93 Notchback

[Tonyrodz]

Just bought my 93 Notchback and I'm eager to learn all the ins n' outs of the platform. Ever since I was a kid I've never been a big fan of the foxbodies--except for the Notchbacks. They've always had that "Look" to me. I've always been a fan of the "Sleeper" mode.
I'm from NJ and looking to do a few tasteful and personal mods to it. I've already bought a tilt column to replace the airbag and column in it. Not sure of the exact color, but it's a red on red with a 347 stroker, monster AOD with 3.73's. Picked it up and few months ago from the former owner in Massachusetts. Except for a few hiccups, I'm pleased with my purchase.

 

[89ripper]

Nice ride!

 

[Tonyrodz]

Thanks.

 

[AeroCoupe]

You are going to want to do some searching on swapping the steering column. Not plug and play.

Welcome and start a build thread.

 

[Tonyrodz]

You are going to want to do some searching on swapping the steering column. Bit plug and play.

Welcome and start a build thread.

I read a few things on the swap. So far--Seems I'd be able to use my stock 140 mph cluster. The used column is bought is pretty much stripped, so I planned on just swapping everything over, including my ignition switch. So everything will still be from my 93, except for the column itself. I'm hoping it'll be that easy. I'm still searching for a decent steering wheel.

 

[AeroCoupe]

@Mustang5L5 - care to explain or direct this gentleman to some reading on this?

 

[Mustang5L5]

The actual mechanical part is pretty straightforward. The only plastics you won't be able to use is the column trim around the key. You'll need to grab the 87-89 column trim and dye to match since the all-red interior was 1993 only.

The electrical i'm a bit fuzzy on. 1993 was a pretty unique year with the modern clockspring. Really, the hard part will be sourcing the little bits like the cruise control/horn brush, and brush plate which are hard to find for 87-93 cars. Cruise and horn is 3 wires and it would be a color for color splice into the older connector.

Ignition switch should plug and play. I think you can reuse your multifunction switch, but the 87-89 version is just located in a different spot due to the differences in where the steeting wheels sit. To swap them, i think 2 wires need to be repinned.

It's not a hard job. It's been done before. I don't have the specifics though as i've never done it.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Do you know why the ignition switch plastics won't fit from 93 to 87? I just planned on reusing the 93 parts to the 87 column--or whatever can possibly be reused. Thanks--very helpful information.

 

[85GTStangGuy]

Do you know why the ignition switch plastics won't fit from 93 to 87? I just planned on reusing the 93 parts to the 87 column--or whatever can possibly be reused.

Maybe because of this....

I think you can reuse your multifunction switch, but the 87-89 version is just located in a different spot due to the differences in where the steeting wheels sit.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Ahhh, I missed that. I really need to look at that column i bought--just to compare.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Well the column is completely different between the 87-89 and 90-93 airbag unit. For one, it's shorter. The 87-89 also has to accommodate the tilt lever, the key release, and the trim on the back of the steering wheel which allows it to tilt and remain covered. Also the multifunction switches are clocked slightly differently. The 87-89 trim uses various features on the column to secure, i would imagine the 90-93 column has different features.

They really aren't the same at all.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Well the column is completely different between the 87-89 and 90-93 airbag unit. For one, it's shorter. The 87-89 also has to accommodate the tilt lever, the key release, and the trim on the back of the steering wheel which allows it to tilt and remain covered. Also the multifunction switches are clocked slightly differently. The 87-89 trim uses various features on the column to secure, i would imagine the 90-93 column has different features.

They really aren't the same at all.

I was able buy the plastics for the tilt mechanism. I just need to find a steering wheel with the built in buttons. The main reason I'm converting over is because it's an uncomfortable driving position for me--with fixed column. Has anyone been able to find a pwr seat track to work with the foxbodies? If I understood correctly, foxbodies never came with pwr seat tracks.

 

[Mustang5L5]

They did. 92-93 had a power drivers seat option. Same track as the 94-98 cars.

However to accommodate the power track, ford eliminated the pull out leg extension. That’s why 92-93 cars lost that feature.

 

[Tonyrodz]

So a pwr track from a 94-98 Mustang will work?

 

[Mustang5L5]

It’s the same track, but I’ve never done it so i can’t say 100% that it’s exactly the same in terms of needed trim and electrical stuff.

 

[AeroCoupe]

Also, the instrument panel is flat on the bottom for the tilt column cars and has a “notch” in it for the air bag cars.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Also, the instrument panel is flat on the bottom for the tilt column cars and has a “notch” in it for the air bag cars.

I'd think my cluster would be fine.

 

[Cheapskate207]

It will be. I have a tilt column in my 90.

 

[Cheapskate207]

Nice car!! Welcome to the forum

 

[Tonyrodz]

Nice car!! Welcome to the forum

Thanks. Looking to pick up some knowledge about the foxbodies. I just picked up a set of red buckets with the larger headrests. Gonna clean those up and swap those over.