quote:Originally posted by PanteraWanabe:
Thank you Doug and Boss for answering my questions. I am glad you didn't take it the wrong way. Good to know that I can install drop pans without damaging the integrity of the structure. I have taken my old girl down the quarter with a helmet on and I was wishing for drop pans right there. I just couldn't get my clutch to throttle working right with my body three quarters under the dash!
The dropped pan on the driver's side is almost required because of this issue. It certainly was included in the cars that were made after the US versions were completed.
Where the crossover is I don't know?
It may simply have happened after the 150 or so cars that were left unfinished when Ford cancelled the program and were left at Vignale, and Detomaso used those chassis up?
Ford owned Vignale at that point and just chose to shut the place down completely.
Detomaso had to find someone else to build the "coaches".
I have found that spacing the pedal plate out helps tremendoulsly also for the knee issue.
The combination of the lowered pans, 2", and spacing the plate out 1-1/2" changes the entire nature of the cabin.
I also reduced the intrusion of the engine bubble to the point that the passenger seat goes all the way back.
You can now use virtually any seats in the car.
Lots of advantages to lowering the pans with few if any disadvantages.
It will likely "look ugly" under the car but I don't think the mice will care? Occasionally I have a minor concern over it but rarely show anyone my bottom.