upgrade advice for my 64-1/2 with poor handling
11-03-2018, 07:33 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: ny
Posts: 9
upgrade advice for my 64-1/2 with poor handling
hello
i recently inherited a 64-1/2 6 cyl. 3 speed convertible from my neighbor.
she purchased the car new in 64 and although it was used as her "every day" car for the first 20 years its still a great survivor as it was garaged all its life.
its all original with 90k miles and had some minor rust fixed and a repaint in the 80's.
Ive been a Chevy guy and dont know much about mustangs so any information will be most appreciated.
car issues....
the car brakes like a lead sled and the steering is loose jittery and "squirrel like"
in such condition i am not comfortable driving it on a highway. i put on new tires but that did not improve the handling much.
i have considered upgrading the front end and adding power steering and brakes to improve the driving experience.
my questions..
1)will upgrading with with power steering and brakes diminish its value
2)where is the best place to to buy a power steering and brake upgrade kit, not looking to cheap out, i would prefer reasonable quality.
3)where was the build sheet typically located
4)is there a website that can decode the vin#
5)who is a reputable vendor for parts
please feel free to offer any advice or opinions.
thanks
i recently inherited a 64-1/2 6 cyl. 3 speed convertible from my neighbor.
she purchased the car new in 64 and although it was used as her "every day" car for the first 20 years its still a great survivor as it was garaged all its life.
its all original with 90k miles and had some minor rust fixed and a repaint in the 80's.
Ive been a Chevy guy and dont know much about mustangs so any information will be most appreciated.
car issues....
the car brakes like a lead sled and the steering is loose jittery and "squirrel like"
in such condition i am not comfortable driving it on a highway. i put on new tires but that did not improve the handling much.
i have considered upgrading the front end and adding power steering and brakes to improve the driving experience.
my questions..
1)will upgrading with with power steering and brakes diminish its value
2)where is the best place to to buy a power steering and brake upgrade kit, not looking to cheap out, i would prefer reasonable quality.
3)where was the build sheet typically located
4)is there a website that can decode the vin#
5)who is a reputable vendor for parts
please feel free to offer any advice or opinions.
thanks
11-10-2018, 04:26 PM
#2
Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Hills of California
Posts: 5,208
1) probably not if you use OEM parts or OEM type parts.
2) NPD has always done well by me and they offer a good line parts
3) Under seats I hear also under the dash.
4)?
5)NPD...National Parts Depot. Also CJ pony parts.
2) NPD has always done well by me and they offer a good line parts
3) Under seats I hear also under the dash.
4)?
5)NPD...National Parts Depot. Also CJ pony parts.
11-10-2018, 05:51 PM
#3
Banned
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,327
Aren't 2 and 5 the same question?
VIN decoding will show it as a 1965, because that's what it is.
What are the differences in SAID '64 1/2 -vs- later '65? Remember, SAID '64 1/2, coined
by enthusiasts, not by Ford.
Differences:
A generator charging system came with the ’64-1/2-specific lineup of engines. It used a
large voltage regulator with separate terminals.
Eaton power steering pumps were a ’64-1/2 item. Some had an integral reservoir, and
some had an external reservoir mounted on the inner fender apron.
Some, but not all, ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had cast-iron water pump pulley.
Most ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had Autolite distributors with an oil wick.
Hood hinges were painted black on ’641/2 Mustangs.
Horns in the ’64-1/2 are hidden inside the engine compartment, they were bigger.
Most, but not all, ’64-1/2 Mustangs had an “A” in the vent ****.
You had a slotted spare tire hold-down on the ’64-1/2, went to "J" hook in '65...
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had battery cooling vents (louvers), due to the generator charging
system that had the batteries run hotter.
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had the brake light switch screwed right into the master cylinder, a pressure switch.
Here's the truth:
There are no '64-1/2 Mustangs at all; that title was coined by enthusiasts. The '64-1/2 Mustang is simply an
early-production unit for '65, without the refinements that came later; and another thing, Ford never built a production
'64-1/2 Mustang fastback.
When the Mustang entered production early in March 1964, I read that it didn't have the refinements it would have
later on; and called it a reskinned Falcon with bucket seats. To be a "'64-1/2" at all, the Mustang has to be
factory-equipped with a generator charging system, a 170ci six (U-code), a 260 2V (F-code), or a 289 4V (D-code)
low-compression, large horns mounted down on the frame behind the radiator, a brake light pressure switch on the
master cylinder, a center "off" heater fan switch, and a generator charge light, just to name the basics. These are
features exclusive to Mustangs built between early March and July 31, 1964 for 1965 (scheduled build date code only).
VIN decoding will show it as a 1965, because that's what it is.
What are the differences in SAID '64 1/2 -vs- later '65? Remember, SAID '64 1/2, coined
by enthusiasts, not by Ford.
Differences:
A generator charging system came with the ’64-1/2-specific lineup of engines. It used a
large voltage regulator with separate terminals.
Eaton power steering pumps were a ’64-1/2 item. Some had an integral reservoir, and
some had an external reservoir mounted on the inner fender apron.
Some, but not all, ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had cast-iron water pump pulley.
Most ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had Autolite distributors with an oil wick.
Hood hinges were painted black on ’641/2 Mustangs.
Horns in the ’64-1/2 are hidden inside the engine compartment, they were bigger.
Most, but not all, ’64-1/2 Mustangs had an “A” in the vent ****.
You had a slotted spare tire hold-down on the ’64-1/2, went to "J" hook in '65...
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had battery cooling vents (louvers), due to the generator charging
system that had the batteries run hotter.
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had the brake light switch screwed right into the master cylinder, a pressure switch.
Here's the truth:
There are no '64-1/2 Mustangs at all; that title was coined by enthusiasts. The '64-1/2 Mustang is simply an
early-production unit for '65, without the refinements that came later; and another thing, Ford never built a production
'64-1/2 Mustang fastback.
When the Mustang entered production early in March 1964, I read that it didn't have the refinements it would have
later on; and called it a reskinned Falcon with bucket seats. To be a "'64-1/2" at all, the Mustang has to be
factory-equipped with a generator charging system, a 170ci six (U-code), a 260 2V (F-code), or a 289 4V (D-code)
low-compression, large horns mounted down on the frame behind the radiator, a brake light pressure switch on the
master cylinder, a center "off" heater fan switch, and a generator charge light, just to name the basics. These are
features exclusive to Mustangs built between early March and July 31, 1964 for 1965 (scheduled build date code only).
11-10-2018, 05:57 PM
#4
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: AZ
Posts: 849
'65 MUSTANG ID INFO
I happen to have the Ford 1965 Shop Manual. The info you need should be below. Hope this is of value to you. imp
EDIT: Please be aware, the Shop Manual covers Mustang, Comet, Fairlane, and Falcon; look carefully.
Last edited by imp; 11-10-2018 at 06:01 PM.
11-17-2018, 10:14 PM
#5
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: arizona
Posts: 1,398
Aren't 2 and 5 the same question?
VIN decoding will show it as a 1965, because that's what it is.
What are the differences in SAID '64 1/2 -vs- later '65? Remember, SAID '64 1/2, coined
by enthusiasts, not by Ford.
Differences:
A generator charging system came with the ’64-1/2-specific lineup of engines. It used a
large voltage regulator with separate terminals.
Eaton power steering pumps were a ’64-1/2 item. Some had an integral reservoir, and
some had an external reservoir mounted on the inner fender apron.
Some, but not all, ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had cast-iron water pump pulley.
Most ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had Autolite distributors with an oil wick.
Hood hinges were painted black on ’641/2 Mustangs.
Horns in the ’64-1/2 are hidden inside the engine compartment, they were bigger.
Most, but not all, ’64-1/2 Mustangs had an “A” in the vent ****.
You had a slotted spare tire hold-down on the ’64-1/2, went to "J" hook in '65...
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had battery cooling vents (louvers), due to the generator charging
system that had the batteries run hotter.
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had the brake light switch screwed right into the master cylinder, a pressure switch.
Here's the truth:
There are no '64-1/2 Mustangs at all; that title was coined by enthusiasts. The '64-1/2 Mustang is simply an
early-production unit for '65, without the refinements that came later; and another thing, Ford never built a production
'64-1/2 Mustang fastback.
When the Mustang entered production early in March 1964, I read that it didn't have the refinements it would have
later on; and called it a reskinned Falcon with bucket seats. To be a "'64-1/2" at all, the Mustang has to be
factory-equipped with a generator charging system, a 170ci six (U-code), a 260 2V (F-code), or a 289 4V (D-code)
low-compression, large horns mounted down on the frame behind the radiator, a brake light pressure switch on the
master cylinder, a center "off" heater fan switch, and a generator charge light, just to name the basics. These are
features exclusive to Mustangs built between early March and July 31, 1964 for 1965 (scheduled build date code only).
VIN decoding will show it as a 1965, because that's what it is.
What are the differences in SAID '64 1/2 -vs- later '65? Remember, SAID '64 1/2, coined
by enthusiasts, not by Ford.
Differences:
A generator charging system came with the ’64-1/2-specific lineup of engines. It used a
large voltage regulator with separate terminals.
Eaton power steering pumps were a ’64-1/2 item. Some had an integral reservoir, and
some had an external reservoir mounted on the inner fender apron.
Some, but not all, ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had cast-iron water pump pulley.
Most ’64-1/2 V-8 engines had Autolite distributors with an oil wick.
Hood hinges were painted black on ’641/2 Mustangs.
Horns in the ’64-1/2 are hidden inside the engine compartment, they were bigger.
Most, but not all, ’64-1/2 Mustangs had an “A” in the vent ****.
You had a slotted spare tire hold-down on the ’64-1/2, went to "J" hook in '65...
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had battery cooling vents (louvers), due to the generator charging
system that had the batteries run hotter.
All ’64-1/2 Mustangs had the brake light switch screwed right into the master cylinder, a pressure switch.
Here's the truth:
There are no '64-1/2 Mustangs at all; that title was coined by enthusiasts. The '64-1/2 Mustang is simply an
early-production unit for '65, without the refinements that came later; and another thing, Ford never built a production
'64-1/2 Mustang fastback.
When the Mustang entered production early in March 1964, I read that it didn't have the refinements it would have
later on; and called it a reskinned Falcon with bucket seats. To be a "'64-1/2" at all, the Mustang has to be
factory-equipped with a generator charging system, a 170ci six (U-code), a 260 2V (F-code), or a 289 4V (D-code)
low-compression, large horns mounted down on the frame behind the radiator, a brake light pressure switch on the
master cylinder, a center "off" heater fan switch, and a generator charge light, just to name the basics. These are
features exclusive to Mustangs built between early March and July 31, 1964 for 1965 (scheduled build date code only).
i had the first known 65 mustang fastback and it had all 64 1/2 parts on it except for the core support and generator.
Last edited by barnett468; 11-17-2018 at 10:26 PM.
11-17-2018, 10:24 PM
#6
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: arizona
Posts: 1,398
there are no build sheets on 65 and 66 cars.
wilwood is one brand for an option for brakes.
your steering is probably squirrely because the components are worn including the steering box. you can adjust the box. i would NOT put p/s on a 6 cylinder.
adding ps or disc brakes etc will only increase the value unless it was built the first week of production or something like that.
stiffer springs, bigger sway bar, decent shocks and low profile tires will greatly improve the handling
mustang vin decoder
http://www.mustangdecoder.com/decoder.html
wilwood is one brand for an option for brakes.
your steering is probably squirrely because the components are worn including the steering box. you can adjust the box. i would NOT put p/s on a 6 cylinder.
adding ps or disc brakes etc will only increase the value unless it was built the first week of production or something like that.
stiffer springs, bigger sway bar, decent shocks and low profile tires will greatly improve the handling
mustang vin decoder
http://www.mustangdecoder.com/decoder.html
11-25-2018, 06:03 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: ny
Posts: 9
Thank you all for the great information
is there anything to be said about a disc brake upgrade or steering upgrade interfering with items in the engine compartment such as the existing clutch linkage etc.
Being that my Mustang is an in line 6 with a three speed on the floor the rep at CJ pony parts mentioned something About certain upgrades interfering with existing items in the engine compartment.
is there anything to be said about a disc brake upgrade or steering upgrade interfering with items in the engine compartment such as the existing clutch linkage etc.
Being that my Mustang is an in line 6 with a three speed on the floor the rep at CJ pony parts mentioned something About certain upgrades interfering with existing items in the engine compartment.
12-05-2018, 02:53 PM
#8
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: arizona
Posts: 1,398
Thank you all for the great information
is there anything to be said about a disc brake upgrade or steering upgrade interfering with items in the engine compartment such as the existing clutch linkage etc.
Being that my Mustang is an in line 6 with a three speed on the floor the rep at CJ pony parts mentioned something About certain upgrades interfering with existing items in the engine compartment.
is there anything to be said about a disc brake upgrade or steering upgrade interfering with items in the engine compartment such as the existing clutch linkage etc.
Being that my Mustang is an in line 6 with a three speed on the floor the rep at CJ pony parts mentioned something About certain upgrades interfering with existing items in the engine compartment.
03-17-2019, 09:24 PM
#9
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 149
03-19-2019, 02:06 PM
#10
