SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1968 Shelby GT350/500/500KR => Topic started by: Mvillemure on June 15, 2021, 01:23:26 PM

Title: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Mvillemure on June 15, 2021, 01:23:26 PM
Good morning,

How does it call the 6 plates that covers the rear light sockets on a 68 Shelby?

What are the screw to fix them?

Thanks for your answers as I am looking for the original screw and. It able to find them.


Regards
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Grouper Trooper on June 19, 2021, 12:48:11 PM
Are you referring to the chrome tail light bezels? If so, these screws are available from Tony Branda parts.
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: 8T03S1425 on June 19, 2021, 05:32:44 PM
I think he's referring to the 6 stamped metal plates that are screwed to the body and cover the holes that were required to accommodate the T-bird tail lights. Surprisingly they are not shown in the 1968 Shelby GT 350/500 Illustrations, Assembly Procedures & Parts List manual.

I think they are a hex head, 1/8" - 3/16" dia by 1/2" - 3/4" long, black oxide sheet metal screw, or something like that.
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Mvillemure on June 21, 2021, 04:53:21 PM
Thanks for the answer.

I was referring to the 6 plates.


Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: gt350bp on June 22, 2021, 09:49:16 PM
I think they are #6 self drilling screws (Teks) I'll check tomorrow to confirm size and length as well as any markings.

Don
gt350bp
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: J_Speegle on June 22, 2021, 11:48:08 PM
These

(https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/15/6-220621234413-15638366.jpeg)


And a picture of the four (of six) smaller plates

(https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/15/6-220621234412-15637963.jpeg)


Close up of screw ends

(https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/15/6-220621234724-156391169.jpeg)
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Side-Oilers on June 23, 2021, 12:37:08 AM
I have the same on my KR.   Always wondered if Smith cut them out with tin snips.   

I realize that "no one will ever see them", but why would they have cut those pieces so randomly ragged? 

Especially given the volume of Shelbys that year...times 6 plates per car.
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: gt350bp on June 23, 2021, 07:41:47 AM
"Form follows function."

Don
gt350bp
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: rsmith on August 19, 2021, 05:41:42 PM
They are a #8 x 1/2", flanged oval head screw. I am currently looking for them as well. I think it is the same screw that holds the glass taillight panel in place.
Grainger has something close, although the flange is slightly larger diameter.
https://www.grainger.com/product/FABORY-8-x-1-2-in-Zinc-Plated-Case-31JM26
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Coralsnake on August 19, 2021, 05:47:21 PM
The screw used was a hex head self drilling screw.

I have not seen a phillips screw used to hold these plates.
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: rsmith on August 20, 2021, 10:58:48 AM
What about the screws that attach the glass taillight to the body?
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Coralsnake on August 20, 2021, 11:03:39 AM
Those are a phillips washer head, self drilling and could be either phosphate or bright zinc.

AMK sells both types
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Scott Fuller on October 26, 2022, 08:37:50 PM
Hey Folks,

A friend of mine needed a couple of the small stamped cover plates so I made them.  I think Branda had some that were fiberglass and they are out of them with no plan to have them in the future.  Tim and Pete said my prototype didn't have the wrinkles as prevalent as the originals so I made them with the wrinkles. 

Scott Fuller
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Scott Fuller on October 26, 2022, 08:39:44 PM
Oops, the previous photo if the prototype.  Here's the ones with wrinkles like the origjnals.

Scott
Title: Re: Taillight plates covering the sockets
Post by: Coralsnake on October 26, 2022, 08:46:59 PM
Well done Mr Fuller

If people need these they should buy some now