Hood latch support rod?

[90sickfox]

They added it to keep the condenser from falling out in the event of a front end collision. That's what its there for. FORD knew about the issue but decided to save a couple pennies and keep the mustang affordable....until the govt. found out. The new crash tests for the airbag system brought this condenser falling out issue up again...and they couldn't hide it anymore. Here comes the addition of that bar alongside the airbag addition.

I have no idea what I'm talking about....that statement was completely made up but sounds plausible to me.

 

[HemiRick]

I have a orig 91 GT w AC no rod.

 

[Shakerhood]

I will check my 92 tomorrow when l go to the garage.

 

[kiddiccarus]

my 93 lx did have factory A/C

 

[Steel1]

My 93 GT is an original A/C car (not currently installed) no mystery rod.

 

[General karthief]

There is an assembly line worker with thousands of those rods hidden in a shed someplace. #grievancetheft
The same person that dropped random nuts/bolts into quarter panel crevices causing many new car owners to return time after time to the dealership because of 'mysterious rattle' driving service writers and mechanics to commit suicide or go to work at BMW.

 

[KRUISR]

My 90GT has the rod. Can't see whole rod here, but the top of rod and hold down bolt is visible

 

[Mstng93SSP]

My 93 doesn't have it, factory AC 5.0 AOD car.

 

[Shakerhood]

Checked today, my 92 has Factory AC but no mystery support rod.

 

[kiddiccarus]

1994-2004 Ford Mustang Hood Latch Support Mounting Brace Bracket F4ZZ-16707-A 3R3Z-16C794-AA​

https://www.npdlink.com/product/reinforcement-hood-lock-support-f4zz-16c764-a-3r3z-16c794-aa/200638/160429

 

[Dan02gt]

'91 LX manual, factory A/C, no rod.
Could it be a 4 cylinder or vert only thing?

 

[General karthief]

I think it is just a random, some got it, some didn't assembly line thing.
@FoxChasis may have some insight into the randomness of this mysterious part.

 

[Mustang5L5]

1994-2004 Ford Mustang Hood Latch Support Mounting Brace Bracket F4ZZ-16707-A 3R3Z-16C794-AA​

https://www.npdlink.com/product/reinforcement-hood-lock-support-f4zz-16c764-a-3r3z-16c794-aa/200638/160429

not the same bracket, but that confirms it’s intended purpose.

strange part about it is the logic to which Ford installed it.

 

[kiddiccarus]

Logic? Ford?

 

[Alley Oop]

My /90 vert (7 up) did not have one. It did not have AC.

 

[FoxChasis]

I have no idea what it;s for. First I have ever seen or heard of it.

 

[Boostedpimp]

Ive had various foxes over the years not one ever had that bar and my current 91 and 93 do not have it either

 

[kendawg73]

my '90 has it... Factory AC, 5sp Hatch GT

 

[kiddiccarus]

I find these all the time at the pull a part, so anyone who wants one and has a pull a part close..... grab 3 10mm sockets, you'll probably lose 2

 

[Mustang5L5]

I'll bet it was added support for the hood latch.

Well, couple years later, looks like this is the case.

Assembling my car without front bumper. I was adjusting the hood catch. I did add the support bar, and you can clearly see it’s right where the safety catch is. It’s reinforcing that catch.

Weird how some cars have them and some don’t. But I was able to easily add it to my ‘88. Mounting mounts were existing but I had to supply the speed clips and bolts