Topic: Head light door screws

[jwc66k]

The 1960-68 MPC Illustrations page (dated April 1967) calls for this screw to be  # 374798-S, which is a No. 8-18 Oval Head SST Phillips Trim screw, 1.00" long. The corresponding Text page (dated February of 1968) calls for # 378852-S, which is a No. 10 x 1.00", Self Tapping Fillister Head, Plain Phillips Screw (this is also what is shown in the 1965-72 MPC dated May of 1975).

This may be legitimate. The plastic nut, 379830-S, is described as "#8 or #10", so either screw will fit. There may be some foresight on Ford's part. If the trim ring was removed and installed several times, the plastic nut would wear out. Using a larger screw compensates for that wear.
Jim

[67gtasanjose]

Yes, now I see what the ELECTRICAL '67 assembly manual shows (AM0018 page 7) , I did not compare to what AMK offers but I can add that the picture Marty provided of the red car looks correct, compared to my original example.

They look like #8, stainless steel, sheet metal screws with a blunt tip (not your typical pointed tip sheet metal screw) and are countersunk (to fit the countersunk taper of the headlight door), so they are a tapered, small phillips drive head. They are approximately 7/8"inch in overall length.

In going over my inventory, it looks like I need ONE of these screws too. I had a trim screw in my "baggie of parts" removed from my car during dissassembly,  at the time we were discussing these screws I was under the belief I had more "parts & pieces" in my spare parts pile. Turns out, there were none of "these" screws in those parts.

Just one please

I know I COULD post in "wanted section" but feel the description can be a problem.

[J_Speegle]

I know I COULD post in "wanted section" but feel the description can be a problem.

Think it might be time for a simple picture and the measurements (just the basic ones) in a single post might help those who might check their bins for a orphan one 

[jwc66k]

Doing some basic research, the screw you want has a Ford part number of 374798-S. It is a 8-18X1.0 oval, .257-.279 dia, head, stainless steel, Phillips drive, screw. If you look at the AMK Guide to Ford Fasteners, page 154, you will see that screw listed. Right under it is Ford part number 376364-S which has the same exact specifications. It is used on 1969 Mustangs but with a -S102 finish (rear window trim as a black screw). However, 376364-S is sold by AMK products as their stock number B-11120, 10 pieces - $3 as a stainless screw, no mention of black color (they also offer it a chrome plated stainless). An inquiry at AMK as to what actual finish might be beneficial.
Jim

[67gtasanjose]

Will look into this, thanks

[196667Bob]

Now that this thread is "resurrected" again, I'll report on what I found on my '67 a couple weeks ago when we went to our Colorado place where the '67 resides. My, "believed to be original" Headlight Trim screws were exactly like Marty's - No. 8-18, Flat Head, Phillips, Blunt Tip, SST Trim (No. 6 Head) screws, 7/8" to 1" long.

Doing some basic research, the screw you want has a Ford part number of 374798-S. It is a 8-18X1.0 oval, .257-.279 dia, head, stainless steel, Phillips drive, screw. If you look at the AMK Guide to Ford Fasteners, page 154, you will see that screw listed. Right under it is Ford part number 376364-S which has the same exact specifications. It is used on 1969 Mustangs but with a -S102 finish (rear window trim as a black screw). However, 376364-S is sold by AMK products as their stock number B-11120, 10 pieces - $3 as a stainless screw, no mention of black color (they also offer it a chrome plated stainless). An inquiry at AMK as to what actual finish might be beneficial.
Jim

Now this is interesting Jim; my AMK Guide to Ford Fasteners shows Part # 374398-S on Page 147, and is described exactly as I noted above, except the length is shown as 1.00".
In the attached excerpt, % stands for "Trim Head", and the # stands for SST.
Based on others' comments (Marty and Dave) as well as on mine, I believe the correct screw should be the Flat Head, not the Oval Head. I have attached a few pictures of what this screw looks like.
To carry this a little further, I have checked about a dozen of some of my "Go To" Hardware sources, and could not find a Flat Head, Phillips, No. 8 Body. No. 6 Head, Blunt Tipped, SST screw.  A No. 8 screw has too big of a Head for the countersinks in the Headlight Trim Ring. A No. 6 of course fits the countersinks, but its body is too small for the existing Nylon "Nuts". The solution is to use the No. 6 screws (which I have found exact except I have only fount them 3/4" long), and new Nylon Nuts which are for No. 6 screws, and push in to a 1/4" square hole in the front fender extension. Thank goodness my originals are all accounted for.

Bob

[ruppstang]

The screw number I found in the 68 assembly manual is 55947-S45. The screws I seem to find are SS flat headed and are 7/8 long.
I pulled one out and here is the picture.

Richard I will see I can find you one.

[196667Bob]

Marty : As a matter of interest, the number you noted, 55947, shows up in my AMK Guide on Page 154 as an Oval Head, No. 8-18, SST, Trim Screw (No. 6 Head), Pointed Tip Screw, 1.00" long.

Bob

[J_Speegle]

With Marti's info will also look for a flat large head screw or two also

[ruppstang]

Marty : As a matter of interest, the number you noted, 55947, shows up in my AMK Guide on Page 154 as an Oval Head, No. 8-18, SST, Trim Screw (No. 6 Head), Pointed Tip Screw, 1.00" long.

Bob

I realize that is a oval head by the 55947-S45 number. I looked it up in the AMK catalogue too. I guess it seems that the screw that was used is not the one that  was specified.

I have found that in the NOS fender extension assembly's came with the oval headed screws in the hardware package.   

[67gtasanjose]

So far, everyone who has shared an image of one of these screws, have all shown the same flat head, 7/8" long screw.

My 11/2/66 SJ example has the flat head screws. Bob's 67 example looks to be 1/31/67 Dearborn and has the flat head screws. Marty has a 11/4/66 SJ convertible with the flat head screws and a 7/16/68 SJ (very late 68?)  and Laurie shared that "Murphy", a '68 DAP, is the only example shared so far, which had the oval head screws.

No regular pattern yet here. Maybe a need to locate a few more Original examples with the oval head screws. So far, we have no 67 examples with the oval head screws.

One of the more interesting facets of this thread could reveal some sort of another running change (date yet to be determined, at this time we haven't limited to '67 or '68 have we?)

We probably don't have enough original examples represented to determine when a change may have occurred but maybe with time we can narrow it down...but to also include build date and assembly plant.