I'm waiting to restore the original Koni shocks so I have that one covered.
So I'm guessing your playing the dealer installed option thing with the shocks
Upon close inspection of the master cylinder prior to restoration I found no evidence of paint ( plenty of surface rust though!) I researched it and found that they were either raw or black. Is that incorrect?
Must be looking at the MCA rules
the only IMHO reason the natural finish is still in the rules is because that was the expected finish from the 70-90's and the powers that be didn't want to upset cars that have been finished and shown for years. Its not unusual for the master cylinders to rust and out be splashed with brake fluid - both will eliminate the paint
At least one box/crate of original assembly line master cylinders was located many years ago - all painted as a unit just like the years that followed. Also plenty of original cars and pictures have been found to support those findings
There was absolutely no evidence of sealant on and around the heater fan and mounts. Could this have been missed on the line? Where would the electrical connection sealant be? I have sealant right across the top of the cowl.
Could it have been missed on the line - possibly but would have likely been caught by one or more inspectors if it had. Ford had a on going problem with sealing out the water and elements from the interior which was stressed by dealers annually at meetings. These complaints continued for years so I would expect that its something the line inspectors and plant managers too seriously or should have at least
The product used as an adhesive not like the sound deadeners (thick heavy stuff used in later years) and does not always hold up well or stand out as much as some of the other products - seam sealer in the trunks and interior for example
As expected I do have a few pictures of the product and patterns applied to NJ cars
The red thing that you see mid cowl is the neutral safety switch connector that is correct right?
Not a problem - just stood out in the picture - not sure if I've ever seen it up that high on a car