ConcoursMustang Forums

1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1968 Shelby => Topic started by: Craners on October 29, 2023, 10:03:43 AM

Title: Heater Box Restoration Question, 1968 Shelby, New Jersey Build
Post by: Craners on October 29, 2023, 10:03:43 AM
Were all of the assembly rivets unpainted?
Specifically on the hinge/bracket for the passenger side foot box.
Logically it makes sense that they were not painted.
I can almost see evidence on my heater box that they were painted, or possibly that was just decades of crud.

I have seen ?restorations? of heater boxes that had these rivets painted.
I thought I?d throw this question out to the experts for guidance , so I only have to do this once.
Comments appreciated.

Thank you
Fran
Title: Re: Heater Box Restoration Question, 1968 Shelby, New Jersey Build
Post by: J_Speegle on October 29, 2023, 05:40:31 PM
On a non-AC case I think you will find that the rivets were zinc plated. Would guess that rather then replace them some restorers are painting them silver in an effort to replicate the original plating
Title: Re: Heater Box Restoration Question, 1968 Shelby, New Jersey Build
Post by: Bob Gaines on October 29, 2023, 11:24:42 PM
Were all of the assembly rivets unpainted?
Specifically on the hinge/bracket for the passenger side foot box.
Logically it makes sense that they were not painted.
I can almost see evidence on my heater box that they were painted, or possibly that was just decades of crud.

I have seen ?restorations? of heater boxes that had these rivets painted.
I thought I?d throw this question out to the experts for guidance , so I only have to do this once.
Comments appreciated.

Thank you
Fran
It is somewhat common for many that restore the heater box to paint it all black rivets and all to freshen the appearance up .Maybe not original but it happens .
Title: Re: Heater Box Restoration Question, 1968 Shelby, New Jersey Build
Post by: Craners on November 03, 2023, 08:22:53 PM
Thank you both. 
I taped off the rivets to show the natural finish.
It took a bit longer, looks to be worth it. (See attached photo)

I have a follow up question.  Did the ?rubber? section on the rotating latch get painted black, or was that left ?natural color?
From what I could tell ?my heater box had this unpainted.
Certainly all metal on the latch is painted black.
Comments appreciated.

Fran