I am putting a Mustang II suspension in my Customline. Anyone else ever done this? I have removed all the fenders and firewall, and just got the motor out. I think I'm in for some creative cutting and welding as the subframe is rounded at the shock towers. I am restoring the whole car and making it as modern as possible. Keeping the exterior as original as I can. The car if for my wife so I need modern brakes and steering. This weekeng I will begin removing the old front end I have pictures which I will post. I am also letting my 13y/o help...getting him started early.Wish my pops liked cars, instead of beer...LOL
Putting a Mustang II front in a '55 is a LOT of work. Did you buy a front stub from a vendor? The stock front end is a very good suspension piece and power steering/disc brakes can be added pretty easily. It would be a lot easier than cutting and welding your frame. I just did it to a '54 and if you want I can send you the part list and brief instructions. It's really simple if you can find a '78-'80 Granada or a '72-'76 Maverick donor car with power steering and disc brakes. Bottom line though, build it to suit your needs and for your enjoyment.
Nite Owl is speaking volumes here. Why go through all that ripping apart, welding and fabbing when you've got a perfectly good A-arm front end to work with? Updating it like Nite Owl suggests, along with some good gas shocks and radials, will work wonders on the driveability and ride. The wife will love it.
first off it's your's build it your own way. now that being said , i have to beleive it would make for a stiffer ride with those short control arms . and there is no way in this world i would use strutless or strut rod eliminator lower control arm kits . yes they look cool for trailer queen show cars . but not for drivers . the main bolt is not heavy enough to do the job like there trying to do with it . theres been sevel problems on several forums. talking about the bolt failing . i just done disk brakes on mine using torino spindles not done ps yet .
I'm in complete agreement with the other guys. A lot of work when it could be done just as good for a lot less work.
I sent Him a pm and found out that He has replaced the shoes and all wheel cylinders with new parts,what a lot of people don't know but back in '54 & 55 Ford had one of the shortest stopping distances of all new cars of that era.From 1954-59 the front shoes were also used in 64-69 Mustang V8's including big blocks,the rears were used in 61-67 F-100 trucks that is a lot of contact area! I advised Him to add the Power brake and dual master and mounting bracket that is available for $175 off ebay,no doubt it will stop on a dime and give back change.
i used the power booster kit from toms off ebay on mine . nice kit fit perfectly , easy to install with no modifications other then new brake lines . i have to contact tom and see about a replacement booster , mine dont work . i also done something ive not seen talked about on here i need to take pics of and show how i done it . i used a brake switch on my pedal not fluid style . im not a fan of a fluid type switch . a lecky switch , dust and 12volts equals FIRE.
Thanks to all I have been talking to jeffb and have decided to up grade all the bushings and brake booster. I will let you know how its going... I put the mII in the shed for my next adventure.
After you replace the front end bushings I would also recommend replacing the rear spring bushings as well. Then install Gas-a just shocks all the way around. Also get rid of the bias ply tires for some good radials. You will be amazed at the difference in ride and handling...
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