Topic: Proper finish on the large bolts that hold the rear springs in place

[Building 3]

I am looking for the proper finish of the bolts, and proper bolt identifying markings for the bolts that hold the rear leaf springs to the body. The ones included with the AMK kit seem much to bright and almost have the finish of a bolt that you would just buy in a hardware store. 

[J_Speegle]

I've always just darkened them then worked them back to a fresh look, oiled and installed them. Never has a judge noticed them - like most things, if it doesn't stick out (noticeable) that is what  you want 

[Bob Gaines]

The finish on the AMK bolts may be too shiny but not 100% sure . If they are too shiny they aren't too far off. The originals I have seen have always had age patina that diminished the silver shine. If everything else on your car is correct then I would maybe be concerned about if they were too shiny or not. If it isn't all correct then I would maybe not worry so much about if those bolts are too shiny or not and fix the items that would be more noticeable.  Many times people fixate on a small nuance and miss the more obvious things that stand out much more. If you think they are too shiny it might make you more comfortable by dulling them down a little with some vinegar or one of the chrome wheel acid based products. I wouldn't waste too much time worrying about this if other things are still waiting to be done . Others may fell different.

[J_Speegle]

Let me try this since we can only see the tip of the bolt your referring to.

Here is a B&W shot of the bolt from the other side. The contrast between the plated washer and the natural bolt is noticeable to me especially if you look at the surface that is not reflecting the flash from the camera.

The contrast is similar IMHO to what your pictures shows between the plated nut and the tip. As offered there is a couple of ways to buffer the look if you feel its off too much. If you go too far then someone (a judge) will take notice and leave you a little note  at a show

[Building 3]

Thanks for the input.  I appreciate it.

[jwc66k]

I believe you should have a 1/2-16X6 1/2 hex head grade 5 bolt. A quick look at the heads of the one I have show a "F" in the center of a grade 5 indicator. This is the bolt, 380328-S8, also used in 1967 and I've found them on several of my 66 Mustangs, although documentation for this bolt for 66 applications is not available. There must have been a running change, at least in San Jose. A different bolt was used in 1968 on, and a different bolt used for 1964-65. Ford don't make it easy.
Jim

[rockhouse66]

Jeff - so you are saying you think this bolt is "natural" and not S8 per the assembly manual?

[jwc66k]

Were 1965 bolts grade 2 like AMK is supplying in their '65 F-1064 kits?

Yes, no head marking of any type for Grade 1 and 2.
A bit off topic, I tried to get some grade 2 bolts without head markings from a hardware vendor and was told that federal requirements required a vendor ID. AMK must have some special arrangements.
Jim 

[J_Speegle]

Jeff - so you are saying you think this bolt is "natural" and not S8 per the assembly manual?

Only offering that they don't appear to look like they were plated originally (in pictures from 65 & 66) nor have I found them plated myself

[Bob Gaines]

I have found them both (washer and bolt) plated although the plating was different in shade between each other (different batch's I assume) . IMO the different plating conditions between the two explain the different shades in the picture. Others may have a different opinion.

[J_Speegle]

I have found them both (washer and bolt) plated although the plating was different in shade between each other (different batch's I assume) . I...............

Will now agree that at least some were plated the same finish - found some 66's with all the hardware zinc on a couple of really nice originals 

Can say I've seen them
 

[sgl66]

Pulled these off my car last week and out of Evaporust tonight. Paint on washer is red oxide from the frame. Not sure if this is common but also noticed the nut has triangles on 3 of the 6 points.

The clean part of the bolt has lived inside the frame and shows no sign of any plating....the threads that were covered by the nut appear the same. No sign of any markings on the head of the bolt.

Picture was taken with flash

[Bob Gaines]

Pulled these off my car last week and out of Evaporust tonight. Paint on washer is red oxide from the frame. Not sure if this is common but also noticed the nut has triangles on 3 of the 6 points.

The clean part of the bolt has lived inside the frame and shows no sign of any plating....the threads that were covered by the nut appear the same. No sign of any markings on the head of the bolt.

Picture was take with flash

Although we have seen a number of different build techniques varied from the illustrations in the assembly manuals from plant to plant . I don't think I have come across a instance of a specified finish on a fashioner varying from the engineered specs. Has anyone else and if so what was it?

[Building 3]

Thanks for your help. It looks from the discussion that these AMK bolts are correct.