ConcoursMustang Forums
1st Generation 1964 1/2 - 1973 - Questions & general discussions that apply to a specific year => 1969 Mustang => Topic started by: ninedrvr on March 19, 2021, 11:18:40 AM
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I'm restoring a very rusted 69 convertible (Dearborn 11/68). Since most of the underbody needed to be replaced, I used a donor coupe shell for parts instead of reproduction pieces. I ended up using front frame rail through to the rocker panel assemblies as one piece rather than individual pieces. This worked really well as everything lined up beautifully. Since I used the assembly as one unit, the gussets that attach between the frame rail and the torque boxes went with it. Now I need to decide whether I remove the gussets or leave them alone.
My research shows that these gussets were not used on convertibles, though I'm curious as to why they weren't. One theory is that the sequence of events regarding the weld up of a convertible underbody didn't allow for these to be used as easily as the coupe/fastback models. I could easily see them leaving these off if using the gussets would appreciably slow the weld up of a convertible.
Another reason could be that the use of the gussets on a convertible would stiffen the front of the car so as to transfer an excessive twisting motion towards the rear of the car resulting in extra stress/movement between the doors and the C pillars.
I suppose I could just take them off as the "concours correct" thing to do. Any opinions or insights would be welcome.
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Perhaps the floor reinforcement plate was used in lieu of the gussets
If this ?bolt on? plate is missing it?s commonly repro?d
Why quotations and apostrophes show up as question marks on this site is a mystery to me
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Perhaps the floor reinforcement plate was used in lieu of the gussets
If this ?bolt on? plate is missing it?s commonly repro?d
Why quotations and apostrophes show up as question marks on this site is a mystery to me
On an Apple mobile device:
Settings --> General --> Keyboard --> Smart Punctuation - turn this off.
Apple desktop:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6322119?answerId=26056767022#26056767022
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For others viewing the thread here is a picture of the area with and without the "gusset" referred to in the OP's question
(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/15/6-190321172319.jpeg)
Given our focus here and our intent there is no reason why I would want to leave something that should not be there or installed on my car..
Looking to improve the car? - then think about frame rail connectors and a full roll cage. Plenty of help to do that on other sites that focus on those changes
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I'm leaning towards removing the gussets but I was hoping someone would have an explanation as to why the convertibles didn't get these.
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I'm leaning towards removing the gussets but I was hoping someone would have an explanation as to why the convertibles didn't get these.
Think we would need one of the original engineers for that answer. Anything else would be speculation IMHO
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Think we would need one of the original engineers for that answer. Anything else would be speculation IMHO
+1 although speculation can be entertaining at times...where it becomes a problem is when someone converts speculation to fact :)
And speaking as an engineer, if you a group of 10 engineers that worked on a large project why something was or wasn't done, you are likely to get 11 answers.
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+1 although speculation can be entertaining at times...where it becomes a problem is when someone converts speculation to fact :)
And speaking as an engineer, if you a group of 10 engineers that worked on a large project why something was or wasn't done, you are likely to get 11 answers.
I resemble that remark, but in reality the 10 engineers would give 18 answers, most likely.
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I resemble that remark, but in reality the 10 engineers would give 18 answers, most likely.
But they would not try to sell it to you along with that nice bridge in New York.
Jim
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Crisis averted. I took the gussets off.