(Potentially) Dumb question for the experienced Mustang guys...

[cjshaker]

I agree a Monte Carlo bar is needed, but top bolt interference is typical with cylinder #5, especially with the extra bracing on a CJ car. Ford never used the top/bottom bolts on those cars for that reason.

On mine, I was aware of this issue when I was restoring the body, so I took a rosebud torch and a 4x4 chunk of wood, heated it cherry red where that bolt is and beat it back against the shock tower. Usually there's about a 1/4" gap or more there where you can gain a little room. I managed to get all 16 bolts in, but that #5 top bolt still pecked at the brace, and yes, it's annoying. I fixed the problem by making a turnbuckle strap to go from the head to the sway bar mount. It's a perfect lineup, easy to make, and it stopped the pecking. It also helps the motor mount to live longer.

[badcatt]

GerryP and cjshaker,
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. As for a Monti Carlo bar, I have a Scott Drake reproduction export brace. We installed it and it fall into place. That leads me to believe the shock towers are very close to where they belong. I may still try a porta power. I'll keep looking for other ideas as I don't need to get this done tomorrow.

[Phil Brown]

I fixed the problem by making a turnbuckle strap to go from the head to the sway bar mount. It's a perfect lineup, easy to make, and it stopped the pecking. It also helps the motor mount to live longer.

It also keeps the clutch linkage happy in a three pedel car