MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums - View Single Post - Are there any drawbacks to owning/ building up a vert' over a hatchback or notch

Mr 5 0 · 07-17-2002, 02:03 PM

The Mustang GT/LX convertible weighs about 200 pounds more than a hatchback, more or less.

The convertible is made from a notch (sedan) with the roof cut off so it's structually weaker than a hatch or sedan.

You need some subframe connecters and bracing to tighten it up, which, unfortunately, adds even more weight.

Other than being vulnerable to theft and vandalism due to the soft top, the Mustang convert is fine, it's just heavier - but only by a few hundred pounds - which is not insurmountable. You just have to work harder to get the proformance you want out of it., like a 4.10 rear instead of a 3.73, stuff like that.

For serious power, a rollbar of some type may be indicated, depending on your mods. Flipping over with no top and no rollbar could easily be fatal.

I can't see a ragtop as a full-out serious racer but as a street car that hauls, it's fine.

It can be done.

07-17-2002, 02:03 PM	#3
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Convertibles The Mustang GT/LX convertible weighs about 200 pounds more than a hatchback, more or less. The convertible is made from a notch (sedan) with the roof cut off so it's structually weaker than a hatch or sedan. You need some subframe connecters and bracing to tighten it up, which, unfortunately, adds even more weight. Other than being vulnerable to theft and vandalism due to the soft top, the Mustang convert is fine, it's just heavier - but only by a few hundred pounds - which is not insurmountable. You just have to work harder to get the proformance you want out of it., like a 4.10 rear instead of a 3.73, stuff like that. For serious power, a rollbar of some type may be indicated, depending on your mods. Flipping over with no top and no rollbar could easily be fatal. I can't see a ragtop as a full-out serious racer but as a street car that hauls, it's fine. It can be done.