ConcoursMustang Forums
1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1968 Mustang => Topic started by: ruppstang on December 20, 2010, 09:37:42 AM
-
Our 68 fastback C-code 289 was judged at the VA. Beach National show and received a deduction for having the pedestal style radiator hose clamps. I was told because of it's 7-12-68 build date it should have wire clamps with staples. Even though the rules state either clamp is exceptable. We also own a 68 High Country Special C-code 289 with a build date of 7-16-68. No suppliers seem to have these hoses so I called Marti Auto Works and talked with their production guy. He said that according to their data base the band style clamps are correct for those build dates. He also said that for $10 extra they could build some,and wanted me to let him know what the MCA position is on this is. I would only like to find the truth.
-
Believe your spring/summer 68 San Jose car should have the wire clamps. San Jose started using them on small blocks in 66 (we understand it was sort of the test for the new clamps and associated hoses)
Believe (Sure Pete will comment) that MCA position would be if that the rules state either clamp would be allowed you should not receive a deduction - though a comment would be helpful
-
As always, our judging efforts with the MCA and owners are to represent the cars as accurately as possible. Obviously, this is tough as there were 3 assembly plants with suspect practices.
What we know: 1. Ford tested the wire radiator hose clamps at the San Jose plant starting during the 66 production cycle. I personally have looked at 2 low mileage, unrestored 67 GT-350s that had the wire clamps. I have also looked at an early 67 Metuchen convertible with the wire clamps, but that may be suspect! 2. Ford implemented the wire clamps across the 3 assembly plants (and all other Ford assembly plants) sometime late in the 68 production cycle. This is most evident on the big-block Fords. I have not been able to come up with anything more concrete.
To cover all bases, the 67-68 concours rules allow either tower or wire clamps. While a restorer can get by with either clamp, the better restorer will take into account what is known and make an appropriate decision on which clamps to use for a given Mustang.
Marty, I believe your high country special is a late June build. As there was slightly more than a month left in the 68 productin cycle, yours is definately a late build. I would expect to see the wire clamps on the radiator hoses and problably would write that in the judging comments. However, I would not deduct any points and I would instruct the other gold card judges to not deduct any points.
Regards,
Pete Morgan
-
What would your feeling be concerning the clamps for a Dearborn June 2, 1968 car? I don't remember what my coupe had originally. I have the tower clamps on it now and would just as soon put the wire clamps on instead.
-
I actually did quite a bit of research on this several months ago and found no credible examples of tower clamps on any 68 small block in any of the plants. The number of credible examples of wire clamps to tower was like 50 to 0 and this was from beginning production till end of 68
-
I actually did quite a bit of research on this several months ago and found no credible examples of tower clamps on any 68 small block in any of the plants. The number of credible examples of wire clamps to tower was like 50 to 0 and this was from beginning production till end of 68
Thanks to everyone for the comments. I am going to order a set for each of the 68's and am going to tell Marti Autoworks as per our conversation here that they should add these to their regular inventory. Marty
-
Thanks to everyone for the comments. I am going to order a set for each of the 68's and am going to tell Marti Autoworks as per our conversation here that they should add these to their regular inventory. Marty
Marty,the best of luck with that. It has been voiced by a number of others over the last few years. Don't waste your time with anyone but Kevin . I don't think his staff even brings this concern to him anymore . Maybe the umpteenth time is the charm ;D
-
Well I guess I was lucky, I was just on the Marti Auto web site and see that they now have the C8 wire clamp hoses available for small blocks. I am glad to get some especially after seeing that original 5200 mi fastback that just sold on BJ had them. Marty