The rod end markings

[shelbymann1970]

A friend of mine restoring a 69 GT350 sent me pics of what he believes are his original tie rods. Early Jan 8 build. Yellow and green markings on tie rods. Were these marked in 69? I know in 1970 but many years ago was told not done in 69. What is the consensus? Thanks

[J_Speegle]

A friend of mine restoring a 69 GT350 sent me pics of what he believes are his original tie rods. Early Jan 8 build. Yellow and green markings on tie rods. Were these marked in 69? I know in 1970 but many years ago was told not done in 69. What is the consensus? Thanks

Yes those look like originals. Finding ones with the paint markings is fairly rare so for a long time they were not suggested since support for there use was not well documented. We've collected more examples over the decades but not sure that we can be assured that all were marked. Odd thing is that there have been NOS units with the markings on them already at that point so don't know how that pair came to be.

As far as the "B" stamped on the cover yes that marking have been documented as being used on V8 tie rods from cars being assembled at Dearborn during the 69 production year. Two examples below.

[shelbymann1970]

Jeff the car is 0361 so 9F02M480361. The reason they might have survived is that at one time the whole car  was painted in a metal flake paint. Dennis said his car was a glitter fest.