convertible reinforcement

    This is a general "newbie dummy" type of posting since I don't have any experience with the 'verts. It seems that when these things rust out, they always break their backs just behind the front door pillars. Other than additional rocker panel reinforcement and front torque boxes on the frame rails, is there anything the strengthens the weak firewall/kick panel to rocker panel/floorpan area? Seems like there should be added framing between the front frame rails and the rocker panels.


    I also don't understand the extra braces between the firewall and the front fender aprons, since the front "box" isn't any more likely to flex than on the other 2 body styles. It would do more good if they swung them around and bolted them to the trans tunnel.


    Lastly, is the reinforcement different than on non-hipo cars?

    Lyle

    Edited once, last by b9folk_old (July 19, 2007 at 10:34 AM).

    The issue really was cost. Ford put what was necessary into the unibody for the convert - but nothing more. All of the changes I know of to the unibody are: rockers, torque boxes, different seat support/platform, and extra plate below the tranny - besides rust these changes work OK - but when they rust they do "bend" in the middle.


    I've heard that the extra firewall supports were not on the early converts - they were added to battle a common convert problem know as cowl shake - normal road conditions and suspension movement can set up harmonic vibrations in the unibody that causes the dash or windshield area to shake - something owners complain about LOUDLY - Ford had this on the early 'stangs so they added the extra braces.


    As far as I know the regular and K convert sheet metal and bracing is identical - other than the known K differences that are not convert unique.

    There are a few aftermarket suppliers that have all kinds of extra support braces offered for the non-verts, but are there any that really help the overall structure of a convert, won't they all "bend" in the usual places? Won't the only cure be an ugly cage?:D

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