Headrests & DC mechanic

mariew · 09-23-2000, 08:12 AM

My wonderful husband gave me a restored 1964½ convertible yesterday. My only concern is the lack of headrests --
Does anyone have any suggestions about:
(1) whether there are headrests that can be added somehow to the front seats? and
(2) does anyone know a good mechanic in the DC area for maintenance?

Thanks!

agm64 · 09-23-2000, 11:57 AM

I'm sure you could find something to do but

DON'T DO IT!!!!

You will kill the value of the car. Keep it as close to stock as you can.

You have a fairly rare Pony there - 1 of about 29,000 built. What is the VIN# and data-plate information?

------------------
Allan Munsie
64 1/2 Convertible
D Code 289
PB, PS, PT, AC

red · 09-25-2000, 06:11 PM

Check out this web site http://home.pacifier.com/~dnstoys/seats.htm

-JON

agm64 · 09-30-2000, 06:00 PM

Red, I know that this is your job, but coming from a "keep it stock" point of view, that looks like crap!

Sorry.

------------------
Allan Munsie
64 1/2 Convertible
D Code 289
PB, PS, PT, AC

red · 09-30-2000, 07:08 PM

I didn't suggest fiber-glassing a mail box on the hood. Eight nuts and you could put the original seats back in. No big woop!

There is also a place called M Detail in California (909)-686-3929 that makes pony style seats with headrests, not cheap though ~$1500.

-JON

Rev · 09-30-2000, 08:16 PM

Hey, maybe a snorkel, tub it out with a narrowed 9", 12" MT's, Weld Lites, skinnies on the front. I can just see this 64 1/2 vert taking shape right now. LOL. Uh, don't forget the roll cage.

Rev

agm64 · 10-02-2000, 12:20 AM

Hey, I know. I'm just a purist at heart.

It just don't look right. Kind of like going to a Beach Boys concert with a mohawk and chains.

To each his own.

------------------
Allan Munsie
64 1/2 Convertible
D Code 289
PB, PS, PT, AC

Rev · 10-02-2000, 07:43 PM

agm64, no offense meant. I appreciate original classics. Was just trying to make a joke. Mine is an unvarnished resto-mod, but I really love all 65-66 Mustangs. Maybe not Sonny and Cher's. If you've seen those two, you know what I mean.

Rev

------------------
'66 Coupe, 306, windage
tray, TRW flat tops, 351W
heads,pocket ported, 268
CC hydraulic cam, R tip
R's, Edelbrock Performer,
600 CFM Holley vac. secs.,
Mallory Unilite, coil, fuel
pump, Tri-Y headers, 2 1/2 "
custom pipes, 3 chamber
Flows, stock C-4, 3.25
Currie built 8" rear,
March under drive pulleys,
13.97 e.t., 100.1 mph
1/4 mi.

TCI 2400 stall converter
B&M Trans-pac shift kit
No improvement 1/4 mile

mariew · 10-02-2000, 08:05 PM

Thanks, guys (remember me? the lady with the questions ...) I did find seats, but can't afford to get them just now. For the purists, when I have the $$ for new seats, I will certainly hang onto the originals (and my neck, as well!)

Im still looking for a good mechanic in DC ....

mariew · 10-02-2000, 08:12 PM

... and for agm64, my pony's data plate stats include:

body 76A
date 07G
district 25
plant F
engine D
trans 6

I think it's pretty much stock, except for the CD player!

Rev · 10-02-2000, 09:18 PM

Hey, mariew, we didn't mean to go off on a tangent and ignore the original question. I saw an article in MUSTANGS & FORDS within the last few months about an outfit that did make headrests for early Mustang seats. It may be the same one Red mentioned in Ca. (M Detail). If you'd like, I can probably dig it out. It probably is expensive though. Enjoy that 64 1/2 vert.

Rev

Rev

mariew · 10-02-2000, 10:11 PM

Rev,

Not to worry. Actually, I was rather enjoying all the masculine posturing (smile). I have lots to learn, so I'm happy to just watch and listen.

Marie

Rev · 10-02-2000, 10:31 PM

Marie, there's a new forum "Female Power" that should have some "posturing" of it's own . LOL. I am going to check on that article though. If you're interested in safety related mods for the 64 1/2, you might consider:
1.) power disk brakes (Stainles Steel Brakes Corp., Master Power Brakes, Jim's Mustang (cheaper and where I got mine), and Trans Am Racing for the power booster.
2.) 3 point shoulder strap seat belts (can't remember who makes them).
3.) steel devider partition between trunk area (gas tank) and passenger compartment.
These are areas where early Mustangs are lacking in the safety area by todays standards. My $.02.

Rev

Rev · 10-02-2000, 10:35 PM

Contact your local Mustang club for a recommendation for the mechanic. How about the place that restored the car?

Rev

mariew · 10-02-2000, 10:52 PM

Thanks for the tips, Rev. I had heard something about the need for a "firewall" (see "Pinto"). I doubt that 3-point belts will do much good without headrests. Someone should invent something like the high-backed booster seats my kids had, that you could just sit on and not permanently attach to the car.

As the window crank came off for the fifth time today (I have a "punch list" for the guy who redid it), I recalled seeing on the web that in '65 they switched to allen-head screws rather from the spring clips I have. I was thus reminded that things are changed on newer models to improve or correct flaws in the older ones. Much like my older home, I'm starting to wonder if the charm of age and style will give way to the realities of constant repairs... nah!

Rev · 10-02-2000, 11:05 PM

I hate to tell you this, Marie, but I work on my '66 almost every weekend for some reason or another. But then again, sometimes it's just to make it faster. My wife calls it the "other woman".

Rev

mariew · 10-02-2000, 11:15 PM

At least she knows where you are. Does she help out? My husband used to restore Mustangs before we were married & he had access to a shop etc. I'm looking forward to learning how to fix it myself, as are my sons.

Rev · 10-02-2000, 11:44 PM

Actually, my wife helped only once to any real extent. I made the unfortunate mistake of deciding to do the body work and paint myself. This entailed stripping the car to bare metal. I used chemical paint strip. Needless to say, I was out in the driveway, knee deep in toxic waste, applying the 3 rd strip treatment when she felt sorry for me. She put on her rubber gloves and came out with a "Brillo" pad and helped get the goo off the car. She sometimes helps when it's necessary to bleed the brakes. Never have been able to get those "one-man-bleeder" things to work well. Usually, she just wants to know why so much $$$$ on that car?

Rev

Shaggy · 10-03-2000, 01:00 AM

Marie I know it maybe a little late but the link to where it showed the 94 up seat installed in a first gen mustang FYI the 79 to 93 will bolt to your stock seat tracks as well and look like they belong in the car not like an aftermerket seat like those shown in the picture.

Maxout · 10-03-2000, 03:35 PM

Marie, I installed a pair of '85 GT seats in my '65 and they slipped right in with only a minor adjustment it the track and look like they were made for it. Several years ago I put a set of '71 seats into a '66 with the same results but a little more work to install. Good luck!

09-23-2000, 08:12 AM	#1
mariew Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Washington, DC USA Posts: 6	Headrests & DC mechanic My wonderful husband gave me a restored 1964½ convertible yesterday. My only concern is the lack of headrests -- Does anyone have any suggestions about: (1) whether there are headrests that can be added somehow to the front seats? and (2) does anyone know a good mechanic in the DC area for maintenance? Thanks!

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09-23-2000, 11:57 AM	#2
agm64 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Aurora, IL USA Posts: 13	I'm sure you could find something to do but DON'T DO IT!!!! You will kill the value of the car. Keep it as close to stock as you can. You have a fairly rare Pony there - 1 of about 29,000 built. What is the VIN# and data-plate information? ------------------ Allan Munsie 64 1/2 Convertible D Code 289 PB, PS, PT, AC

09-25-2000, 06:11 PM	#3
red Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Millburn, NJ Posts: 310	Check out this web site http://home.pacifier.com/~dnstoys/seats.htm -JON

09-30-2000, 06:00 PM	#4
agm64 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Aurora, IL USA Posts: 13	Red, I know that this is your job, but coming from a "keep it stock" point of view, that looks like crap! Sorry. ------------------ Allan Munsie 64 1/2 Convertible D Code 289 PB, PS, PT, AC

09-30-2000, 07:08 PM	#5
red Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Millburn, NJ Posts: 310	I didn't suggest fiber-glassing a mail box on the hood. Eight nuts and you could put the original seats back in. No big woop! There is also a place called M Detail in California (909)-686-3929 that makes pony style seats with headrests, not cheap though ~$1500. -JON

09-30-2000, 08:16 PM	#6
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Hey, maybe a snorkel, tub it out with a narrowed 9", 12" MT's, Weld Lites, skinnies on the front. I can just see this 64 1/2 vert taking shape right now. LOL. Uh, don't forget the roll cage. Rev

10-02-2000, 12:20 AM	#7
agm64 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Aurora, IL USA Posts: 13	Hey, I know. I'm just a purist at heart. It just don't look right. Kind of like going to a Beach Boys concert with a mohawk and chains. To each his own. ------------------ Allan Munsie 64 1/2 Convertible D Code 289 PB, PS, PT, AC

10-02-2000, 07:43 PM	#8
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	agm64, no offense meant. I appreciate original classics. Was just trying to make a joke. Mine is an unvarnished resto-mod, but I really love all 65-66 Mustangs. Maybe not Sonny and Cher's. If you've seen those two, you know what I mean. Rev ------------------ '66 Coupe, 306, windage tray, TRW flat tops, 351W heads,pocket ported, 268 CC hydraulic cam, R tip R's, Edelbrock Performer, 600 CFM Holley vac. secs., Mallory Unilite, coil, fuel pump, Tri-Y headers, 2 1/2 " custom pipes, 3 chamber Flows, stock C-4, 3.25 Currie built 8" rear, March under drive pulleys, 13.97 e.t., 100.1 mph 1/4 mi. TCI 2400 stall converter B&M Trans-pac shift kit No improvement 1/4 mile

10-02-2000, 08:05 PM	#9
mariew Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Washington, DC USA Posts: 6	Thanks, guys (remember me? the lady with the questions ...) I did find seats, but can't afford to get them just now. For the purists, when I have the $$ for new seats, I will certainly hang onto the originals (and my neck, as well!) Im still looking for a good mechanic in DC ....

10-02-2000, 08:12 PM	#10
mariew Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Washington, DC USA Posts: 6	... and for agm64, my pony's data plate stats include: body 76A date 07G district 25 plant F engine D trans 6 I think it's pretty much stock, except for the CD player!

10-02-2000, 09:18 PM	#11
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Hey, mariew, we didn't mean to go off on a tangent and ignore the original question. I saw an article in MUSTANGS & FORDS within the last few months about an outfit that did make headrests for early Mustang seats. It may be the same one Red mentioned in Ca. (M Detail). If you'd like, I can probably dig it out. It probably is expensive though. Enjoy that 64 1/2 vert. Rev Rev

10-02-2000, 10:11 PM	#12
mariew Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Washington, DC USA Posts: 6	Rev, Not to worry. Actually, I was rather enjoying all the masculine posturing (smile). I have lots to learn, so I'm happy to just watch and listen. Marie

10-02-2000, 10:31 PM	#13
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Marie, there's a new forum "Female Power" that should have some "posturing" of it's own . LOL. I am going to check on that article though. If you're interested in safety related mods for the 64 1/2, you might consider: 1.) power disk brakes (Stainles Steel Brakes Corp., Master Power Brakes, Jim's Mustang (cheaper and where I got mine), and Trans Am Racing for the power booster. 2.) 3 point shoulder strap seat belts (can't remember who makes them). 3.) steel devider partition between trunk area (gas tank) and passenger compartment. These are areas where early Mustangs are lacking in the safety area by todays standards. My $.02. Rev

10-02-2000, 10:35 PM	#14
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Contact your local Mustang club for a recommendation for the mechanic. How about the place that restored the car? Rev

10-02-2000, 10:52 PM	#15
mariew Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Washington, DC USA Posts: 6	Thanks for the tips, Rev. I had heard something about the need for a "firewall" (see "Pinto"). I doubt that 3-point belts will do much good without headrests. Someone should invent something like the high-backed booster seats my kids had, that you could just sit on and not permanently attach to the car. As the window crank came off for the fifth time today (I have a "punch list" for the guy who redid it), I recalled seeing on the web that in '65 they switched to allen-head screws rather from the spring clips I have. I was thus reminded that things are changed on newer models to improve or correct flaws in the older ones. Much like my older home, I'm starting to wonder if the charm of age and style will give way to the realities of constant repairs... nah!

10-02-2000, 11:05 PM	#16
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	I hate to tell you this, Marie, but I work on my '66 almost every weekend for some reason or another. But then again, sometimes it's just to make it faster. My wife calls it the "other woman". Rev

10-02-2000, 11:15 PM	#17
mariew Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Washington, DC USA Posts: 6	At least she knows where you are. Does she help out? My husband used to restore Mustangs before we were married & he had access to a shop etc. I'm looking forward to learning how to fix it myself, as are my sons.

10-02-2000, 11:44 PM	#18
Rev Registered Member Join Date: Nov 1998 Location: Houston, Tx. Posts: 3,887	Actually, my wife helped only once to any real extent. I made the unfortunate mistake of deciding to do the body work and paint myself. This entailed stripping the car to bare metal. I used chemical paint strip. Needless to say, I was out in the driveway, knee deep in toxic waste, applying the 3 rd strip treatment when she felt sorry for me. She put on her rubber gloves and came out with a "Brillo" pad and helped get the goo off the car. She sometimes helps when it's necessary to bleed the brakes. Never have been able to get those "one-man-bleeder" things to work well. Usually, she just wants to know why so much $$$$ on that car? Rev

10-03-2000, 01:00 AM	#19
Shaggy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Houston,TX Posts: 466	Marie I know it maybe a little late but the link to where it showed the 94 up seat installed in a first gen mustang FYI the 79 to 93 will bolt to your stock seat tracks as well and look like they belong in the car not like an aftermerket seat like those shown in the picture.

10-03-2000, 03:35 PM	#20
Maxout Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Grand Forks ND Posts: 10	Marie, I installed a pair of '85 GT seats in my '65 and they slipped right in with only a minor adjustment it the track and look like they were made for it. Several years ago I put a set of '71 seats into a '66 with the same results but a little more work to install. Good luck!