Tower-Less, Sealed, Brakes and Brace
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After having the front end blasted it was obvious that the right shock tower had to be replaced. Although likely a little more difficult than an all original tower, it wasn’t too hard to remove.
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The battery apron had been brazed on so I simply cut the brazing just like a weld. Where I couldn’t get the cutoff wheel to the actual brazing, I cut the lip off the sheet metal and will have to melt the brazing off later I guess.
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Top view of the engine bay with tower out. Still rather scary since I’ve never done this before but with the measurements taken and the export and EFI brace I have on hand I think I can get it back in right. The shock tower and battery apron are ordered from MustangsPlus.
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The tower was a little harder to get out due to the extra welding on the tower from an accident in the 70’s but I was very happy with the condition of the frame rail. This car is very solid which I guess it should be considering I had kept it inside many years of it’s life.
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Here are the spindles and new brakes ready to roll. These are 70-73 spindles with the larger bearings. The brakes are stock but should be fine for what I will be using the car for. Rear disc will be installed as well so between the two I’ll be happy.
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Meanwhile the drivers side is seam sealed and almost ready to undercoat. I sealed up all the main seams with seam sealer and will undercoat as soon as I weld in the final support bracket in the lower portion of the shock tower. That is why the taped off line is there for welding the angle brace.
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I decided to modify the shock tower reinforcement kit a little since I wasn’t crazy about not being able to get behind the outer brace in the future to keep the grime and junk from accumulating. I simply laid out three holes and used the drill press to cut them. Looks better to me as well and I do not feel much strength has been compromised.
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Here is a shot of the exterior brace welded up. I hope to undercoat this side very soon. Just need to fill a few more seams and it will be ready.