Topic: '68 trunk anti rattle rods

[Oz390]

Have seen two variations, not sure if either is correct. 

One is a small "C" clip on both rods, near the middle, not attached to anything.  The other is an "M" shaped retainer screwed to the underside of the deck between the trunk lid and rear window clamping both rods to the metal in the middle.

Have also seen some with a spiral "hose" on one rod. Some none...

What is correct for a '68, and does it vary between early and late, or by body style (I have a convertible and 3 coupes).  San Jose (early convertible, early and late coupe) and one Dearborn (late).

[ruppstang]

The most common seen is the spiral wrap. I have seen the C clip on San Jose cars. I have not see the M clip on any coupes or convertibles. I have seen a clip on a 67 fastback. Others here may know more about what plants used what and when. If possible post a picture of the M clip.
Marty

[tim_morrison82]

my 14M SJ  coupe has the spiral on the top rod. is your 14M SJ car similar richard?

[Murf]

Our April 04 scheduled built date coupe (San Jose plant, California Special) has the "C" configuration.

[Dudley]

My SJ June '68 build.

[Oz390]

My April GTCS has some type of clip, do not have a good pic.  Possibly the "S" type shown.   But no spiral wrap.

Anyone with a '68 convertible that can confirm if its the same as the S clip shown in the '68 coupe above, with or without the wrapped rubber?  Mine has just the spiral rubber, which is different to the GTCS, but it is an early build San Jose (Dec '67) maybe a body style difference or a pre-post-strike change??? 

I think the "M" clip may have been off a 66.

[TLea]

Metal clip vs spiral is early/late thing and varied by plant. I would put  change as February ish
April car would have clip

[Oz390]

Thanks Tim, so the "pre-Feb-ish" 68's would have both the rubber spiral wrap, and the "M" clip?  Later only the S clip (which I believe matches my April GTCS, need to check on it next time I am in the shop)?

[J_Speegle]

Did a survey of my pictures of 68 San Jose cars and found the following

Painted wrap with no clip  to No wrap - with clip change appears around the 13641x - 13850x period

8R01C13641x being the lowest VIN (coupe) I've got with the no wrap and with clip and 8R01C13850x being the highest VIN with the painted wrap with no clip

This should put the change in the early Feb period as Tim suggested