Interior Mustang Mods

You almost say it like it's a bad thing Andy

 

I sure like the simplicity of this hump-mounted ebrake. The Fairmont system needs a divider pulley that rusts out, crosses the car at right angles and needs a support spring that alos rots. The Capri just uses a 'Y-shaped' triangular setup that delivers almost straight back to both wheels.

Think of it as a model change. I may even be able to use real cupholders!

 

The 1987 Mustang hatchback that I got the rear split seats from was still there, and I forgot the most critical part - the center pivot stand! That's since last October! Now I know how it works.

Here's the part still installed:
Looking straight back. Its 'T-shaped'.


Its about 2-1/4" from the cargo hump, and centerd on the tunnel.


That car won't be there for much more. Motor and tranny are still there (I4 with a C3 automatic). The interior has really been trashed since I saw it last fall.

 

Andy, it looks like the Feds are watching Southern imports into Manitoba.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/04/20/man-cars-cbsa-usa-border-dollar-par.html

Look at the paperwork dance for a newer model in this post:

Makes me wonder if they'll tighten up the import rules even more, when Manitoba rolls out its pro-California emissions rules.

 

I do have one flaw to whine about. The automatic shifter plate is diecast. In a Capri/Mustang from our Eastern rustbelt, that is just bad. This Capri is a 1982 hatchback. It must've failed our local Mechanical Fitness certification, because it isn't visibly damaged. Anyway, its rare to find one with a 200-six and automatic C4. Once the salt eats that insert, you can't move the mounting bolts - they break off. Luckily there's a couple more that are ok. Back at it tomorrow.

Gotta pick up some new star screwdrivers on my way.

 

I'm not counting but I think this is the third major interior change in two years.

Don't even worry about the e-brake. You can simulate that working by attaching all the old interior bits to a chain on the back bumper.

 

Short summers and no garage. Its a step-by-step whimsical, opportunistic part of the hobby, and I'm sure glad there's no cure for it!

Never wanted to be an interior designer, but practice makes perfect, right?

EDIT: My dad had a friend with a big old pimp-mobile Caddy with two boat anchors on the back bumper and a sign that read 'For Emergency Use Only!'

 

There's only one thing left to do. Rename the car "FAIRSTANGPRI" or "FAIRCAPSTANG" or maybe "CAFAIRSTANG". Ooops! I forgot the LTD parts "CAFAIRSTANG Limited". Then when you get the turbo it can be "CAFAIRSTANG Limited Turbo Sedan Coupe Sports Wagon Squire. But wait you'll have to put the name on the rear quarter to have space. On the tailgate you'll have to abreviate to CFSLTDTSCSWS. Just don't chop the top off because you would definately run out of space adding the word convertable, worse would be adding the British term "drop head".That would be just insane. CAFAIRSTANG Limited Turbo Drop Head Sedan Coupe Sports Wagon Squire.

 

Actually, in the initial post (1), I refer to the Interior Version Three thread. This is the continuation. I didn't expect to find a nice burled walnut dash and console with a mint dashpad. What can I say? The floor shifter and ebrake make sense though. With the mustang dash, I have no PRND21 indicator. The ebrake is a plus, and the wiring for the OBD is all there, so when I add a Turbo, I'll be able to get more info about what's going on.

Method to my madness.

 

How about Zorro III Phaeton, a 3-way Fox wagon with a convertible roof!

 

Wouldn't the Mustang center-hump handbrake cable be too short to put in the Fairmont? It's got a longer wheelbase.

 

With all those names it reminds of a cousin I still have in Mexico. Juan Jose Rodriguez Gonzalez Perez de la Garza Torres. And he doesn't even use his mothers maiden name.....

Norm, good luck getting everything done. are a must!

 

The hook from the handle to the E-brake is threaded with a 5.5" thread. I'll be jacking it up tomorrow for the rest of the parts (shifter rod to tranny, under car wiring, etc. I think the cable was a recent replacement too.

Kind of like my wife. 3 first names and 3 last names, plus 4 nicknames by the family. I just never know when to use the right one to get her attention.

I really scored with this junkyard owner. He likes me. I walked in yesterday, after not seeing him for two weeks, and he eyes my Fairmont woodie up and down. I show him the installed black Mustang instrument panel and tell him my plans. Then he tells me of this 100% original 1980 W30 - Olds 442. He can't start it until he figures out how to rewire the immobilizer (why the seller brought it to him). Its all there including the gold factory mags. He checked at the 442.com site and the VIN says its a true 442. I already mentioned it to 442Wagon. The yard owner wants $7,500 CDN$ or $7,000 USD$. Its solid, complete, 130,00 KMs (80K miles) and loaded with all the toys and the T-top. Its one of 540 black and gold ones out of the 886 that were made.

Anyway, he's only open 3 hours per day from 11AM to 2PM. Mustang/Capri dashes don't come out in 3 hours with only one guy. I had to raid another one for the shifter mounting plate, then go back and CAREFULLY remove each screw, wire clip, heater and AC controls. Its out, but I left it all there until I get the wiring and other bits. I was the only guy there, all day. The Fox in a henhouse of 6 Capris and 4 mustangs, and Mustang II and one pinto wagon.

One Capri had the 2.8 V6! with a big 2.8 nameplate on the front fenders. That's news to me. I thought they were Bronco engines.

Anyway, I told him I needed ALL the wiring, and he said fine, no extra charge. $80 for everything.

 

Ahhhhhh.....
So one big long threded hook allowed them to cover all the Fox bodies! Smart engineering!

 

Only the floor shifter models with the console ebrake. (Mustangs, Capris, maybe one of the Tbirds)

Fairmonts were available with automatic floor shifters for the first couple years, but the ebrake was always a pedal system on them.

Anyway, the hook sits into the cable yoke and pulls evenly on both wheels. On the Fairmont wagons and sedans, it goes under on the driver's side to a pivot below the driver, where it splits off to both wheels. Straight back on the DS, and 2 90 degree turns for the passenger side rear.