Ron and Ryan Peter of Stang-Aholics in Terra Bella, California, do a lot of citrus farming, build Mustangs for customers all over the country, and think about what’s next for classic Mustangs. These gentlemen couldn’t help but notice something called a styling bar for ’05-’11 Mustang convertibles. It looks like a rollbar, yet it is not a piece of safety equipment. Instead, it’s there for cruising coolness when the top goes down. It makes a late-model S197 Mustang convertible look sexy.
Ron and Ryan concluded if a styling bar makes an ’05-’11 Mustang look sexy, it would make a classic convertible look even sexier, so Stang-Aholics went to work developing a new Style Bar for ’65-’68 Mustang convertibles. Then they invited us into their shop for a look at a prototype of this kit that they were installing on a customer’s ’67 convertible. By the time you read this, Style Bar kits will be available for ’65-68 Mustang convertibles.
Installation is straightforward and can be done in a weekend using simple hand tools and an electric drill.
The Stang-Aholics Style Bar...
The Stang-Aholics Style Bar for ’65-’68 Mustangs weaves a fresh and exciting demeanor into classic convertibles. The kit includes everything needed to install the bar in a weekend—Style Bar, brackets, window regulator shaft extensions, fiberglass interior quarter trim panels, and attaching hardware.
Prep work has been performed...
Prep work has been performed here. You must modify the convertible quarter trim panel, cutting it so the only part left is the vinyl-finish steel window sill as shown. Massaging comes from a light hammering to create an impression for the Style Bar bracket.
The Style Bar bracket is pre-drilled...
The Style Bar bracket is pre-drilled and ready for installation. All you have to do is remove three window regulator bolts and install the bracket using the pair of Grade 8 bolts and lock washers provided in the kit.
Stang-Aholics also provides...
Stang-Aholics also provides these sheetmetal screws for added bracket security. Three are required for each bracket once the ¼-inch holes have been drilled in the body.
After the sheetmetal screws...
After the sheetmetal screws are installed, all fasteners are tightened. Keep in mind this is a prototype installation, with some irregularities, tweaks, and adjustments made along the way.
Each window regulator shaft...
Each window regulator shaft gets an extension to work with the Style Bar quarter trim panels.
Shafts are secured with set...
Shafts are secured with set screws. It is suggested you use a thread locker like Loctite for added security.
Quarter trim panel installation...
Quarter trim panel installation is easy, requiring little more than a 1⁄16-inch drill bit and a Phillips head screwdriver. The greatest challenge is panel alignment with the Style Bar brackets. You must achieve perfect alignment in order for the Style Bar to fit into both sides. It is important to remember that no two Mustang bodies are dimensionally identical. This means double-checking the Style Bar fit before the quarter trim panels are installed.
Two 1⁄16-inch holes are drilled...
Two 1⁄16-inch holes are drilled top and bottom at the B-pillar for the interior quarter trim panels, which are retained with screws provided in the kit.
Screws are installed with...
Screws are installed with a number 3 Phillips screwdriver. The type of screw used is a matter of personal preference. Some like countersunk screws while others like the belly-button type. The latter provides better panel security and less chance of cracking. Do not overtighten these screws.
This is the bottom screw hole...
This is the bottom screw hole location, also drilled with a 1⁄16-inch bit.
Because no two Mustang bodies...
Because no two Mustang bodies are identical, some Style Bar installations will be easy while others more difficult. Installation is easier with someone on each side to get the mounting shafts parallel. Ron was able to get the Style Bar seated by himself thanks to good body fit.
Style Bar installation is...
Style Bar installation is complete once the retaining set screws (not visible here) are tightened.
Here’s the Stang-Aholics Style...
Here’s the Stang-Aholics Style Bar on a ’66 convertible with a saddle interior.