[JayLB]

Hello All,

I'm new to this site and about to purchase my first 1966 mustang conv. My only question is..Is it really necessary to have power steering, brakes and a power top to really enjoy the experience?

Thanks so much!!! I have heard nothing but good things about this site,,,,

[jim293]

Welcome lets try your question in here.

[Ivy66GT]

Welcome to the site Jerald,

Originally Posted by JayLB

My only question is..Is it really necessary to have power steering, brakes and a power top to really enjoy the experience?

IMHO - no.

Exactly which experience are asking about? Having more hardware that needs maintaining or enjoying the windblown hair with the top down? There were factory convertibles with air conditioning; I almost bought one in 1980. The original owner must really not have wanted to put the top down.

I have 2 '66's; one coupe, one convertible. I have no power steering, power brakes or power top. I have never felt a great urge for any of those. With the top down only you know its a manual top. Since I park in my garage at night I tend to put the top down and leave it that way all summer. If it were to look like rain I drive a different car.

[67ragtopStang]

Welcome to the forum!

Love those ragtops - you will too! As you get to know your '66, you may want to update some of the components with an eye on improving safety and driving pleasure.

I added Power Disc Brakes to my '67 and it made a tremendous difference. The stopping power I have now is much, much better than the non powered drum brakes it originally had.

IMHO. power steering only really makes a difference when you are parking the car, because of the extra effort needed to turn the wheel.

My '67 has a manual top and I've never seen any need to make it a power top. I have no trouble putting it up or down and it takes just a few minutes.

[Calponycarsmike]

My daily drive is a classic car (not a Mustang) no power steering, now power windows, no a/c, but it has a top that slides back and vented qrt windows. It is great, but power disc brakes are nice to have in modern traffic, and an upgraded cooling system.
I would love a basic 65 6 cylinder no power convertible for a driver.

[TOMG54]

My 66 hardtop only has power steering. It is great when parking,or in tight spaces. Standard drum breaks are ok,buy update to a duel master cylinder for safety.

[67ragtopStang]

Originally Posted by Calponycarsmike

My daily drive is a classic car (not a Mustang) no power steering, now power windows, no a/c, but it has a top that slides back and vented qrt windows. It is great, but power disc brakes are nice to have in modern traffic, and an upgraded cooling system.
I would love a basic 65 6 cylinder no power convertible for a driver.

I guess your daily driver is the '69 Austin Mini Cooper. What's keeping you from getting a '65 Vert?

I'd get rid of both the British and Italian cars you have and get a nice piece of American history for your daily driver. With you living in CA, a nice '65 Mustang I6 Convertible should be easy to find.