Topic: 67 Fastback Folddown Latch Covers?

[J_Speegle]

Since 67 is such a confusing year with all the running changes and issues we thought that we could at least start tackling the subject of fastback fold down interior rear panels with and without the thin metal latch covers. Ford started 67 producing driver and passenger side panels with no provision for the latch covers just somewhat small openings  - one for the operating handle and one for the latch and bumper. At some point Ford changed to a version that had a single larger opening and a thin sheet metal latch cover similar to what had been installed on the fastback passenger rear quarter trim panels

Earlier style From 7R02C1518xx (Competed at San Jose Dec 3rd)





Later style - From 7R02C2012xx (possibly built first part of April 67)




Going to start with San Jose first since the dates effect both the Mustangs and Shelby's that year. Then we'll plan to look at the other two plants.

Will go through all my pictures and post a survey of what I have

[1967 eight barrel]

That's pretty interesting and may explain why the rollbar opening didn't seem to be done well. I know many of these panels were broken over the years because of the fold down seat. So are the late panels for 67 the same that carried through for the 68 model year?

                                                                                                                         -Keith

[Coralsnake]

1968 panels are different in other ways

[Fastback2013]

Hello Jeff,

Here is a picture of my panel. It looks that I have the later style, but my car is built at January '67 in SJ....
I do not think that those panels where ever replaced through the years.
Just my observation, of course.
I hope this helps you further.
Kind regards,
Jeroen

[Bob Gaines]

Hello Jeff,

Here is a picture of my panel. It looks that I have the later style, but my car is built at January '67 in SJ....
I do not think that those panels where ever replaced through the years.
Just my observation, of course.
I hope this helps you further.
Kind regards,
Jeroen

From examples I have seen lead me to believe the small latch hole panels were prior to Jan 67.

[J_Speegle]

Sure the search will continue so that we can get closer to a firm (as much as possible change over date

So far we have 7R02C1518xx as the lastest original San Jose with the early style. A good friend was able to confirm that that car was completed on Jan 3rd 1966.

Now to find some more examples from later in the month. Not an easy task since so many panels have been altered/cut or changed out. But I have faith we can get closer

[1967 eight barrel]

My Shelby is a 7 Dec 66 completion. It has the later panels.

                                                                    -Keith

[67gta289]

Jeff, here is what I have in my records.

[J_Speegle]

Jeff, here is what I have in my records.

Thanks - you've added a later sequential VIN of 7R1568xx - five thousand numbers after my latest (shown above) . I'll see if I can get a real build date on that number With a completion date that suggests that they used the early style side panels through December 20, 1966 at San Jose

Have a sequential number of 7R1469xx & 7R1541xx both with completion dates of December 21, 66 and  7R1546xx with a date of December 27, 66 but those don't provide certainty of when #1568xx was completed for sure

Thanks again

[67gta289]

Jeff, it just so happens that the 7R1568 is my signature car with a Dec 20 build date. 

I recall replacing the drivers side in 1980 and learned then that there two types. Took me a while to find one without the cover plate to match the pass side

[J_Speegle]

Jeff, it just so happens that the 7R1568 is my signature car with a Dec 20 build date. 

Thanks so we have a solid confirmed real date for San Jose.

[67gtasanjose]

Thanks so we have a solid confirmed real date for San Jose.

Not sure about that. I'm still a bit confused. Maybe if all VIN's (with actual build dates) represented so far for SJ builds were all on the spreadsheet John provided, I could see it clearer. For example, Keith's car is earlier build with later panels. Maybe his have been replaced prior?

[J_Speegle]

Not sure about that. I'm still a bit confused.

I thought from his post he was providing the date from a Marti report on his car. To me that is a confirmed date.

Maybe if all VIN's (with actual build dates) represented so far for SJ builds were all on the spreadsheet John provided, I could see it clearer. For example, Keith's car is earlier build with later panels. Maybe his have been replaced prior?

I have pictures multiple cars with dates prior to December (back to Sept) at least, with the later panels but can't offer them as examples as I have no way of confirming that they are original (cars have been restored or other things have been changed). For the interior I would guess that these might be the most changed out part found there - other, possibly, the rear trap door

As we continue we hope that we can find multiple cars (as we have done in other surveys) to support either a later or earlier date as the change over point. Standard in the past has been three cars to confirm a data point

[J_Speegle]

kkupec02 car happens to be a San Jose built car on Jan 26 1967

Just going to merge this post with the prior thread

As far as making sense - all the other trim screws are chrome so the latch covers would be the same finish

have not found many original 67 Fastback cars with fold down with washers under the head and since most leave their fold downs up its a tough area to get a picture of

Guess I need to go through a few tens of thousands of pictures to see what has turned up since we last visited this detail.

[jwc66k]

The fog has cleared. The NPD kit just can't be right. Black screws make total sense.

Except the 67 Mustang Body Assembly Manual says the screws, 53016-S13, are chrome, and the washers, 34968-S, are stainless. Those finishes apply to all interior colors.
I invite you to visit this forum's library under topic "Mustang Hardware Spreadsheet 67-68". The information is there.
Jim