Topic: '65 Dearborn hood latch bracket

[C5ZZKGT]

I wish I knew Charles, I wish I knew.....

[66GTCoupe]

Looks original to me a lot of ford parts are like that and back in the 60's quality control was lacking 

[CharlesTurner]

Looks original to me a lot of ford parts are like that and back in the 60's quality control was lacking 

Certainly lacking when compared to quality and fit of modern cars, but in my personal opinion, I think Ford did a pretty good job on these cars, much better than most give them credit for.

I believe that latch support piece on Rick's car is either an aftermarket replacement or a poor quality Ford service part.  They were originally date stamped, although sometimes the date is stamped across the bolt holes.  The date is stamped on the bottom.

[J_Speegle]

Looks original to me a lot of ford parts are like that and back in the 60's quality control was lacking 

Guess a good thread would be to post some pictures of original cars and how well they fit - (even compared to new cars)

Now if we're comparing service replacements made over the yes (80's for example) I would agree there was plenty of room for improvement - but of course not all of these were produced by Ford.

[mts]

Does anyone know what the hole is for?  It looks like it's had a tool jammed into it.
Is it possible that Ford may have used that hole as a leverage, with a crude tool, to move the latch striker on the assembly line?  Possibly when due to tolerances, bolt adjustment wasn't enough?
Looking at the upper edge of your hood latch support bracket, it seems uneven or canted as though maybe the holes in the radiator support are misaligned? 

[CharlesTurner]

My guess is it's either an alignment reference or there to improve how the car crumples during a collision.

[C5ZZKGT]

Thanks guys!! I'm going to check the date on this one........

[CharlesTurner]

Should be able to use a light and mirror to possibly see if there is a date stamp.  If you need a pic, let me know, just pulled 3 out last night when sorting/cleaning up the garage.  BTW, they all have clean slits, no jagged edges.

[C5ZZKGT]

Thanks Charles, I'm going to check for a part number today.....where would I find it on the bottom? is it likely to be a C4zz # or a date code?

[CharlesTurner]

There are no part numbers or engineering numbers stamped on the latch support.  It simply has a sheet metal date stamp like the fenders and most all other individual sheet metal parts throughout the car... like  6 3 3D

[rodster]

April 19 Dearborn car, nice and clean.