Topic: 66 Radiator Grille Attaching Screws

[jgidley12]

Hi ya'll I just recently did restorative work on my 1966 Mustang grille and am unsure whether to leave the attaching screws with their natural coating or to paint them black as the rivets are. Does anyone have a definitive answer to this little issue? I've posted a couple of pics to show what I am speaking about. An answer for sure would be great. Also...the little u clip in the picture...where exactly does it fit on the car to enable the screw to be put in it? I can't seem to determine whether is slips on the grille itself or below the grille on the part of the headlight bucket. Any ideas for sure? Johnnie

[J_Speegle]

Not painted but plated

Clip is inserted onto the headlight bucket

[jwc66k]

Johnnie,
 The screws, 42127-S8, for the grill (6) and fog light brackets (6)are all clear zinc plated, and should all have the same head marking, San Jose cars have CF. The fog lamp brackets may have a different head marking as they were installed at a different time. The same screw is also used for the lower radiator grill bar (5) attaching. A nut clip is used on all those screws above. As you have one "left", check the grill bar to the hood latch support in the center.
  I notice a rubber seal on the radiator support. It was only used on I-6 engines in 1966. Just a heads up as fog lamps were a rare option for six cylinder cars.
  I also recommend that you get a set of 1966 Mustang Assembly Manuals (plus the 64-65 Chassis and 64-65 Weld/Sealant). All the questions you asked about the screws are covered there.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

The clip looks like an aftermarket style, usually 65-66 are an open end, not closed.  They were the same ones used on the headlight housing to hold the extension on and attach the lower grille support under the grille.

[jgidley12]

Thanks so much for all of your input. Question: Where do I find the assembly manuals you mention? Please let me know. Thanks, Johnnie

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks so much for all of your input. Question: Where do I find the assembly manuals you mention? Please let me know. Thanks, Johnnie

The Assemblyline manuals

can be found for sale at any of the larger parts venders like Virginia Mustang NPD etc in the same area of their on line catalogs as they sell the shop manuals. 

[jgidley12]

Thanks very much. I will definitely get them.

[Richard P.]

Not painted but plated

Clip is inserted onto the headlight bucket

+ 1

[jwc66k]

Clip is inserted onto the headlight bucket

The nut clips used on the headlight bucket for 64 thru 66 are a "J" type (372017-S2, 8 for grill and bar attaching, 8 for the headlight doors), the one shown is a "U" type.
Jim

[Bob Gaines]

Does anyone know if the AMK kits still come with the "CF" marked screws? So much of their stuff is sadly becoming more generic looking.

[NEFaurora]

"I notice a rubber seal on the radiator support. It was only used on I-6 engines in 1966. Just a heads up as fog lamps were a rare option for six cylinder cars. "

Not True.

'65's had them as well on I-6 cars.

My two Dearborn '65 cars came with the Rubbers seals factory stapled through the grille support and were both original.  Getting off the rusted 40+ year old staples and putting new ones on was a fun experience as I remember it.  Some Later '66 Dearborn cars used the clips instead of the staples as well as San Jose cars for the I-6 radiator support rubber seals.

)

Tony K.

[NEFaurora]

"Does anyone know if the AMK kits still come with the "CF" marked screws? So much of their stuff is sadly becoming more generic looking."

Pretty sure they do Bob.  I ordered two packages from NPD about 6 months ago, and both packages had the "CF" markings on the small hex screws.

)

Tony K.

[jwc66k]

"Does anyone know if the AMK kits still come with the "CF" marked screws? So much of their stuff is sadly becoming more generic looking."
Pretty sure they do Bob.  I ordered two packages from NPD about 6 months ago, and both packages had the "CF" markings on the small hex screws.

The "CF" head marking screws (42127-S8) are primarily used on the grills for 64-66 Mustangs. A "D" head screw, same part number, is used for grounds although the finish may also be -S36 in 66. I have found several screws with head marking "FC" but don't have application information. There are also "RBW", a triangle, two concentric circles, four concentric circles, a domed head and other head markings. Most of the others are hidden, under carper, under the console, etc.
Jim 

[jwc66k]

"I notice a rubber seal on the radiator support. It was only used on I-6 engines in 1966. Just a heads up as fog lamps were a rare option for six cylinder cars. "

Not True.

'65's had them as well on I-6 cars.

My two Dearborn '65 cars came with the Rubbers seals factory stapled through the grille support and were both original.  Getting off the rusted 40+ year old staples and putting new ones on was a fun experience as I remember it.  Some Later '66 Dearborn cars used the clips instead of the staples as well as San Jose cars for the I-6 radiator support rubber seals.

)

Tony K.

Tony, the Subject is for a 66 car, which is what I addressed. The fog lamp option was rare on I-6 cars.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

.............  Getting off the rusted 40+ year old staples and putting new ones on was a fun experience as I remember it.  Some Later '66 Dearborn cars used the clips instead of the staples as well as San Jose cars for the I-6 radiator support rubber seals.

Not to get to far off the focus - we can split the discussion if needs be- but are you suggesting that you've seen original 66 San Jose 6 cylinders with clips retaining the hood seal?

Would be interested in any proof as this is a detail I've never seen nor has any owner made mention of over allot of years.