68 Shelby hood grounding bracket?

[Bob Gaines]

Here's a question: Why would a Shelby-destined car have been built with a hood ground strap?

I assume that a strap would only be needed on cars with the Mustang's optional turn-signal hoods. 

Weren't all SAI cars in '68 delivered to AO Smith without hoods?

Thus, I'd think that there would be no need to have the cars spec'd with the turn-signal hood ground strap at all.

Am I missing something here?

Yes, you are assuming it only had to do with turn signals in the hood. It was in fact a radio static control detail as much as anything else. The clip had two sharp prongs that were to dig into the metal for a superior ground that was suppose to better connect (ground) the hood to the rest of the chassis . This was to create a shield (top and sides) to prevent static from the ignition wires from interfering with the radio . I believe the clip is included in radio kits sometimes too. Just like the strange static suppressors that go inside the front wheel bearing caps. FYI Shelby's with all fiberglass hoods were very susceptible to poor AM reception. That is one main reason IMO why the antenna was relocated to the driver rear quarter from the front on early 68 Shelby's.

[Bob Gaines]

FYI in 69/70 Shelby the clip was eliminated. On 69/70 there is typically no hole where the clip is secured on other like Mustangs. It wasn't taken off because it was typically never installed on 69/70 Shelby's

[Side-Oilers]

Thanks for the info, Bob.  I'm always up for learning something new about the cars we all love.

[Coralsnake]

The cars did have hoods, but they were not "production" hoods. They were simply used to keep water out during transport.

Likely this part was so small, it was easier to leave it in place, rather than to eliminate it.

[Side-Oilers]

Thanks to you too, Pete.   Makes sense.

[gt350shelb]

00212 has this

[OldMil]

The cars did have hoods, but they were not "production" hoods. They were simply used to keep water out during transport.

That's interesting Pete..so what did these non-production hoods look like, and are there any around?

[Coralsnake]

[Coralsnake]

A mixture of Mustang and non useable Shelby fiberglass hoods, most likely used over and over and then scrapped

[Coralsnake]

[shelbydoug]

00212 has this

Oh that thing? Mine has a Phillps head screw in it. I thought it was there to hold the gasket in place? 

[gt350shelb]

other side of cowl has Phillips screws