Topic: Unexpected Difference between OEM and Repro. Kick Panels

[drummingrocks]

I got my new Ford Tooling kick panels in the mail today for my Mach 1 (built June 5th, 1969, in Metuchen).  They look great, but when comparing them to the original kick panels, I noticed that my originals have an extra screw hole that is filled in with what looks like a standard aluminum rivet.  I have what I'm assuming are both original kick panels for this car, and both have this extra hole and rivet.  Neither of the new panels even has a hole here. 

I could easily pop a hole in both new kick panels and pop some rivets in place, but I'm confused as to an original kick panel would've even had a rivet in this area.  Is this something a previous owner has messed with, or did the original kick panels actually come this way?  If they did indeed come this way, what was the reasoning behind it?  Should I attempt to replicate this on the new kick panels, or should I leave well enough alone?


By drummingrocks at 2011-07-20

By drummingrocks at 2011-07-20

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

There were 2-Hole and 3-Hole Versions in the Factory Panels. They do not interchange. Identified by -MW(2 Hole) or -DW(3 Hole) Suffixes at the End of the Part number on the Inside.

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

Also, Rivet is Not Factory. All 3 Holes should have Screws.

[drummingrocks]

Mag, thanks for the replies!  I feel better knowing that the rivet wasn't there originally; I had a really hard time coming up with an idea of why it was ever there in the first place.

One more question:  Have you ever seen insulation on the back of factory kick panels?  I'm more of a '65-66 guy, and I thought those models came with insulation, so I assumed the '69s did too and ordered a reproduction insulation kit.  However, what arrived in the mail is clearly designed for a '65-66 kick panel, and now that I've looked a bit closer, I can't see where my original '69 kick panels ever had any type of insulation.  Seems like it would interfere with the fresh air vent if installed in the wrong place.

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

I do not recall ever seeing the 69-70's with Insulation behind them. You are correct they would interfere with the Vent behind them.

The 64 1/2-68 should have the insulation, as they did not have the vent behind them. Those did not even have vent holes in the Kick Panel, except 67-68 Mercury Cougar, which used the same Panel as 67-68 Mustang, except they had tiny perforated holes at center. Andrew

[J_Speegle]

Also, Rivet is Not Factory. All 3 Holes should have Screws.

Know I've seen plenty with the rivet in them  Can't report the month or plant specific detail at the moment

[Andrew@MagMustangs]

I won't disagree with you there Jeff. I believe I have also seen some with Rivets. I have just always felt that they were not Original, but I definitely reserve the right to be wrong. So, I will retract my previous statement about the Rivets, since I am not quite sure what the deal is there. Maybe it was a Ford Dealer thing to use rivets for Replacements, if the 2-Holes are the NOS Replacements, maybe they used a rivet on 3-Hole Cars when installing 2-Holers on 3-Hole Cars? Just a thought there with no real bearing. I really do not know what the case is on the rivets, and am always willing to listen to 'The Knowledgeables' such as yourself. I am definitely not a concourse judge. Andrew

[rockhouse66]

One more question:  Have you ever seen insulation on the back of factory kick panels? I can't see where my original '69 kick panels ever had any type of insulation.  Seems like it would interfere with the fresh air vent if installed in the wrong place.

My '69 San Jose Mach 1 has insulation behind the kick panels.  It is just in the upper rear quadrant.  You can sort of see it here around the upper edge of the fresh air vent.

[J_Speegle]

There would have been a sheet (brown jute with a plastic "trash bag" liner) attached to the bottom of the cowl also. It normally turns to dust and falls off at some point over the 40+ years. Also seen some red oxide colored sealant applied over the bottom of the cowl on the drivers side of the 69 SJ cars also