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FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Buying a Car Out of State (Texas) » Yesterday 9:31 AM

Does anyone know anyone in car sales that can help me understand taxes when buying a car out of state?  I'm finally getting around to buying a bigger truck so I can haul my mustang on trips.  The dealer says I need to pay AZ tax rate of 8.6% but Texas has a maximum of 8.25% and they are supposed to pay back to the state I'm registering it in.  Very confused.

Please DM me if you know someone or can speak to how out of state car sales work.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Reproduction vent window assemblies - My experience and some questions » 3/17/2024 7:06 AM

I'm not 100% sure I'm reading your situation correctly but I did this not too long ago.  See my posting history and see if some of the info you need is there.  Overall, it was ok experience for me.  I rebuilt my existing windows and replaced all the old cracking molding.  In the end it was cheaper than replacing the entire assemblies but took just as much work.  

FYI FORD MustangSteve's Ford Mustang Forum » Vent Window Glass Seal/Gasket/moulding?? (boardhost.com)

 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Retro E-muscle Cars » 2/17/2024 8:01 AM

I went to a conference this week in Dallas and saw this.  I suppose it was only a matter of time.  I wonder what the comparable performance is.  Maybe they just have speakers where the exhaust is.


FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » FYI: Lower Engine Crossmember is Important » 2/11/2024 8:49 AM

RPM, aka Bearing Bob wrote:

TremendousWand wrote:

50vert wrote:

Real glad you finally got something in there. I suppose you changed your oilpan as well? That reminds me, I've still gotta put my Zray brace on.
 

I replaced the oil pan years ago because it was dented from someone obviously using it as a lift point.  However I replaced it with a stock model.  The crossmember by Zray fits stock oil pan.  The center lift point is awsome.  Makes getting the car up a real breeze.  I was considering redoing the entire front end but I feel better about it now.

 
How does changing the engine crossmember make you feel better about considering redoing the entire front end?

I didn't think the engine corssmember was significant to the cars stability and steering especially after having installed a monte carlo bar and a complete subframe kit.  I assumed the root cause was the suspension and worn steering. In retrospect, the front of the subframes can pretty much twist freely without the lower crossmember. 

I still want to do a rack and pinion swap but I'm much more comfortable driving it now. 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » FYI: Lower Engine Crossmember is Important » 2/09/2024 8:19 AM

50vert wrote:

Real glad you finally got something in there. I suppose you changed your oilpan as well? That reminds me, I've still gotta put my Zray brace on.
 

I replaced the oil pan years ago because it was dented from someone obviously using it as a lift point.  However I replaced it with a stock model.  The crossmember by Zray fits stock oil pan.  The center lift point is awsome.  Makes getting the car up a real breeze.  I was considering redoing the entire front end but I feel better about it now.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » FYI: Lower Engine Crossmember is Important » 2/08/2024 8:23 AM

1966 Mustang Coupe, 5.0 swap, T5z, MAF, 4 Disc Brakes

My lower engine crossmember was essentially missing from when I bought the car 13 years ago.  As I recall, it was only attached by one nut because the other nut was rusted out of the frame rail.  (One of the many surprises I've found over the years) When I installed the full TCP subframe kit I ditched it thinking it wasn't necessary.   However when I welded in the frame kit I did repair the missing nut in the frame rail. 

My winter project this year was to put in Zray crossbar with the lifting pad.  This was really more to have a safe spot to lift the car in the front than anything else.  Well after driving it I can tell you that it feels much tighter.  The wheel play from the stock stearing linkage is reduced by half.  I would get rubbing in the wheel well if I went into a steep curve as the body rolled.  Took the same curve yesterday and didn't feel anything.  I would get a slight pull when I hard braked to the right and I didn't feel it now.  Overall the front end just felt tighter.  It's difficult to explain other than it's much improved.  As if the front end moves together.

Long story longer... turns out those ford guys might have actually added that crossmember for a reason.   Very happy with the Zray Crossmember.  I put the car on jack stands to flush the brake fluid and it was way easier to lift once from the middle than to go side to side.  I would highly recommend. 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Classic Car Loan Interest Rates » 10/20/2023 11:34 AM

Well only dumb people (like me) or people with piles of cash are doing anything other than letting their cash grow with these interest rates.  You can't buy a decent car for less than $10k cash now and not a lot of people have that kind of expendable cash.  I'm hoping prices will come down to offset interest rates.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Classic Car Loan Interest Rates » 10/20/2023 9:53 AM

RPM, aka Bearing Bob wrote:

I've never had a loan for a classic car, and my last car loan was circa 1996, so I don't know much about them or what the rates are these days. Have you looked into a personal loan at your credit union?

 

Classic cars, like buying a boat or RV are considered luxury buys.  Not a lot of lender options just like insurance options are limited.  Unless you have a personal relationship with a bank, traditional banks don't give out loans on classics.

I'm trying to find a truck in the $30-40k range so this isn't a "save up" kind of purchase for me.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Classic Car Loan Interest Rates » 10/20/2023 7:46 AM

Just did a pre-approval for a loan to buy another classic.  (90s Truck) and the rate they gave me was 10%.  I have an 820 credit score with very little debt and pretty good household income.  I'd bought my 66 mustang through them too 12 years ago and the rate was around 6% which was high for the time.  I know you will pay a premium for any used car and especially a classic but if a guy like me is getting 10% that means that average buyer is probably in the 12%.

IMO, the prices on classics in the non collector quality will be coming down.   Non cash buyers are going to get squeezed.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Good Guys Car Show Discount Tickets? » 9/11/2023 7:07 AM

I won't be able to make it down to thr bash but I was thinking of going to the good guys car show on Sunday,10/1.  Anyone have tickets or discount code?

Thanks

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » 24 inch radiator install 65-66 mustang pictures » 9/11/2023 7:01 AM

I did a write up on my 24 install in my 66.  Look up the post history.  Should be good pics in there.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Rear Windshield Correct Install Shop - Dallas » 6/30/2023 12:30 PM

Called the guy.  They are over by Rockwall now but they can come out to me. 

$365 for the reinstall and an additional $125 if i want to replace the glass.  What should I do?  Original glass has some scratches but otherwise ok, nothing horrible.  Is new glass actually better?  I've gotten burned by replacing components in the past with 'new' stuff that was junk.

They'll leak test it first right?  I'm only doing this because it wasnt done right in the first place.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Rear Windshield Correct Install Shop - Dallas » 6/27/2023 2:10 PM

Tired of the leaks at the rear windshield when washing the car on top of not being able to drive in the rain.

Anyone know of a shop anywhere in North Texas that can properly remove and reinstall a rear windshield? 
I'm willing to drive 2 hours in any direction from Dallas, Texas.  I saw a youtube video on the process and it was a mess of sealant.

The glass it self is fine and can be reused.  I definitly want someone that has done this before.

1966 Mustang Coupe


Thank you

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Finished Adding the Headlight Relays » 1/04/2023 1:59 PM

There is a slight measure of voltage drop all the way to the lights.  I didn't believe that was an issue after reading about it on other forums.  I took before and after and sure enough the lights did appear brighter.  Also, the original headlight wiring was 16 gauge (I think) and I changed it to 12 gauge. I think in reality they aren't brighter, but rather the way they are supposed to be.  

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Finished Adding the Headlight Relays » 1/04/2023 6:16 AM

1966 Mustang Couop 5.0 w/ HO Swap, EFI, T5z

https://ibb.co/2FGsXNN
https://ibb.co/NmKtZ5j
https://ibb.co/yFJR19p
https://ibb.co/PG5bvt2
https://ibb.co/VtCC316
https://ibb.co/Cv0jXPM
https://ibb.co/FWh07RP

Installed the relays on the right side along with doing some wiring cleanup.  I bought a junction box from amazon to put all the connections in one place.  I think it turned out pretty clean.

The lights are brighter but not THAT much brighter.  I drove around for an hour with the high beams on and no flickering now either so I didn't bother replacing the light switch.
https://ibb.co/JxrsPZg

Swap Meet » Stock 66 Third Member Differential (8 inch, 2.8, Open) » 1/04/2023 6:03 AM

https://ibb.co/2FGsXNN
https://ibb.co/NmKtZ5j

Pulled from a 1966 stock 8 inch rear.  I believe to be open 2.8.  The metal tag was worn beyond readability.

When previously installed, there was leak coming from the yoke.  The gears appear to be intact and free from cracks and chips.  When installed, this made no noise and gave no indication of mechanical issues.  Needless to say, this needs to be rebuilt.

I'm in Richardson, Texas.  I will meet a fellow enthusiast within an hours drive.  $200

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Does anybody have the 24inch radiator write up Steve had on here saved » 12/24/2022 9:50 AM

RTM wrote:

What’s is the best brand radiator to go with? I’ve also read something about tube size and a 1” tube in a two core radiator will cool like a four core?

I went through this exercise about 2 years ago.  I settled on Dewitts for a combination of reasons and they are made in Michigan.  There was a price premium but I felt it was fair.  I wanted multi core, 2 fans, and shroud and this fit the bill. 

If you're looking for bang for your buck I can save you the time and tell you that you should go with Champion but they are made in China.  It doesn't seem they are any less reliable than others at this point.  With modern manufacturing, it's tough to screw up an aluminum radiator.

I did a write up on my install.  It's on the the how-to section.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Help: Adding Relays to Headlights » 12/07/2022 9:06 AM

wsinsle wrote:

Red wire is 30
Black wire is 85
White wire is 86
Blue wire is 87

Is that what you are asking?

I found the information finally.  I'm getting it wired up.  thanks

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Help: Adding Relays to Headlights » 12/05/2022 10:51 AM

TKOPerformance wrote:

You are over complicating it.  The pin assignments on the relays are all that matters.  30 goes to battery + (or starter solenoid is often easier to tie into by just using a ring terminal), 85 to chassis ground, 86 to the +wire coming from the headlight switch for the high or low beam depending on which the relay is being used for, and 87 to the headlight plug + for either high or low depending on which element the relay is used for. 

So which wire is which pin?  It seems dumb but the color scheme is throwing me off.  I'm fairly certain that the blue wire is the 30 pin.  So then the black wire is the ground (85) and then the 86 and 87 correspond to the white and red. Is this correct?  Does getting the 86 and 87 pin backwards mess anything up?

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Help: Adding Relays to Headlights » 12/05/2022 8:07 AM

1966 Mustang Coupe, 5.0 Swap, EFI, T5z, Painless Wiring harness

I'm trying to add 2 relays to my headlights in order to fix my headlights blinking when they are on for too long.  
I bought 2 4-pin relays from amazon.

Image 1 is the wiring harness diagram from painelss wiring which I installed few years back.  It shows two wires coming from the dimmer switch and one wire going to the headlight switch:
https://ibb.co/6BDF9cJ

Here's the diagram I found showing how to wire relays for the stock wiring diagram:
https://ibb.co/gVgF5Ps

As you can see, it shows the need for 2 relays, one for low and one for the high beam.  


Here's the relays I ordered:
https://ibb.co/41FTDL9
https://ibb.co/JBTQH8r
https://ibb.co/LxNxH4X
https://ibb.co/PjfxQgG

These colors seem odd.  I know that the 30 wire is the fused power that goes directly to the battery source but that's about all I can figure out.  Based on the diagram, I think the 30 would be the blue wire for some reason.  Can someone help break this down?  Which color corresponds to which pin?  Based on the wiring diagrams how should I wire this?  Is a headlight relay normally off with a ground or positive trigger.  

Thank you


 

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Rack and Pinion Conversion experience? » 11/24/2022 9:11 AM

6sally6 wrote:

You SURE the steering box is shot ??!
I thought so to until......a fella Mustanger suggested adding grease to the box. It probably had never had any grease added!
(Being by the exhaust header they really get heat soaked too.)
I squirted in nearly a 1/2 tube (big tube) and worked it in by twirling the front wheels back & forth.
Steers like it did in the 60's !!! amazing. 1" sway bar....export and monte carlo bar...Arning drop and new shocks turned it into a fun sporty driving Mustang. No wallow on turns and I am now king of the off ramps!!
Although it is 60 year old design.......still a very good steering/handling system.
Thanka bough dit
6sal6

Having just changed out the third member and seeing that it was obvious it was the same one from the factory and never serviced after 56 years I'm pretty certain that the steering box is also the same from the factory and never serviced.  I don't want to throw money at this thing in hoping an issue gets fixed.  I'm hoping there is a path to and update for less than $2500.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Rack and Pinion Conversion experience? » 11/21/2022 3:36 PM

Steve69 wrote:

I have a unisteer rack and its ok.  If I was to do it again I would do the borgeson steering conversion.  Im sure alot of your issues are probably in your old steering box. 

Yea no doubt.  Old box is shot to pieces.  Would rather go ahead and address the fundamental issue versus trying to just patch it up.  I'd be happy with 90% improvement versus what I have now.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Rack and Pinion Conversion experience? » 11/21/2022 3:34 PM

lowercasesteve wrote:

I installed the TCP R&P in my '66 20 years ago.  Worked great.  It's manual, so is a little stiff.  I did it when TCP was still privately owned, but I don't think quality has gone down with the current owners.  I've had good service from their tech staff.
Steering is as solid as my '15 GT.  No more bump steer.  But the turning radious is a little greater.

About 5 years ago I had it converted to power.  Still works fine, but the steering pump needs to be tuned to get the feel you want.  You can buy different orifices to make the steering more or less stiff.  And there is some noise from the pump that comes and goes.  I think that there is more bump steer, but not as bad as stock was.  You also need to mess around with pullys.  That can be a mess.  I neeeded to change the dampner to get a 3-bolt front pully, and find a new water pump pully (1-groove to 2-groove).  I'm now too old to do such things on my own.



 

I used the TCP subframe connectors.  I was pleased.  Not sure who I want to go with but I don't plan on adding power steering.  Less complicated with already having an engine swap.  I'm used to driving manual anyway.

FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion » Rack and Pinion Conversion experience? » 11/21/2022 11:51 AM

1966 Mustang Coupe, 5.0 Swap, EFI, 4 Disc Brakes, T5z

My steering feels all over the place which says a lot for cars of this era.  I replaced all the bushing and links a few years back but made little if any difference.  I'm thinking of just forking over the cash and doing a complete conversion to rack and pinion kit along with a new tilt column.  

Anyone tell me their experience after converting over their steering?  Was the change dramatic?  I live in the city and sometimes these crazy drivers on the highway make you need to make sudden subtle movements and it drives me crazy with all the play in the steering wheel.  I don't want to throw down this kind of money for just a slight improvement.

Board footera


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