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Author
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Topic: Stuck between a rock and a suspension ?
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mikeyr68
Journeyman Posts: 6
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 08-28-2002 10:20 PM
   
O.K., here's the problem. I have a 68 coupe worth saving. The previous owner was insistant on replacing the suspension with a Mustang II setup from Chubby Chassis (similar to Rod and Custom). He cut out the shock towers and stock crossmember along with the lower control arm mounting point. Basically cut the shock tower out and left the welded flange in place, rough job but left metal to work with. MY question for you guys/gals: Do I go with the Rod and Custom look and price (nearly $1500)? Try to go back in and either weld the original shock towers back in (doubtful and probably unsafe), or order new shock towers with "lower supports" for $120 each and just rebuild the front suspension. Before he bagan with the chop shop he installed Granada Disc brakes and I have new ball joints and tie rod ends already for the oringial suspension. IF I go back to the original, where can I get the motor mount bracets cheap? I'm not about to pay $200 for a pair of stamped steel mounts when i can buld them for $10 worth of steel. Also, what about the cross member, I'm missing that and last I looked at one, aren't they just a steel tube, slightly bent? I can make one of those as well probably. My goal for this car was to install a 1990 5.0 and T5 transmission and restomod the rest so originality isn't all that important. Thanks for all your help and thoughts. Mike R.
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 5739
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 08-29-2002 07:03 AM
Did he leave the II suspension in or did he just leave it like you say. Know that Mustang Central, who does these, leaves the excess on, after cutting out shock towers and uses that as a bassis for the covers that go over opening. New towers are now available. Stamped motor mount brackets new are 124 pr. but are available used for between 50-75 (estimate) I'd go ahead with the II, for me, with R&P, etc. Either way will cost some bucks. The orig. may be cheaper since you have a lot of parts. Did you get the Rod & Custom type crossmember with the deal. If you went with the II the Granada stuff would be salable. If you got any of the "Chubby" kit, R & C does sell parts individually. Good luck, and Welcome!
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 5739
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 08-29-2002 07:05 AM
Did he leave the II suspension in or did he just leave it like you say. Know that Mustang Central, who does these, leaves the excess on, after cutting out shock towers and uses that as a bassis for the covers that go over opening. New towers are now available. Stamped motor mount brackets new are 124 pr. but are available used for between 50-75 (estimate) I'd go ahead with the II, for me, with R&P, etc. Either way will cost some bucks. The orig. may be cheaper since you have a lot of parts. Did you get the Rod & Custom type crossmember with the deal. If you went with the II the Granada stuff would be salable. If you got any of the "Chubby" kit, R & C does sell parts individually. Good luck, and Welcome!
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68DARKHORSE
Gearhead Posts: 378
From: Austin, Tx
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 08-29-2002 10:02 AM
Do the II.
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mikeyr68
Journeyman Posts: 6
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 08-29-2002 05:37 PM
No, I don't have any of the Mustang II setup. Just two big gaping wholes The Chubby Chassis kit is complete and is a little more robust and adjustable, yet goes for $2000. The stock Mustang II parts look o.k. to me, I'm not going to be racing the car and a track and hitting 150 MPH. I mostly want a fun, hot rod mustang. I'm already half way there with the 5.0 and T5 waiting to go in. Hood with scoop, explorer rear end (3.73 posi) and rear disc. He also through in a freaking ton of parts for the restoration (windows, seals, exterior and interior bolt kits, dash parts, suspension parts, door sill, you get the point. I guess I'm just getting in a hurry. I know it will take me a while to save up for the $2000 front end but I figured if I could go for a $500 job in the front I'd be on the road faster and save the money for the Mineral Matallic Paint.I really had no question what I was going to do until I read a few negative threads about the mustang II setup. I was mainly wanting to hear some good things about it. The engine will have a dual sump oil pan, will that fix most of the problems with clearance? I also was thinking of going with a manual rack just to simplify the whole thing. I have a good high performance power rack in my 5.0 now that would probably work if I wanted but then you ahve the pump, hoses, leaks, etc. Looking for opinions from people that have done the Mustang II thing and from people that have replaced shock towers before. They both appear to be a butt load of work. Which is going to be the cheapest, and most fun in the next three years. Mike
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 5739
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 08-30-2002 11:42 AM
Haven't heard too much negative feedback on the II but have heard positive things. R&C in SC is now doing Mustang II suspension on early Stangs exclusively. I like the concept and would like to do it-taking the car to them, waiting TWO DAYS and bringing it home DONE. Imagine there is negative feedback to about everything. There is an article in M&Fords or MMonthly re installing new shock towers but would rather go with the II if in your position. Talked at length to Allan Shepley at Mustang Central in Ga. He says the handling is better as is ride plus the extra engine room. I would opt for the power rack.
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mikeyr68
Journeyman Posts: 6
From:
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 08-31-2002 08:17 PM
Alright, so I guess the mustang II is the way to go this time. While I'm saving up for the suspension I can restore the rest of the car. I would like some links to mustang II installs if you know of them. There was one I found a while back of a ROd and custom install for a race mustang but I can't find it now. I don't even rember which computer I was on when I looked at it.  Anyways, I'll probably sell what I have in way of front suspension to help pay for the mustang II setup. If anybody is intrested let me know. I have at least 2 sets of upper and lower arms along with what I think is a complete manual steering setup. It looks like a new idler arm and busings as well. Tie rods are shot though. Guess I won't need the steering box either. Where can I go to look up the numbers on it to find out about the internal ratio and year model? I also got a set of Granada disc brakes that are sliglty rust but probably usable. I'me taking everything apart and looking for problems and protecting everything with a good rubbing of oil. Let me know if any of you all are intrested. Thanks Mike
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mellowyellow
Gearhead Posts: 5739
From: So. Fl.
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 09-01-2002 07:51 AM
www.rcmotorsports.net has complete catalog on line plus a how-to article.
www.mustangcentral.com Has a how-to feature. He uses R&C kits.
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