (v17.02022025) The alternator brackets are mentioned under E. Alternator and Starter total points for all items listed is 2 with an additional 2 points for quality of workmanship, condition, and cleanliness.  Your points deduction would be minimal or impossible to access, IMO.   

Shock tower caps:  It is my understanding that there were two suppliers for this part at the Metuchen plant in 1968.  Some supplied black caps while others phosphate and oil caps. Our cap is black.  Similar to above, is there hard documentation somewhere that supports the black finish on our car?  I have seen Metuchen VIN numbers....some noting black and others noting phosphate and oil.  How can we find documentation that would support the black Shock Tower Cap on our car?I do not think you will find documentation to support black shock tower caps on your specific car.  It has been commonly accepted for many years that San Jose plant had painted shock tower caps and Dearborn and Metuchen had phosphate and oil. You can bring this to the Judging Teams attention and see what happens.  A maximum of 3 points deduction for everything listed on page 7, X. Firewall and Inner Fender Panels. and a maximum of 4 points for Quality of workmanship, condition, and cleanliness for X. and Y.  Likely a very small deduction.

If this is in fact your first MCA Show, focus on the Quality of Workmanship, CLEANLINESS, and condition of the car.  Once you receive the Judging Sheets you can determine what changes you want to make to your car.  Many people are willing to help, especially if you ask for opinions, advice or constructive feedback.  Keep in mind that Judges come from various backgrounds and experiences regarding their knowledge of the cars.  Ultimately the judges are enthusiast just like you, volunteering to help you and the hobby! I hope this helps some!

Danny

Thanks very much.

[J_Speegle]

Did the OP look at the unrestored examples of 68 NJ T codes as well as for other plants since the engines came from the same plant posted in the Unrestored Picture thread?

At least two of the examples have the alternator bracket adjusting arm bracket and of course you can look at all of the 68 NJ Mustangs for the front shock caps/brackets for just two of the questions