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Author
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Topic: Lets design a better frontend!
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69maverick
Moderator Posts: 1539
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-05-2004 01:31 PM
 
We as early Ford owners need to come up with a afordable frontend conversion for the early shock tower style frontends. I would like to see a srtut with an adjustable coilover and a disk brake that uses the lower control arm. All that needs to be made is a piece to hold the top of the strut in the upper part of the tower. Then the lower part can be cut out and plated to make alot more room for the motor of your choice.
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ccode67
Gearhead Posts: 3285
From: douglasville,ga,usa
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 08-05-2004 02:49 PM
Thats already available, I believe it was Fatman Fabrications.
Uses a late model Mustang strut and disc brakes, original early model lower control arm and strut rod and sway bar. It also adds rack and pinion steering and a new steering column. Price is about $2KI went out and found the page. Here tis: http://www.fatmanfab.com/page20.htm ------------------
Stuart
MCA #48902
M&M #1091
67 stang 5 speed, 351W,
Edelbrock Performer RPM package my photo page [This message has been edited by ccode67 (edited 08-05-2004).]
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69maverick
Moderator Posts: 1539
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-05-2004 05:17 PM
Sure it is but you missed the part about Afordable!! How many guys or young people are going to be able to drop 2 grand on it?
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MidLifCrisis
Gearhead Posts: 673
From: Frederick County, MD
Registered: Oct 2001
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posted 08-05-2004 07:55 PM
69Mav, I agree. These front ends offered by various suppliers are great, but I doubt if the assembly is machined and fabricated specifically for the early Mustang application. The one exception would be the tubular control arms. Most others are surely parts bin pieces for other cars, found to work for early Mustangs, then repainted and boxed for our specific market. The trial and error of finding the right pieces is what inflates the cost. Charlie
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Mooney
Gearhead Posts: 2357
From: Marietta, Ga
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 08-05-2004 07:59 PM
What is the cheapest way at this point to arrange the front end for more engine clearence. I know Capri Man mentioned something about running the shockes through the upper control arms and welding a tab here or there.. I don't recall exactly.
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ccode67
Gearhead Posts: 3285
From: douglasville,ga,usa
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 08-06-2004 06:57 AM
The Sept 04 Hot Rod mag has an article for you. It shows Global West new set up. Tubular a-arms and a coil over shock. You might use their basic design to cobble up something using the stock a-arms. If you look at the pics in the article, they cut back the shock towers with this set up.As far as affordable??? When you start modifying something that word doesn't come into play. 
------------------
Stuart
MCA #48902
M&M #1091
67 stang 5 speed, 351W,
Edelbrock Performer RPM package my photo page
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69maverick
Moderator Posts: 1539
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-07-2004 08:26 AM
I just think the 2 or 3 grand is not an option if it was in the 1000 range I bet alot more people would do it. This being that you already have disk brakes.
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Billy Mac
Gearhead Posts: 914
From: S.Ga
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 08-09-2004 02:50 AM
A couple of tabs just above the level of the frame horn, within the confines of the shock tower to locate the top of the coil over shock......that attaches to the LOWER, stock control arm.....and comes up through the upper A-arm......THEN....cut the shock tower back and plate it off to have as much room as you need.
However!
with just a small amount of trimming and plating of the shock tower, a 429/460 WILL go in there....and you CAN get to the plugs......(it does help to have small hands though....  )
If its better "handling" that you are after.........find a 74 to 79 Mustang 2 and rob the entire front clip out of it, and "graft" THAT into your frame rails.....it works pretty damned good....(but some welding and fabricating skills DO come in handy!!!)
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69maverick
Moderator Posts: 1539
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-09-2004 11:07 AM
This is where I was thinking that if you use the stock lower arm but weld in so gussets to the bottom of them to box them in,Then use a srtut and a disk brake spindle from a newer type Ford you could take the upper A-arm out and plate the Shock tower off and make tons of room.But the strut has to have the spring built into it and if it were to be adjustable that woulf be better! Then you could buy off the shelf parts to maintain it. I do like the idea of a screw in type ball joint on the bottom! Thats what the Chevy guys use on there circle track cars.[This message has been edited by 69maverick (edited 08-09-2004).]
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64FalconF-16
Gearhead Posts: 237
From: Republic Of Texas!! Temporarily living in KY
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted 08-09-2004 02:09 PM
I went with the Heidts Mustang II econo version. $1700.00 complete hub to hub. Real nice setup. Got the 2" drop spindles too. My Falcon handles like a dream now.
http://www.heidts.com/heip32-3.htm Or you could go with the Crites Kit for Falcons. Nothing for Mustangs. Or the real high dollar Mustangs Plus kit..
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MandarinaMustang
Gearhead Posts: 141
From: San Jose, Costa Rica
Registered: Jun 2002
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posted 08-09-2004 05:40 PM
A fellow FordSix.com member from Holland is working on a coil-over kit made from 6082 aluminum, still under development, but looks like it's headed in the right direction....checkout his webpage, lot's of neat stuff...
http://members1.chello.nl/h.omvlee/index.htmlAlex
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65driver
Gearhead Posts: 245
From: Syracuse, NY
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 08-09-2004 09:00 PM
64Falcon,
How do you like the heidts kit? Any problems with it? How is the bumpsteer? Did you go with power steering?Chris
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69maverick
Moderator Posts: 1539
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-09-2004 10:59 PM
MandarinaMustang Now thats what I'm talking about! I think this guy has so good ideas. It will be interesting to see what he comes up with.
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 6376
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 08-11-2004 02:33 AM
That Holland guy is very clever and seems to be able to make easily sourced parts work.I'm not sure what problems people encounter that drives them to chop the car up for a Mustang 2 suspension when they aren't running an engine that doesn't fit with the original suspension. Certainly the stock 60's design is capable, ever hear of Shelby or Boss 302 Trans Am race cars? Mustang II's are hardly the all-conquering road racers you want to swap parts from to improve on that. Now if engine width is a problem then you might as well change to the struts and make enough room. This can be done cheaply and keep the original lower control arms and struts by using Fox body struts with coilover conversions and 5 lug rotors.
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69maverick
Moderator Posts: 1539
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-11-2004 08:40 AM
Tom thats what I was originaly talking about. What year struts and rotors would you use 85-89? and who makes the conversion kit for the coil overs? I'm with you on the Mustang II not being a great upgrade.
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 6376
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 08-11-2004 04:31 PM
The only reason i see for using the 94-up style is to get the 5 lug rotors and be able to use the Cobra 13" brakes. It can be done cheap by using any Fairmont,79-up Mustang or similar Fox body struts and 5 lug Ranger/Aerostar rotors
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MandarinaMustang
Gearhead Posts: 141
From: San Jose, Costa Rica
Registered: Jun 2002
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posted 08-17-2004 05:36 PM
My friend Harrie (Holland) pointed out this other guys site...this one is from Sweden...
http://www.vikingmustang.com/FrontSusp.aspAlex
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69maverick
Moderator Posts: 1539
From: Thomaston,CT.
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-17-2004 10:18 PM
Wow ya see there are guys doing this up the right way. I really like this guys ideas!
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Richard Swart
Gearhead Posts: 154
From: Graham, Wa.
Registered: Oct 99
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posted 08-18-2004 09:39 PM
http://www.totalcontrolproducts.com/
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HitmanKB
Journeyman Posts: 1
From:
Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 03-11-2005 02:23 PM
Id be willing to attempt to fab a strut suspension based on the fatman fab setup.Parts I currnetly have to attempt this are:
99+ dual piston PBR calipers, rotors, brake lines, 94+ mustang struts.
I need to find 94+ mustang spindles.
Everything else will have to be fabricated.
Let me know [email protected]... ------------------
Thanks,
Kenny [This message has been edited by HitmanKB (edited 03-12-2005).]
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whiteknight289
Gearhead Posts: 1391
From: Wheaton, IL, USA
Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 03-11-2005 02:43 PM
I wonder how the new TCP relationship is working out? Years back TCP went to Mustangs Plus as an exclusive distributor, then I heard TCP backed out after a little while leaving Mustangs Plus stuck holding a lot of dead inventory. I like their products, but it seems like they've had too many incarnations and growing pains.
Scott
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okibono
Journeyman Posts: 55
From: san diego, ca, us
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 10-22-2006 02:30 PM
69, any info on this?
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Dave_C
Gearhead Posts: 1123
From: Gadsden, Al
Registered: Aug 99
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posted 10-22-2006 04:08 PM
One of the best looking setups I've seen was from AJE. Anthony Jones Engineering is well known among the late model Mustang racing crowd. They mainly make tubular bolt-in K members for Fox body and later Mustangs. At the NMRA Finals in Bowling Green KY a few weeks ago they had a new one on display for early model Mustangs. So new, that it's not on their website yet. It was a bolt in tubular K member that uses Fox body Mustang, struts, rack and pinion, etc. The shock towers get cut away and a patch panel goes in to make the inner fender straight all the way down each side. It was a really nice setup and everything was bolt in except for the patch panels used to replace the shock towers. http://www.ajeracing.com/ David Cole ------------------
557 BBF Powered, alcohol injected rear engine dragster. 4.88 @ 143 1/8 mile. 1.09 60'. I've got to be crazy to drive this thing.
SC/ET #2729 [This message has been edited by Dave_C (edited 10-22-2006).]
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okibono
Journeyman Posts: 55
From: san diego, ca, us
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 10-22-2006 06:57 PM
I actually saw that on a YWN broadcast....
I got to call them and get some pics....
and prices...
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roger
Gearhead Posts: 533
From: ontario, canada
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 10-27-2006 09:11 PM
Small manufacturer MPR, i think it is.
Sent me pics. of his coil over QA-1 shock adapter for early Mustangs/falcons.
i;m trying to get him to mock up a fairlane kit too.
I got his pics,number off here somewhere!
i have the pics of the adapter that bolts to your exsisting spring saddle & mounts a QA-1 shock.coil over set up thats in production.
Dave from QA-1 uses it in a Mustang that lifts the wheels about 2' on launches & says it works perfectly
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Mark Ugrich
Gearhead Posts: 351
From: Waukesha, Wisconsin,U.S.A.
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 10-28-2006 12:33 PM
Mike Pulstaney Racing (MPR) has the trick coil over set-up Roger is talking about. The whole deal is about $700.00.I'm seriously looking at putting that in my car over the winter.The number @ MPR is 810-798-8998.
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roger
Gearhead Posts: 533
From: ontario, canada
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 10-28-2006 02:12 PM
Thanks Mark, thats the guy,mike.
I;ve been trying to reach him just haven;t hooked up yet.
i know the early F;lane set up is slightly different, (thanks ford) but just in the upper arm & the way it mounts, plus the F;lane has spring saddles, no bearing type holder.
but, i;m thinking this shouldn;t affect bolting in a Q1 coilover to the exsisting spring perch.
The stuff Mike at MPR is producing looks realy well made
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roger
Gearhead Posts: 533
From: ontario, canada
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 10-29-2006 12:38 PM
I don;t know if you guys have checked out the RSS coilover(excuse me Strut) set up from these guys which,
I think i told you i;ve talked to a number of guys who have installed this & just rave on & on about ease of installion & the results, even a guy who runs in vintage racing goes on & on about their set up .
only drw back is the high $$$.
Looking closely doesn;t it look alot like the late Mustang cobra strut set up?
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richter69
Journeyman Posts: 39
From: chickasha, Oklahoma
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 10-31-2006 10:16 PM
I did my own front and man it drives so much better. Basicly cut the whole front off and left the stock frame rails, used a set of old AJE struts for a fox body and built everything around it. Not a bolt on deal, but the car works and drives awesome.http://rides.webshots.com/album/547176798qQVfVd [This message has been edited by richter69 (edited 10-31-2006).] [This message has been edited by richter69 (edited 10-31-2006).]
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Catmando
Gearhead Posts: 340
From: Vermilion, OH USA
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 11-01-2006 03:37 AM
This is kind of on subject, but not a solution. Does anybody have the answer from Ford, as to the thinking and design in this front end?? What was the reason why, there must be some reason why they did what they did. Looking at them now with years of seeing different front ends, it is hard to understand why the heck anyone would make it the way it is. Just something I've always wondered. Kind of like I always wondered about the slant 6 mopar. Read many years ago it was to move the water pump to the side of the motor to make it a shorter installation.
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Ryan Wilke
Gearhead Posts: 3237
From: Stanton, Michigan, zip 48888
Registered: Oct 2000
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posted 11-01-2006 09:50 AM
[QUOTE]Originally posted by richter69:
[B]I did my own front and man it drives so much better. Basicly cut the whole front off and left the stock frame rails, used a set of old AJE struts for a fox body and built everything around it. Not a bolt on deal, but the car works and drives awesome.http://rides.webshots.com/album/547176798qQVfVd Rich, Do you consider your car still road-worthy or is it strictly "dragstrip-grade"? How much would you charge someone to do that same front end swap to their car? Ryan 
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richter69
Journeyman Posts: 39
From: chickasha, Oklahoma
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 11-01-2006 07:48 PM
I spent apprx 2500 - 3000 on parts to do the front end, but this was strange frt brakes and dual mast cyls, all the tubing, pinto rack, steering column parts, header tubing, mid and frt plates, rodends, struts (100 bucks used) springs, lots of custom misc parts to make it all work. Spend a years worth of afternoons, and weekends, but this was everything firewall forward, new wiring etc. Was a ton of work but car works extremely well. I built it all pretty stout but would not take it on a drive across country or anything. Its easy to drive and stop, an alternator, mufflers and big cell I could drive it to Sonic, but for now its a bracket car.http://www.northtexaspowerstrokes.com/users/rusty/OKCdragday10_06/faubionmtrsprts.mpg crappy video and the air shifter double shifted and went 1st to third. Converter too soft etc, car has more in it. [This message has been edited by richter69 (edited 11-01-2006).] [This message has been edited by richter69 (edited 11-01-2006).]
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XR7
Gearhead Posts: 191
From: north Idaho
Registered: Mar 2003
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posted 11-01-2006 08:20 PM
how much weight did you lose off the front end with this work? Did it help the weight transfer and 60 ft. times? You did some nice work there, damn quick car!------------------
68 Cougar XR7, 428 4-speed, Best ET 6.82 @ 101 1/8, 10.69@ 127.44 with 1.51 60 ft. Street legal all steel car w/ full interior.
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richter69
Journeyman Posts: 39
From: chickasha, Oklahoma
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 11-01-2006 10:06 PM
seems it was 200#'s, 80 of it was from the switch to alum heads. Moved the motor back 5"s. Still a tad nose heavy but not bad, like 54% on the front but I have enough tire so its not a problem. Motor was redone at the smae time so I have no way to compare the front end alone. I used to wheeelie pretty bad with the stock front sus.,just goes now. 60' is still soft, like a 1.36, should be in the high 20's .Thanks for the compliment, every weld on its mine and do my own engines, trans and rears too boot.[This message has been edited by richter69 (edited 11-01-2006).]
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Mpcoluv
Gearhead Posts: 1421
From: Charlotte NC usa
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 11-02-2006 07:19 PM
Does anyone have pics of the MPR setup?
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okibono
Journeyman Posts: 55
From: san diego, ca, us
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 11-03-2006 03:35 PM
or any pics?
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okibono
Journeyman Posts: 55
From: san diego, ca, us
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 11-03-2006 04:25 PM
duh, or an web site?
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-03-2006 04:31 PM
http://www.qa1.net/The only part that MPR makes is the adapter that replaces the spring perch where the lower portion of the shock will mount. ------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First NHRA & IHRA 289 automatic Superstock Mustang in the TENS 06-99
First SS/MA in the TENS 04-03
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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okibono
Journeyman Posts: 55
From: san diego, ca, us
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 11-03-2006 05:37 PM
But you need that adapter, don't you?
MM, are you running something similar to that?
thanks~!
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-03-2006 08:05 PM
Yes, you do need the MPR adapter.
I was stating that Mike from MPR builds the adapter only, not the entire coil over kit.
The kit is a QA-1 item for a street rod that they (QA-1) adapted along with MPR to be used on a Mustang.
MPR is a large distributor for QA-1 and Mike is a very good friend of mine.
He designed, builds, and markets the adapters. He also sells the double adjustable shocks, springs, and shock tower receiving buckets.------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First NHRA & IHRA 289 automatic Superstock Mustang in the TENS 06-99
First SS/MA in the TENS 04-03
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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okibono
Journeyman Posts: 55
From: san diego, ca, us
Registered: Sep 2005
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posted 11-04-2006 08:17 PM
Thanks MM. I talked to him on the phone, and he was a great guy. Very informative.thanks!
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Stang72
Gearhead Posts: 326
From: Arkel,Zuid-Holland,Holland
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 11-13-2006 10:19 AM
come to think of it, has anyone considered the front suspension setup of a 89-97 Ford ThunderBird??it also uses upper arms, and it has standard coilover suspension... maybe it is worth a look... just an idea...
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wrksnfx
Gearhead Posts: 427
From: Warren,MI,Macomb
Registered: Sep 2004
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posted 11-13-2006 12:46 PM
Anyone think of looking at the 76-79 Monarch & Granadas they have all of the same specs basically.
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 6376
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 11-15-2006 10:39 PM
The Granada, another road racing legend... but really the Granada adapted earlier Mustang/Fairlane stuff, they are the exact same design and most of it interchanges. No advantage to that though.
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Moneymaker
Administrator Posts: 29200
From: Lyons, IL, USA
Registered: May 99
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posted 11-21-2006 10:24 PM
MPR contact info:
Mike 1-810-798-8998------------------
Alex Denysenko
Co-Administrator and Moderator NHRA/SRA member and licensed Superstock driver
NHRA and IHRA SS/LA & SS/MA National Record Holder '00,'01,'02,'03,'04 &'05
First NHRA & IHRA 289 automatic Superstock Mustang in the TENS 06-99
First SS/MA in the TENS 04-03
IHRA division 5 Superstock Champion
Fleet of FoMoCo products including 88 ASC McLaren Mustang #28 The Barry of BarrysGrrl Quote #1: "I never met a magazine mechanic I liked."
Quote #2: "Make sure brain is in gear before engaging mouth!"
Quote #3: "If you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!"
www.moneymakerracing.com
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roger
Gearhead Posts: 533
From: ontario, canada
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-30-2006 03:01 PM
Just spoke to Mike ,he has a 64 Fairlane in the shop right now & is mocking up a coil over adapter set up for us early F;lane guys too!
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roger
Gearhead Posts: 533
From: ontario, canada
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-01-2006 11:09 AM
Alex: Mike at MPR says hello, he says he doesn;t get on line much but realy likes your site, seems you guys go way back.
Personally, as soon as Mike figures out the 64 F;lane thunderbolt install i;m going to try his Fairlane adapter, i;m assuming it qwil work ok with RSS rack & pinion, but not my hooker super comps, soo i;l have to trade them off for some good shortys.
We just have to figure out ride height as i;m about 4" lower than the 64 F;lane 1/4 mile only car he;s got for mock up
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