Topic: Core support seal

[ruppstang]

Did all 68 GT- 350's use a core support seal? Do not normally see them on Mustang J codes. Also was it common to see it attached with screws?

[CharlesTurner]

Think when mentioning '68 Shelby, the target assembly plant to compare details would be Metuchen-only.  I wouldn't say every single '68 GT350 had the seal, because as soon as I do, someone will show an original without one.  The most common attachment of the seal I have seen is with staples, but the big metal clips were used also.  As far as screws, I couldn't say for sure as I know that was one method, but not sure if done at Metuchen for any significant amount of time.

[Bob Gaines]

Think when mentioning '68 Shelby, the target assembly plant to compare details would be Metuchen-only.  I wouldn't say every single '68 GT350 had the seal, because as soon as I do, someone will show an original without one.  The most common attachment of the seal I have seen is with staples, but the big metal clips were used also.  As far as screws, I couldn't say for sure as I know that was one method, but not sure if done at Metuchen for any significant amount of time.

+1 . They were supposed to , engineered to ,come with the seal because they all had the heavy duty cooling package .With that said anomolies happen.

[ruppstang]

Yes all is a strong statement. I have not seen the use of the core seal on any small block 68 Mustangs extra cooling or not. It was used on the 6 cil. and 390 cars.
Since it was intended on the 68 350 cars is it possible that it was add during the Shelby conversion? That might explain the screws in place of the normal factory staples. I found this picture on these site cars for sale, it also has the screws.
Marty

[CharlesTurner]

I don't believe the seal would have been done during the conversion at AO Smith.  I bet even if it was missing, they wouldn't bother adding one.

As mentioned, I know screws were used at points during production, but I would have to defer to someone more knowledgeable to give the best input.

[Bob Gaines]

I don't believe the seal would have been done during the conversion at AO Smith.  I bet even if it was missing, they wouldn't bother adding one.

As mentioned, I know screws were used at points during production, but I would have to defer to someone more knowledgeable to give the best input.

It has been my experience that the screws as well as the clips were a alternative to the more standard staples. Maybe when the staple gun was down or if added past the normal station where the special staple gun was. All evidence (and logic) points to the seal being added at Ford and not Smith.

[TLea]

68 Shelbys got the seal because of the fiberglass hood and not because of the engines. Seals were put on at NJ. They were intended to be stapled but when missed as Bob suggested other attachment methods had to be used beyond the giant staple gun. Screws were used it seems like on earlier cars built in Nov-Dec and seems like later cars got the clips.
Funny thing about the screws is they always seem to put one dead center that goes right through the upper radiator mount as well as support

[ruppstang]

Thanks guys, that makes sense. Yes Tim the center screw did catch the upper radiator mount. All the bolts are out why won't this come loose. LOL 

[TLea]

Funny story was when I restored 308 I was doing the radiator mount and thought " look some yahoo PO drilled a hole in this thing" so I welded it up, ground it and refinished. Then later I went to put original seal back on and one of the screws wouldnt go down all the way