1965 Mustang Convertible Deck (Trunk) torsion bars

RWP289 · 10-18-2009

I am looking for some images of the deck lid torsion bars on a Convertible. I have an early 65, don't know if it matters.

Mine were lost when I sent it to the paint shop and I picked up some from a coupe on eBay (read they were the same) but they don't fit properly. Have the green Ford Body book and the sketch indicates a difference on the Conv body (style 76). I also noted that the support is torsion bar support in the center is different on a convertible.

I have a ton of pix from coupes but i am looking for some from a convertible.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Randy

Ivy66GT · 10-18-2009

I don't think the rods are any different but the installation differs.

Here is a photo of my '66 San Jose convertible. The rods are not attached to anything in the center but have a wrap around them. On my '66 Dearborn coupe it looks like the same rods but the wrap is missing and they are both anchored to the sheet metal above in their centers with a metal clip. The convertible sheet metal does not have a flat spot for that metal anchor which is likely why its not on the convertible.

I am assuming that '65 was similar but I await the comments of others to verify that.

RWP289 · 10-18-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivy66GT

I don't think the rods are any different but the installation differs.

Here is a photo of my '66 San Jose convertible. The rods are not attached to anything in the center but have a wrap around them. On my '66 Dearborn coupe it looks like the same rods but the wrap is missing and they are both anchored to the sheet metal above in their centers with a metal clip. The convertible sheet metal does not have a flat spot for that metal anchor which is likely why its not on the convertible.

I am assuming that '65 was similar but I await the comments of others to verify that.

Yes, they are different! thanks for the photo. Note how the end of the rod in the back (the fixed part of the hinge) has the end of the rod coming from the back and pointing out. On the coupe it is reversed. Your picture looks like the sketch in the green Ford Body assembly book and confirms my delimma. Any suggestions?

I have attached a picture of a coupe and then your's. Look at the lower rod.

BTW: Nice Car!!

Ivy66GT · 10-18-2009

Yes, now I see. My '66 coupe looks just like your photo. The ends of BOTH rods are different, not just the back one. At first glance they look similar but they are not the same. They probably needed the difference so the convertible rods wouldn't fall out without the center bracket.

Veronica · 10-19-2009

Hello.

Here are some pictures of those rods in an early 65 convertible.

RWP289 · 10-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veronica

Hello.

Here are some pictures of those rods in an early 65 convertible.

Great pix, that confirm my thoughts about the diff between coupes and convertibles.

Now, i need to find some convertible tension rods

grumpy · 10-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWP289

Great pix, that confirm my thoughts about the diff between coupes and convertibles.

Now, i need to find some convertible tension rods

I need some torsions rods for my 66 coupe.
Would you like to sell yours?

Rex in Tucson

RWP289 · 10-24-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy

I need some torsions rods for my 66 coupe.
Would you like to sell yours?

Rex in Tucson

Just got back in town and saw your message. I would be glad to sell them but I don't want to do anything that would violate the rules of the forum.

Assuming it is okay, you may contact me at rpowell@rbmnorth.com and we can make arrangements.

grumpy · 10-25-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWP289

Just got back in town and saw your message. I would be glad to sell them but I don't want to do anything that would violate the rules of the forum.

Assuming it is okay, you may contact me at rpowell@rbmnorth.com and we can make arrangements.

Thanks, but a found a pair this weekend at a local swapmeet. Just got lucky and the price was right.
Now I have to look at all thease posts for pictures to figure out how to install
Thanks
Rex

RWP289 · 10-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy

Thanks, but a found a pair this weekend at a local swapmeet. Just got lucky and the price was right.
Now I have to look at all thease posts for pictures to figure out how to install
Thanks
Rex

Glad you found some. Let us know how you did. There are lots of pictures and advice on the Coupes.

Good Luck and be careful. Those bars can bite.

grumpy · 10-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpy

Thanks, but a found a pair this weekend at a local swapmeet. Just got lucky and the price was right.
Now I have to look at all thease posts for pictures to figure out how to install
Thanks
Rex

OH MY GOD, torsion rods are a *****!!!!
Three hours using vice grips and screw drivers to get them in place.
Hope I NEVER have to do that job again.
One came loose and hit me in the jaw. Good thing I have a beard to cover the bruise.
What a day but any day working in the garage is better than going to work! Retirement and projects are GREAT.
Grumpy in Az

Veronica · 10-27-2009

Hi again.

Old cars have personalities and character.