1967 headlight hdwr

[turbohunter]

Hope this is ok Jay. Please delete it if not.
I need to buy some of the headlight adjuster inserts.
Does anybody have a stash or a link to find them?
I could prolly make some with parts from other makes but would rather have the real thing.
I need at least 5 but if I could buy more I would.

[thatdarncat]

I don't have a free part, but how about some free info lol? You're looking for the small metal clip with nylon nut attached the screw threads into, correct? I looked in the Ford parts book, I don't know what the original part number was but it looks like it was superseded in 1973 by part number D3AZ-13021-A. That part was available new from Ford in a package of 4 until at least 1989. I did a Google search of that number and there are tons of places with new ones available. Here's a link to some, there's more:

http://www.rearcounter.com/D3AZ-13021-A-parts224137.html

Now...I don't know if Ford made any cosmetic changes to the part in '73 when the # changed or not. It may fit and function and but look different. If it's important that it look exactly the same I would ask someone to send you a picture first before you buy. Also, if you buy any of the NOS ones be sure and shop around on price, these shouldn't be expensive, but prices can vary wildly on this stuff.

Some more handy info - Ford lists that same part as being used on many '65 and later Galaxies, '67 to '75 Fairlane's and Torino's, '67-'71 Thunderbirds, '71-73 Mustangs and '73 - 77 F100 to F350's. That should mean there are millions of used ones out there, and give some other places guys can look to help you out with some used ones. You might want to look at your truck and see if it uses the same part and also see if the design changed.

Also with that many applications I would try checking a good auto parts store or body shop supply, like in the "Help" parts section, you might find them there. Hope this helps.

[turbohunter]

Wow
That's weird that you came up with all those crossovers.
When I was looking them up on the aftermarket sites no one listed them. The parts that were referenced were for other models and did not look like the oem part.
Thanks so much Kevin for the info. I need to get a line on the parts reference material you use.
With that wide of a spread I'll bet my local REAL parts store can handle it

[thatdarncat]

Well, I hope the info helps. Without actually looking at some of these vehicles I can't say for sure. What Ford may have done is change to some universal part that fits almost everything. Maybe some plastic thing, I'm just guessing here, maybe not. Likewise an aftermarket part may fit but look different. Keep us posted if you find some, otherwise I'll keep my eye out if I go junkyarding, but it will be a while.

[turbohunter]

Thanks for you time Kevin.
All info helps.
I'm much obliged.

[mlcraven]

I was informed by a number of Blue Oval enthusiasts with experience at the old Norfolk assembly plant that Ford was notorious for changing small parts/fastener suppliers part-way through production runs, especially if they could get the part cheaper and increase profit. Accordingly, not unusual to have multiple parts suited for the same job, especially for small stuff like this.

As you have already indicated, if concours is NOT the objective and you are only striving for functionality, a solution is to use plastic or nylon threaded body inserts re-shaped on the bench grinder as required to fit the application.  This worked a treat on the 67 Mercury. It goes without saying, buy the inserts in bulk from a jobber instead of paying the rip-off (insert auto parts store name here) prices for one-sies and two-sies.

[turbohunter]

Thank you Michael, much appreciated.
Little update. The "real" parts store had no matches going back through all there old catalogs.
I'll try those online joints Kevin found on Monday.
Otherwise I'll just fab something up with some nylon purchased online.
Those adjuster nuts are all over.
They are for the race car so originality is not key but it would be nice as it's a nice looking setup.
We'll get it handled one way or another.
Thanks again guys.

[BruceS]

Marc,
I have three of those inserts, good used installed on a '67 headlamp backing plate assy.   I'll send it to you as a Christmas present from the forum.  PM me your address and I'll send by UPS on Monday. 

Bruce

[turbohunter]

I could kiss you Bruce.....
I'll pm you my address.
Thank you very very much.