FIX MY FOX
by Matt Highley, Fox Mustang Restoration
Have a question about your Fox Mustang?
Ask our expert, Matt Highley, of Fox Mustang Restoration. Send your question, and a pic if possible, to
[email protected]. Put “Fix My Fox” in the subject line.
MAKE IT GLOW
Let me start off by saying I am not a mechanic. I installed a brandnew A/C system in my Mustang. Since then, I’ve had to refill it four
times in two months. I replaced everything, including the evaporator
under the dash and all of the hoses. What would you suggest I do next?
Zane Gregor
Minneapolis, MN
A
You don’t have to be a mechanic to repair an A/C system, but you do need to know
the proper methods. The first things to suspect are the O-rings. When you install new
A/C O-rings, they need to be lubed. If they’re not, they will leak. All of the manuals
say to used some A/C oil. I never used that method because the oil is very thin. My
suggestion is Dielectric grease. I’ve been using it for years and never had a leak.
Next, check for a defective part. When you install a new system, make sure you get
the A/C oil with the dye already in it. When the dye leaks out, it will glow a greenish
yellow color in a black light.
SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL
My car’s hatch drives me crazy. It makes all
kinds of rattling noise going down the road. The
hatch is almost impossible to shut, and I can’t
find a new latch part anywhere. I’m thinking of
selling it and buying a coupe.
Brian Little
Vancleave, MS
94 FOXMustangMagazine.com
A
Well, you can never go wrong with a coupe, but I think we can fix
your problem. There are three possibilities. The first, and easiest, is the
latch striker bushing. Check to make sure the bushing around the striker
bolt is not missing. Wrapping it in tape or cutting a piece of PVC pipe
doesn’t work. It needs to be the right diameter to not rattle.
Next, check the hinges up by the roof. The pivot pin wears out and
causes them to be sloppy.
The last option is that the welds holding the hatch together are starting
to break, either from an accident, rust, or too much flex in the body.