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Author
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Topic: Holy crap my cars on fire
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-08-2003 05:36 PM
   
My previous post on ignition gremlins is going to seem insignificant.
I put in a new ignition switch. Foolishly I had not removed the battery from the electronics. Upon reinserting the key part something went crackle. I removed the lock realising something had shorted out and removed the battery lead but not before the wiring from the solenoid all the way behind the dash to the ignition switch was toast.  So next question. When you need wiring with the orignal style plugs (for a plain jane 68 with 289). where do you get it from? Does NPD have such stuff? The wire runs through several plugs across the front of the car, into the dash and into the ignition switch. Its bundled with many other wires. Is there a company that specialises in this that would be able to tell me what I need?
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-08-2003 06:23 PM
I have calmed down a little.
Called around, looked around. Seems i need the headlamp harness and the under dash harness. The two most expensive items. The problem is that the under dash harness is not available for 68 or later cars. Does anyone know a place I could get one. The headlamp feed should be available at NPD that takes care of the engine bay all the way to under the dash. Thats $164, the under dash harness for the 67 is almost $600. This is a major expensive mistake. Please dont make this mistake yourself.So, is there anyone out there parting out a 68, or knows a place to get an underdash harness, its like the spinal cord of my car.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-08-2003 06:26 PM
Steve,
please turn my gearhead status into D*@khead.
Im embarrassed, mad, and Poor all in a few seconds of panic. The plus side. My car didnt go up in flames. If i ever get it running again this year everyones invited over for huge party.
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V8 Thumper
Gearhead Posts: 3603
From: Orange, Ca. United States of America
Registered: Dec 2001
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posted 01-08-2003 06:33 PM
Ouch
Sorry to hear about the fire... I know it's easy for me to say, but it could've been alot worse. Glad to hear that the dammage is realitively minor. It might take some looking, but how about salvaging a harness out of a wrecked/parts car? I know there's Mustang salvage shops here in SoCal, there might be something in your neck of the woods (can get rather pricey though). You could even place an ad in a local publication, maybe someone's got a 68 that they're parting out. ------------------
1965 GT coupe, 333ci aluminum headed/solid cammed stroker, four speed, 3.70:1 9" All Blue Oval, no blue bottle
http://mustangsandmore.50megs.com/V8Thumper.html
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 34763
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-08-2003 06:36 PM
quote:
Originally posted by indyphil:
Steve,
please turn my gearhead status into D*@khead.
Im embarrassed, mad, and Poor all in a few seconds of panic. The plus side. My car didnt go up in flames. If i ever get it running again this year everyones invited over for huge party.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, that's why they put erasers on pencils.  ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 Please remember our sponsors,
Mustangs Plus, NPD, Osborn Reproductions, MyFordPerformance.com, and FordRamAir.com
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 18494
From: Hampton,Virginia,USA MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-08-2003 06:54 PM
Indy,
let me get in touch with the Son,we work different shifts so it may be the weekend but we have some wiring harness from 68's but I don't know what or where they are...Please post again what you need and I'll get back as soon as I know what,if any,wiring he has.
sam
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johnmustang
Gearhead Posts: 4727
From: British Columbia , Canada
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 01-08-2003 06:54 PM
Indyphil,Maybe one of these will help you out, good luck: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33695&item=1876394680 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6777&item=1876509585 JOHN
------------------
65 2+2 FASTBACK
87 TAURUS WAGON
98 F150 XLT TRITON V8 4.6, 4 WHEEL DRIVE
Member:Vancouver Island Mustang Association
M&M #1710
MyPhotoPage
MY TRUCK
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-08-2003 07:03 PM
Thanks.
I shall write it out (and put it in classifieds to)I need the engine compartment harness (John thats the second of the EBAY items, thanks!)
NPD sells this for $164 And I need an Underdash harness. The first EBAY item is the gauge wiring harness that is all attached to the back side of the dash. Mine is fine. What I need is the thick main harness that runs across behind the dash in the car. NPD calls it the "Wiring Assy - Under dash"
only they dont have one for a 68. Basically its the spinal chord (backbone) that you join everything else too. It plugs into the back of the ignition switch (among many other things) It runs from the firewall on the drivers side, behind the dash (plugs into the dash harness in about 3 places) and plugs into the steering column harness, the wiper motor, the ignition switch etc... removing one from a parts car may be difficult enough as it is... There are not too many salvage yards around here. I guess we dont recycle much in the midwest. Anyone in this area know of a good place?? Thanks again. I dont know how im going to sleep tonight...
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Toronado3800
Gearhead Posts: 364
From: St. Louis, MO
Registered: Jul 2001
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posted 01-08-2003 07:05 PM
yeah, don't feel too bad. I had some wires fray in my steering column of my olds. At 01:30 AM one night after leaving the bar I smelled something strange, then saw smoke pulled over and turned off my car before any fames got started. Since then I've kept an extinguisher handy.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-08-2003 07:13 PM
I may see what can be rescued by removing the under dash harness from the car and picking through it. Most of it is probably OK, but I will need the connectors that carry the main power supply wire. especially the one that goes in the ignition switch.I would be most grateful to you Sam if you have one that you dont mind selling.
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69 Sportsroof
Gearhead Posts: 1226
From: Valley, Alabama, USA
Registered: Mar 2002
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posted 01-08-2003 08:41 PM
I know it will take some work but cant you just replace the burned wire? I had the underdash primary wire burn in my old 65 fb so I opened up the harness and replaced it then taped it back up.
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BLstangin
Gearhead Posts: 398
From: South Central MN
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 01-08-2003 10:07 PM
Don't be to hard on yourself. I wrecked 3 of my brand new spark plug wires, had 490 miles on them. I didn't get them in place right and I have a flex fan. Lets just say they got to close to the fan and I ended up with a severe miss, and a $50 bill.
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71RESTO
Gearhead Posts: 1293
From: Oregon, USA
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 01-08-2003 10:12 PM
Not sure if I can be of much help (or if it will even work), but I have the complete wiring harness set(all 3 harnesses=engine, dash, tail light) from a '67 coupe that I parted out. They are all uncut, but the only problem is it was in a '67 I-6 coupe that was converted to a V-8.
If it can work and you are interested, shoot me an e-mail.------------------
Duane
71 Fastback (his) under resto (351C-4V C6 auto)
73 Mach 1 (hers) (351CJ 4 speed)
66 289/2V coupe (daughter Ashley's)
89 LX 2.3 convertible (daughter Amanda's)
M & M Member #730
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 1175
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 01-08-2003 10:15 PM
I knew that I should have kept it. I had an under dash that looked like new and put it on ebay this summer. I only got $40 for it!  It had to worth more than that! If Sam doesn?t have one try to find a straight six parts car.
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rob73mach1
Journeyman Posts: 39
From: Howell, Mich. U.S.A.
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 01-08-2003 10:51 PM
Try one of these. www. coloradomustang .com,Mike or Johnny 303-343-7024 or 877-687-8864. also www. usedmustangparts.net. I had good luck with hard to find idems through Colorado mustang.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-09-2003 07:02 AM
You guys are so nice. I may get taunted a little at work today...Anyway 71 Resto, Your pieces may be helpful because although i can get the underhood harness, the connectors to the underdash harness and the connector to the ignition switch i dont have. If I got some 67 connectors (assuming that they are the same I can cut them out and use them like pigtails to solder into mine. I am thinking along the lines of what 69sportsroof was saying. Basically taking out the wire and replacing it. I had a look last night and I dont think the other wires are damaged too bad. The underhood harness and the ignition switch can be replaced, leaving only about 3 feet of wire that is all bundled up in the main under dash harness. I will get there. 71Resto, if you want to sell me some connectors (especially the one that goes into the back of the ignition switch) I will be most interested. Phil ------------------
'68 coupe 289 C code
edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust
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Fastback68
Gearhead Posts: 1880
From: Sucat, Paranaque, Philippines
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 01-09-2003 08:31 AM
Well, Phil, I'm not sure why no one's mentioned this strategy -- maybe 'cos it's not a good one!
I have the dash out of my 68 at the moment, and all the wiring is a bit mangled, to say the least. So I tracked down an old auto electrician with a good reputation for American cars, showed him what was in the car and my Osborn's wiring book, and asked if he could replicate the whole lot. No problem, he said! And I believe him. It shouldn't be difficult for a skilled electrician, and it's got to be a whole lot cheaper than buying replacement stuff. That said, I only pay Philippine labour rates.
I'm freezing my nuts off in England right now, but with a bit of luck it'll be ready when I get back -- and work!
Simon
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Wicked-Toy
Gearhead Posts: 175
From: Richmond, VA USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 01-09-2003 09:01 AM
I had an underhood fire in my 75 Bronco some years ago which toasted the whole main and underhood harness. I very carefully rebuilt the whole thing one wire at a time and it has worked perfect for the last 8 years. You probably only have one or two wires to deal with. I was able to reuse most of the connectors and with a little solder and heat shrink its as good as new.Good luck ------------------
Scott Akom
65 Coupe (Modified)
68 Coupe (Son's)
2000 GT Conv. (Wifes)
1987 GT Conv. (Son's)
1966 Project Conv.[URL=http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/flats/3845/65dsde2.jpg
www.mustangsandmore.com/ubb/WickedToy.html
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-09-2003 11:45 AM
UPDATE ---
I have ordered the underhood wiring harness and a bunch of clips from Michigan NPD (they had it in stock, what would we do without those guys!)I am thinking that repairing the one wire in the dash although is a pain is the way to go, but have also initiated contact with an auto electrical specialist who I have been told is an expert at this. A friend at work knows the owner of this business, and im told they do this kind of work all the time. Now I may need to find a trailer to get it there but I think Im in good shape. When Im all done I will know a lot more about my car, about wiring, and distributors and everything else. Maybe then I will have EARNED my gearhead Stripes. Perhaps instead of automatically giving people gearhead status it should be more like the hall of fame. Induction into the gearhead hall of fame is only possible if you have paid your dues by spilling enough blood, burning yourself enough and taking the dash out of your car over 20 times.
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 34763
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-09-2003 01:23 PM
Lesson learned: when playing with something electrical, invest 2 minutes and unhook the battery. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 Please remember our sponsors,
Mustangs Plus, NPD, Osborn Reproductions, MyFordPerformance.com, and FordRamAir.com
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dubstar
Gearhead Posts: 423
From: Long Beach, Ca 1966 A-Code Coupe
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 01-09-2003 01:31 PM
indyphil, your my hero.------------------
Alan
1966 Tahoe Turquoise A-Code Coupe
Engine Mod:
* 650cfm Holley 4bbl Exterior Mod:
* Front Racing Apron w/spoiler(which i regret now)
* Grille Removed Interior Mod:
* Digital Radio
* Kick Panel Speakers
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-09-2003 01:56 PM
Steve, please update my status to "Hero".
Dubstar, Its good that people can get a chuckle out of this. Thats my philosophy on life. Last night I was bummed out but today I can see the funny side of all of this.
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 1175
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 01-09-2003 11:04 PM
There is a guy on VMF that just posted he is parting his 68!
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-10-2003 07:21 AM
I am buying an under dash harness from a guy who answered my add on the M&M classified site. Its looks perfect on paper - V8, no tach etc..
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 18494
From: Hampton,Virginia,USA MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-10-2003 06:22 PM
I'm still trying to catch the Son...When I'm awake he's asleep... I just talked to him..
IndyPhil he belives he has from front to rear bumper for a 68 6cly..and will check this post when he gets home to besure he has what you need...
sam
[This message has been edited by mustangs68 (edited 01-10-2003).]
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BLstangin
Gearhead Posts: 398
From: South Central MN
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 01-10-2003 07:03 PM
My uncle also learned the lesson about unhooking the battery the hard way on his old '79 chevy truck. He thought the alternator was bad so he removed it, when he took the wiring off all kinds of smoke came out by the back of the engine, or so he told me. I wasn't there, but he did call me to fix the problem. He will never do that again, it took me a long time to track down and fix because the fuseable link didn't blow another wire was fried in the main harness, had to take it all apart to fix it. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way, I know I have a time or two, or maybe it's like three or four.
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-10-2003 09:51 PM
Please excuse my ignorance but what is VMF?
Virginia mustangs and fords?
Im guessing here help me out someone!
Thanks for the help everyone I think I will get this all sorted out... I owe it you guys, for keeping me sane, showing me that its not that bad, and helping me find parts.
Thanks
Phil------------------
'68 coupe 289 C code
edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 34763
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-11-2003 03:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by indyphil:
Please excuse my ignorance but what is VMF?
Virginia mustangs and fords?
Im guessing here help me out someone!
Thanks for the help everyone I think I will get this all sorted out... I owe it you guys, for keeping me sane, showing me that its not that bad, and helping me find parts.
Thanks
Phil
The 'other' web site... 
http://www.vintage-mustang.com/ ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 Please remember our sponsors,
Mustangs Plus, NPD, Osborn Reproductions, MyFordPerformance.com, and FordRamAir.com
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 18494
From: Hampton,Virginia,USA MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-15-2003 07:15 PM
indyphil,
I slow but sure...
The only wiring we have left is the inst cluster..you know the lights and gauges..Is yours OK?
let me know..
sam
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67coupe
Gearhead Posts: 418
From: dallas NC usa
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 01-15-2003 10:48 PM
well this is going to make u sick but i just cut up a 68 harness to fix my 67 and to let u know the 67 has diffrent ign switch and turn signal plugs not real sure bout the rest of them though. hope u get it fixed ------------------
Josh
67 coupe with 351c
8.41 in the 1/8
1.90 60'
at 82.03 mph
94 Explorer
30 model A currently rustbucket
in process 67 convt with efi 5.0 and t5
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-16-2003 09:08 AM
another M&M guy is sending me a main harness today, and the new underhood harness arrived monday and is going in nicely. Total cost 260 dollars (ish)
Looking at things, repairing would have been very difficult because many wires were damaged that surround the main power wire.
Should be up and running in a week or two.------------------
'68 coupe 289 C code
edel 600cfm carb, performer intake, dual exhaust
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67coupe
Gearhead Posts: 418
From: dallas NC usa
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 01-17-2003 06:43 AM
hey if it makes u feel any better my old 93 toasted the entire harness and most of under the hood ------------------
Josh
67 coupe with 351c
8.41 in the 1/8
1.90 60'
at 82.03 mph
94 Explorer
30 model A currently rustbucket
in process 67 convt with efi 5.0 and t5
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indyphil
Gearhead Posts: 1075
From: Lafayette, IN, USA
Registered: Jul 2002
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posted 01-17-2003 07:59 AM
you know what? It has made me feel better to hear that some other people have had harness trouble. Its hard to feel alone in your problem on this site. Most everything you can do with a mustang has already been done 10 times over by people that post here!
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 34763
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 01-17-2003 08:32 AM
In 1980, my ex-father-in-law bought a brand new gmc pickup that had an engine and dash fire, and drafted me into rebuilding and rewiring it. The harness for it wasn't available so he bought an older one and it took me a while but I got it all back together. It seemed like every plug in was different.  It took me about a month of night work. Then after I got everything working perfect, he sold it. ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 - '72 Mustang Sprint - '94 F-150 Please remember our sponsors,
Mustangs Plus, NPD, Osborn Reproductions, MyFordPerformance.com, and FordRamAir.com
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