[waz873]

First off, I know most of you will think I am crazy for trying this, however, I love to build and ressurect... I need the sense of accomplishment. That is why 3 years ago I bought a 1988 Mustang Convertible 4 cyl with most options.

About a year after I bought the STRAIGHT bodied 4-banger, I picked up a rotten 1989 5.0 5 spd hatch that ran like a dream. I ripped every last part off of the body and turned it in for scrap metal.

Anyways, I am mid-way through my project, it is going quite well. It is a full body restoration and driveline swap. Most of the 4cyl stuff has been sold. What I really need to know, and it seems so hard to find, is as follows:

- What is the difference in a hardtop chassis and a conv chassis? I hear about subframe connectors that won't fit convertibles.

- What is the difference between 5.0 hardtop springs and 5.0 convertible springs?

- This one gets me real bad... what is the difference between 5.0 hardtop motor mounts and convertible motor mounts?

Cars are not rocket science... I do realize differences in force and weight distribution, but what the heck? Also, if anybody has any answers, much appreciated. I also want to know if there is any difference between a 4cyl convertible chassis and a 5.0 convertible chassis.

I am planning to stiffen the chassis with all the usual fox treatments, but not until somebody can answer some of these questions. I will post pics of my progress as the project goes along, but I am not doing much more on it until I get some answers. Thanks for your input everyone!

Wazzy

[OTreborO]

Originally Posted by waz873 First off, I know most of you will think I am crazy for trying this, however, I love to build and ressurect... I need the sense of accomplishment. That is why 3 years ago I bought a 1988 Mustang Convertible 4 cyl with most options. About a year after I bought the STRAIGHT bodied 4-banger, I picked up a rotten 1989 5.0 5 spd hatch that ran like a dream. I ripped every last part off of the body and turned it in for scrap metal. Anyways, I am mid-way through my project, it is going quite well. It is a full body restoration and driveline swap. Most of the 4cyl stuff has been sold. What I really need to know, and it seems so hard to find, is as follows: - What is the difference in a hardtop chassis and a conv chassis? I hear about subframe connectors that won't fit convertibles. - What is the difference between 5.0 hardtop springs and 5.0 convertible springs? - This one gets me real bad... what is the difference between 5.0 hardtop motor mounts and convertible motor mounts? Cars are not rocket science... I do realize differences in force and weight distribution, but what the heck? Also, if anybody has any answers, much appreciated. I also want to know if there is any difference between a 4cyl convertible chassis and a 5.0 convertible chassis. I am planning to stiffen the chassis with all the usual fox treatments, but not until somebody can answer some of these questions. I will post pics of my progress as the project goes along, but I am not doing much more on it until I get some answers. Thanks for your input everyone! Wazzy

Convertible motor mouts are stiffer. Since you are at a disadvantage with structual integrity with a convertible. Cars are just nuts and bolts huh :-)

The 4 cyl and 8 cyl chassis will be the same, just different front springs, sway bar, rear end, front spindels and large rotors/brakes

[waz873]

True enough, the steering/suspension and rear end are different, which anyone attempting this kind of project should know. I have the complete 5.0 running gear/steering/suspension and braking hardware from a 1989 5.0 hatch.

The part that makes me a little confused is why you can buy 5.0 lowering springs (not that I want them) for a 5.0 mustang "except convertible". I suppose your answer to the motor mount question should suffice... I was planning to use polyurethane mounts anyways, so I guess it shouldn't matter. And I still am unsure why normal subframe connectors won't fit a convertible without mods.

I have been under alot of foxbodies, but never for a reason concerning the chassis. I can't actually recall anything that stands out as being different between a hardtop and a convertible, but there has to be some additional reinforcing. I know that these bodies started off as a hardtop body, then the roof was cut off, and then I am sure all the additional brackets and reinforcements were added. I just don't know where these key areas are under the car. Again, any legitimate information would be appreciated.

Wazzy