The Iconic 1965 Ford Mustang

The Baby Moon Hub Cap: A Blast from the Past If you're a fan of classic automobiles and have a soft spot for Americana, you've likely come across the term "baby moon hub cap" at some point. These shiny, timeless accessories have a fascinating history and a unique place in the world of automotive design. In this blog post, we'll dive into the development, design, production statistics, and popularity of the baby moon hub cap. Development and Design The Baby Moon hub cap, also known simply as "baby moons," emerged during the golden era of classic Ford automobiles in the 1950s and 1960s. These hub caps are characterized by their smooth, minimalist design. Unlike their full-sized counterparts, which were aluminium, baby moons were all about simplicity and elegance. Made from high-quality chrome or stainless steel, baby moons were designed to fit snugly over the hub of a car's wheel, providing a clean and polished look. Their minimalist design made them a popular choice among car enthusiasts who appreciated the understated beauty of classic cars. Production Statistics While it's challenging to pinpoint exact production statistics for baby moon hub caps, they were widely produced during the mid-20th century, primarily as aftermarket accessories. Various manufacturers, including companies like Mooneyes, produced these hub caps to cater to the growing demand from car owners looking to enhance the aesthetics of their vehicles. During their heyday, baby moons could be found on a wide range of American cars, including Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge models. They became a symbol of the era's automotive style and are closely associated with the classic Ford automobiles that many enthusiasts still cherish today. Popularity Over the Years The popularity of baby moon hub caps has endured over the years, thanks to their timeless design and association with the classic Americana era. Car enthusiasts and collectors continue to seek out these hub caps to complete the authentic look of their vintage vehicles. Additionally, baby moons have found a place in modern hot rod and custom car culture. Enthusiasts often use them to add a touch of nostalgia to their custom builds, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these simple yet iconic accessories. Conclusion In conclusion, the baby moon hub cap is a classic automotive accessory that has left an indelible mark on the world of classic cars and Americana. Its development, design, and continued popularity reflect the enduring appeal of timeless automotive aesthetics. While exact production statistics may be elusive, the legacy of the baby moon hub cap lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors, making it a cherished piece of automotive history.

1941-48 Ford & Mercury Convertible Top & Sun Visor Brackets When you're restoring a 1941-48 Ford or Mercury convertible, some parts disappear beneath upholstery, carpet or sheet metal when the job is finished. The hardware across the windshield header isn't one of them. Every time you sit behind the wheel, lower a sun visor or secure the convertible top, this hardware is right there in front of you. Worn, pitted or mismatched header hardware can stand out on an otherwise beautifully restored interior. That's why this week's C&G Ford Parts special is worth a closer look: our 1941-48 Ford & Mercury Sun Visor & Header Bracket Kit, part number 11A-7604144-K. Regularly $681.99, it's on sale through September 23, 2026 for just $379.95. More Than Just Sun Visor Brackets Don't let the words sun visor fool you. This isn't simply a pair of brackets for hanging the visors. The 11A-7604144-K kit includes the center top latch bracket plus right- and left-hand corner latch brackets with the sun visor frames installed. All three assemblies mount along the windshield header. Your own upholstered sun visor panels are then fitted to the supplied frames. That makes these pieces part of two very visible systems on the car: the hardware associated with securing the convertible top at the windshield header and the sun visor assemblies inside the passenger compartment. And on a convertible, that's prime real estate. Why Windshield Header Hardware Matters A convertible presents a restoration challenge that a closed car doesn't. There's no permanent steel roof extending over the passenger compartment. The folding top has to meet the windshield header, and hardware in this area helps secure the top when it's raised. At the same time, the interior side of the header carries the sun visor assemblies. So these aren't pieces that simply disappear once installation is complete. They're visible. If you've spent countless hours getting the dashboard, garnish moldings, upholstery and convertible top looking right, badly pitted or mismatched hardware above the windshield can become the proverbial sore thumb. A coordinated replacement set gives that entire area a clean, consistent appearance. One Kit Instead of Chasing Individual Pieces Anyone who's restored a Ford or Mercury that's approaching 80 years old knows how this story goes. Finding the big parts can sometimes be easier than finding all the little pieces that were originally attached to them. Convertible-specific hardware may have been removed decades ago. Pieces get lost. Visor frames get bent. Brackets become pitted or damaged. Previous owners substitute whatever they could find. And occasionally there's a coffee can somewhere containing two screws, one mystery spring and absolutely none of the parts you actually need. That's old-car restoration. Convertible Top Hold-Down Latches — 11A-7603522-K See 11A-7603522-K Convertible Top Hold-Down Latches This set of three stainless convertible top hold-down latches includes the center mounting bracket and is designed for 1941–48 Ford and Mercury convertible applications, with additional Sportsman applications listed by C&G. These are the working pieces that help hold the convertible top securely at the windshield header. The 11A-7604144-K kit eliminates much of that hunt by supplying the center bracket and both corner brackets together, with the RH and LH sun visor frames already installed. The kit also includes the stainless mounting hardware and installation screws needed for the assembly. Stainless Steel Where You Can See It This kit is manufactured from stainless steel, an especially useful material for components mounted around the windshield header of a convertible. Besides providing a clean finished appearance, stainless steel offers excellent resistance to corrosion - valuable on hardware associated with a folding top and an area of the car that may encounter moisture over its lifetime. More importantly for the restorer, you're replacing the major visible pieces across the header as a coordinated set rather than trying to make several old components of different condition look like they belong together. What Does 11A-7604144-K Fit? The kit is intended for 1941-48 Ford and Mercury convertible applications. Because many of these cars have passed through numerous owners and restorations over the last eight decades, it's always smart to compare your existing hardware and confirm the application before installation. If you're uncertain whether 11A-7604144-K is correct for your Ford or Mercury, give C&G a call. We've been helping people keep old Fords on the road since 1978, and technical help from somebody who actually knows these cars is still part of the deal.   While You're Working Around the Windshield Header… If you're already restoring the sun visor and convertible-top hardware around the windshield, it's a good time to inspect the other pieces that make up this area. Seals harden, latches wear and small pieces disappear over the decades. Taking care of them while you're already working around the header can save another round of disassembly later. Convertible Windshield Header Seal — 11A-7651312 See 11A-7651312 Windshield Header Seal Don't confuse this one with 11A-7651330. 11A-7651312 installs on top of the windshield, providing the corresponding seal at the windshield-header area. C&G lists applications for 1941–48 Ford Convertibles, 1946–48 Ford Sportsman models and 1941–48 Mercury Convertibles. Convertible Header Bow Seal — 11A-7651330 See 11A-7651330 Header Bow Seal Here's one of those little pieces that can make a big difference when you're putting a convertible top back together. 11A-7651330 mounts to the top bow and C&G lists applications for 1941–48 Ford Convertibles, 1946–48 Ford Sportsman models and 1941–48 Mercury Convertibles. Windshield Header Antenna Hole Plug — 11A-7603454-R See 11A-7603454-R Windshield Header Antenna Hole Plug And then there's the kind of part that can drive a restorer nuts: the little piece that's missing. The 11A-7603454-R is the antenna-hole plug for the windshield header and C&G lists applications for 1941–48 Ford Convertibles, 1946–48 Ford Sportsman models and 1941–48 Mercury Convertibles. And now for the part your restoration budget will appreciate. This Week Only: Save $302.04 Regular Price: $681.99 C&G Weekly Special: $379.95 YOU SAVE: $302.04 That's more than three hundred bucks left in the restoration fund for the next item on the list. And if you own an old Ford, we both know there's always another item on the list. The special price runs through September 23, 2026, while supplies last. Part Number 11A-7604144-K Description Sun Visor & Header Bracket Kit - Stainless Application 1941-48 Ford & Mercury Convertibles Regular Price $681.99 Sale Price $379.95 Savings $302.04 Restore one of the most visible areas of your convertible and save more than $300 while you're doing it. SHOP THE $379.95 SPECIAL

The Ford F100, a member of the renowned F-Series, has a rich history that spans decades, evolving from a utilitarian work truck to a sought-after classic. Originally designed to meet the demands of post-war America, the F-100 has since become a symbol of vintage style and automotive nostalgia. The F-100 debuted in 1953, a milestone that marked the second generation of Ford's F-Series. Known for its increased dimensions, improved engines, and updated aesthetics, the F-100 was a significant upgrade from its predecessors. It featured a more powerful 215cid inline-six engine, with an option for a 239cid V8, delivering robust performance for the era. The truck boasted a maximum payload capacity of approximately 1,000 to 1,500 pounds, catering to the needs of businesses and individual users alike. In terms of pricing, the F-100 was marketed as an affordable, reliable work truck. Prices started around $1,600, a figure that, when adjusted for inflation, underscores the truck's value proposition. Fast forward to the present, and the Ford F100 occupies a different space in the automotive world. No longer just a work vehicle, it has become a beloved classic, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts. The market for vintage F-100s has seen a significant uptick, with fully restored models fetching prices upwards of $20,000 to $30,000, and exceptional specimens or custom builds going even higher. The appeal of the F-100 in today's market lies in its simplicity, classic design, and the nostalgia it evokes. It's a canvas for customization, with a thriving aftermarket offering everything from original replacement parts to modern upgrades. The versatility of the F-100 makes it a favorite among those looking to create a personalized classic that combines vintage charm with modern performance. The demand for original equipment specifications remains high, with purists seeking to restore F-100s to their factory glory. This desire for authenticity reflects a broader trend in the classic car market, where originality often equates to higher value. Conclusion The Ford F-100's journey from a practical utility vehicle to a cherished classic is a testament to its enduring appeal. In the current market, it embodies a blend of history, style, and the enduring legacy of Ford's commitment to utility and innovation. Whether restored to its original specifications or customized to modern tastes, the F-100 remains a beloved piece of American automotive history, with a vibrant community of enthusiasts keeping its spirit alive.