Topic: Cowl Brace Bolt Heads

[ChrisV289]

What is the correct head markings on the cowl brace bolts on an Oct 64 SJ build fastback?  I ordered the bolt kit and it has SEMS but I've seen the number 23 on some cars.  Are both correct and/or is it important to have that correct head markings on those?

[Brian Conway]

Well in May of 65 at SJ it seems the ' 23 ' bolt was the one.  Brian

[J_Speegle]

.........seems the ' 23 ' bolt was the one.  Brian

+1  for October 64 San Jose

[livetoride60]

Checked my Oct 64 SJ Fastback and the original bolts are 23.  My replacement AMK bolt kit has SEMS.

[jwc66k]

One thing that you need to understand about AMK is they supply only what they can get made. Correct or matching head markings are one area that is lacking as many of the original Ford suppliers no longer are in business, so substitutes are listed. The same goes for the length of a bolt, many times shown with a disclaimer of "similar". 
In my unfinished hardware collection, most of the cowl bolts have a head marking of "23". I also have some with a "26" and some with an anchor. These are the correct size, have the correct lock washer type and correct length (1.0 inch), so I assume they were used by one of the assembly lines at one time. My hardware data base lists only 64-66 application for that bolt, 377917-S2, no other Mustang application. I cannot determine year or plant as they came from a salvage yard that specializes in Mustangs. I have no head marked "SEMS" bolts from salvaged Mustangs, but that does not mean that they were not used.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Totally agree Jim.  While I think it's great that we have companies like AMK supplying the fastener kits, it makes things difficult for those doing restorations to know what is right or wrong.  There are a lot of cars missing original fasteners, so it's not always clear what is correct for a particular car. 

From what I have seen, the SEMS shock brace bolts were typical on Dearborn cars, but not a constant.  The 23/26, definitely predominant on San Jose.

[ChrisV289]

So I ran into an issue tonight.  The bolts I took off where the cowl is were a 1/2 inch head size.  There were none at the shock tower as my dad put on the export brace to help support the car back in 90's.  The AMK bolt kit's head size is 9/16 and do not fit in the cowl area.  I know the AMK kit is not cirrect as it does not have the correct markings but until I go to my friend's shop to poke through all his bolts it is what i have to work with.  So what size should the bolts be that hold the braces on? 

[jwc66k]

The bolts are 3/8-16X1.0hex 9/16drive, with an external tooth lock washer, and a lead point. The ones you got from AMK are probably the correct size, just the head markings are not. I have to use a heavy duty tapered pin to align the brace to the cowl on my cars especially to get the export brace installed. If yours has been in an accident it may have twisted either the shock tower or cowl a bit.
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

Agree with Jim, those should be the larger size bolts.  Has the car had work on the cowl or new sealer applied?

[ChrisV289]

Yes my dad had the cowl section redone since it looked like crap years ago, so the holes could have been altrered a bit. When my dad added the export brace it fit just fine, there were no issues.  When we added the export brace to my 65 I drove in high school we needed a body spreader to get it to fit. 

[Brian Conway]

Visual aides ?    Brian