Topic: Original front license plate brackets - 1969 and 1970

[Anghelrestorations]

Wanted to add some pictures and reference to what I have found as original assembly line front license plate brackets versus later service replacements and reproductions.  If someone wants to add photos of the most current reproductions it would be helpful for comparison. 
Ford serviced the same bracket for both years under part number C9ZZ 17A385 B. 

All assembly line originals should have dates codes and the biggest difference from service parts and the reproductions is the deep groove in the center.



And from the originals there is two versions with the difference just being where the rubber bumper was placed on the bracket.  One was higher than the other which is probably different vendors.  Cant say if this was plant specific or not.



And this is what the replacements look like with the center groove not as defined anymore.

[app01]

Thanks Marcus, Very informative.

[69GTconvert]

This is great stuff Marcus. Thanks for taking the time to post all this information.

[J_Speegle]

Thanks for posting Marcus. Good info

[Dads Boss]

Where can you get the rubber bumper?

[7Lscjracer]

That's a good question since Ford in their infinite wisdom used the same rubber bumper for 64-70 rear and 64-68 front, but a different rubber bumper for the front in 69/70.
All the repro kits I've seen are the same catch all 64-70 front and rear identical pair.

[rockhouse66]

Where can you get the rubber bumper?

That is the tough part, and why finding a nice original plate bracket WITH the rubber bumper makes for a good day of pickin'. 

[specialed]

Marcus do you see an X stamped on any & the slop grey painted ones would be Dearborn.  Isnt the 1 with hole on top got a bend in middle verses lower hole more flat in center?

[Anghelrestorations]

Ed,  I will need to check when I get back to Phoenix.  I am in California this week buying parts.  Cant remember if there was a bend.  I dont think there was but I will confirm.

[Anghelrestorations]

So I took another look at both styles and some, but not all, have an X stamped in them.  And the bend is the same on both styles.
I will have to clean them all up and see if I can find more of a pattern.

[specialed]

I looked thru all my brackets (20 or so) & only 2 had the hole at top & were early dates (but we don't know the year).  Some with the X & some with 2 stamping date areas.  All the ones I seen on Dearborn cars & slop grey paint have hole in middle.  I first thought the upper hole version may have a  crease difference but both look the same & finding 1 not bent is tough.  I think the upper hole version is early because all nos service ones have middle hole.  Ford may have moved the hole down to change angle a little as the first design having hole at top & metal designed around for support rubber bumper makes more sence as if they wanted bumper hole in middle they wouldn't need extra metal support above it serving no purpose & they would have designed it metal shorter around middle hole area.

[J_Speegle]

From an odd ball (Dearborn built Northern Cal DSO) coupe I looked at the other day stamped 12 12 D2

Very dark batch (as expected) no X

[specialed]

That what I been seeing jeff on Dearborn anyway.  Marcus does the 1 bracket in your photo have both holes (factory punched)  & check date codes on the upper hole ones as I think they are the first version?

[J_Speegle]

That what I been seeing jeff on Dearborn anyway.  Marcus does the 1 bracket in your photo have both holes (factory punched)  & check date codes on the upper hole ones as I think they are the first version?

Think the stamping date is a great help in figuring out the pattern

[Anghelrestorations]

I am going to add a picture of the X staming so you can see what we are talking about since none of the photos show this. 

As far as the variation I think the early and late idea is a good start, but the difference can also be from two different vendors.  Its really hard to say now unless we look at known original low mileage cars.  But if all the originla service pieces had the bumper in the same location thats a good possibility.  Hard to say now for sure.
 
Ed, the one bracket in my photos that has two holes - the second hole was drilled out by someone.  Thats not an original with two holes.