Topic: U-clips

[BillEBobb]

'69 S.J. Convertible

RE:  The u-clips that anchor the headlight buckets to the front of the radiator support. 

I replaced these with modern u-clips.  This past weekend at a car clinic sponsored by our club a friend (71,-2,-3 Gold Card Judge) pointed those clips out and said "they should be natural, not painted."  I told him that I didn't paint them but that that's the way they came. 

Is this something that I should remedy?  If so, replace the new with old?

[jwc66k]

I would think that the clips are heat treated steel which gives them a dark finish. That what the judge may have been telling you. A dark phosphated finish would replicate that. Give AMK Products http://www.amkproducts.com/  a look. I've found that my local hardware store (Orchard Supply) carries a very close to 67 to 73 type supply of clips. Home Depot may also carry some. Do a careful examination as some were painted which is back where you started.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

The clips come in a number of finishes from draube green to black it seems. As mentioned you will need to get them to a darkened natural finish - how every you get there. Also remember to coat them with an oil so they don't rust later