th577

I purchased new a 2006 pony convert. I had it into the shop today and was shown two cross braces that run from mid-car, rear past the differential. They are rectangular. One of them is almost rusted through! The other is showing signs of rust through. Has anyone come across this? Is Ford saying anything? I remember a few years back the Windstar's started breaking in half due to rust.

steel pony

All 05-09 (possibly 10+ as well) verts have those cross members. They are only there for extra support of the convertible mechanics, weight, etc.
Only made of steel and prob not treated, other than paint.
It's not that big of a deal really and you should have no prob finding replacements pretty cheap.

As far as the whole Windstar thingy, that was with the axle snapping due to rust out, IIRC

157dB

Vert bracing.
Get it replaced and treat the new ones to prevent rust.
I can only imagine what else under there is almost rusted thru...
Do you live in a state where they use a lot of salt during the winter months?
Ever wash the salt off the undercarrage after the snow storm is gone?

th577

To: 157db,
I live near Chicago and use a self spray car wash all the time. I make sure I spray under the car all the time during the winter.

Nuke

Spraying, even high pressure, only removes a portion of the salt and may also be MORE damaging since it tends to force remaining salt tighter into crevices while also adding mositure to those crevices. Doesn't that give you peace-of-mind?

157dB

Yep, its the location and the use of salt that sorks.
Time for a winter beater to drive during the salty months...

Rudolph Hucker

mine is a 2007 pony vert...piccy from underneath mine


just finished cleaning and oiling underneath mine though

157dB

Yea, my 07 is pristeen clean...

Goldenpony

I have exactly the same situation as the OP with an '06 GT 'vert. Courtesy of Steel Pony I found the part with Discount Ford Parts, $140. They don't list a left and right, so I have to assume the same one is used in both locations. I'll have to look at mine again and see if both need replacing. The pass. side is much worse than the drivers side. I might be able to remove the drivers side, clean it up and re-paint. The pass. side will have to be replaced.

Goldenpony

Well, what I thought was a $140 part is actually a $500 part. It is part # 102B54. This is really insane . #500 for a 40" piece of square tube, a little bend in one end and a couple of bolt holes in each end? Thanks for nothing Ford. I guess I will look for one a pair in a salvage yard, or try to fix mine. I'd really like to hear justification for this price.