Beyond upgrading to disk brakes and 3-point belts, what do you feel would be the best safety upgrade to our stangs?
68fastwilliams
A good, solid suspension is key to safety. It's really not an upgrade, per se, but it is one of the most important things you can do to make your car safe.
Not really an upgrade, but, this is what I rely on for safety going up against all the large PU's and SUV's on the road.
Not to mention the drivers that a) do not pay attention, b) try to beat the yellow, c) tailgate d) talk on the cell phones e) have their heads in the "clouds", f) etc..
James 5:16 - ". . . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. "
Not to mention the drivers that a) do not pay attention, b) try to beat the yellow, c) tailgate d) talk on the cell phones e) have their heads in the "clouds", f) etc..
James 5:16 - ". . . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. "
Revamping the entire suspension is what made me feel safe in my car.
For me ,that was front suspension rebuild, all the old rotted rubber pieces replaced.
New leaf springs in the back.
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If you have a pre-67, I'd say getting rid of the spear thru the chest steering column.
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But I feel fairly secure in the car now, with suspension rebuild, 3 point belts, and disc brakes.
Not as safe I as feel in my Passat, but secure.
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While not safety specific, I could also feel a difference in the car with an export brace and monte carlo bar.
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For me ,that was front suspension rebuild, all the old rotted rubber pieces replaced.
New leaf springs in the back.
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If you have a pre-67, I'd say getting rid of the spear thru the chest steering column.
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But I feel fairly secure in the car now, with suspension rebuild, 3 point belts, and disc brakes.
Not as safe I as feel in my Passat, but secure.
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While not safety specific, I could also feel a difference in the car with an export brace and monte carlo bar.
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All great ideas..highback buckets are also a nice safety upgrade they help prevent whiplash in accidents and are comfy to boot
I firmly believe that these old cars are just not safe --- period --- compared to new cars.
BUT --- adding shoulder belts, making sure the brake system in good shape, making sure the suspension is in good shape and most important defensive driving helps to mitigate safety problems.
No matter what you do you will not get around the lack of engineered crumple zones, lack of ABS, lack of air bags, lack of beams in the doors, gas tank out back, etc. To believe otherwise is to delude yourself.
BUT --- adding shoulder belts, making sure the brake system in good shape, making sure the suspension is in good shape and most important defensive driving helps to mitigate safety problems.
No matter what you do you will not get around the lack of engineered crumple zones, lack of ABS, lack of air bags, lack of beams in the doors, gas tank out back, etc. To believe otherwise is to delude yourself.
Removing the loose nuts from behind the steering wheel. 
Sorry, couldn't resist. I'm building a lot of safety into my fastback--improved suspension, body strengthening with the subframe connectors and export brace, disk brakes, radial tires, and metal cover over the gas tank. If I didn't have racing safety harnesses going in the car, I would have three-point belts.
Sorry, couldn't resist. I'm building a lot of safety into my fastback--improved suspension, body strengthening with the subframe connectors and export brace, disk brakes, radial tires, and metal cover over the gas tank. If I didn't have racing safety harnesses going in the car, I would have three-point belts.
Trade it in on a modern car. These cars are examples of technology that's two (human) generations old. They aren't safe but they're fun to drive. Many good suggestions above, but probably the best idea is to pay attention to the road and DON'T USE YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING. Those damn things are a big time distraction whether they're hands free or not.
68Coupe,
I know what you mean I have to go over to NPD this weekend. It is always a mess over there.
Stay safe!
I know what you mean I have to go over to NPD this weekend. It is always a mess over there.
Stay safe!
I think a Roll bar in general would be an excellent safety upgrade, coupe fastback or convert. Also...some aftermarket seats with a 5 point harness. I know it doesnt sound too comfortable or stylish, but think about it. If you are traveling minumum 45 mph, sometihng hits you, your body wants to MOVE. So geeze, the more restraining the better. thats my 02.
What you end up doing (to get a 68 type shaft in a pre 68 .. is ...
check out flaming river website.
you end up cutting the original "spear" column. You then will join the old (but now but) original column to a 68 style steering box. There is an adapator at flaming river I believe to handle this transition.
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check out flaming river website.
you end up cutting the original "spear" column. You then will join the old (but now but) original column to a 68 style steering box. There is an adapator at flaming river I believe to handle this transition.
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