Topic: 1968 Red Dye Fasteners Research & Discussion

[bullitt68]

I found a few original fasteners with red dye still intact.

Front Seat Nuts



Seat Belt washers I think

[bullitt68]

Hopefully we can get multiple examples to double confirm all findings. Still need to go through the 68 Shelby pictures.

Yes good point as Shelbys will have most of the same red dye I assume

[preaction]

July 26 Dearborn.

[J_Speegle]

July 26 Dearborn.

Takens

[bullitt68]

July 26 Dearborn.

Yes they seem to have a maroon hue to them. I can only assume that some of these fasteners were coloured red by the vendor, which would explain why so many of the red fasteners have a different look. The cad fasteners for example have a translucent look to them, while the phosphate fasteners don't show the red very well at all in some cases. For example if you check all of the AMK fasteners with red dye for 1968, you can clearly see that the finish varies from phosphate to cad bolts. Not sure how accurate the finishes are, but it is a good guide to start with. I just ordered some machinists dye and will redo my fasteners and see how they look. I used a combination of paint and dye, but am trying to get a more accurate finish.

[J_Speegle]

Believe you will be happier with the dye. I've applied by both dipping (cup method) and by brush. both work

Have also used spray for other colors, on other parts,  but not for the red

[Bob Gaines]

The reason why different dyed fasteners have a different red finish is because of the underlying finish . The silver or dichromate fasteners when treated with the red dye have a different appearance compared to the the darker appearance of the red dye over the zinc phosphate plated parts like the seat track nuts ,steering box and steering coupler bolts etc.

[bullitt68]

The reason why different dyed fasteners have a different red finish is because of the underlying finish . The silver or dichromate fasteners when treated with the red dye have a different appearance compared to the the darker appearance of the red dye over the zinc phosphate plated parts like the seat track nuts ,steering box and steering coupler bolts etc.

The seat bolt nuts definitely look like a different paint shade. I also assume that over time the shade will fade or dull etc. Too bad we don't have access to photos in detail of when these cars were new. That would make it too easy!

[J_Speegle]

Just thought I would include a couple of links to earlier discussions on the use of the layout or machinist dye and the different types. Some of you may be aware of the earlier thread and others may not. In this way we kind of join and help others find related information in the future.

Discussion in  Processes, Products & Techniques section of the site. Its a merging of a discussion of product and application and a thread on a members attempts and results for one product 
https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=5669.0


There is transparent as well as opaque out there made by some of the major brands. I've always like the transparent. Different suppliers or plants making all of these parts may have used different kind of dyes for different parts. The brake c clips and the seat belt nuts appear to maybe the opaque version of the product IMHO

[bullitt68]

Just thought I would include a couple of links to earlier discussions on the use of the layout or machinist dye and the different types. Some of you may be aware of the earlier thread and others may not. In this way we kind of join and help others find related information in the future.

Discussion in  Processes, Products & Techniques section of the site. Its a merging of a discussion of product and application and a thread on a members attempts and results for one product 
https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=5669.0


There is transparent as well as opaque out there made by some of the major brands. I've always like the transparent. Different suppliers or plants making all of these parts may have used different kind of dyes for different parts. The brake c clips and the seat belt nuts appear to maybe the opaque version of the product IMHO

Hi Jeff I just ordered this product. Will post some photos after I test it out.

I also went back re read the posts in the previous red dye thread a nc discovers some posts that I had originally over looked that I found quite helpful. Did you merge the 2 threads?

[J_Speegle]

Hi Jeff I just ordered this product. Will post some photos after I test it out.

I also went back re read the posts in the previous red dye thread a nc discovers some posts that I had originally over looked that I found quite helpful. Did you merge the 2 threads?

From my post above

"Discussion in  Processes, Products & Techniques section of the site. Its a merging of a discussion of product and application and a thread on a members attempts and results for one product  "

[RoyceP]

Where do I find the AMK Guide to Ford Fasteners, 1955-73?

Guide to Ford Fasteners ? AMK Products, Inc.

[Wills70]

I would recommend diluting the Dykem with acetone before applying to fastener , a more transparent shade of color

[bullitt68]

Guide to Ford Fasteners ? AMK Products, Inc.

Great thanks I just ordered the book. Looks like a great reference

[bullitt68]

Well sadly after trying to locate the red Dykem's layout fluid, I am back to the old drawing board. I had some on order and it never arrived. Not sure if I can source more, but can't wait forever. I guess I can proceed and then swap out the fasteners after the fact. However it seems that it is not available in Canada, which is the case more times that not when it comes to certain chemical products. I some case we have to smuggle things into the country.

I found this list on this website somewhere a while back. If anyone has any comments please feel free to share

Mustang Red Dye Hardware

4-Nuts on Upper Control Arm Shaft                              
Chassis Manual Page 30

4-Spindle Nuts on Upper and Lower Ball Joints                 
Chassis Manual Page 30

4-Strut Rod nuts at Lower Control Arm                      
Chassis Manual Page 30

4-Strut Rod nuts at Bushing Forward and Aft                    
Chassis Manual Page 30

4-Upper and Lower Calliper Bolts                              
Chassis Manual Page 30

2-Bolts and Nuts on Forward end of Leaf Spring                 
Chassis Manual Page 34

8-Nuts on Rear Axle U-Bolts                                  
Chassis Manual Page 34

2-Bolts attaching Flexible Brake Hose to Calliper                
Chassis Manual Page 37

4-Clips attaching Brake hardline to Floor pan                    
Chassis Manual Page 37

2-Nuts attaching Brake Proportioning Valve                    
Chassis Manual Page 37

1-Adjusting Nut for Emergency Brake Cable                    
Chassis Manual Page 39

2-Nuts on Firewall attaching Emergency Brake Cable Pulley          
Chassis Manual Page 39

3-Spring Clips on Emergency Brake Cable                    
Chassis Manual Page 39

1-Spring Clip on Brake Pedal Rod                               
Chassis Manual Page 45

4-Exhaust Manifold Studs at H-Pipe                      
Chassis Manual Page 60/61

2-Idler Arm Attaching Bolts and Nuts                      
Chassis Manual Page 66

1-Nut attaching Pittman Arm to Steering Box                    
Chassis Manual Page 66

3-Bolts attaching Steering Box to Frame                           
Chassis Manual Page 66

1-Clamp Bolt on Input Shaft to Steering Box                   
Chassis Manual Page 68

2-Nuts on Steering Flex Coupling                              
Chassis Manual Page 68

1-Nut attaching Steering Wheel to Steering Shaft                 
Chassis Manual Page 68

2-Front Seat Belt Bolts Outboard                               
Interior Manual Page 35

2-Front Seat Belt Washers/Spacers Outboard                   
Interior Manual Page 35

2-Front Seat Belt Bolts at Driveshaft Tunnel                   
Interior Manual Page 36

4-Front Seat Belt Inboard Washers/Spacers at Driveshaft Tunnel   
Interior Manual Page 36

4-Rear Seat Belt Bolts and Washers/Spacers                   
Interior Manual Page 45