69 GT350 radiator support seal, is there supposed to be one?

[SChatman]

69 GT350 build date 1/8/69, is it supposed to have a seal? I don't find any holes for a stapled one but I know there is a clip on.

[Bob Gaines]

69 GT350 build date 1/8/69, is it supposed to have a seal? I don't find any holes for a stapled one but I know there is a clip on.

Typically it would have a seal. A radiator support replacement is one explanation for no staple holes. It has been theorized given examples of the clips and even screws that if the staple gun broke down that a alternative method had to be used. The alternative methods are very much in the minority compared to the rest of production however. 

[SChatman]

Thanks Bob, it doesn't appear that anything was ever replaced on the front end of my car as all of the spot welds appear to be original, that's why I thought if it had one at one time it might have been clipped on.

[J_Speegle]

You could always try and find the stamping date to confirm if you choose to.

As Bob offered there were periods of time (hours or days) where the staple machine broke down and the workers were instructed to use the dipped squarish electric clips/retainers until the machine was working again. Based on all of the examples with clips this happened allot.

A few examples from staples (top left) to clips (bottom two) and some of each (top right

[SChatman]

Thanks Jeff, which clip is correct for a Dearborn car? Also any suggestions on who has those clips, I didn't see them at NPD, CJP, Classic or Kentucky Mustang

[Bob Gaines]

Thanks Jeff, which clip is correct for a Dearborn car? Also any suggestions on who has those clips, I didn't see them at NPD, CJP, Classic or Kentucky Mustang

NPD's catalog . Item # 372046-S . Those are fully rubber coated. The ones I have seen used originally were half coated. If you want a exact look you will have to modify those.

[SChatman]

West Coast Classic Cougars has them with only half of it rubber coated but they are this green zinc chromate color.

[Bob Gaines]

West Coast Classic Cougars has them with only half of it rubber coated but they are this green zinc chromate color.

They were not silver from the factory. Drop them in a little muriatic acid and the silver zinc plating will disappear in about 4 minutes (when fizzing stops) leaving a bare steel finish . I would use gun bluing to help with rust prevention along with some rust inhibitor product.

[SChatman]

Thanks Bob. Did you ever decide on a price for those front shocks?