Topic: 67 Big block shock tower reinforcement question

[wsu0702]

Does anyone know when the S code '67 Mustangs and Cougars first started being built with the shock tower reinforcement plates?  I have always heard that it was sometime after the start of '67 model year production.   I am just wondering how many legit big block cars are out there that weren't built with these  reinforcements.

[J_Speegle]

Does anyone know when the S code '67 Mustangs and Cougars first started being built with the shock tower reinforcement plates?  I have always heard that it was sometime after the start of '67 model year production.   I am just wondering how many legit big block cars are out there that weren't built with these  reinforcements.

Don't recall ever seeing or owning a 67 S code Mustang or Cougar with those extra reinforcement plates

[Bob Gaines]

Don't recall ever seeing or owning a 67 S code Mustang or Cougar with those extra reinforcement plates

+1 . Even 67 Shelby for that matter.

[J_Speegle]

Went through my pictures and can offer the following. These are just the latest built cars I have - all from July or August 67

Dearborn Cougar and Mustang







NJ




San Jose  - Not a great picture but the engine is in the car. Other pictures of the car are in a thread and I have spent a number of hours with the car and no added support there. Just used it since it was the latest built car that was handy




If your shows a 67 I think someone wanted to repair or reduce the chance of cracking, as they often did (like the first picture above)  and someone added either the whole shock tower from another car or just the plates. Have seen this done

Did also notice that in your picture there are some additional welds that were not typically done on 68's with the plates -  further suggesting IMHO someone has been in there playing around

[Bob Gaines]

Does anyone know when the S code '67 Mustangs and Cougars first started being built with the shock tower reinforcement plates?  I have always heard that it was sometime after the start of '67 model year production.   I am just wondering how many legit big block cars are out there that weren't built with these  reinforcements.

Also the added stitch welding that the factory did not typically do on wrap arounds (along top of reinforcement in picture) indicates a owner added aspect.

[wsu0702]

Ok Thanks.  I asked this question on another forum and someone said that these wrap around plates weren't used at all until the 428CJ was launched in spring of '68 and then also used on S code mustangs from that time forward.  Is this true?  I have always heard that the presence of these plates were a good indication that a car was a real big block car 67-70.

[J_Speegle]

..........I asked this question on another forum and someone said that these wrap around plates weren't used at all until the 428CJ was launched in spring of '68 and then also used on S code mustangs from that time forward. 

Think I've got the change over date down to a day or two at least at San Jose but in general yes that would be IMHO a true statement of how Ford wanted those cars built

I have always heard that the presence of these plates were a good indication that a car was a real big block car 67-70.

Well as has been shown - no since you included 67 and all of 68

Also would have to include the X code Mustangs the way you worded that statement which doesn't prove out either

On Cougars all were suppose to receive the additional supports starting in 69 so no because of that also plus there are plenty of examples were mistakes were made and non big block Mustangs got one or two of these shock towers from time to time though this would not be normal or what Ford wanted

As a side note the picture you posted would not reflect the shape of one of the "wrap around" plates installed during 68 production

[Bossbill]

Perhaps the OP has the plate reinforcement confused with the additional shock tower stitch welding (aka reinforcement) done on 67 S codes, all 67 Shelbys and 68 S and R codes:
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=5080.0

[J_Speegle]

Perhaps the OP has the plate reinforcement confused with the additional shock tower stitch welding (aka reinforcement) done on 67 S codes, all 67 Shelbys and 68 S and R codes:

Think the OP understood what he was asking since he included a picture. The stitch, full or tack welding wasn't done on R codes in 68 since they didn't have those smaller inner plates - neither would the later S codes. The new design/reinforcement eliminated the need for that. The extra hand welding was done on some J codes also in 68

67's with modified front shock towers would also include most K code Mustangs also. There is always one odd ball 

[67gt390fb]

the 67 shock tower reinforcements were added on the new dynacorn bodies, which is what is pictured in OP's post

[Bob Gaines]

the 67 shock tower reinforcements were added on the new dynacorn bodies, which is what is pictured in OP's post

Well that explains the non factory looking stitch welding .

[1967 eight barrel]

I think we covered this a while back. My 67 Shelby had some horrid stitch welding around the tower plates. I actually welded them on both sides so it was welded completely through then cleaned them up.  I wasn't aware that the stitch welding was done at SA.

                                                                                                                             Keith

[J_Speegle]

I think we covered this a while back. My 67 Shelby had some horrid stitch welding around the tower plates. I actually welded them on both sides so it was welded completely through then cleaned them up.  I wasn't aware that the stitch welding was done at SA.

Wasn't - that was a Ford thing/practice

[1967 eight barrel]

Shock tower weld

[1967 eight barrel]

Wasn't - that was a Ford thing/practice

Jeff, I remember we were posting pictures. Bob got involved with the conversation. It may have been SJ Ford production, but It looks like a monkey did it with an arc welder. I think that was much of the focus and how bad they were. My vehicle was built by Ford 11/66. I can only hope the quality improved.

                                                                                                                -Keith