68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

[Brandon T.]

Ok I bought new ones and my originals have a hole through them where that bolt comes up through..not sure if they're supposed to have a hole where that bolt comes up or not since the new ones don't have a hole pre-made there.

The new ones came with new staples but they're not black like the originals so are they supposed to be natural or were the originals painted during the blackout process or by a previous owner?

It would be nice if someone had a correct detailed 68 bb engine bay BEFORE the engine was installed but I guess I can take some pics tomorrow and post them so what I'm asking makes more sense.

kinda undecided whether or not to use the new ones or just leave the originals one because like everything from paragon they're close but not made of the same material and have the same feel as the originals. Is this something most of you guys replace or leave the originals?

If anyone up on the 68's engine bay as far as these go I'd appreciate some tips.

[Brandon T.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

bump...ttt

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

I believe the dust shields were installed before engine compartment black-out based on evidance I have seen -- bare fiberglass under the edge of the shields.

Based on that I would expect the staples to be black from the black-out operation, but I am surprised the paint sticks to them for all this time.

[Erik S.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

staples vs push in fastners; wasn't this a running change in 68?

[Jack C.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Terry's correct. Plus, there was no hole for the shock rod and nut.

[Brandon T.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

thanks for the replies, I'll take a couple pictures when I get off work and post them and if you guys are familiar with 68's if you would tell me if the way it is now is correct looking or not, doesn't sound like the hole is supposed to be there but I can't see how you would keep it from eventually happening from wear are tear just laying on top of the shock rod like that.

[Erik S.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Brandon - please do and please indicate where to look for. I will be taking pictures of my 68 this weekend.

Erik

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Brandon,
If the top of the shock is wearing a hole in the rubber dust shield -- something is wrong. Either the dust shield is improperly installed or the shock rod is too long. With OEM parts and proper dust shield installation there should be no contact between the shock rod and the dust shield. A photo would probably help us identify the culprit.

[Brandon T.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Ok guys here are some pictures, obviously the new dust cover is the one I'm holding up and I took a few shots of the originals and the hole I'm talking about...

while I was taking pics I took a pic of the master cylinder I just redone the other night see if that looks about right if not let me know. The cap is not the original it's new and I think the master cylinder itself isn't the original.

I took a couple more pics since I was down there with a camera of the engine bay overall and the interior and exterior..please let me know if you see anything I can improve on about being correct. The engine is rebuilt but I haven't gone back and painted like the water pump bolts etc..so I know to do that just haven't yet but I did take a couple shots of it so if you see anything again let me know.

This car IMO didn't need a body off so it was given it's first re-paint in 05 and we just are getting it back fresh somewhat..maybe next go around I'll go all the way and make it perfect but for now just a make over The interior is original just curious if you see something not right the original radio is sitting in the seat I plan to put that back in.

does the frame touch-up paint look ok? I used krylon 1613 still haven't covered everything I want to yet I still have some places cleaned up just not painted, and on the firewall I use blitz black by john deere that look somewhat close?

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Brandon,
I see the issue. The dust shield turns under the upper control arm -- it bends 180* at the narrow portion. If it is bent under it clears the shock tip. I kind of wonder if you turned that end under, it the hole would be visible. You just might skate through judging if the hole turns under far enough.

BTW: Look into getting the proper washers for the upper shock mount. THey are larger and flatter than what you have there.

I am not sure the configuration of the master cylinder is correct either. It is a little hard to see into the shadows, but I don't think I see the bleeder screws by the outlet ports, not do I see a machined area at the front.

[Brandon T.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Brandon,
I see the issue. The dust shield turns under the upper control arm -- it bends 180* at the narrow portion. If it is bent under it clears the shock tip. I kind of wonder if you turned that end under, it the hole would be visible. You just might skate through judging if the hole turns under far enough.

BTW: Look into getting the proper washers for the upper shock mount. THey are larger and flatter than what you have there.

I am not sure the configuration of the master cylinder is correct either. It is a little hard to see into the shadows, but I don't think I see the bleeder screws by the outlet ports, not do I see a machined area at the front.

Pretty sure the MS isn't original it has like a 29969 number on it and made in usa and is dated 69. So, I think that was replaced awhile back before I got it but I still went ahead and painted it right and put that new cap on it.

so that rod that is sticking up through the shields is correct though right?

Be great if someone had a correct engine bay picture before they put their motor back in their 68, still not sure what you mean by bending the sheilds 180 degrees etc.

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Yes, the rod -- what I can see of it -- looks right. It has the odd shaped top that is correct. When the chassis guys judge the shock they will look at more than just the rod.

[Brandon T.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

Yes, the rod -- what I can see of it -- looks right. It has the odd shaped top that is correct. When the chassis guys judge the shock they will look at more than just the rod.

Ok so what washer did you see that isn't correct?

[Terry M.]

Re: 68 a-arm rubber dust covers? couple questions on these

The top on right under the nut that is screwed onto the rod.