Topic: 1968 San Jose GT 390 Fastback Rear Shackles

[Bob Gaines]

Good point. Agreed. So far I have not seen any suitable candidates

Check out National Parts Depots on line catalog for various offerings. Here is one I pulled up .  https://www.npdlink.com/product/shackle-kit-leaf-spring-rear-oe-rubber-bushings/104758?backurl=search%2Fproducts%3Fsearch_terms%3Dspring%252Bshackle%26top_parent%3D200001%26year%3D1968&year=1968     . You may have to modify the finish . As has been mention a dunk in some muratic acid until it stops fizzing (about 4-5 minutes and the zinc finish should be gone) wash acid off in water ,towel dry (not blow dry otherwise it may flash rust)and then finish with tumbling or zinc phosphate (should be light to match bare steel more) or what ever you decide for a final finish.

[bullitt68]

Check out National Parts Depots on line catalog for various offerings. Here is one I pulled up .  https://www.npdlink.com/product/shackle-kit-leaf-spring-rear-oe-rubber-bushings/104758?backurl=search%2Fproducts%3Fsearch_terms%3Dspring%252Bshackle%26top_parent%3D200001%26year%3D1968&year=1968     . You may have to modify the finish . As has been mention a dunk in some muratic acid until it stops fizzing (about 4-5 minutes and the zinc finish should be gone) wash acid off in water ,towel dry (not blow dry otherwise it may flash rust)and then finish with tumbling or zinc phosphate (should be light to match bare steel more) or what ever you decide for a final finish.

Thanks Bob I have not used NPD before, but may if they have some suitable parts. Checking out the website now. And the price is definitely right!

[bullitt68]

Check out National Parts Depots on line catalog for various offerings. Here is one I pulled up .  https://www.npdlink.com/product/shackle-kit-leaf-spring-rear-oe-rubber-bushings/104758?backurl=search%2Fproducts%3Fsearch_terms%3Dspring%252Bshackle%26top_parent%3D200001%26year%3D1968&year=1968     . You may have to modify the finish . As has been mention a dunk in some muratic acid until it stops fizzing (about 4-5 minutes and the zinc finish should be gone) wash acid off in water ,towel dry (not blow dry otherwise it may flash rust)and then finish with tumbling or zinc phosphate (should be light to match bare steel more) or what ever you decide for a final finish.

Hi Bob here is the one you posted the link to. The next photo shows what mine looks like after the phosphating that did not take. I may try it in the tumbler next and see what it looks like. So far I have mainly used the tumbler on aluminum, but will try it on the shackles. I will experiment on these and get it right for the correct ones

[67350#1242]

Here is the link to NPD shackle with 1/2" studs which would be correct for your car.

https://www.npdlink.com/product/shackle-kit-leaf-spring-rear-oe-style-rubber/104764?backurl=search%2Fproducts%3Fsearch_terms%3Dspring%252Bshackle%26top_parent%3D200001%26year%3D1968&year=1968

[Bob Gaines]

Hi Bob here is the one you posted the link to. The next photo shows what mine looks like after the phosphating that did not take. I may try it in the tumbler next and see what it looks like. So far I have mainly used the tumbler on aluminum, but will try it on the shackles. I will experiment on these and get it right for the correct ones

The shade of metal on the plates looks fine . The studs and nuts not so much. At least from the picture on my monitor.The studs and nuts were typically a darker contrast shade of metal compared to the plates originally. That is the goal . However you get to that goal is the challenge.

[bullitt68]

Here is the link to NPD shackle with 1/2" studs which would be correct for your car.

https://www.npdlink.com/product/shackle-kit-leaf-spring-rear-oe-style-rubber/104764?backurl=search%2Fproducts%3Fsearch_terms%3Dspring%252Bshackle%26top_parent%3D200001%26year%3D1968&year=1968

Thanks appreciate it

[bullitt68]

The shade of metal on the plates looks fine . The studs and nuts not so much. At least from the picture on my monitor.The studs and nuts were typically a darker contrast shade of metal compared to the plates originally. That is the goal . However you get to that goal is the challenge.

Thanks Bob I will experiment a bit more in the lab today and see what I come up with

[Bob Gaines]

hanks Bob I will experiment a bit more in the lab today and see what I come up with

You can test processes out on the ones you have so you know what to do when you get a more appropriate set. I would not try and use the ones you have now given the direction you are going for. So to be clear they are not correct for your car.

[bullitt68]

You can test processes out on the ones you have so you know what to do when you get a more appropriate set. I would not try and use the ones you have now given the direction you are going for. So to be clear they are not correct for your car.

Thanks Bob. Got it and that is my plan!

[bullitt68]

Check out National Parts Depots on line catalog for various offerings. Here is one I pulled up .  https://www.npdlink.com/product/shackle-kit-leaf-spring-rear-oe-rubber-bushings/104758?backurl=search%2Fproducts%3Fsearch_terms%3Dspring%252Bshackle%26top_parent%3D200001%26year%3D1968&year=1968     . You may have to modify the finish . As has been mention a dunk in some muratic acid until it stops fizzing (about 4-5 minutes and the zinc finish should be gone) wash acid off in water ,towel dry (not blow dry otherwise it may flash rust)and then finish with tumbling or zinc phosphate (should be light to match bare steel more) or what ever you decide for a final finish.

Hi Bob I ordered some shackles from NPD. I have never used them before, but they have a lot of parts on their website. I ordered a catalogue. Not sure which parts they have that would be useful to me, but they sure have a lot of inventory and some lot the stuff look pretty good. Thanks for the referal

[midlife]

NPD is one of two class acts for Mustang parts; the other is Virginia Classic Mustangs.  While most of what each carries is not concours correct, their customer service and parts availability is exceptional.  Each tries to carry the best parts available, regardless of price (for the most part). 

[bullitt68]

NPD is one of two class acts for Mustang parts; the other is Virginia Classic Mustangs.  While most of what each carries is not concours correct, their customer service and parts availability is exceptional.  Each tries to carry the best parts available, regardless of price (for the most part).

Thanks I like the selection of parts that have. I have been checking out Virginia Mustangs as well. Also had some luck with West Coast Cougars who also stock some Mustang parts. Who is the best supplier for wiring harnesses. I haven't gone through mine yet, but I may need some wiring.

[carlite65]

same 2 vendors. both sell alloy metal products. best out there.

[bullitt68]

same 2 vendors. both sell alloy metal products. best out there.

Great thanks. I may be switching gears and foregoing restoring original parts and trying to find some suitable replacement ie: Tie-rods, leaf springs, rotors if I can find really nice originals

[midlife]

Thanks I like the selection of parts that have. I have been checking out Virginia Mustangs as well. Also had some luck with West Coast Cougars who also stock some Mustang parts. Who is the best supplier for wiring harnesses. I haven't gone through mine yet, but I may need some wiring.

If your wiring isn't in too bad a shape and is well hidden, I refurbish wiring harnesses at costs well below reproduction costs, particularly the underdash harness.  For wiring that can be seen, my work does not stand up to concours judging, as it focuses upon functionality and reliability using proper wire gauges and colors vice concours aesthetics.

And yes, WCC is an excellent source for many used parts common to both Mustangs and Cougars.  Their service is also outstanding, as well as their videos (and quite entertaining!).