Topic: 68 Rocker panel molding retention clips on front fenders?

[Murf]

Every document I have found shows that the 68 Mustang has one plastic clip and one hole for a retaining stud in the lower rear section of the  front fenders to attach the rocker moldings.  While working on our 68, scheduled birthday of April 03, at the San Jose plant the original rust free and dated front fenders have only the hole for the retention stud.  There are no holes for the plastic clip and no evidence of any holes ever being there.  Both fenders have been stripped to bare metal for repainting and absolutely no indication of any holes near the rear of the fender for the clips.  Is this unusual or is it the norm.  Have the extra clips on hand to put on but if for whatever reason Ford chose not to use them I will not use them either.  Anyone run across this.  I suspected that the holes were somehow punched at the assembly plant but maybe they were individually drilled.  By the way the car is a California Special which also has never had the holes for the engine size badge drilled so maybe this lack of the holes for the rocker molding clips is somehow tied to the California Special unique front fenders? 

[J_Speegle]

Don't believe our May 14th built San Jose coupe has any plastic retainers for the molding on the front fender either. Just likely the documents (drawings??) are wrong again   At least for the spring production. Are there dates on the "documents" John. If your using the assembly manual as a guide its on each page most pages were collected from different manuals spotted around the year so they don't all match

Looking through my pictures I found even ones with the lettering with only the forward stud hole - no plastic retainer holes. Of course not allot of pictures taken focusing on this specific detail

Hope this sets your mind at ease and lets you go on to the next challenge

One spring example - Happens to be a Calif Special in this case but did find other non- Special examples also the same way

[ruppstang]

We are finishing up a GTCS too and found it to be with out the first clip as well. I have seen others with it but can not remember the plant or build date.

[Murf]

Thanks.  Will not drill the extra holes.