- Joined
- Feb 28, 2011
- Messages
- 2,188
- Reaction score
- 390
- Location
- Chattanooga, TN
- My Car
- 72 Mach 1 H-Code (Concourse)
67 GT S-Code 4sp
So, at my recent judging in Concourse at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals I lost a couple points for the attachment finishes for these hood items. The judge indicated that the Acorn Nuts on the underside of the hood for the front trim piece should be body color as that part was installed before the hood was painted. Secondly, the studs that attach the NACA ducts to the hood should also be body color as those also were attached prior to paint. I have a concern that attaching these prior to paint would cause a cracking issue for the paint at the seam between these two parts. I have seen several cars with cracks in the paint along the front hood trim from these being painted in place. I would suspect the same issue and possibly even more for the NACA ducts as they are made out of different materials and would expand and contract differently in the sun and cold heating cycles. I posted this response in a Concourse forum and obtained this response from MCA National Head Judge Bob Perkins.
You have asked great questions that have been a bit controversial regarding 71-73 Mustangs. Typically 1973 Mustangs had the hood molding nuts and hood scoop hardware painted body color as the judges noted.Typically 1971 were not painted. The painted hardware practice stated in the 1972 model year. My opinion for 1972 is early no paint later painted. I have no dates on this change. I personally accept either for 1972.
Motorcraft VS Autolite parts was another change over during the 1972 model year. If you are using genuine Ford parts most would be date coded. It's my experience a January 1972 Mustang would typically have Motorcraft parts. If not, I would look for date code to verify.
I am thinking about trying to push this issue a little farther with MCA for a definitive ruling, but not to take up all of my time.
Do others have original cars to reference across the 71-73 timeline? Other fact based experience or understandings to share.
Thank you,
Brian
PERKINS RESPONSEIf you have some time for a long video, but a good over view of the show take a look at this one. If you can make it to the end I get my 5 seconds of fame with the 72 Mach 1.
Ended up taking silver in Concourse judging. I do have some questions with some points brought forward by the judges.
1 - It was pointed out that the acorn nuts on the front hood trim piece should be body color. Stated hood was painted with this part on. I am of the opinion this part was not painted already installed on the hood as it would lead to cracking in the seam between the hood and the trim panel.
2 - Pointed out that studs for hood scoops should be body color as well as they were also installed on the hood before painting. I again have a hard time believing this is the case as it would lead to more cracking issues around the scoop.
3 - All branded Autolite or Motorcraft components under the hood should be the same. It is my understanding the conversion to Motorcraft was not finalized until March/April 1972. My build date of early January 1972 Dearborn would proceed that date and allow for some variance in branded components vs all being the same.
I would appreciate others views on these points.
I do not have my judging sheet to reflect back on some of the other comments as I left the award and paperwork at my folks house in WI when we headed back home. I will have it back around Christmas.
You have asked great questions that have been a bit controversial regarding 71-73 Mustangs. Typically 1973 Mustangs had the hood molding nuts and hood scoop hardware painted body color as the judges noted.Typically 1971 were not painted. The painted hardware practice stated in the 1972 model year. My opinion for 1972 is early no paint later painted. I have no dates on this change. I personally accept either for 1972.
Motorcraft VS Autolite parts was another change over during the 1972 model year. If you are using genuine Ford parts most would be date coded. It's my experience a January 1972 Mustang would typically have Motorcraft parts. If not, I would look for date code to verify.
I am thinking about trying to push this issue a little farther with MCA for a definitive ruling, but not to take up all of my time.
Do others have original cars to reference across the 71-73 timeline? Other fact based experience or understandings to share.
Thank you,
Brian