Topic: Turn signal buckets in front valance?

[68 S Code]

Getting ready to assemble the turn signals into the valance. Washed the painted buckets and noticed something on the backside of the bucket lip. Picked at it and it seems to be a light gray rope caulk sealer. This would have gotten sandwiched between the bucket and valance. Found some between ten and one o clock. The FAM Body assembly manual doesn't cover this. Must be in a manual I don't have. Is this typical and should it go all the way around?

[TLea]

Strip caulk (dark gray/black) is used all the way around the front turn signal bezel on a 67/68 (and side marker lights on a 68)

[68 S Code]

Tim thanks. Wouldn't have guessed the side marker lights as well. The piece I broke off to look at wasn't that dark inside but maybe lightened up as it dried out? One more question. What type and color of nuts are used at the turn signal and side marker lights?

[TLea]

Marker lights are thin what I call jam nuts, zinc dichromate. The turn signal are stamped steel nuts

[68 S Code]

Tim the thin jam nuts you mention are like the stamped ones used at the turn signal hood indicator light housings or is it like the one used at the end of the power steering slave cylinder to mounting bracket? Meaning it is like a nut but a thinner crossection than standard?

[TLea]

Its a solid nut. Like the nuts used on the adjustable hood bumpers but smaller

[68 S Code]

Tim got it. Those jam nuts and flat washer  at the hood bumpers are what finish?

[TLea]

No flat washer @ hood bumper. The jam nuts on a NJ car are phosphate but I think Dearborn maybe zinc dichromate, not sure. Marty?

[ruppstang]

I am not sure on the Dearborn finish either but tend to think the zinc dichromate is correct. The jam nut is not correct on most of the reproductions, it should be 5/16 - 18 thread and take a 9/16 wrench not a 1/2. The 1/2 wants to go through the hole in the grill and that is why most put on a flat washer. Marty

[68 S Code]

Thanks guys.

[Bob Gaines]

Marty and Tim ,have you noticed a pattern with nut fasteners that involve electrical wether it be ground connections or securing light housings  typically are the zinc dichromate? The pattern I see developing is the intent to use the zinc dichromate on parts that were electrical related wether directly as in the case of a ground or indirectly as in the case of holding down light housings . There are a few exceptions but it seems to become  prevalent starting in 67, more in 68 and then very noticeable in 69/70. 65 /66 doesn't seem to fit the pattern. This at least if you go by the engineering drawings which we know aren't always followed in the real world. Just makes you think hmmmm. . Bob

[68 S Code]

Intresting observation Bob. Not only fasteners though. Marker light, front turn signal backup housing and rear tail light housings all ZD. Even screws and nuts which hold front headlight buckets to fenders and hood turn signal housing studs are ZD. I could swear my housings also had ZD nuts at those housings. Odd that Fog light housing is argent. But is the big nut and washer supposed to be ZD which holds the fog light to grille bracket?

[ruppstang]

Marty and Tim ,have you noticed a pattern with nut fasteners that involve electrical wether it be ground connections or securing light housings  typically are the zinc dichromate? The pattern I see developing is the intent to use the zinc dichromate on parts that were electrical related wether directly as in the case of a ground or indirectly as in the case of holding down light housings . There are a few exceptions but it seems to become  prevalent starting in 67, more in 68 and then very noticeable in 69/70. 65 /66 doesn't seem to fit the pattern. This at least if you go by the engineering drawings which we know aren't always followed in the real world. Just makes you think hmmmm. . Bob

Interesting I guess I never thought of it in that way but you may have something. I do not think we will ever quit learning things about these 40 year old cars. Marty

[Oz390]

The pattern I see developing is the intent to use the zinc dichromate on parts that were electrical related

Yep.  The S36 zinc dichromate ("Irridescent chromate", per some Ford docs) was specified for better electrical conductivity and reisistance to "white corrosion" (zinc oxidation, which can interfere with conductivity) than the other zinc finishes.

[CharlesTurner]

I've noticed the same usage of zinc dichromate on electrical fasteners on the earlier years also.