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1965 Mustang Restoration: Chassis and Handling Upgrade Modern chassis upgrades on the '65 Mustang will enhance the driving experience, contributing to that sensation of "feeling the road." From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-504

Steve Magnante continues the restoration and performance upgrades on the '65 Mustang, installing bolt-in sub-frame connectors, which improve handling and reduce flex. These are important for "uni-body" cars with performance engine upgrades and added horsepower, like our Mustang. Then he installs a sway bar, also called an anti-sway bar or anti-roll bar, to match our front sway bar upgrade. The sway bar improves handling by reducing body roll.

The basic steps in this procedure, as seen in this episode of DIY's Classic Car Restoration, are summarized below.

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Tools and materials used in the chassis upgrades:

sub frame connectors
silicon lubricant
rubber bushings
sway bar
floor jacks
regular shop tools
full set of wrenches/sockets

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.

	The sub-frame connector reduces "flex" and improves handling performance on uni-body cars like the vintage Mustang.
	Steve prepares to install the sub-frame connector.

Installing Sub-frame Connectors

• Before installing the sub frame connectors, take the stock exhaust system out of place. After loosening and removing the exhaust bracket bolts, lower and remove the exhaust pipes. (These will be replaced later on.) This will allow great access to the chassis.

• Next, to support the rear axle, remove the front spring-eyed bolt.

• The rear of the sub-frame connector attaches to the frame member using the front leaf spring bolt, which is removed.

• The sub-frame connector goes into place, and the bolt is re-installed. It may take a little force to get the bolt in, through the frame member and the leaf spring shackle.

• With the bolt on, the nut is reinstalled and the fastener is torque-tightened down.

• The front of the bar is raised up into position, and the bolt holes are drilled out on both sides of the frame member.

• The bolts go in next, along with the washers and nuts. The fasteners are tightened down according to the product specifications.

• The rear of the sub-frame connector is also supported to the frame using a self-tapping bolt.

• Tip: Always use a drill bit smaller than the screw itself, so it has some metal to bite into in the chassis of the car.

• The screw goes in and is tightened down to secure the bar to the frame member.

Installing Rear Sway Bar

• To install the sway bar, start by installing the U-bolt and lower bracket plate around the axle.

• Apply lubricant (silicon-based) to the rubber bushings.

• The bushing fits around the sway bar tube the middle bracket plate slips over the u-bolt and the top bracket plate is installed over the sway bar.

• Adjust the sway bar and mounting bracket to the approximate position along the axle and over the differential and install the top plate over the bracket u-bolt.

• Add the washers and nuts to the U-bolt studs and tighten those down to snug for now, so the bar can still be adjusted. Do the same on the other side.

• It's important to make sure the brackets for the rear anti-roll bar is centered on the axle.

• Before attaching the sway bar arms to the frame, use floor jacks to raise the axle and relieve the tension on the rear suspension.

• Load the sway bar end link with the mounting bracket, bushings and washers according to product instructions.

• With the sway bar loaded, raise the arm to the frame member.

• Mark the bracket and u-bolt locations and drill the holes in the frame.

• The U-bolt is installed through the frame holes and fits perfectly.

• The end link bracket is connected to the u-bolt and the bolt is secured with nylon locking nuts.

• With everything fitting well, tighten the end link fastener and then go back around and tighten everything down.
  
  
  

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  RELATED PROJECTS: 1965 Mustang Restoration: Introduction and Initial Assessment 1965 Mustang Restoration: Mustang History and Resources 1965 Mustang Restoration: Body Disassembly and Prep 1965 Mustang Restoration: Dual Brake Master-Cylinder Upgrade 1965 Mustang Restoration: Front Suspension, Disc Brake Conversion and Tilt Steering 1965 Mustang Restoration: Engine Performance Upgrades

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	1965 Mustang Restoration: Wiring Harness Upgrade
  	1965 Mustang Restoration: Rear Disc Brake Conversion
  	1965 Mustang Restoration: Chassis and Handling Upgrade