Topic: 1968 Dearborn Conv -S100 Hardware Specification

[mustang390]

The S100 specification is called out on various front suspension, brake and rear axle hardware components.  After searching several Mustang websites, my conclusion is that the S100 specification denotes there is a torque requirement and that the hardware should be dyed or coated red.  It also seems that this spec was related to some sort of safety campaign or lawsuit in 1968.  Can anyone confirm my assumptions?  Is it safe to assume that a call out for spec S100 requires red dye treatment?  Does anyone know what drove the addition of the spec?

Thanks

Dennis T in Omaha

[J_Speegle]

Have a booklet that was given out to the workers in 68 that describes the campaign/changes. Will try and find it and post.

Can't at the moment remember what the reason was - guess it wasn't that important why - just that they did


Will look for it

[WT8095]

Ford fastener part numbers have an "-S" suffix that designates finish. For example, "-S15" indicates black oxide. "-S100" is listed as "special". A quick Google search shows quite a few modern fasteners with "-S100" have pre-applied threadlocking compound. Perhaps that's the "red dye" you're referring to?

http://www.fordification.com/tech/partnumbers_hardware.htm

[J_Speegle]

Amk's Guide to Ford Fasteners (basically reconstructed version of the Utility and Fastener books of the 30-70's) lists S-100 as

S100 Special

This designation means that a nonstandard finish is specified on the part drawing.
(This was very often safety red on 1968-73 chassis and seat related items.

From my observations it can also be found on other parts that didn't carry hardware numbers

Checked the brochure I mentioned above - not as much there as I thought but there was reference to The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Didn't pull up the complete wording of the Act. Would guess that its 100 pages or so long

WT8095 - can think of only one or two items with tread lock originally on 68 Mustangs.

Welcome to the site - guess by your site name you own a blue car

[mustang390]

Thanks for the input Jeff and WT8095.  Here's a link to another discussion for those who search this forum in the future. 
(http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/concours-forum/529491-67-upper-control-arm.html).

I checked my Osborne (1968) chassis assembly manual last night.  There are S100 specs on bolts and nuts of this type in the front suspension, rear suspension, steering gear & power steering, and parking brake section.  I'm sure there are also S100 specs in the section on seatbelt installation.

I also found a mustang monthly article from March 2011 on DIY phosphate and oil (no reference to S100 though).  It recommends using Dykem Stain to get the red finish. The Dykem stain is sold by most machine shop supply houses, including Grainger.  It's not too expensive so I'll use that to treat my phosphate and oil hardware.

I agree that S100 calls for special finish.  Somewhere, there's probably a key to what those special finishes are.  As I recall, it's also called out on the nuts to attached the grills on a turn signal hood.  IIRC, those nuts had a reddish orange caulking compound in them.

Again, thanks for the help

Dennis T in Omaha

[J_Speegle]

Thanks for the input Jeff and WT8095.  Here's a link to another discussion for those who search this forum in the future. 
(http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/concours-forum/529491-67-upper-control-arm.html).

There is a three page thread here on this site

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=kdcrhielrbsrsj1usr53gqb847&topic=5669.0

I checked my Osborne (1968) chassis assembly manual last night.  There are S100 specs on bolts and nuts of this type in the front suspension, rear suspension, steering gear & power steering, and parking brake section.  I'm sure there are also S100 specs in the section on seatbelt installation.

All depends on the year and body type. Lots of variation that at times get borrowed from one year or application to another of some "restored" cars

I also found a mustang monthly article from March 2011 on DIY phosphate and oil (no reference to S100 though).  It recommends using Dykem Stain to get the red finish. The Dykem stain is sold by most machine shop supply houses, including Grainger.  It's not too expensive so I'll use that to treat my phosphate and oil hardware.

We had a long discussion here in a thread - apparently the formula has been changed from Dykem and much of what they now well is an opaque liquid rather than the older clear base. Didn't recall it being very expensive in the very small containers - and one bottle will last through hundreds of cars/restorations

I agree that S100 calls for special finish.  Somewhere, there's probably a key to what those special finishes are.  As I recall, it's also called out on the nuts to attached the grills on a turn signal hood.  IIRC, those nuts had a reddish orange caulking compound in them.

Those are a different thing - more about the anti- rattle sealant than the red dye IMHO

[WT8095]

WT8095 - can think of only one or two items with tread lock originally on 68 Mustangs.

Welcome to the site - guess by your site name you own a blue car

Which fasteners do you know of that had the thread lock on 68's?

Thanks, it's nice to be here. I really enjoy the site but I haven't participated much. Yes, I have a "Beatnik Blue" '68 fastback (Rainbow of Colors car). There's a layer of hideous red over the blue right now, Sears Weatherbeater from the looks of it. It's been garaged for the last 30 years waiting for me to accumulate the parts I need to do a full resto. I'm taking lots of notes as I read through these forums!

[krelboyne]

Amk's Guide to Ford Fasteners (basically reconstructed version of the Utility and Fastener books of the 30-70's) lists S-100 as

S100 Special

I have that book, mine says 'revised July 1967' inside the cover.  It only lists the S-100 as Special.

[Bob Gaines]

I have that book, mine says 'revised July 1967' inside the cover.  It only lists the S-100 as Special.

S100 was not just one finish . It apparently was meant to describe in a generic way that whatever part in question had some kind of special finish . It could mean different finish's in the same year or different for different . In 67 the 5/16 fuel line pinch clamps were a S100 finish which were olive drab. I have seen a S100 68 finish that was a blackish (for lack of a better description) plating on a few parts but the red was the most prevalent S100 finish in 68. Also the red finish looks different depending on if going over a zinc phosphate bolt or a zinc silver bolt.

[Bob Gaines]

Which fasteners do you know of that had the thread lock on 68's?

Thanks, it's nice to be here. I really enjoy the site but I haven't participated much. Yes, I have a "Beatnik Blue" '68 fastback (Rainbow of Colors car). There's a layer of hideous red over the blue right now, Sears Weatherbeater from the looks of it. It's been garaged for the last 30 years waiting for me to accumulate the parts I need to do a full resto. I'm taking lots of notes as I read through these forums!

I have routinely found thread lock on bolts holding the front caliper assembly like the short small head bolts holding the shields ,the long bolt with the smooth extension for the rubber boot to name a couple .FYI it doesn't hurt to do for added safety but I don't know of anyone or brake shops that reinstall the thread lock on those bolts.   

[mustang390]

Thanks for all of the discussion.  On my 68, most of what I'm working on is phosphate and oil so I'll try some Dykem 81491.  That should get close
enough for my needs.

Dennis T in Omaha

[J_Speegle]

I have routinely found thread lock on bolts holding the front caliper assembly like the short small head bolts holding the shields ,the long bolt with the smooth extension for the rubber boot to name a couple .FYI it doesn't hurt to do for added safety but I don't know of anyone or brake shops that reinstall the thread lock on those bolts.   

+1  The disc brake caliper bolts were the example I was going to use - Bob got there first  - thanks