Dude, I drove my 'Bird there a few years ago in a blinding snowstorm...trust me, it'll make it. It's only 2.5 hours (140 miles) away. We've fit a rear end (the longer 1999+ Mustang width) in the back of an SN95 'Stang before. And money.....sheeit man, $3 to park and $5 to get in. It's the experience!
Bri, I'm going down there with a friend (Shawn) on Friday and we're staying at his friend's place outside of Columbus. So if you're going, it will be without me. Sorry! But let me know if you are going (call) so we can meet up.
Would highly recommend the Ford Racing a/c delete kit (M-8511-A50). Basically it's got a 1985 part number and was original equipment on Mustangs without a/c; Ford just put the parts into their own FRPP kit. Since it's a Ford part it simply bolts on, and you move your power steering pump up. Bad news is, you can hear that pump more when it's higher. Otherwise it's a straightforward swap and fits perfectly. You'll need a shorter belt as well.
Sure, send away. As a veteran of several oil pan/pump change incidents, I can tell you it's about the worst job you'll ever do on these cars, short of tearing apart an AOD. But really it's not excruciatingly painful either. Just be patient. At least getting to it and taking it out is cut and dried. BTW, if you're totally removing the pan then take out the radiator first. Once the engine is cranked all the way up, the pan needs to come out the front, over the K-member, if you have an AOD (it comes out the back with a T-5). You'll have just enough clearance to get the pan out with the radiator removed (you don't have to worry about the a/c condenser).
They shouldn't have to hang down at all. There's actually plenty of room to move lers forward, and allow for a 90 degree side exit. That's how the convertible is done. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
I'm in communication with that guy...it's legit. The top assembly for my car is pretty much all from a Buick Riviera. Virtually any Riv top will fit the frame, so I'm told. He's had that on eBay for a few months now, and I actually referred 2 convertible owners over to him if they needed a top. Love to pick up a spare just to have laying around...unfortunately that costs money.