DIY Network

1965 Mustang Restoration: Front Suspension, Disc Brake Conversion and Tilt Steering From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-502

Steve Magnante disassembles the stock suspension on the '65 Mustang.

In this installment of Classic Car Restoration, host Steve Magnante addresses one aspect of the restoration of a 1965 Mustang Fastback.

For this phase of the project, Mustang restoration expert Jeff Ford joins Steve to convert the 1965 Mustang front suspension and drum brakes to a modern RSS (Revelation Racing Supply) MacPherson strut and disc-brake system. Steve replaces the original steering column with a chrome tilt steering column to allow for easier access to the front seat.

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	The Macpherson strut system

Materials and tools for all projects seen in this episode:

penetrating oil
complete set of wrenches: SAE or metric
complete set of sockets: SAE or metric
coil spring compressor
floor jack
jack stands
small pliers
new brake assembly (disc brake system)
new suspension system
urethane bushings
regular shop tools
grinding tool
digital caliper
painters tape

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, don't rely solely on a jack to support the weight of a vehicle. When using a jack to access or work beneath a vehicle, always use jack stands for support. Make sure that the jack and stands that you use are rated for the weight and type of your vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

Disassemble Original Shocks, Coil Springs and Control Arms

Steve Magnante removes the stock shock absorbers, coil springs and control arms in preparation for the new front suspension system.

	Removing the shock cover
	Removing the coil spring
	Removing the shock

Tools/Materials:

standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
complete set of wrenches: SAE or metric
complete set of sockets: SAE or metric
coil spring compressor
floor jack
jack stands
penetrating oil
small pliers
steering wheel puller
pneumatic cut off wheel

Steps:

To work on the suspension and brakes, you'll need to raise the front of the car with a car jack, or use a lift. If you use a jack and jack, be sure to place jack stands securely under the car.

• Remove the wheels using either hand wrenches or an impact gun. It's always a good idea to spray penetrating oil on old fasteners to loosen them up.

• To remove the shock absorber, loosen and remove the upper shock absorber bolt and the shock mounting bolts.

• The lower shock bolt can be loosened and removed using a hand wrench and the stock shock comes out.

• Don't try to remove this part with a crow bar, because it will come out and could cause injury. Instead, use the right tool which is a coil spring compressor. It takes a little bit of effort but you have to fish the coil compressor down inside of the coil spring. It's a little awkward, but just take your time and be patient. This works best is if you have the fingers on the top and the bottom, as close to the ends of the spring as possible. In that way, when you screw the bolt of the compressor, you have maximum compression on the coil spring.

• You only have to do this one time. With the coil spring in place and ready to go, turn the screw. As you compress the jack, be sure the fingers are not sliding off the coils.
  

  	Detaching the brake hub assembly
  	Disconnecting the the lower control arm

• With the shock removed and the spring compressed, it will easily slide out of the spring perch. Once out, remove the tension on the compressor and set the spring aside.

• Safety Alert: Never leave a compressed spring lying around.
• To remove the drum brakes and hub assembly, disconnect the brake line and separate the steering knuckle from the tie-rod end by removing the cotter pin and castle nut.

  Tip: Turn the castle nut over and thread it back on flush with the top of the rod stud. Then hit it with a hammer and the stud end will separate from the steering knuckle.

• Now you can detach the brake and hub assembly from the upper control arm.

• To remove the hub assembly from the lower control arm, remove the castle nut and pull the hub off of the lower ball joint.

• Disconnect the sway bar end link from the lower control arm and remove the lower control arm, which you can replace.

• Loosen the mounting bolts and remove the upper control arm, which you can also replace.

• Keep track of the front end alignment shims if you are not going to replace the control arms. Failure to do so could result in improper alignment in your vehicle.

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