Topic: original '67 ribbed tail panel trim fit

[socalgt]

I was hoping someone could  tell me how straight these were from the factory.  I have a pair of original panels that are quite "wavy" when sighting down the upper or lower edge.  I'm assuming these will be difficult to install in their present condition?  I'm also assuming they won't pull  any straighter then they are when installed.

[67gta289]

The ones I have are pretty straight. One set has a small gradual bow across the span. That was bolted in and straightens out nicely.   The one close up you show appears to be a relatively significant kink. I would think it needs a little heat with a weight and long cool down time to see if that straightens it out.  I would go slow, increasing heat over multiple attempts to get it looking good.   A slight bow over the span is not a problem.   

In a few days I should be able to get some pics of mine.

[socalgt]

Thanks....I appreciate your reply.

[socalgt]

The ones I have are pretty straight. One set has a small gradual bow across the span. That was bolted in and straightens out nicely.   The one close up you show appears to be a relatively significant kink. I would think it needs a little heat with a weight and long cool down time to see if that straightens it out.  I would go slow, increasing heat over multiple attempts to get it looking good.   A slight bow over the span is not a problem.   

In a few days I should be able to get some pics of mine.

  John....are the original panels pot metal or cast aluminum?

[67gta289]

They are the same material as headlight buckets, quarter panel end caps, fastback side vents, hood vents...

I don't know the exact composition, but a very good friend of mine helped me experiment on one that was damaged - replacing a missing stud.  We removed material from a damaged quarter panel end cap to get the donor material, and shaped it into the form of the stud.   The trick for welding ended up being the lowest setting on his TIG welder, plus a very low temperature rod.  He tried all the rods he had on hand, but the base material melted, so he had to order additional rod samples until he found the right stuff.  The repair turned out beautiful, can't be distinguished from an original casting.  It will take the torque associated with attaching fasteners.

I can say that it is definitely not aluminum.  Pot metal is probably an ok term, but it a bit too nebulous for me when I put my engineering hat on.  One of these days I'll take a sample to the lab and get it analyzed on the mass spec.

BTW he just used the same method to repair one of those pesky early 67 hood vents with cracked posts.  I'm thinking this is another opportunity to get into a side repair business...if I only had the time.

[WT8095]

For pot metal, check this out:

http://muggyweld.com/pot-metal-repair

I haven't used it myself, but I have seen demos in person. They also have products for aluminum, cast iron, & other metals.

[196667Bob]

While we all know that we must usually take "with a grain of salt" words that Ford printed in different publications, for the "ribbed tail panel" (which is technically called "Panel Assembly - Lower Back Applique"), in both the "Showroom Option Book" and in the "Salesman's Price Book", this is noted as a "die cast grill". As John noted, it is definitely not cast Aluminum.

Bob

[socalgt]

I haven't found any one willing to straighten the bend out without letting me  know it could  crack, so I will not be purchasing these and look for ones that are straight...or at least straighter.  They are too expensive to damage.

                                                                                                   Thanks for  the replies...

[ruppstang]

Here is the ones on the 67 S code that  I am restoring. They fit pretty well.

[socalgt]

They do appear to fit nicely...and look very nice as well.  I think I'll paint mine black to match the car.  I've seen them in a variety of  different finishes...partly polished, all grey, etc.  I think on a black car they will be a nice addition painted the same color.  I'm trying to search the internet to find a '67 black fastback with the panels painted to match the car.

[196667Bob]

Not exactly what you are looking for, but the '67 Mustang Brochure has a Black Convertible with a Black panel, and a White Fastback with a White panel.
Maybe you can visualize the combination.

Bob

[socalgt]

Black it is.....thanks for the replies