The Vintage Mod E

The Vintage Mod E-letter

Volume III, September 2002

MIB, Meet Lone Star

We like to introduce you to our latest restomod project. This rust free 1970 Mustang convertible is slated for a full round of upgrades, including an independent rear suspension, front mac strut conversion and unlike the MIB car, will take a more conventional but heavier breathing 387 Windsor stroker motor under the hood.

Our first project was to install the IRS in the car. Our goal as this project unfolds is to test each system individually and report the findings in Mustang and Fords Magazine . The convertible allows us to have a test bed to make upgrades to the systems we're designing to resell.

The first trial of the IRS system proved one thing - that 302 two barrels don't have much oomph to get the big ZR rated tires moving. What we did find out was when we hit bumps, it didn't ride like a buckboard and as hard as we tried we couldn't get the rear end to misbehave before the front gave out. We can't wait until this bad boy is done!

IRS Update

Delivery of the systems is now looking like 30-45 days out. We weren't happy with the way the lower shock mounts worked so we re-designed them.

We also need to note that the 'economy' shock setup we were hoping to use didn't materialize. They would have bottomed out so we are sticking with the top dog - the adjustable Koni coil over shocks.

We also now have solutions for the driveshaft. It should be noted that it is possible to adapt your existing small block style driveshaft to the IRS unit, and we will make available parts to do this. HOWEVER, we highly recommend that you upgrade to a performance style one piece driveshaft. We have a local shop that can provide one for you or we can sell you the parts to have one made. Regardless, we recommend that you have the driveshaft rebalanced before installation.

We are making available a kit to adapt your new IRS unit to your existing braking system. The kit includes adapters, hard lines and a proportioning valve. We're going to confirm that this will work universally for all cars 67-70 then post it for sale.

It's looking like we'll be able to sell ready to go IRS units as well. We're looking at three different options as of right now:

1. Used setups bought online and from other sources. This is running around $1500-2000 depending on market and miles, etc. These units are sold without a warranty - as is.

2. New Units from Ford. These units are brand new - 0 miles. They do NOT come with a warranty from Ford, since Ford does not know what vehicle they are being installed in. We're looking into ways to warrant these ourselves.

3. Refurbished units. These will run about the same price as the new Ford units, but we're hoping to put a warranty on the workmanship. We will also be able to provide options like brake upgrades, axle ratio and aftermarket items like tie rods and custom IRS bars to reduce center flex.

Up to the minute updates on pricing and availability or the kits can be found here. Check in frequently, as we will update this site as we get new information.

Looking for 69-70 Owners

We're interested in finding an owner of a 69-70 Mustang who's looking to upgrade to a modular engine and wants to retain the original suspension. We want to begin marketing our shock tower kits but we want to make sure they will work with 69-70 platform. We're offering a discounted installation to someone who's interested. If interested send us some e-mail!

Mustang and Fords Sneak Peek

Here's a quick shot of what's coming up in Mustang and Fords magazine. We're having some fun with the MIB car. What appears to be a stock shifter knob with a five speed pattern has a little secret behind it. Anyone interested in a concealed Nitrous switch? e-mail us!

DVS Restorations, Inc.

11 Meahme Trail, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933

(765) 361-1822 www.dvsrestorations.com