Topic: Trunk Torsion Spring Anti rattle

[ruppstang]

The coupe and convertible had two different anti rattle protectors on the torsion rods. The rubber coiled version in my opinion was on the car when it was painted. My question is was the metal clip painted as well? I have not seen any unrestored cars with the clip. 

[J_Speegle]

Marty - will look through my pictures and report back. Guess we're looking at 67 and 68 production (if there might be a difference - though doubt it) ?

[J_Speegle]

Still looking for some with the clip on them

[ruppstang]

Here is what I am looking for. It is on our 7-16-68 San Jose High Country Special. To me it makes sense it would have been painted with the rods.
Marty

[J_Speegle]

Found about a half dozen that were clear enough to look at. Not a one shows body color on them.

[krelboyne]

That is what I have found in the wrecking yard, no paint on those clips.
It could make sense to have the clip added later. Maybe during the installation of the trunk light, jacking sticker, fuel tank and peripherals, trunk mats, etc?
I do not find paint on the rubber spirals, which seem to be found on all 1967 Cougars, and very early 1968 SJ's. Didn't find an early Dearborn.

[J_Speegle]

That is what I have found in the wrecking yard, no paint on those clips.
It could make sense to have the clip added later. Maybe during the installation of the trunk light, jacking sticker, fuel tank and peripherals, trunk mats, etc?
I do not find paint on the rubber spirals, which seem to be found on all 1967 Cougars, and very early 1968 SJ's. Didn't find an early Dearborn.

Found allot of my pictures (original paint cars) with the spiral painted but it seems to fall off the plastic if touched/manipulated or over time in some conditions - one thing that appears consistent is the lack of body color under the spiral (shadow)  but willing to discuss - Are the ones that your finding unpainted - painted under the wrap?

Maybe Scott Fuller will stop by and see the thread. He's got a group of nice unrestored 68's  sitting around

couple of painted  SJ examples

[TLea]

my experiece has been spiral paited with rods as evidenced by spray pattern under wrap. Like Jeff mentioned the paint does not stay on the plastic. The clips appear to be installed after paint as I have not seen a witness line

[CharlesTurner]

The rubber spiral may be painted or unpainted depending on assembly plant.  I've found that San Jose cars had this installed before paint and Dearborn (and maybe Metuchen) installed after paint.

[Paperback Writer]

I can confirm what Charles said regarding San Jose cars (at least for '67).  Here's a shot of the spiral anti-rattle wrap on my San Jose convertible that was built in Sept. 1966.  It was painted the same Burnt Amber color as the rest of the body...

[craig429]

My unrestored 67 Coupe built on April 67 at SJ has painted spiral wrap.

Is it possible the reason the clips were installed after paint so the rods will get full paint coverage. If the clip was installed first, the rods will be tighter together and one rod would shadow the other from paint. Also if the clip was installed, the paint may stick the two rods together when it drys.

[ruppstang]

Thanks to all of you for your information. I did not expect to find that the rubber anti rattler was not painted on some cars. I would like to know the assembly plant and build date of these  cars when you find them. It is good to know that I detailed the metal clip on our car correctly.
Thanks Marty

[Scott Fuller]

The anti-rattle clips that I have seen on 1968 Mustangs are painted a red oxide color.

Scott

[rodster]

67 Dearborn car, Feb 7 build

No paint on spiral wrap
rods painted under wrap
wrap not smooth, has ribbing