Checking underframe for frame damage & misalignment
The early Mustang (64 1/2 - 70 was based on the American Falcon platform (71 - 3 was based on the Torino platform as was the XW & on Australian Falcon) . While this had similarities with the Falcon they were not the same. It is a very simple uni-body that began with a floor-pan that has two rear torque boxes off the rocker panels connecting the rear rails that are designed to accept elliptic springs
The front rails in the early cars were attached to the floor-pan without the reinforcement of a torque box. That was solved to a point by the 67 model year (1 torque box on the LH rail) & completely by the 68 year with both sides having them. The main benefit of this was to strengthen the uni body & that also prevented “cowl shakeâ€
Convertibles had both side front torque boxes from the introduction of the 64 ½ model year.
Checking
Because these cars are now quite old (some approaching 50 years & history is unknown to most owners, a thorough check should be undertaken of the uni-body before any repair, modification or restoration is commenced.
My suggestion, as always, is for this analysis to be undertaken by a professional body shop with the correct measuring equipment. This equipment will quickly pick up any accident damage or poor repairs carried out on the vehicle during it's life & a clear picture will emerge on how suitable repairs can be carried out.
If looking at purchasing a Mustang a visual check can alert you to many issues. Some visual checks......
Buckling in rails. Usually the result of an accident & incorrect repair. Car would need to be fitted to a frame aligning system, checked, straightened if necessary & checked again.
Buckles in the sheet metal at the top of the front suspension towers where the front fenders bolt up.Usually indicates that the towers have collasped. Usually an engine & suspension out job & when realigned, the fitting of an "export brace" & "Monte Carlo" brace is recommended if the car is to be a driver.
Buckles near the plenum chamber (cowl). Usually the result of an accident & incorrect repair. Car would need to be fitted to a frame aligning system, checked, straightened if necessary & checked again.
Poor panel fit & gaps. Again to result of poor repair methods & car usually needs professional repairs carried out & results in major paint work also needed.
Realignment
Again this is something to be carried out by a professional & more so, someone that is familiar with older cars. I cannot stress that enough as these older cars behave differently & panel fitment is different to cars that now days are computer developed.
Convertibles had both side front torque boxes from the introduction of the 64 ½ model year.
Checking
Because these cars are now quite old (some approaching 50 years & history is unknown to most owners, a thorough check should be undertaken of the uni-body before any repair, modification or restoration is commenced.
My suggestion, as always, is for this analysis to be undertaken by a professional body shop with the correct measuring equipment. This equipment will quickly pick up any accident damage or poor repairs carried out on the vehicle during it's life & a clear picture will emerge on how suitable repairs can be carried out.
If looking at purchasing a Mustang a visual check can alert you to many issues. Some visual checks......
Realignment
Again this is something to be carried out by a professional & more so, someone that is familiar with older cars. I cannot stress that enough as these older cars behave differently & panel fitment is different to cars that now days are computer developed.
Once the uni-body is totally aligned, then & only then can a restoration, or modification, commence.