Topic: 68 Turn Signal Hood Inserts Detail

[67gta289]

My observations, if recalled correctly, are that the hourglass shape was on early models.  Prone to breaking (refer to TSB), the design was modified, primarily with an o-ring to limit the grill piece from rattling around.  I presumed (risky) that the hourglass shaped mounting lands were modified to strengthen them.  There is certainly conjecture there.

Some discussion that briefly mentions this is here.  But more important are the pictures where this area can be seen.

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=5026.60

Perhaps we should focus specifically on that detail, looking at pictures of known originals and build dates.

[67gtasanjose]

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.

No signs of repaint on these at all. I would assess this as original paint.

My observations, if recalled correctly, are that the hourglass shape was on early models.  Prone to breaking (refer to TSB), the design was modified, primarily with an o-ring to limit the grill piece from rattling around.  I presumed (risky) that the hourglass shaped mounting lands were modified to strengthen them.  There is certainly conjecture there...

Perhaps we should focus specifically on that detail, looking at pictures of known originals and build dates.

My statement holds true that an hourglass type was found on a 68 hood. Perhaps early production 68 ahead of the updated ones. The lime gold (painted) I posted earlier, I have no vehicle history. It was an Ebay purchase that I bought because all I had on hand were broken so they could be later 68's for all I know about them. Since they also were broken, they were of no use on my project (seller refunded the transaction).

I had another from an April 67 build that was hourglass (one side) and other items bought or seen from the same parted out car, would suggest a San Jose, April 67 built donor car.

[67gtasanjose]

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

What's with the TAPE over the insert grilles?

[196667Bob]

Richard : Just an "educated" (?) guess. I believe, based on the TSB that John originally Posted in a previous Reply (which now appears as only a part of it, so I have re-Posted it here), the original "fix" for the grills rattling was to do as the Factory did, by adding the small O-rings to the Posts. However, in so doing, many studs were broken, and the whole grill had to be replaced, at the Dealers' cost. To avoid this, Article 1217 in TSB was added. In Article 1217, as you can see, the "new fix" was to add a 3M adhesive to the posts. It is my supposition, that a Dealer or Owner, not wanting to use an adhesive which may prove hard to remove "down the road", decided to use tape instead of adhesive to eliminate, or at least reduce, the rattle.

Just a thought.

Bob

[DTruitt]

I have nothing to back this up other than logic.  The turn signal portion (which received the tape) was a sub assembly that did not include the bulb or wiring.  The bulb socket then received the tape to cover the opening preventing any debris from getting into it.

Same thing with the taillight assemblies, the bulb socket was taped over when the assembly was put together. 

Danny

[67gtasanjose]

I have nothing to back this up other than logic.  The turn signal portion (which received the tape) was a sub assembly that did not include the bulb or wiring.  The bulb socket then received the tape to cover the opening preventing any debris from getting into it.

Same thing with the taillight assemblies, the bulb socket was taped over when the assembly was put together. 

Danny

Look again,  tape is over the grill opening, not the bulb socket opening

[J_Speegle]

Look again,  tape is over the grill opening, not the bulb socket opening

+1 

Don't believe its factory and have not seen this before. Has anyone ever documented this on another?  IF not then we need treat is as an oddity and possibly something an owner choose to do for some unknown reason at this point

[67gta289]

I vote for this to be a "why did the PO do this, what were they thinking?" sort of thing.

[DTruitt]

Look again,  tape is over the grill opening, not the bulb socket opening

I agree the tape in the picture is added after the factory, most likely by a previous owner.

The tape I was referring to in my post is pictured in this eBay ad of a NOS hood turn signal assembly.  I have seen this on too many unrestored cars to think otherwise.  I have at least 3 examples of NOS taillight assemblies which have the tape over the bulb sockets, as well.  I have also seen numerous unrestored cars with the tape or tape glue remnants over the past on both hood insert turn signal assemblies and taillight assemblies..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-FORD-C7ZZ-13A55-B-1967-1968-MUSTANG-HOOD-TURN-SIGNAL-LAMP-ASSEMBLY-L-OR-R/283586527513?epid=1532548720&hash=item4207130119:g:CTMAAOSwsAJdW~KE

Danny

[7R02A]

Not sure it the grill came off a six cylinder car, but my 68 six cylinder has the turn signal hood and when it rains water falls thru the grill and directly on the belt for the alternator and water pump.  This makes the belt slip.  The alignment between the belt and grills is not ideal.  I could see a previous owner covering the openings to prevent a situation like this.
Just a thought.

[bullitt68]

Here is a photo of my buddy's 1968 original paint GT 390 San Jose car for reference. You can definitely see a light coati of body color on the studs, It is nice to have an original car for reference during my restoration