Restoring a 66 GT San Jose build.
What's the (scheduled) build date?
The original bolts I removed for this coil spring guard covers did not have star washers. The research I have done shows they should. Is this one of those items that the line worker just grabbed whatever bolts were available?
There was a transition between the earlier external tooth lock washer style and the toothed disc style. There are instances of a mix, especially on fender bolts as there may have been as many as six different inventory sources (buckets?) that they came from to facilitate fender installation.
The bolts I removed were original and had never been disturbed. Should I add the star washers or return to what I found originally?
There will usually be a witness mark on the inner fender panel that will help answer your question. If you know the car had disc washer and that matches the marks, then no doubt to go with disc.
As Charles said, look for witness, in this case - teeth, marks.
For reference, I have two October scheduled build San Jose Mustangs, a 15 Oct Hardtop, and an 18 Oct Fastback, and both have the toothed disc type bolts used everywhere except the hood safety latch (the bar in front of the hood latch post).
Was the finish on these bolt heads semi gloss black or black phosphate?
The finish was phosphate and oil, with the shade ranging from a light to medium dark gray, almost black sometimes, not painted. The nuts used on the coil spring covers (the correct Ford name is "Front Suspension Bumper Bracket"), located in the wheel well, would get covered with soundproofing spray.
Jim