66 mustang frame fab

[abefarrar]

I'm giving some thought to fabbing my own frame for a 66 mustang coupe. I was thinking about just using the sub but by the time I'm done with the mini tub and throwing 315s front and rear. it would all have to be fab'd anyway... Any ideas on where to start

[Todd in Vancouver]

I've also thought about it but in reality I just don't have the knowledge to figure out all the angles and geometry to do it right. Also, there are some great kits out there and when you figure out the price to build it really isn't that bad.

For example, before I bought my TCI front clip I priced out what it was going to cost to rebuild my front end with all new parts, rack conversion, new shocks, bushings, bigger sway bar etc. the replacement kit wasn't really a bad option when you consider the engineering involved. Also, no matter what you do with the original or a homemade copy it still isn't geometrically corrected like the new available kits. Just my opinion and something to consider.

[dontlifttoshift]

Two things you need. The end goal and the wheel and tire package you want to run. To (largely) oversimplify the rest, it is connect the dots.

Fitting 315s in the front of a 65/66 mustang is pretty hard to do without fender mods and still maintain an acceptable steering angle. The cars are narrow, a little over 4" narrower than a 69 Camaro. You can narrow the front framerails but you still have an engine there. I have a 66 on my table now......I've been doing the math.

That's a start.

[Rotary]

Engine selection is a major factor for that year mustang also. 351w is as big as you can go with out having major clearance issues with the front shock towers, and most guys end up cutting holes in the towers fro those swaps so they can gain access to the plugs. I've got a 66 coupe im working on and i've had the same thoughts as you. I believe in the end the pre engineered kits are worth the money if you don't have all the tools and know how. I'm a big fan of maier racing and detroit speed engineering kits. Keep us updated with what you decide.

[abefarrar]

I've also thought about it but in reality I just don't have the knowledge to figure out all the angles and geometry to do it right. Also, there are some great kits out there and when you figure out the price to build it really isn't that bad.

For example, before I bought my TCI front clip I priced out what it was going to cost to rebuild my front end with all new parts, rack conversion, new shocks, bushings, bigger sway bar etc. the replacement kit wasn't really a bad option when you consider the engineering involved. Also, no matter what you do with the original or a homemade copy it still isn't geometrically corrected like the new available kits. Just my opinion and something to consider.

Oh, trust me, I given all of these things consideration. Unfortunately I'm not made of money so the prefabs are outta the question for me. :/ Thankfully, I have a father-in-law with an IQ of 185 lol. I'm hoping he can help with all the engineering of the design. It's all just a thought at the moment. I'm not set in stone on any idea just yet. Thanks for raising some good points. You've given me more to consider.

[abefarrar]

Two things you need. The end goal and the wheel and tire package you want to run. To (largely) oversimplify the rest, it is connect the dots.

Fitting 315s in the front of a 65/66 mustang is pretty hard to do without fender mods and still maintain an acceptable steering angle. The cars are narrow, a little over 4" narrower than a 69 Camaro. You can narrow the front framerails but you still have an engine there. I have a 66 on my table now......I've been doing the math.

That's a start.

I plan on doing some fender mods. Similar to the "5000 budget mustang" fenders. Super wide! What kind of steel would you suggest using to fab a chassis? What are your plans for your mustang? G-machine, restomod or custom?

[abefarrar]

Dude, my mine is all over the place. I can never really make up my mind. From which engine to go with, to wheel width, to chassis decisions, to rear end and front end. How do you do it?!?! I just wish I could settle on one thing and stick to it. Hell, the car isn't even here yet. It's still half an hour away sitting at my parents place untouched. Maybe when I can get it moved up here and start busting my knuckles on some steel I'll be able to make some decisions. Just kicking around a million different ideas is really starting to get old.

Thanks guys for the input! Abe

[BK2LIFE]

Dude, my mine is all over the place. I can never really make up my mind.

Well, Abe, that’s your first problem. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll end up with a car you’ll sell on craigslist real soon.
You have to have a plan; there is no way around it. Look through the magazines get an idea of what you want. And then budget.
You have to be realistic on what your budget is. If you have 5k for your total job, then a full chassis isn’t in your budget.
Take me for example; I started with a simple rebuild of my BBC. Simple as some 781 heads, small cam, intake and some flat tops. I ended up with aluminum heads, roller cam, roller rockers, stroker kit… I got a bit out of hand, and it’s easy to do. Now I have a killer motor, and no wheels or tires.
The demon tweak is a powerful monster..

[ho428]

Find the old episodes of Musclecar TV where Lou built a frame for a Mustang. Even if you go a different route the thought process is the same.

[abefarrar]

Cool, ill check it out. It can atleast give me some ideas.