6/2/05
I created a metal template of the frame rails in the engine compartment.
Basically it goes in where the engine was. I made it out of 2x4
metal studs.
This is where the template bolts into the frame.
This is how the template sits in the engine bay.
Now besides measuring I have a template that I can place in the compartment
that will be an EXACT representation of where things were before I removed the frame rail.
So when I replace the drivers side frame rail I will simply place the template in the
compartment and base the installation of the new frame rail on the template. I bolt the
template in with the motor mount bolts and it also rests on the frame rails.
Also I am nearly ready to order the frame parts I need, I have all the prices from the vendor.
I also found a place tha I can get a rebuild C4 tranny and I have contacted people who have
bought them and they give them high marks so this is about $500 less than I thought I was going
to spend on the tranny.
6/12/05
Well I actually got more than I expected done today, I got both front fenders removed,
Got front carpet removed, removed kick panels, rocker covers, removed front grill and various other parts.
Now that I have the front fendes off I am re-assesing what I need. The drivers side
frame rail for sure but the Passenger side may not be bad. I need to lift the car up
and look at it better. The drivers side seat pan and toe board are toast. A real half
assed repair was done some time in the past...crappy welds and rivits! The passenger side
has also been replaced in the past but a better job was done of it. I dont think I am going
to need to replace it. The drivers front fender is in great shape inside and out, just some cleanng
and it will be ready for paint, the passenger side will require some minor repair of about 2 sq in.
but it too is in good shape.
Drivers side with fender off
Compartment is without fenders
Passenger side with fender removed, Looks better than I thought
6/23/05
The new front frame rail, torque boxes, battery panel, battery tray and hold down bracket,
drivers toe board came yesterday and they look good
the quality seems fine. I got them all from North Coast Mustang. They took about 5 days to get here.
It is great to see what the new parts will look like when they are in compared to the old ones.
I removed the shock tower covers, wheels, put the car on jack stands, sprayed liquid wrench
on all the bolts I need to get off, took lots of measurments of where everything is.
When I took all the measurments I found that everything is still square and there is no problem
with the warping/bending of the body/frame. I was a little fearfull of this when the frame snapped but
it really didn't break all the way through and was still strong enought to support everything.
I plan to drill out all the spot welds on the frame rail this week and get the old frame out so I
can get the new one in place.....it is great to start thinking about getting new parts on and stop
taking off the old ones! Maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel!!!!
6/25/05
Got front clip off, cut out drivers torque box,
test fitted new frame to new torque box. Dry fitted new
toe board, Removed front seats and carpet. Treated rusty areas with
rust disolver. The rust disolver works really well, basically it turns rust into zinc
and prevents further rust from forming.
The drivers side rear floor pan needs to be replaced too,
the passenger side front and rear are OK.
Also it looks like the drivers side rocker is OK. As for
getting the frame rail off I need to borrow a spring compressor
to get the springs out, and I am trying to figure out how to
break the welds where the brackets attach to the rail. I may
just cut around them and then grind the unwanted metal away.
Just the panels and the frame left
Drivers side front
Drivers side front
Previous updates and progress
Engine removal.
Links to other Mustang sites
This is what I hope to wind up with when I am done.
