When Ed Quezada isn't driving...
When Ed Quezada isn't driving a double-trailer big-rig for UPS, he unwinds behind the wheel of his spotless square-light Fox. Having owned both an aero-body '91 GT and an SN-95 late-model, Ed came back home to a square-light car, his favorite Mustang body style. A full feature will follow on this clean cruiser later this year.
The older the car is, the...
The older the car is, the more likely broken floorpans will be a problem, mainly due to the weight of the seat and driver. Look closely at cars that have spent lots of time in areas with harsh winters, because rust will accelerate structural fatigue and deterioration. Repair or replacement of the floors are possible solutions. Also look at subframe connectors with a crossbrace to support the seat.
On the doors, directly below...
On the doors, directly below the windows, cracked weatherstripping can be a problem that's usually caused by weather damage over the years. Replacement weatherstrip is available from LRS, and the molding is included.
Heat damage will almost always...
Heat damage will almost always get to the dashpad on square-light Mustangs. You can simply replace the pad or, if it isn't too far gone, cover it with a plastic cover painted to match. Or you can use a molded-to-fit cover that's held in place with pieces of Velcro. See our April '02 issue for a review on how to replace the pad in your '79-'86 Fox.
"Our initial intention was to do one story on all '79-'93 cars. But after talking with Latemodel Restoration Supply, we learned that the '79-'86 square-light cars have their own set of problems. We thus decided it would be a good idea to split the story into two parts. So, you pre-'87 fans, don't feel left out--we're going to get to you in the not-too-distant future." That's what we said in our October '03 issue when we examined this subject for the '87-'93 "aero" cars. Four months later isn't too far in the future, is it? If you're a square-light Mustang enthusiast and you've been waiting for us to keep our word, we hope this will be of interest to you.
We think all Fox-body Mustangs are cool. So much so that we--and the good folks at Latemodel Restoration Supply--decided it would be a good idea to break the two eras of cars and their foibles into two separate discussions.
As we said in our previous story about aero cars, if you own a square-light Fox, some of what is presented here is likely familiar to you. But if you're in the process of shopping square-light 5.0s, this review will serve well as a checklist for things a potential purchase might require.
So, we'll get started with the help of Latemodel Restoration Supply (a great source for the parts mentioned here) and Ed Quezada, whose eye-catching '84 GT, updated with an '85 front fascia, will be the subject of a feature later this year.
This one is tough, because...
This one is tough, because getting to the heater core takes considerable effort. A bad heater core can be a problem due to lack of cooling-system maintenance. Replacing a core is a big job because it has to be accessed under the dash. If your car needs a new core, flush the cooling system and install new hoses, too. If you're looking at a potential purchase that needs a core, be sure to factor in the labor cost.
The console armrest pad is...
The console armrest pad is another interior piece that gets plenty of wear. Heat damage and general old age are the usual culprits. Both replacement pads and pad covers are available, the latter being a great choice for those on a budget.
Also shown is a cracked console...
Also shown is a cracked console coin tray, which is available from LRS. It includes the emergency-brake-handle seal, which is often damaged or missing.
Doors that sag are common...
Doors that sag are common on '79-'93 Mustangs, especially on the driver side. The bushings in the hinges are the culprit, and replacing them along with the hinge pins will do the trick. Also consider a new striker.
Air and/or water leaking in...
Air and/or water leaking in the doors occurs when door weatherstrip is torn or misshapen.
New weatherstrip should be...
New weatherstrip should be a good solution, especially on the more commonly used driver side.
Sometimes the hatch won't...
Sometimes the hatch won't shut, which is usually caused by a worn latch striker. It can be adjusted. But if it needs replacing due to wear and adjustment isn't enough, Latemodel Restoration Supply has those too.
If equipped, leaky T-tops...
If equipped, leaky T-tops are common on square-light Foxes. Heat damage and body fatigue are common causes; even without T-tops, an early Fox-body with six-digit mileage on the ticker doesn't exactly mimic a bank vault. Replacing the T-top seals, readjusting the top latches and door windows, and replacing door pins and bushings along with the striker can help keep you dry in rainy weather.
Here's a bonus fix. Often,...
Here's a bonus fix. Often, after many years, the gas struts on all '79-'93 hatchback cars can no longer hold the hatch in the open position. You can devise your own method of holding up the hatch, but a new pair of struts is the best solution.
Most square-light Fox-body...
Most square-light Fox-body 5.0s came with some sort of decal on the hood. Missing or faded exterior decals are something to think about on square-light cars if you're going for a period restoration.
Reproduction decals, like...
Reproduction decals, like the one shown on this '86 GT, are available.