Front Bumper Bracket, function of welded tab?

[Craner]

tubular bumper bracket question:
The service replacement brackets have small tabs welded about 4 inches from the end (see photo)
I don't recall these being on the production line bumper brackets. right?

What is the purpose of these "tabs"?
Thank you.
Fran

[Coralsnake]

Holds the rubber insulator from sliding down

[Craner]

Thank you. 
Makes perfect sense.
Fran

[TLea]

they are on assembly line pieces

[Corey Bowcutt]

That begs the question what is this rubber insulator? Does anyone have pictures?
Corey

[Coralsnake]

Im not going to say it is heater hose, but it's awfully similar

[Bob Gaines]

Im not going to say it is heater hose, but it's awfully similar

It is not heater hose however that will work but the hose off of the upper 67/68 fastback vent boxes is a pretty exact match in thickness , outside diameter and ribs on exterior.

[Corey Bowcutt]

Should I have these insulator pieces on my February 1968 gt350?  I presume they go on the top where the bracket passes thru the fiberglass valance?

Are these sold by anyone?

Corey

[68blk500c]

Yes.  The major suppliers have them.  Or, go through salvage cars.

[Corey Bowcutt]

What are those square rubber pads for?  Would they be used on a Shelby or just a Mustang?

Are the set NPD sells very good?  The CJ Pony Parts ones are clearly just pieces of coolant hose so just wondering if NPDs are the same.

Corey

[WT6066-2600]

Drawings From Mustang Body Assembly Manual, not sure all applies to Shelby

[Bob Gaines]

What are those square rubber pads for?  Would they be used on a Shelby or just a Mustang?

Are the set NPD sells very good?  The CJ Pony Parts ones are clearly just pieces of coolant hose so just wondering if NPDs are the same.

Corey

Yes pads serve the same contact protection as hose . Unlike the repro hose the pads look correct.

[Bob Gaines]

Also unlike the hose which you can find still on many donor cars the pads came off easy and are seldom found still on .

[Corey Bowcutt]

Thank you all for the very helpful comments and illustrations.  I was able to source some originals from West Coast Classic Cougars.  I also purchased the set off NPT so I have the square pads as well.

This forum is awesome.  I have been doing a rolling restoration on my car for 8 years now trying to make my car as original and complete as I possibly can.  It is amazing to me that after 8 years I am still learning new fine details.  It just makes me wonder what else I have missed?

Corey