PAINT OK STAMPS

[6t8-390gt]

I AM CURRENTLY COMPLETING A CONCOURSE RESTORATION ON A SAN JOSE BUILT GT FASTBACK AND WOULD LIKE SOME INPUT ON THE "PAINT OK" STAMPS SEE ON THE COWL OR FENDER APRONS OF MUSTANGS. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DOCUMENT NUMEROUS STAMPS AND LOCATIONS FROM THE OTHER PLANTS, BUT THE NUMBER OF SAN JOSE CARS HERE IN THE EAST ARE LIMITED. THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT. THE MORE SPECIFIC INFO THE BETTER.

 

[Russ]

Well, I'm glad I'm not the only one interested in paint daubs and inspector stamps!! I have four 1968 San Jose Mustangs (one GT, two GT/CS's and one coupe) and I have found four inspector stamps on these cars under the hood. Three stamps seem to be paint inspections, identified by a "P", and one stamp is an "OK" stamp.

Here is what I've found: All stamps appear to be yellow in color (I used Testor's yellow model paint to match the original). The height of all stamps I have found are 1/2" and the length of the stamps are 15/16".

One stamp was found on the underside of the hood on the passenger side 6 1/2" from the front leading edge of the hood and 1 1/2" from the right side of the hood edge. (This stamp says "P-24").

Another stamp was found on the left front fender, 2 1/2" behind the rubber hood bumper on my GT/CS and 2 1/2" behind the first fender bolt on my GT. The stamping mark reads from the engine side, or is "upside down" when reading the mark as one would look into the engine compartment. (This stamp says "P-30"). Both the GT and the GT/CS are Highland Green cars, but I don't think this is relevant to this stamp.

Another stamp was found 38" to the rear of the first fender bolt on the passenger side of the right fender. This stamping also "reads" from the engine side, like the left fender. (This stamp also says "P-30).

The final stamp I've found is located on the hood latching bracket on the left vertical side of the bracket. This stamping is 1" from the left side of the bracket, just below the two left bolts attaching the bracket to the radiator support. (This stamp says "OK-56").

When I found these inspector stamps, I went to a local stamp and engraving business and had stamps made that would replicate the paint stampings. There may be more inspector stampings on 1968 Mustangs, but I have not been able to locate any other paint stampings on my cars. I hope this helps, and good luck with your restoration.

Russ

 

[6t8-390gt]

Russ,
Thanks for the reply. Your information confirms what little documentation I have found on San Jose cars. As I stated both of my cars had been painted b/f I bought them. I have found 2 other San Jose cars, both still had original stamps visable. The first had P-31, in yellow, and was on the cowl in the area of the hood ground. The second car, beleive it or not, was 51 consectutive units off mine and scheduled for build the same day. It had JACKSON in yellow paint. I have the demensions if anyone else needs them. Again I was trying to confirm my research. If you have pictures and serial # I would love to add it to my reserch. Thanks Again.

Also I found a large GT chalk mark on the back of the battery apron when I disassembled my car. I have photos of the "new" mark if you would like.

I would like to hear from others if you have more info.

I have owned Mustangs for 21 years and seem to learn something new all the time. Danny

 

[rvrtrash]

Hey Russ, how much would it cost to have a duplicate set of those stamps of yours made? As an alternative, if you could send me real high quality pictures with dimensions of the stamp mark, I could have some made here and include Danny's P31. I'm getting close to my restoration and these would be nice, although I'm not going for concours, I plan on driving it. Thanks
Steve

 

[Russ]

The stamps were inexpensive to reproduce (around $5.00 each) . I'm currently building a "barn" for my Mustangs, and I don't have access to the stamps. If you can wait a few weeks, I'll try to find them and see about reproducing them. I'll also see about placing photos on this sight in the very near future. Hope this helps.

Russ

 

[rvrtrash]

Thanks. I'm not in a huge hurry. I'm still sanding multiple coats of paint out of my trunk so I can respray it the original color.
Steve

 

[Russ]

If you have Microsoft Word on your computer, you can duplicate the stamps yourself. Use the "Placard Condensed" font, size 36, and type in the numbers and letters you want to use. (I would copy OK-50, P-24, P-30 and P-51). These number stamps are a sure thing, but I'm sure other inspector stamps were used. Next, take the lettering to your local stamp and engraving shop and have rubber stamps made.

The Placard Condensed font is an exact duplicate of the lettering used by the San Jose factory. Hope this helps.

Russ

 

[rvrtrash]

Thanks Russ. It sounded easy enough, but I've tried 6 different computers, at home and work, with 3 different operating systems (98,ME,XP) and can't find one that has "Placard Condensed". I'll keep looking though, check with friends, etc. I appreciate the info.
Steve

 

[Russ]

Steve,

Microsoft Word 2000 is the word processing program I used. I believe it is a faily common program. Hope this helps. If you can't get it, let me know and I'll loan you my stamps.

Russ