[dataway]

Take a look at this photo. Is the hardware correct? Is the assembly correct?

It's an aftermarket valance so, you know.

Problem is basically the lens cannot be removed properly, I have to remove the whole base plate, and the holes don't line up great so it's just a real pain.

Lens and bases are OEM.

Are the speed nut thingies in the right place? Should the base plate have the clip-nuts and be mounted ABOVE the valance tabs?

Are the screws wrong? The major problem seems to be that the lens gets hung up on the bolts and won't slip in or out of the hole in the valance.

Thanks

[OG68]

Sheetmetal crews were used, not bolts.

Second photo flipped upside down for some reason

[dataway]

Thank you.
So I need to find some smaller clip-nuts in my hardware collection.

[Verdoro 68]

Mine are 5/16 headed screws with the clip nuts on the valence. I think they're original - at least they've been that way since I owned it - but who knows what happened before.

[dataway]

I think mine are at least 3/8, if not 7/16 head, which means they have to line up with the holes perfectly to get a socket on them. And they are tall enough that they wedge against the lens when you try to install or remove the lens.

I know mine are not original.

[OG68]

[QUOTE=Verdoro 68;6592724]Mine are 5/16 headed screws with the clip nuts on the valence. I think they're original - at least they've been that way since I owned it - but who knows what happened before./QUOTE]

I think yours are correct Ken. I checked the 68 and the 70 MPCs and strangely enough there is no mention of the 68 parking light fixture for the 68 B and A bodies with the exception of a U shaped 10-16 nut, PN 9789424, to retain the housing.

There is however a line for the Firebird mounting screw. 10-16 x 1/2" Hex.
PN 9419303

Cross referenced to the AMK catalog and came up with this;

9419303 Screw- https://www.amkproducts.com/search-result/?ser=9419303

9789424 Nut - no cross reference to AMK

From Ames; https://www.amesperf.com/parts/25273/

[dataway]

I sure wish Ames would include the sizes in the description, cause that kit sure looks like what I have on my car now.

The screws I have now appear to be at least 12-14, they are all brand new, I'm assuming I got them from Ames. The heads are 3/8.

The heads on the AMK screws looks lower than the Ames part to me.

[dataway]

Anyone have experience with the repop 68 turn signal housings that Ames offers?

[Verdoro 68]

I have them. My originals were pretty cruddy so I replaced them a few years ago. Never did a side by side, but they seemed nice enough.

[dataway]

Thank you,
I might as well get one, my left piece has some rust damage, and now the socket has gone south too. Maybe it will fit the repop valance better than the OEM one does

[Verdoro 68]

Let me know if you want any pics or measurements. Like I said, I didn't inspect them super close but they fit well. I'd have to dig out my originals to compare. They're probably in a box in the attic somewhere.

[dataway]

I trust your judgement.

I'll look through my stuff first and see if I have one of those "repair" sockets, as that's what it already has in it.

Another one of the areas that I kind of threw together to get the car ready to move to TN, and told myself "I'll fix that later"

[Verdoro 68]

I think the repros might be a thinner metal than the originals. Not uncommon for repros. Here's a few pics.

[Verdoro 68]

And the screws in question...

[dataway]

Very helpful, thank you very much. Actually looks like a pretty nice piece.

Does the OEM plug fit the repop? Not sure if my OEM plug has that extra pin between the two blades .... just went up to the shop a few moments ago and took a photo of my good right side housing, and wouldn't you know it that pin is (or isn't) hidden in the photo.

Of course I don't have the OEM plug for the left side anyway.

[Verdoro 68]

They should fit. I have an M+H harness on mine and the plugs have the provision for the pin. I assume that's the same as OEM.

[dataway]

Yep, my screws are larger, a 3/8 head (0.372) and total length of 0.965. With a head height of 0.221".

I ordered a selection of Clip U-nuts of various sizes, and I should have suitable smaller screws in my stock.

Contacted Scott Thelander to see if he has an OEM piece in good condition, hopefully with OEM plug. If not I'll be going with a repop.

[dataway]

Got in some parts from AMK (who are outstanding by the way).

So I've settled on #8 phillips pan head screws for now. Although I think #8 hex head are the proper pieces (5/16" head) they still make it hard to get a socket on them. Obviously the phillips don't have that issue.

In another twist .... the misalignment I'm seeing is probably due to the fact I apparently have two different turn signal lenses. Both are SAE 68, one is Guide 23, the other is Guide 25. On has a capital "T", the other has a capital "P" .. which I assume is Tempest and Pontiac. They are NOT exactly the same, the holes to access the housing mounting screws are in slightly different places ... I'm thinking this is the cause of my problems, and why one side fits better than the other.

Anyone know which one is correct? One has "pebbles" on the inside, the other has them on the outside (yes I never noticed this before).

[GTO.PAUL]

You are correct. T is for Tempest (GTO), and P for full size Pontiacs.

[dataway]

Thanks Paul,
You don't happen to have any of the "T" type laying around do you? I'll have to check which side.