[robotworkshop]

I finally had a chance to take a few pictures of my 1965 Mustang convertible. It has been a long project but it is coming along. I just need to finish the interior and do some detail work. This has been going on for at least 15 years and I really want to try and wrap it up by next year so I can spend more time driving the car and enjoying it.

Pictures are up at:

Ford Mustang Forums - robotworkshop's Album: 1965 Mustang Convertible pictures

One open issue is finding the exact factory mounting locations for the bolts on the optional rear seat belts. I want to put in the correct reinforcing plates underneath but have yet to find the proper instructions. Can't take the kids for a ride until those are in.

The last thing I fixed on the car were the snaps for the convertible top boot. Apparently the shop that installed the top tightened them too much and bulged them out so it would not snap on. They also messed up a couple of the nuts for them. I replaced the whole set and not it works great.

Can't wait till it is done.

Robert

[drummingrocks]

I think you and I spoke through a PM a few weeks ago. Looking at your pictures, I'm surprised at how high your car sits.

My '65 convertible is mostly original, and it sits extremely low to the ground. I've fixed a LOT of Mustangs, and I thought mine had been lowered. Then, a customer brought his red '66 convertible into our shop, and it sat just as low as mine.

The owner told me he had owned the car since 1973, and assured me that all of the suspension was correct and unmodified.

Your convertible is the first I've seen sitting so high--not that it's wrong, it's just an interesting look! Beautiful car!

[robotworkshop]

As far as I can tell it had the original springs still on the car. The original suspension didn't appear to have ever been taken apart before. Thankfully no one poked holes in the towers to lube the upper control arm. When I re-assembled it I installed the special 90degree fittings so I could grease them again if I ever needed too. I thought the car sat just at the right height so I just had the original springs sandblasted then repainted and put them back in. When I look at it from the front it almost appears that the back is slightly low. The odd part is when I look at it from behind it almost looks level. I guess the lines on the car just make it look that way! At any rate the tires follow the outline of the wheel wells with the same amount of clearance all the way around the well. If I use that as a gauge I suppose the rear should be about 1/2" to 3/4" higher than it is. That might go up a bit when it gets closer to empty in the tank.

Now, if I can get the interior to look as good as the outside I'll be really happy!

Robert

[robotworkshop]

One thing I am planning to change are the brakes. A the moment they are 4 wheel manual drum brakes with a single Master cylinder. I know how scary these style brakes are and that is why I am considering the change.

Before you think it is completely crazy to have them like this I can say that they are currently in perfect working condition. Everything was replaced. New Master cylinder, new stainless steel brake lines, new flex lines, new wheel cylinders, new brake shoes and hardware. Even after driving the car like this a while the brake still look like new when I pulled off a drum to check them!

The upgrade I want to do is swap out the single master cylinder with a dual master cylinder w/small booster. I'm keeping the 4 wheel drum brakes since they are the originals and I can stop ok they way they are. I just want the safety of a dual Master cylinder and while I'm at it will upgrade to the power brakes to make them a bit better.

Anyone already been through this upgrade?