My Dad's 65 Fastback, modern drivetrain

[roogie]

This is my Dad's 65 2+2, has a Ford Racing 302 crate motor in front of a 5 speed T-5. He bought it like this a few years ago, the next on the list is to upgrade the all drum brakes to discs.



















Here I am after the first time I drove it (it is kinda scary stopping though!)



roog

[gman]

Nice 65. Looks like you're having fun. What is it do you find scary about the brakes? I have an all stock 65 2+2 and don't mind the brakes. I rebuilt the master and the wheel cylinders had the drums cleaned up and put in a better set of shoes. I can't say it stops like a new high pro car but it stops as well if not better than are 03 full size van. I know the motor and trany are already moded it's not like you're taking apart an untouched gem. I'm just not sure sometimes when we change things if we're really gaining anything. Years back I helped a guy just add disc's to the front on a budget and remember thinking it braked better before we messed with it. I know since then parts and knowledge has improved but by how much?

[roogie]

Originally Posted by gman

Nice 65. Looks like you're having fun. What is it do you find scary about the brakes?

Just the imbalance of the power that makes it go and the lack of power to make it stop. It feels really imbalanced.

I never had an issue when I had my 65 hardtop (200ci) but it never moved like my Dad's 2+2 does. Add on top of that he lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro and the need arises much quicker.

I'm used to driving defensively and planning ahead since I drive an 80,000 pound FedEx truck at work, but the Mustang just needs more on the braking side.

Heard good things about Wilwoods, I think that's what he's been looking at.

roog

[Gazza51]

Lovely car Roogie

I changed to front discs on my '65, couldn't cope with the one big thigh lol

[TheDude]

Front discs are a common upgrade. Most people leave the rear drum brakes because rear discs tend to be overkill.

[Z06killinsbf]

Sounds like some solid upgrades. What color is that? Looks great

[65since88]

Agreed nice color. Beautiful car.

[fastback ian]

Really liking your beautiful fastback

[gjz30075]

I think you find the brakes scary because they're not power. Every car today has power brakes, which means much of the effort is the vacuum working on the booster; very little effort is on part of the driver. Upgrading to 4w disks won't help that.

Without power assist, you actually have to PUSH the pedal, assuming all is adjusted correctly with the right parts installed.

If they're currently power assisted, then something is really wrong.

[roogie]

My 65 notchback (200ci) had manual 4 wheel drums. I was 15 when I got it, so more than likely I never noticed. Now with a coupla kids and Mommy with me (and nearly 2 million miles driving professionally) I think I'm more in tune to notice such issues.

The color is Twilight Turquoise.

Thanks,

roog

[Caper50]

That is one beautiful looking ride!! I love that color.

[Big Perm]

Beautiful car! Hard to beat the look of a 65/66 2+2 with styled steel wheels. And somebody has some time in that paint job, that's for sure.

[tt400]

Upgraded mine to 13" and no problems now. Really wasnt that hard of a project to do.

[Pynikal]

that color is amazing.

[Pmustang]

Color is fantastic

I have 4 wheel disk brakes, non power and they are a handful without a booster. I'd say they feel like drums with the effort required.

Peter