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Author
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Topic: Shock Tower Reinforcement?
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sprcoop
Gearhead Posts: 780
From: Tucson, AZ usa
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 03-11-2005 10:45 AM
 
On my 66' Coupe the left shock tower had some really bad welding done on it for some unknown reason. Like they tried to run a bead around the 2 plates that are bolted on. It looks like "birdsh*t on a fencepost" as one old timer told me. Also, it looks like the bottom part of the shock tower had been cut out, then replaced and the welding ground down (and left a couple of holes). I am having a buddy bring his welder over to do some other stuff, under rider traction bars welded to the frame, bracket for dual exhaust relocate welded to floor, retack the right side export brace bracket that broke etc. I also want him to straighten out the bird sh*t and run a nice bead. Is there any reason to run a bead around the right side also (other than symmetry)? This car will have the export brace and monte carlo bar. Thanks.------------------
Jerry Cooper
Candy Apple Red, 66' Coupe, Wide Ratio Toploader
9" 3.10 peg leg now, soon to be Traction Loc
302 Block on the Engine stand
Soon to be 300+ HP
15" Styled Steel Wheels [This message has been edited by sprcoop (edited 03-11-2005).]
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 03-11-2005 12:41 PM
'65-'70 Mustangs and Cougars are notorious for shock tower cracking. There's just too much stress on that sheetmetal structure. Not really one of Ford's better ideas.I highly recommend using a shock tower reinforcement kit like the one Ford added to '69-'70 Boss 302 and big block cars. NPD sells an excellent kit by Pro-Motorsports. I have a couple pictures of the kit welded in on my Mach 1 on this page: https://mustangsandmore.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/012585.html ------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip [This message has been edited by SteveLaRiviere (edited 03-11-2005).]
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whiteknight289
Gearhead Posts: 1391
From: Wheaton, IL, USA
Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 03-11-2005 01:51 PM
I agree with Steve, I've installed that kit before and I thought it was well worth the $ and time.
Scott
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 03-12-2005 06:52 PM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
I highly recommend using a shock tower reinforcement kit like the one Ford added to '69-'70 Boss 302 and big block cars. NPD sells an excellent kit by Pro-Motorsports.
Steve I have the same problem on my coupe and was actually thinking of replacing the tower. Do you think that cleaning the welds up and adding the kit might be a strong in not stronger than replacing the tower? It sounds like it would definitely easier. ------------------
Ed S. 68 S-code FB GT 4spd(now C6)/3.25 PS PDB
68 J-code(now 289) Cp Sprint"B" C4/3L00-9" PDB PS AC Bla-Bla-Bla
99 F150 XLT Ext/cab, 4X4, 5.4L, 3L55
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SteveLaRiviere
Administrator Posts: 48752
From: Saco, Maine
Registered: May 99
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posted 03-12-2005 06:57 PM
I'd say it depends on the condition of the metal. After I cleaned mine off, I found the metal to be in good condition. They were strong, just cracked. Had I found them to be weaken by rust, for example, I probably would have changed them. I think that even if I would have replaced the shock towers I would have still used the shock tower reinforcement kit.------------------
'70 Mustang Mach 1 351C 4V/FMX/3.25 Open
'70 Mustang Convertible 250 I6/3 speed/2.79 Open
'72 Mustang Sprint Hardtop 351C 4V/FMX/4.30 Trac Loc
'94 F-150 XL 5.8L/E4OD/3.55 Limited Slip
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Thud
Gearhead Posts: 1407
From: Cumming,Ga.,USofA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 03-14-2005 08:25 AM
quote:
Originally posted by SteveLaRiviere:
I highly recommend using a shock tower reinforcement kit like the one Ford added to '69-'70 Boss 302 and big block cars. NPD sells an excellent kit by Pro-Motorsports.
quote:
Originally posted by whiteknight289:
I agree with Steve, I've installed that kit before and I thought it was well worth the $ and time.
Scott
Ditto. I've been very impressed with Pro-Motorsports and their products.
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"I only drink to steady my nerves. Sometimes I'm so steady I don't move for months." - W.C. Fields -
"I don't care where I sit, as long as I get fed." - Calvin Trillin - Dwayne M&M Member #18
Son of Smurf
'94 Lightning #942 of 4007
'67 Mustang Coupe
'70 Mach1
'75 Cougar
'65 Galaxie 500 + parts car [This message has been edited by Thud (edited 03-14-2005).]
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68 S-code GT
Gearhead Posts: 3835
From: Sayreville, NJ, US
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 03-14-2005 09:11 AM
Other than having some surface rust here and there the car has no rust issues being from Southern California. I think I'll have to clean it up to see what is working and order one of these kits.------------------
Ed S. 68 S-code FB GT 4spd(now C6)/3.25 PS PDB
68 J-code(now 289) Cp Sprint"B" C4/3L00-9" PDB PS AC Bla-Bla-Bla
99 F150 XLT Ext/cab, 4X4, 5.4L, 3L55
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