Just curious, what is different w/ the 74 compared to the others

[mustang2]

When I see pictures of a 74 compared to the others, they look just alike to me. But have been hearing that several parts on the 74 will not interchange with the others. Why?

 

[Eos]

If the 74 has a v8 in it, you have to get like a 75 front clip or something...and the 74 gas cap was below the body line, exception on mine, the quarter panel was switched out. The windsheild wiper switch is on the dash and not the steering colum.

 

[a351Must2]

quickies off the top of the head for '74...

1) Wiper controls are in the dash.
2) fuel filler is below the body line
3) hood is about 2" shorter
4) grill is about 2" deeper
5) upper radiator support has no bend (straight across)
6) front subrame is not "pinched" in the bend where it leaves the body...(without the ping, V8 torque has a tendancy to cause a crack there)
7) early '74s had unique interior trim that's interchangeable with later years, but uses different screw hole locations.
8) seat belt should straps are mounted solidly to the pillars and extract from the rocker panel area.

...there's probably more, but it's been a while since I chopped up my '74.

 

[Eos]

quickies off the top of the head for '74...

1) Wiper controls are in the dash.
2) fuel filler is below the body line
3) hood is about 2" shorter
4) grill is about 2" deeper
5) upper radiator support has no bend (straight across)
6) front subrame is not "pinched" in the bend where it leaves the body...(without the ping, V8 torque has a tendancy to cause a crack there)
7) early '74s had unique interior trim that's interchangeable with later years, but uses different screw hole locations.
8) seat belt should straps are mounted solidly to the pillars and extract from the rocker panel area.

...there's probably more, but it's been a while since I chopped up my '74.

So if the hood is 2 inches shorter, but my car has been modified for the v8, does my car have a later hood? I ask because I want to get a fiberglass hood and the years listed on them is for 75-78.

 

[Mstng2]

possibly but a V-8 can squeeze in a 74 without doing the 75 or later front end. look at the nose piece where it says FORD in front of the hood. If its about 3'-4' wide its a 74, If its only about 1' its a 75-78.

 

[Eos]

possibly but a V-8 can squeeze in a 74 without doing the 75 or later front end. look at the nose piece where it says FORD in front of the hood. If its about 3'-4' wide its a 74, If its only about 1' its a 75-78.

inch and a half over here.

 

[jeffnoel]

Sounds like a 75-78 front clip to me, fastmustangII you should be safe ordering that hood.

 

[cobraii74x]

I have a 74 with a 302 in it. It is a pretty tight fit. My car was a 171ci and still has the stock radiator.. too keep the 302 cool you have to remove the hood latch and mount the radiator outside the core support.. leaving the inside open for :-D and electric fan or something.. i haven't done it yet but at idle after about 5 minutes the car is pretty hot ( also because of the wrong radiator hoses ) but i will eventaully tackle the problem

 

[Eos]

Sounds like a 75-78 front clip to me, fastmustangII you should be safe ordering that hood.

Ok good. I wanted to get a fiberglass hood, so I can get a hoodscoop, without cutting a whole in the original hood. I can probably sell the original when it comes time.

 

[jeffnoel]

Ok good. I wanted to get a fiberglass hood, so I can get a hoodscoop, without cutting a whole in the original hood. I can probably sell the original when it comes time.

I forget which company but one of them will install a scoop (theirs) on their hood for you.

 

[Eos]

I forget which company but one of them will install a scoop (theirs) on their hood for you.

I want a cobra jet scoop, their my favorites.

 

[UnbridledFury]

Early 75's had the wiper control on the dash. Mine is that way. Later 75's changed wiper control location.

 

[75stang302]

what is the deal with the pinched subframe? i never knew about that