1969 Mustang coupe

[quickGT]

Hey guys Ive been on here for a while but only posted on the 5.0 threads cause Ive always owned fox bodys for the past 6 years. Now I have a 69 Mustang Coupe that my father and I are building. Heres the rundown. 351W 3 speed standard tranny and 9 inch rear. This thing is geared higher than the heavens. Ive noticed some of you guys bolt up T5s or Tremecs in these older Stangs. Are there any issues with shifting problems cause the shifter in the 69s are pretty far forward towards the heat/A/C controls. Are aftermarket shifters usuable? Also my leaf susp has lost its hold. Any good place to get them re tensioned or a place to buy sone at a descent price? And last for now where to look for prone rusting spots on these years? And approx. how much does this car wiegh?

Thanks
Dale

 

[MitchGT]

the Tremecs shifter comes up in the exact same place as a four speed. The t-5 comes up a little more forward and alittle farther right (which means you have to cut the floor, and the shifter is further away). My tremec fits a little tight in my 68, and I made a spacer to angle the shifter back about two inches. I could reach it before, but fifth gear was a bit far. Now it's much easier.
I think your car probably weighs about 3300 pound with a 351. An aluminum manifold and heads would take off about 70 pounds or more. Don't get springs retensioned. Springs are only a few hundred dollars, and you won't have to do all the labor again for many years. You can get good after market ones that will lower your car and also prevent axle hop, all in one part (instead of buying several other parts to add on seperately to do the same job).

 

[quickGT]

Thanks for your help Mitch. I guess Ill get new springs. Any idea about where these cars are prone to rust?