Topic: source for 67 oval rubber plugs

[196667Bob]

Of course, when I started my Reply, John hadn't Posted his info, nor had the two other Replies been Posted. I went to Post mine and got the infamous "This Page cannot be displayed". I got everything ready again, and got the message that there had been a Post since I started mine, but didn't want to take the chance of losing it all again, so I Posted my Reply anyway.
That being said, about the only thing I can add is that on my '67, the lower radiator support oval holes (which are the same size as the uppers) do not have, nor is there any evidence that they ever did, any plugs.

Bob

[196667Bob]

+1

Guess we need to figure out what the round plug that was used for the square holes while we're at it.

Jeff : I think this might be one for the Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or maybe the Therapist.

+1

... while Dearborn cars are installed from the front of the car towards the engine.

+1 on mine.

Bob

[J_Speegle]

Some examples of my findings


7F01C1291xx with oval  hole



7F02C1373xx with oval  hole





7F02C1380xx



7F02S2137xx with square hole



7F03C2264xx with square hole



7R01C1680xx with oval  hole



7R03C1883xx with oval  hole





7R02C2297xx with square hole

[67gta289]

The body assy manual shows square holes (as I would expect due to latest revision). Shows one plug 376196-s only on drivers side for the radiator support. 

For the idled arm and steering gear box it calls for one per side of 378770-S. 

The term used is "plug button"

[J_Speegle]

The body assy manual shows square holes (as I would expect due to latest revision). Shows one plug 376196-s only on drivers side for the radiator support. 

Another example of a page with details different than what was done

Of course there could have been another revision the next day that we don't know of nor have copies of the page

What is the revision date of that page?  If you would

[OldMustangGuy]

I've been searching for some of these plugs also and called West Coast Cougars (not knowing the hole was utilized on Cougars)... they confirmed that the hole was utilized for the Cougar headlight bucket mount.

[Bob Gaines]

I looked at a June built radiator support today (SJ) and it's square hole had the same plug installed from the engine side as other pictures posted.

[OldMustangGuy]

Is there any consensus on where/when the oval shaped plug versus the round plug was used? In my non-scientific research at a couple of junkyards it seems that maybe the oval plug was a 67 item and the round plug was used in 68 but I'm only speculating.

[J_Speegle]

Is there any consensus on where/when the oval shaped plug versus the round plug was used? In my non-scientific research at a couple of junkyards it seems that maybe the oval plug was a 67 item and the round plug was used in 68 but I'm only speculating.

You would have to specify  (narrow down) what plant your interested in for a good guess or time period when the change over took place

[krelboyne]

Yes, for a 1967-68 Mercury Cougar that hole is used for installing a captured stud for mounting the headlight bucket.



Cougars built in Dearborn 1967-73. Cougars built in San Jose all of 1968, and 1969's up until about the 4th week of November 1968. No 1967 Cougars built in San Jose.

[67gta289]

Another example of a page with details different than what was done

Of course there could have been another revision the next day that we don't know of nor have copies of the page

What is the revision date of that page?  If you would

I went back to look and found no revision history.  I checked a few other drawings in the body manual and struck out across the board.  Quite different that what I've noticed on drawings from the other categories which are dated.  So I need to back track my statement that this particular drawing was the latest or later revision.  The evidence of square holes does though tend to validate the assumption. 

[67gta289]

Is there any consensus on where/when the oval shaped plug versus the round plug was used? In my non-scientific research at a couple of junkyards it seems that maybe the oval plug was a 67 item and the round plug was used in 68 but I'm only speculating.

Like most things 1967 and really best practice we need to look at unrestored cars to make a determination of an approximate change over.  That needs to be done at all three assembly plants. If you look at my attached report from an earlier post you will see that I found both oval and square instances for 1967 model year cars from all three plants.  The VIN numbers help start to hone in on the changes but we would need more data to reach a consensus.   Jeff provided a few more data points as well.  I'm not taking it further myself but if you are wondering about a specific car provide a partial VIN and I'm sure you will get to the answer.    It is safe to say though that the change was not commensurate with the new model year.

[J_Speegle]

.................. you are wondering about a specific car provide a partial VIN and I'm sure you will get to the answer.  ........

+1

[196667Bob]

I went back to look and found no revision history.  I checked a few other drawings in the body manual and struck out across the board.  Quite different that what I've noticed on drawings from the other categories which are dated.  So I need to back track my statement that this particular drawing was the latest or later revision.  The evidence of square holes does though tend to validate the assumption. 

John : I assume (?) that we're talking about page N7-8105- of the Body Assembly Manual, correct ? Well, here is a wrench I'll throw in. My page is Dated 12/15/66, and has the note "Supersedes 11/10/66", and shows the "square hole ".  Yours was built 5 days after that Revision at San Jose, and mine a month and a half later in Dearborn, yet both of ours have the oval holes ??

So "Who do you trust" (sounds like a good name for a game show for those who might remember).

I guess it's just another '67 oddity, or another instance where it's just an Illustration.

Bob

[Bob Gaines]

Like most things 1967 and really best practice we need to look at unrestored cars to make a determination of an approximate change over.  That needs to be done at all three assembly plants. If you look at my attached report from an earlier post you will see that I found both oval and square instances for 1967 model year cars from all three plants.  The VIN numbers help start to hone in on the changes but we would need more data to reach a consensus.   Jeff provided a few more data points as well.  I'm not taking it further myself but if you are wondering about a specific car provide a partial VIN and I'm sure you will get to the answer.    It is safe to say though that the change was not commensurate with the new model year.

I am confused. Is the reference about oval and square hole or the rubber plug ?If talking about the metal hole the transition from the oval hole to the square hole in the radiator support transitioned in the middle of 67 production to the square hole from what I have seen.  I am sure it happened at various times within weeks of each other or less depending on plant. The 68's with original radiator supports will have the square hole which is actually made from the oval hole with oval top and bottom edge still evident and squared off sides. From what I have seen the same oval rubber plug is used whether installed in the oval hole or squared off hole in the radiator support.