If you're going to install...
If you're going to install Force 10 disc brakes, do it in the front and rear, and make it a cohesive package designed for exceptional braking power.
When we photographed Chris Radcliffe's Raven Black '65 Mustang hardtop two years ago in San Diego, we were awed with his craftsmanship. Chris is a young man with limited auto-motive experience, yet he built a classic Mustang restomod in his spare time by asking questions, learning as he went, and using his natural talent.
We couldn't help but notice Chris' brake situation when we photographed his car. Through the American Torq-Thrust II spokes were four humble-looking drum brakes. We asked Chris if he'd like to try a set of Stainless Steel Brake Corporation's Force 10 disc brakes from Mustangs Plus. Considering Chris' car-building talent, we knew he could do the job himself.
The Stainless Steel Disc Brakes Force 10 system yields the performance you expect from one of the best names in the aftermarket disc-brake business. Force 10s can be installed on any of the classic Mustang spindles and axle flanges, except for '65-'66 six-cylinders. For Chris' hardtop, we opted for four-piston fronts and single-piston rears for the kind of driving he expects to do. His is the quintessential occasional driver and show car. The red calipers of the Force 10s tie in nicely with the car's black and red theme. Natural, black, and yellow are also available.
We went for slotted rotors, optional from Stainless Steel Brakes, to vent off gasses and heat during hard braking. Not only do they look sharp, they also provide fade-free braking.
1 Rear drum brakes work well...
1 Rear drum brakes work well with front discs. For optimum brake performance, however, they need to go on the shelf and saved for concours restorations. To get started, Chris removes the backing-plate nuts using a deep 5/8-inch socket. The brake line is disconnected using a 3/8-inch open-end wrench.
2 The axleshaft in Chris'...
2 The axleshaft in Chris' car removes easily, but in most cases, you will need an axle puller.
3 Brake-assembly removal...
3 Brake-assembly removal is next. Make sure brake fluid does not get on your Mustang's paint, as it's a natural paint remover.
4-a SSBC provides longer...
4-a SSBC provides longer studs to accommodate disc rotors and American Torq-Thrust wheels, so Chris drives out the old studs and installs new ones.
4-b He used a five-pound...
4-b He used a five-pound sledge hammer, but we suggest a hydraulic press available at your local machine shop. Chris draws in the new studs using lug nuts, washers, and white grease, working WD-40 into the mix for smooth installation.
5 It's a good idea to install...
5 It's a good idea to install new axle seals and lubricate them with wheel-bearing grease. We use a thin film of high-temp RTV silicone around the axle-bearing and seal perimeter to prevent leakage.