`62 winter projects

[Jeff W]

What is the difference between the bolt-in export brace many of guys have (jon h, pat, roger, steve) and the Ford welded in braces my Wagon has now?

Is it simply ease of engine repair since it is removable or is there more?

Kenny, is the cowl repair on your winter project list?

[redfalken]

Kenny, is the cowl repair on your winter project list?

Saving that one for retirement and new paint job. For now my magnetic sheet covering the cowl vents will have to do...

[falcon cobra]

Jeff the only difference in the braces is that yours work and came with the car and the others cost money. I didn't take mine out when I removed the motor for what ever thats worth ...jh

[Jeff W]

Jeff the only difference in the braces is that yours work and came with the car and the others cost money. ...jh

Great! Glad I wasn't missing something. My work is done then.

[falcon cobra]

You could fab some stainless covers for them and they would look just fine. my welder fab guy wanted to know why I didn't do that. he has worked with stainless for years...jh

[Luva65wagon]

I bought a PST sway bar for my wagon right after I bought it in 1997. Made a world of difference - especially on a wagon, which is typically squirrely as it is. Bill Williams sold me one (same brand and size) for my Ranchero, which I will be installing soon as well. I'm pretty sure the locations are the same 60-65 for all these brackets and bushings. Not sure why they'd say otherwise. I used the poly bushings on the wagon with no issues so far, but have read complaints about squeaks, IIRC. Been too many years ago.

I assume you have a belly bar under it, but I will probably fabricate one for the Ranchero, as well as a Monte-Carlo bar. Adding a V8 to the Ranchero, when it doesn't have torque boxes - I think it will appreciate any rigidity I can throw at it. The stock 6 belly bar will not fit (I tried) due to the V8 motor mounts. The MC bars I've seen, where they make provision for the air cleaner - I think defeat the purpose of having them. You can't expect a "bent bar" to provide any strength on push/pull and are for looks only, if you ask me. It will simply flex. The bar must be straight to be rigid - unless it is heavy wall and much bigger... like the sway bar is.

I had my headers coated after about 5 or 6 times off getting sand-blasted and painted with everything that claimed to withstand the temps. None did. Finally took it to Performance Coatings too, and has been fine since. You may save a buck or two if you can sand blast it, but they're gonna do it again, I imagine, to deal with the internal cleanliness.

[Luva65wagon]

What is the difference between the bolt-in export brace many of guys have (jon h, pat, roger, steve) and the Ford welded in braces my Wagon has now?

They do look cooler. That should account for something. Probably account for about $150 less in your bank account.

I do see some improvement to access things, but not enough to justify doing it just to do it. I had to cut off my cowl, so it was a no-brainer to do. It wasn't (for me) a simple bolt on, but nothing has been on that Ranchero.

[BadBird]

If you cut out your shock towers like I did, the bar comes in real handy. I like this setup if you still have towers.

[redfalken]

Well, the MC bar is a done deal and on it's way to Steve for powder coating. Hopefully the curve won't allow too much flexing. I've got to believe it's way better than nothing at all. And I do have a belly bar already.

I'm guessing that changing the strut rod bushings might require a front end alignment? If so, I may hold off on that until I do the front disk brakes, Shelby drop and a few other suspension upgrades.

[redfalken]

So does this sway bar kit look like it would work on a Falcon? It's titled "Mustang 1965-66 Grab-A-Trak Front Sway Bar Kit". And made in the USA to boot!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111197863960

[doghows]

Kenny it looks just like the one I just put on thedelivery but they don't have any measurement specs. I'd send the seller an email and ask them.
Can powder coat those too. Just sayin?

[pbrown]

So does this sway bar kit look like it would work on a Falcon? It's titled "Mustang 1965-66 Grab-A-Trak Front Swat Bar Kit". And made in the USA to boot!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111197863960

That is the exact same one I have and it fit fine.

[Luva65wagon]

I was under the impression from Jay Baker (who had a Mustang sway bar he was selling) that the Mustang bar was too wide for the Falcon (drag link is, for instance).

But you can't argue with experience.