Ben Cann has owned his 1965 Mustang since he was a teenager. Over the years, he has learned that there are a few important steps every early Mustang owner should consider right away to make their car safer and more enjoyable. Many people reach out to him for advice on what to do after buying a classic Mustang, so he decided to share what he has discovered through experience.
Some of his top recommendations include making essential safety upgrades and enhancing a few key parts for better driving. From handling improvements to braking systems, these changes can make a big difference in both performance and day-to-day use. Cann’s tips are aimed at helping owners not only upgrade their cars but also enjoy driving them safely and confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on key safety and handling upgrades for classic Mustangs.
- Performance and braking improvements can make a big difference.
- Enjoy driving and maintain your car regularly.
Key Safety Modifications
Adding a Metal Divider Behind the Rear Seats
Putting in a metal barrier behind the back seat is important for older Mustangs. This shield helps protect people inside the car if the gas tank breaks during a crash from behind. The metal divider keeps fuel from coming into the cabin where it could start a fire.
Benefits:
- Reduces risk of fire in the passenger area
- Low cost safety improvement
- Easy to find from car part stores
Tip: Even though this barrier helps, upgrading to a special fuel tank can provide better safety.
Changing to a Two-Section Brake Fluid Reservoir
Early Mustangs usually come with only one master cylinder for the brakes. If this part fails, the brakes stop working completely. Switching to a master cylinder with two separate chambers means if one fails, the other can still work.
Safety Features:
- Separate reservoirs for front and back brakes
- Keeps some braking control if one side fails
- Less chance of losing all braking at once
| Master Cylinder Type | Safety if one side fails | Number of Reservoirs |
|---|---|---|
| Single (original style) | No | 1 |
| Dual (upgraded style) | Yes | 2 |
Recommendation: Upgrading provides extra security and peace of mind while driving.
Performance Enhancements
Improved Suspension with Front Control Arm Drop
One of the key changes Ben made was lowering the upper control arms in the front suspension. Using a special template, new holes are drilled to drop the arms. This step changes the handling by giving the car a better feel on turns and rough roads. It requires removing the shock and spring, so it’s best done when working on the suspension.
Steps to Follow:
- Buy a control arm drop template.
- Remove the shock and spring.
- Drill the new holes and lower the control arm.
- Reassemble the suspension.
Benefits:
- Better handling
- Improved steering response
- More enjoyable driving experience
Upgraded Rear End and Differential Setup
Ben decided early to switch to a limited-slip differential and gears with a lower ratio. The car originally had an open differential and higher gearing, which made one wheel spin during hard acceleration and the car feel slow off the line.
Before Mod:
- Open differential
- 2.90:1 gear ratio
- Poor traction
- Weak acceleration
After Mod:
- Limited-slip differential
- 3.80:1 gear ratio
| Change | Result |
|---|---|
| Limited-slip differential | Both rear tires receive power |
| Lower gear ratio (3.80) | Faster acceleration, more fun |
| Trade-off | Higher RPMs on the freeway |
Tips:
- Lower gears are better for around town driving.
- Higher gears are more comfortable for freeway cruising.
Moving to a limited-slip and lower gears makes the car much more responsive and less likely to embarrass the driver with one-tire burnouts. It does make the engine work harder at highway speeds, but the extra fun is often worth it for city driving.
Better Brake Upgrades
Switching Over to Modern Stopping Power
A lot of classic Mustangs came from the factory with drum brakes. These types of brakes can be less effective and make it harder to stop, especially in emergency situations. Upgrading to disc brakes can make a big difference in how the car handles and stops.
Disc brakes offer better performance, more consistent stopping power, and increased safety. Aftermarket kits are available and can be installed to replace old drum brakes. Many drivers notice a big improvement right away after making this change, feeling more confident behind the wheel.
Picking Quality Brake Parts
Not all brake parts are equal. When looking for new brake components, it’s a good idea to go with high-quality options from trusted brands. Four-piston brake systems are one example that offer stronger braking than basic stock setups.
Using better brake pads, rotors, and calipers means the car will stop faster and feel safer on the road. Upgrading these parts can let drivers enjoy their Mustang more and give them the confidence to drive in different conditions.
| Stock Setup | Upgraded Setup |
|---|---|
| Drum Brakes | Disc Brakes (4-piston) |
| Basic Pads | High-performance Pads |
Key Points:
- Disc brakes are safer than drum brakes
- Quality components help the car stop better
- Investing in strong brakes can prevent accidents
Driving Experience and Ownership Tips
A 1965 Mustang brings both joy and responsibility. Drivers quickly notice that upgrading handling is important. The Shelby drop is a well-liked change because it noticeably improves steering and makes the car more fun to drive.
Safety should always come first. Installing a rear metal firewall is highly advised, as it helps keep fuel from getting inside the cabin if the car is hit from behind. A dual master cylinder is another smart addition. It divides the braking system, so if one part fails, the other side can still stop the car.
Upgrading to a limited-slip differential with lower gears gives better acceleration and makes driving around town more exciting. Here’s a quick look at the trade-offs:
| Gear Ratio | Acceleration | Highway Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Lower (<3.00) | Slower | Better |
| Higher (>3.50) | Faster | Noisier |
Disc brakes are a must for safer, more consistent stopping. Swapping out drum brakes for modern disc brakes, such as four-piston versions, improves confidence behind the wheel, especially if driving at higher speeds.
Take the car for drives often, enjoy the experience, and keep up with needed updates for safety and fun.
Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead
Ben plans to take his 1965 Mustang out for a drive now that it is running well again. He encourages other classic car owners to do the same—get out on the road, put some miles on their cars, and enjoy the experience.
Upcoming Plans
- More videos will be released in July
- Several new projects are already planned
- The month ahead is expected to be busy with fresh content
Tip: Keeping your Mustang fun and safe is all about smart upgrades and regular use. Taking care of maintenance and enjoying the car are both important parts of ownership.
