Export Brace at Cowl Finishes, etc?

[hertz350]

These questions concern the export mounting bracket at the cowl for March built 66 Shelbys.

My L angle mounting bracket was skip welded to the cowl. Was this the way it was done?
I suppose it was done that way to not warp the cowl.

It was obvious the worker beat the heck out of the cowl before mounting it. I am surprised he didn't damage the cowl. After it was welded it was heavily coated on all four sides and over the face of it with what looks like a brown seam sealer. Then it was painted over.

How was this bracket painted? Spray can, brush or out of a gun?

Thanks.

[J_Speegle]

These questions concern the export mounting bracket at the cowl for March built 66 Shelbys.

My L angle mounting bracket was skip welded to the cowl. Was this the way it was done?
I suppose it was done that way to not warp the cowl.

Here are three examples from around the same time period. On all three you can make out the welding points along the upper edge





Less visible on this example

How was this bracket painted? Spray can, brush or out of a gun?

The brackets and sealant was applied at San Jose during the first half of the build and before the exterior color was applied so cowl, bracket and both sealants (that along the cowl to firewall pinch weld and around/over the export bracket) were all painted the same color when the body was painted

[hertz350]

Thanks. I never would have guessed it was done at San Jose because it is such a hack job typical of Shelby, not what I would think would be typical at Ford.

[J_Speegle]

Pictures added. Haven't found the installation to be much a a hack job but maybe your car put up a fight

Sealant was pretty messy but rarely is nice anywhere on the cars

[hertz350]

Thanks for these The part that is crude is the L shaped bracket. It could have been made much better. It is a pretty crude piece. When I get back out to the shop I will get pictures.

[6R07mi]

Thanks for these The part that is crude is the L shaped bracket. It could have been made much better. It is a pretty crude piece. When I get back out to the shop I will get pictures.

Although a San Jose RPO (regular production option) it was for cars with additional "export" configuration.
most 1965 & 66 export cars came out of Dearborn or Metuchen NJ plant, so San Jose didn't have much experience with this "limited" additional scope of work. IMHO
an infrequent used operation in relationship to the thousands of cars built without this additional feature.

jim p

[J_Speegle]

Although a San Jose RPO (regular production option) it was for cars with additional "export" configuration.
most 1965 & 66 export cars came out of Dearborn or Metuchen NJ plant, so San Jose didn't have much experience with this "limited" additional scope of work. IMHO
an infrequent used operation in relationship to the thousands of cars built without this additional feature.

Interesting comparison. Since the average number of export cars/Mustangs built every year during the classic year at all three plants was only 5,000 units approx 2,000 66's would be a fairly large number in comparison. would seem to suggest that the amount of experience  is not as great as it might seem. Unfortunately the number of export Mustangs built in 66 are not know nor the number for each plant.

It is possible that the managers used the same bucking station in the carousel for this particular task but that would just be a possibility. It's just as possible that they didn't care as long as the task got done. Guys working there likely didn't like the additional steps and effort needed

[hertz350]

What is size of the bolt and nut and head style that Ford used to mount the export brace to the cowl? What was the finish? Was a washer used behind the nut?

Thanks.

[jk66gt350]

These are supposed to be correct : https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/Export-Brace-To-Cowl-Mounting-Hardware--P14782.aspx    Bolt heads are 9/16"

[Bob Gaines]

These are supposed to be correct : https://www.virginiaclassicmustang.com/Export-Brace-To-Cowl-Mounting-Hardware--P14782.aspx    Bolt heads are 9/16"

They certainly look correct to me. I have seen more installed with the lock washer on the bottom side then on the top side but it was done both ways.

[S7MS427]

Anybody have a part number for that angle?  I've never seen one.

[hertz350]

Here are pictures of the angle bracket and the cowl for a March built Shelby.

[hertz350]

Sorry about the rotated pictures.

[JD]

Sorry about the rotated pictures.

Here they are rotated, hope that's OK.

[hertz350]

Thanks for fixing that!