Topic: Narrow Grille Trim Clips

[dkknab]

I'm cleaning up my grille trim. The narrow portion that surrounds the wider argent colored piece uses four clips to attach the pieces .  I've broken all of my clips and have ordered some new ones.  Not sure how they install on the thin trim piece as they look odd.  Does anyone have pictures of the clips installed in the trim?

[J_Speegle]

Just slip each in the thin trim from the back side. I insert it so that the arm of the t bolt with the spring is up and to the right once installed so that it compensates for the rotation of the nut and possibly the shaft when installing. Then I tuck the spring into the recess to hold it in place. Starting from the outer ends I hold the trim up to the grill opening and adjust the first slip so that the end of the trim is where I want it and the stud lines up to the hole. Then install the next clip and adjust like the first and then the rest in order. Once all installed and adjusted I install the trim, the nuts and tighten it into place then do the other side. Sorry don't have a section of the trim at home to show the clips in place and installed in the trim

Hope this helps



Hardware in the picture is just reproduction stuff

[dkknab]

Thanks for the description.  That helps.  Makes sense now that the spring piece works to tighten the stud in the trim as you tighten the nut.

My nuts are not the same as the ones in your picture or what I've seen in other places.  Are they the nuts that are in my picture?

[J_Speegle]

Thanks for the description.  That helps.  Makes sense now that the spring piece works to tighten the stud in the trim as you tighten the nut.

My nuts are not the same as the ones in your picture or what I've seen in other places.  Are they the nuts that are in my picture?

I don't recall the sheet metal speed nuts on any of my 68s in that location. Wonder if the NOS/service replacements used them. Maybe a couple of the 68 guys can share their observations.

Picture I posted is from an unrestored later Dearborn 68 and the unplayed with 68 I got (spring San Jose ) also has those thicker style nuts like in the picture. Other 68 I currently have I would not trust for details 

[jwc66k]

Thanks for the description.  That helps.  Makes sense now that the spring piece works to tighten the stud in the trim as you tighten the nut.

My nuts are not the same as the ones in your picture or what I've seen in other places.  Are they the nuts that are in my picture?

The nuts in your picture look like they are the type specified in the "1968 Mustang Body Assembly Manual" (AM0021 pgs 11 and 12) as Ford part number, 375942-S36 with a sealer (ref AMK Products Guide To Ford Fasteners, pg 215). That nut part number is also specified in the 1968 Ford Car Parts (aka MPC), Illustration Section 160 pg 34. The stud part in the trim piece may be vendor supplied as part of the trim.
Jim

[dkknab]

When I search that part number I come up with this item from npd made by amk that looks like my nuts.  I'm guessing in fact this is what I need.

I went back and looked at the assembly manual on the pages identified and curious it states 3 of these connectors and nuts are required though clearly it shows there are 4 total on each side.

And the S36 finish is zinc dichromate so I'm assuming they should be the gold color too,  as pictured on the npd site.

[J_Speegle]

Yes those appear to be the same stamped sheet metal nuts I had in my picture though IMHO they do not match the originals.

[dkknab]

I received one trim piece and connectors today. The one picture shows the black connector that's like the one I took of my car.  The gold connectors appear to be more correct.  The second picture shows how I think the connectors go into the trim.  Thoughts?

[DTruitt]

IMO the reproduction stuff is junk! I brought the need of this hardware to the attention of Max at AMK Products and he started researching the factory hardware and the possibility of offering the correct hardware.  We had a few conversations and I supplied him with the used part about 18 months- 2 years ago.  I never followed up with him to see if he carried through with production because I located enough NOS fasteners to fulfill my immediate need.

I would suggest calling him to see if it is now offered.  Maybe if he received some calls on it he would see the interest and pursue production...if he hasn't already.

Danny

[dkknab]

Will do. 

Danny, did you happened to look at my picture with the gold colored connectors? They went in nicely to my trim piece.  I'm wondering if they are the more correct version.  Do you have a picture you could share here,?

[DTruitt]

Will do. 

Danny, did you happened to look at my picture with the gold colored connectors? They went in nicely to my trim piece.  I'm wondering if they are the more correct version.  Do you have a picture you could share here,?

David,
I don't have access right now to post pictures for you! Sorry!