nycamper65

Hi, I just picked up a really nice 89 LX Convertible 5.0. Its an automatic.

A few things I would like feedback on so I don't have to re-invent the wheel. Any feedback from more experienced owners appreciated!!!

1. The door locks are finicky. They are electric and do not always fully actuate. I am thinking I need to take the door panels off and lube everything maybe even change the lock actuators? The door handle on the passenger side also hard to use. I am thinking maybe due to the fact it is a convertible maybe water intrusion has caused the linkages to be sluggish?

2. The car seems like a dog compared to some of the stick shifts I have driven. What upgrades to tranny and or motor have you guys made?

3. Seatbelts do not retract well.

Thanks for any help, Joe

TRexGAWD

Welcome to MF.. There is lots of info on here, use the search tool for specifics like you have and you'll be sure to turn up a few results..

Five0hFox

1: I'd start with lubing stuff up.
2: Two things here. Automatic and Convertible.
3: I have not seen any fox seatbelts retract well. I believe I've read cleaning the belts off possibly helps.

mjr46

1. new actuators
2. convert it to 5 speed
3. new seat belts

eb2gt

you'll find that the right door actuator has the most problems. You can clean and oil it but buying a new one is just as easy and cheap. The actuator will cause door handle to be stiff if not working properly.

BaltRavens

My 1991's seat belts were junk I think its all seat belts of that era mustang. My 91 was in great shape when I got, it was a little over 100k miles, but inside and out in great shape. Well, besides the belts they both stopped retracting at the time I sold the car. You will probably just have to buy new belts. I would say 3:55s would perk the car up some? possibly 3:73s if you want to go that route. Gears, pulley kit, CAI, full exhaust would probably help open the car up more.

Js88lx

Auto....... Try 3.73 gears and a shift kit!!!

nycamper65

Thanks for the feedback guys.

After doing some research it seems the doors will need new pins and bushings to take the sag out.

I wish the car was a 5 speed. I don't want to go through the trouble changing to a 5 speed, I guess it would be easier to sell it and buy a 5 speed if I can't get a hot rod out of an automatic.

A lot of people are saying that I need to change the gears. I am leaning towards a 3.73 set but with the wide spacing of the auto tranny even a 4.10 might make sense?

Js88lx

Yes 4.10's IF you where constantly racing it, 3.73 are a good all around gear i'd say. I use to have a AOD with a 3200 stall, transgo shiftkit, and a BIG rv tranny fluid cooler, and 3.73's and minor bolt-ons., let me tell you that to this date that was one of my fastest stangs., it would chew and spit out 5speeds all day, not to mention that it was very consistant. Give it a shot but wont be as fun as a 5spd ill admit!!

ruskiegunlover

Man, I have a bone stock 91 vert thats 5.0 and AOD, and I don't feel its a slouch. OFF THE LINE its not lightning fast, but man, from a rolling start when it kicks into 1st it is plenty fast enough for me. Today on the way home from work at about 30 I hit it hard and it was almost scary......

Oh, I decided also to keep it, as I love it too much.