Topic: correct bolts for hood latch and brace for 66

[tnguy624]

I am putting together the hood latch/brace assy on my 66 mustang convertible, build date Nov. 17, 1965, Dearborn. I am trying to find which bolt to use. According to the assembly manual, it calls for bolt 378156-S2, which is a 5/16-18, 3/4" long. I have found that the bolt has different types of washers.

The question I have is which bolt to use. There are two types I have found, one with a "star" washer, and another with a flat washer with "ridges" on the bottom. Both have the "sems" marking. Which one would be correct?

Thanks so much for any help, and if I have posted in the wrong place please forgive me.

[jwc66k]

Look at the existing parts and see if any marks can be seen left by the original washers attached to the bolts, eg, the "star" from the external tooth washer or the "toothed ring" from the disc washer. In general, Ford made the transition to the disc type for 1966 models but was supposed to use the existing inventory first. You may find a mix of both types. If you get to the point of "needing to do it now", use the disc type. There are three types that can be found on 1966 Mustangs: a plain bolt with a disc washer, a washer head bolt with the disc washer and a washer head bolt that used an external tooth washer (aka star). All bolts have the 1/32 inch deep recess on the head. It boils down to which supplier was used.
Also, 378156-S2 bolts are 7/8 inch long, 378735-S2 are 3/4 inch long and were not used under the hood except for the horns.
Jim

[tnguy624]

Jim,
Thanks so much for the info, I really do appreciate it!!

[J_Speegle]

Looking at other cars from your plant and period I would suggest the round washers rather than the tooth ones.

[tnguy624]

thanks so much Jeff for the additional info!!

[mjd 65]

My late 65 Metuchen made coupe has bolts with the star washers. It looks like Metuchen tended to use star washers for most applications while Dearborn and San Jose used flat washers.

[J_Speegle]

My late 65 Metuchen made coupe has bolts with the star washers. It looks like Metuchen tended to use star washers for most applications while Dearborn and San Jose used flat washers.

Not really - your comparing different years and plants (question was about cars built a year after yours) . IMHO that's a reach in comparison.