Topic: 68 Turn Signal Hood Inserts Detail

[DTruitt]

I am touching up a few details on my March 68 SJ, GT fastback.  When the car was painted the turn signal hood inserts were painted off the car.  In more recent times I have seen/read/heard that the hood inserts may have been painted with the hood and therefore at least a couple of the studs and retaining nuts would have paint on them (I guess similar to the rear valance).  Has any documentation surfaced to verify or discount that observation?  If so how many studs/ nuts were painted and what was the location?

I tried to research here but did not find any previous posts specific to this detail.

Thanks,
Danny

[67gta289]

It is my understanding that the inserts were painted off the car, separate from the hood.  The insert "assembly" was comprised of the main piece, the floating grille (with flat retainers), rubber "O" rings, and all studs.

When the insert assembly was installed on the hood, the nuts (with a red rubber material to prevent water from dropping through I presume) removed much of the paint from the studs when threaded on.  The end of the studs should show some paint, and some might remain in the thread as well.

Also there is a TSB article (see pic below) that implies that the "O" rings were not included in the early models (based on the date of the TSB)

If yours does not have painted studs, I would probably try removing a nut, applying paint with a detail brush, then reinstalling the nut after it dries.  I don't think anyone intended it to look pretty.

These are of course my observations.  Most of the cars on Orlando last weekend were not correct.  This is something I look for in junk yards and with unrestored cars.

[67gta289]

Here are a couple of unrestored pics.  Hard to see, but if you zoom in you can see body color on the end of a stud or two.

[J_Speegle]

Also believe (like most of the little parts) they were painted off the hood - never seen a shadow below, on the hood surface when I removed them. They were well coated both front and back since (once the hood was opened) they would be visible from that side


Never seen a painted nut (like the quarter extensions) except on cars that have been touched up or repainted

[DTruitt]

Thanks for the replies!

Danny

[CharlesTurner]

I'm working on a December '67 Metuchen convertible and the inserts were placed in position, possibly raised up a bit and painted with the hood.  There was gray primer showing underneath where they attach.

[67gta289]

Have never seen that, but have only worked on Dearborn and SJs.  Can you post a picture or two for reference?

[CharlesTurner]

It's already been stripped, sorry.

[DTruitt]

... removed much of the paint from the studs when threaded on.  The end of the studs should show some paint, and some might remain in the thread as well.

Has anyone else observed that the mounting studs were installed before being painted?

Danny

[DTruitt]

I'm working on a December '67 Metuchen convertible and the inserts were placed in position, possibly raised up a bit and painted with the hood.  There was gray primer showing underneath where they attach.

Charles,
Did you make ay notation if the mounting studs and nuts were also painted?  I know you said everything has been striped now!

Danny 

[J_Speegle]

Charles,
Did you make ay notation if the mounting studs and nuts were also painted?  I know you said everything has been striped now!

Always find the studs painted on at least the San Jose cars - they were installed before painting.

Looked at my collection - 67-68 San Jose only   since the 67 practices might be the same as 68 considering same plant and examples are difficult -

All clear examples had all studs painted body color and all (except one nut on one side - one car but that the zinc plating held up better on that nut were unpainted 

[67gta289]

How about a ~12K mile unrestored 7T01A260xxx pic:

[DTruitt]

Thanks for the clarification and the pictures; big help.

Danny

[67gtasanjose]

I will add to the discussion some observations. The images are of examples of unknown build dates or build locations.
The only example with paint has shadows of being installed when the under side of hood was painted, giving credence to Charles' example.

Noteworthy, the "painted" example has RH or LH designation while all the others do not and the "painted " one looks to be a more solid center support strip for the grille insert.

I do know the (lack of better description) "hourglass" design was found on a known 68 hood as well as on about an March 67 built 1967 example so they was at least a "supplier" variations  if not a running change on the casting details.

I am working on my hood today, so new questions arrise...

Also, notice stud lengths vary. The studs that do not hold the lamps are shorter by about 3/16"

[67350#1242]

Noteworthy, the "painted" example has RH or LH designation and looks to be a more solid center support strip for the grille insert.

The insert pictured appears to have been strengthened with a glob of solder or JB weld on the upper side of the support strips - originals do not have this.   I wouldn't presume they have original paint.
Kurt.