Topic: Easing Into Markings - Sept 64 Dearborn

[markb0729]

I want to ease into putting markings on my Dearborn built 1965 Fastback, Build date 9/2/64, PS, PB, 289 2V, No AC, C4 transmission and standard suspension. 

I first decided to target the front coil springs and rear leaf springs.  I believe the part number for the front coil springs is C5ZZ-5310-C.  Based on my research (Online and the Tom Corcoran Restoration Guide.), I'm pretty confident that the front coil springs get 1 gray stripe on each spring.  Can anybody recommend a shade of gray that is acceptable?  Also, roughly how wide would the paint markings be running down the spring?  I understand that the markings would be brushed on the springs.

I'm at a disadvantage with respect to the rear leaf springs.  They are not the original leaf springs that came with the car so I don't think posting part numbers (if any) would help.  I found this on VMF:

650lb rating: Fastbacks/Convertibles (6 cyl. & 8 cyl. 260, 289 2/B, 289 4/B)
Stamping: C4ZA 5556-B-D-F-N-U
Color codes: 2 green dots or stripes

Based on some other postings on VMF and this forum, green or possibly white stripes seem appropriate for my application.  I'm replacing the springs with the Eaton aftermarket springs.  I've stripped the paint off the springs and will refinish as recommended on this forum.  Any help would be appreciated.

Mark

[ChrisV289]

I have a SJ fB built 10/29/64 with an A code 289.  I have the original leave springs on my car and have 2 green dots....hope this helps....

[markb0729]

Yup, every little bit helps.  Thank you.

[J_Speegle]

I want to ease into putting markings on my 1965 Fastback, Build date 9/2/64, PS, PB, 289 2V, No AC and standard suspension. 

I first decided to target the front coil springs and rear leaf springs.  I believe the part number for the front coil springs is C5ZZ-5310-C.  Based on my research (Online and the Tom Corcoran Restoration Guide.), I'm pretty confident that the front coil springs get 1 gray stripe on each spring.

Unfortunately these references are likely (they are in Corcoran's book) based on the 72 or 75 version of the MPC which often focuses on what was available for replacement at the time rather than what was original to the cars. Sometimes some of the details match some times they don't in my experience

With that said the gray mark appears to be possible for your application 

Can anybody recommend a shade of gray that is acceptable?  Also, roughly how wide would the paint markings be running down the spring?  I understand that the markings would be brushed on the springs.

Its currently understood that the supplier painted the springs and many indicate my their pattern than they were striped out of the car either upside down (from how they were installed) or on their side. Often I find them done with a fairly dry brush so that the edge is ragged on the end (top) of each coil as the brush moves across them all in a single pass. Drips often travel upward (or look that way one the spring is installed) or at look that way on many examples

We've locked out finding an original example that should help with the general tint as well as size

I'm at a disadvantage with respect to the rear leaf springs.  They are not the original leaf springs that came with the car so I don't think posting part numbers (if any) would help.  I found this on VMF:

Another quote from the MPC


Agreed we could be much more assured at the application if we could match the stamped number from the short leaf to other known examples with marks

It would help if we knew what transmission you car came with as I'm seeing two possibilities

Though how they are marked can differ from plant to plant in some examples I believe that your cars build period will not effect that this time

[markb0729]

Its been tough researching the front and rear springs.  I'm very leery of information I find on the internet and I'm finding in short order that many publications are suspect also.  I've spent many hours checking and double checking information regarding the various parts I've been replacing and restoring.  It seems like every part on these early mustangs has a story. 

Thanks so much for the coil spring info.  A picture is worth a thousand words.  Much appreciated.

Sorry I forgot to mention that my fastback was built in Dearborn and has a C4 transmission.  Wifey was on me at the time of the original post to get the grill going to cook some food and I mistakenly forgot that info.  My bad. 

At this point in time, I'm willing to go with the markings that would have been "typical" for the standard rear leaf springs in my 65 fastback.  I have nothing to go by at this point.  Bummer. 

[rocket289k]

Hi Mark,

One thing that would help you somewhat is finding the build sheet for the car.  If you haven't already looked you may find one wrapped around your main wiring harness (behind the dash) using a black fabric based tape.  That would at least get you the spring code.  Given a lot of the build sheet data is incomplete/unknown and is being pieced together by enthusiasts like ourselves the build sheet information has some gaps in it too. 

Regards,

Ron

[markb0729]

Unfortunately, a build sheet was never found.   

[markb0729]

Thanks everybody for your input.  Awesome!  I think I'm good to go with the front coil springs (Thanks Jeff.).  The rear springs I'm not so sure.  Based on what ChrisV289 posted, it sounds like 2 green markings are the heavy favorite.  I'm not so sure about stripes or dots but at this point, I'm leaning towards stripes.  Would anyone else like to weigh in on this?  Any input would be appreciated.

[J_Speegle]

.............. I'm not so sure about stripes or dots but at this point, I'm leaning towards stripes. .........

Not sure why    I would go with dots/daubs given when you car was built

[markb0729]

Rear Leaf Springs...

I have a SJ fB built 10/29/64 with an A code 289.  I have the original leave springs on my car and have 2 green dots....hope this helps....

.....Though how they are marked can differ from plant to plant in some examples I believe that your cars build period will not effect that this time....

.....I'm not so sure about stripes or dots but at this point, I'm leaning towards stripes.

Not sure why    I would go with dots/daubs given when you car was built

Ahhh...  Haaa!!!   The light bulb just went on.  I'm going with the 2 green dabs on the rear leaf springs. Anybody have an original  picture available showing the location of the paint dabs?

I know this topic has been beaten to death but getting direct feedback from a knowledgeable group of people is much better than trying to figure it out by reading through the tons of internet posts and written material that in some cases is wrong.  Much appreciated!

[Bob Gaines]

Rear Leaf Springs...

Ahhh...  Haaa!!!   The light bulb just went on.  I'm going with the 2 green dabs on the rear leaf springs. Anybody have an original  picture available showing the location of the paint dabs?

I know this topic has been beaten to death but getting direct feedback from a knowledgeable group of people is much better than trying to figure it out by reading through the tons of internet posts and written material that in some cases is wrong.  Much appreciated!

Here is a example on a 65 GT350 which location typically the same.

[markb0729]

Thanks Bob.  Got it.  2 dabs towards the rear of the smallest leaf.

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks Bob.  Got it.  2 dabs towards the rear of the smallest leaf.

Yes that is typical.

[J_Speegle]

Do you one better since marking can differ from plant to plant or because plants had different suppliers much of the time

65 Dearborn double green daubs/spray

[mgmradio]

Better picture of Dearborn daubs.