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Hello, core supports for '86 vs '90-3, i need some answers if anyone knows

  • Thread starter Thread starter Pony Dr.Mike
  • Start date Start date Mar 14, 2026
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Pony Dr.Mike

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I am working on a '86 GT Hatch. Im putting new frame rails(right and left) new aprons, and new core support. Most of the stuff was bought from LMR, which ive been pretty happy with the quality, but the core support dosent have all the structure. Its lil more than just an outer skin. I haven't been able to find a complete '86 support, but I can find a '90-3 complete support. From the pics it looks like the main differences is the '90-3 dosent have the bumper shocks, the impact bar mounts solid to the support, wich i think I like that better, the main question im wondering, is if I use the '90-3 core support, will I have any problems getting the "86GT bumper cover headlamps, and fog lamps to mount?
 

Noobz347

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Have you seen this one?

This is for 83-89:

https://lmr.com/item/LRS-16138D/83-89-Mustang-Radiator-Core-Support
 
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Pony Dr.Mike

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Noobz347 said:
Have you seen this one?

This is for 83-89:

https://lmr.com/item/LRS-16138D/83-89-Mustang-Radiator-Core-Support
Click to expand...
Yes, that is what i have, its not a complete core support, look where it attaches to the frame rails, its just flat, behind the head lamp area there is no structure
 

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Pony Dr.Mike

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Pony Dr.Mike said:
Yes, that is what i have, its not a complete core support, look where it attaches to the frame rails, its just flat, behind the head lamp area there is no structure
Click to expand...
That LMR support is like just slightly more than the front skin of the core support, it looks like Jeggs has one for '90-3 that's a complete core supporting
 

Noobz347

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Hmmm... I'm not certain that I know the answer but @95steedamustang builds these from the ground up. He may have some ideas.
 
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Pony Dr.Mike

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Noobz347 said:
Hmmm... I'm not certain that I know the answer but @95steedamustang builds these from the ground up. He may have some ideas.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your input, I appreciate it. I've studied both the supports and all I can see differant is how the impact bar mounts, it looks like I might have to make some holes in the new mounts for the old bar to mount, and that's not a big deal so I went ahead and orderd the '90-3 support and figured worst case I can canniablize stuff and make it work lol
 
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Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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Jan 4, 1985
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Mar 14, 2026
#7
  • Mar 14, 2026
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Check back for some replies though.

Also: Would this help?
https://lmr.com/item/SVE-7993TRS/mustang-tubular-radiator-support-79-93
 

95steedamustang

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Noobz347 said:
Hmmm... I'm not certain that I know the answer but @95steedamustang builds these from the ground up. He may have some ideas.
Click to expand...
90-93 has bumper horns. Pre has bumper shocks. Just need to drill out spot welds on the horns and remove them and then use the shocks off the pre and then everything will work with an 86
 
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