Topic: Lower Radiator Brackets 1968-70 - Variations

[krelboyne]

Here are 4 different versions of the lower brackets for 24 inch radiators as found on 1968-70 Ford Mustang and Mercury Cougar. We have a local metal fabricator that is willing to make a better reproduction bracket than is offered by Scott Drake.
I have arranged my used brackets as I think they may have been installed. 1968 on the left, ending with 1970 on the right. Am willing to accept suggestions from the forum for which version gets submitted for possible reproduction.

[J_Speegle]

So what is the guiding principle?  Which one we believe has a greater demand?

[krelboyne]

So what is the guiding principle?  Which one we believe has a greater demand?

Yes, looking for feedback and suggestions.
When I went looking for samples, I knew that there were at least 2 different versions. Wasn't surprised by 3, but the 4th one took me by surprise.

[TLea]

Hi Scott. This is a much needed part  and current Reproductions are horrible. I’ll put in my vote for the 68 version

[Al Bundy]

I would vote ‘68, but I’m somewhat confused how there are four pictured from 68-70.  Obviously two must be from the same year, but which two?

[Brian Conway]

The second from the left looks the most like the ones on my 69.  Hard to tell with out doing a side by side ?  It seems any variation in height would be a major consideration ?  Brian

[krelboyne]

I would vote ‘68, but I’m somewhat confused how there are four pictured from 68-70.  Obviously two must be from the same year, but which two?

I would not expect this bracket to have a clean cutoff by year, there very likely would have been some overlap. For example, from a manufacturing stand point, Ford may have placed and initial order of 200,000 sets of those brackets. The subsequent runs look like they were trimming metal from the brackets to save money and weight? Kind of a common practice.

Tim and others. Do you agree that the one pictured on the left is the 1968 version?

[ruppstang]

Yes I would agree the one on the left is the 68. That is the one I hope is reproduced for selfish reasons.

[Anghelrestorations]

Scott....I put this together a while back and may be useful for identifying the lower brackets.

http://anghelrestorations.com/uploads/3/5/1/2/35122002/radiator_brackets_v1.2.pdf

[krelboyne]

Scott....I put this together a while back and may be useful for identifying the lower brackets.

http://anghelrestorations.com/uploads/3/5/1/2/35122002/radiator_brackets_v1.2.pdf

Thanks Marcus, I did use that information to verify the 1970 or 'last' factory version.

[J_Speegle]

Being challenged at seeing the defining details for each version of brackets in my pictures in any volume that would seem helpful. Especially when the differences can be viewed best (installed) from under the car.

Which ever version you choose will mean that you'll likely have to note that there are other versions or years not being reproduced at the time.

Based on the largest production period I believe you may choose one of the two middle versions.

What I can offer are the following observations 

#1 appears to change somewhere after 8T20926x
and some point before 8F21024x  - Yes two different plants just offering data points.

#2 I found used originally on 9F18838x, 9F20888x, 9F21490x,


Since the "cut away" on the lower support arm is positioned above the rear lip of the front cross member I found it difficult to even see that detail once installed in pictures from almost every angle.




Sorry I tried to help more also didn't get through my Shelby pictures but its been a couple of days and wanted to respond .

[RoyceP]

I looked at the ones on my '68 R code. They match Scott's photo. Installed on the car, there is not any way to tell conclusively. I had to go look at photos of them while restoring them to see the differences.

[krelboyne]

I looked at the ones on my '68 R code. They match Scott's photo. Installed on the car, there is not any way to tell conclusively. I had to go look at photos of them while restoring them to see the differences.

Royce, your bracket looks like my second photo?

[RoyceP]

No, like the first one.

[J_Speegle]

Royce, your bracket looks like my second photo?

Looks like the second version (from the left) in your first (top) picture. Or picture number one.

Since it doesn't have the notch, from the top view, at the lower right in the picture. Could be even the third one since we can't see the support leg on Royce's example. He can likely provide/confirm that detail