Project Reclaim from Mustangs Plus and The Restomod Shop is a remarkable source of inspiration at Mustang Monthly. It's a "risen from the ashes" success story that has proven to us that nearly any classic Mustang can be saved from the crusher given optimism, talent, and money. For nearly two years, we've shown you how to not only save a wrecked and rusty Mustang from the scrap pile, but also how to build a dreamy-eyed classic Mustang fastback from scratch.
Ron Bramlett of Mustangs Plus and general manager Bill Faull discussed Project Reclaim's stopping strategy. Both realized that Reclaim needs high-performance power disc brakes in all four corners for street-friendly, effective stopping. So this month, we're going to fit Project Reclaim with world-class Force 10 Tri-Power disc brakes from Stainless Steel Brakes, which are available from Mustangs Plus.
Stop Dead Gorgeous
These are rear Force 10 three-piston disc brakes designed for large-bearing 9-inch Ford axles, so don't expect them to bolt right onto an 8-inch. However, if your Mustang sports a bulletproof 9-inch housing with big bearings designed for full-sized Fords, these are the binders for you. We like the red powdercoated aluminum calipers with 30mm pistons and unidirectional 13-inch rotors. On the inside is a Ford Explorer-style drum parking brake, which holds much better than caliper parking brakes. All the hardware is included.
Part number: A110-15
Retail price: $1,935
Minimum wheel size: 17 inchesLarge-bearing 9-inch Ford axle onlyThree 30mm pistons
Colors available: blue, black, yellow, orange, red, silver, polished13x1.125-inch unidirectional slotted rotors5x4.5- and 5x4.75-inch bolt patternsXtra Life Plating for corrosion protectionStainless steel components for long lifeCadmium-plated Grade 8 hardware
We're going with Strange axles...
We're going with Strange axles in our Chris Alston's Chassisworks 9-inch housing. These thru-hardened (58-62 hardness) SAE 1550 31-spline axles are heat treated for exceptional strength. They're perfect for Reclaim's street/race demeanor.
Stop Action!
Like the rear brakes, the front Force 10 Tri-Power disc brake kit utilizes stout three-piston calipers and 13-inch rotors for extraordinary stopping power. Call it a life insurance policy you can have fun with because after accelerating, you want stopping power and control that keeps you safe. Everything imaginable is included in this kit for a quick bolt-on in an afternoon. SSBC also sent us the power booster and billet-aluminum master cylinder.
- Part number:
- A120-14 Force 10 Tri-Power
- Retail price: $2,025
- Minimum wheel size: 17 inches
- Three 30mm pistons
- Colors available: blue, black, yellow, orange, red, silver, polished
- 13x1.125-inch unidirectional slotted rotors
- '65-'66 Mustang axle spindle
- Xtra Life Plating for corrosion protection
- Stainless steel components for long life
- Cadmium-plated Grade 8 hardware
Richard Bramlett from The...
Richard Bramlett from The Restomod Shop marries the brake and axle before installation. This is Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation's drum parking brake assembly, which is mated to the axle before installation. You can do this either on a workbench or on the car by installing the axle and flange first. Note that the axle bearing isn't sealed, but instead it's lubricated with axle lube once installed.
The axle/parking brake subassembly...
The axle/parking brake subassembly is installed next using Grade 8 hardware provided by SSBC.
We suggest using a high-temperature...
We suggest using a high-temperature thread locker on bolt threads along with following SSBC's recommended torque.
This is the brake rotor index,...
This is the brake rotor index, which ensures perfect rotor alignment.
Richard installs the unidirectional...
Richard installs the unidirectional 13-inch rotor that is slotted and plated for heat dissipation and corrosion resistance. The rotor will mandate a complete wipe down with a high-evap solvent such as brake cleaner, lacquer thinner, or acetone.
Our three-piston Force 10...
Our three-piston Force 10 caliper has already been assembled, including semi-metallic pads. It's being installed here.
Use a thread locker, such...
Use a thread locker, such as high-temperature Loctite, on bolt threads before torquing to SSBC specifications. All fasteners need this close attention.
The rear Force 10 three-piston...
The rear Force 10 three-piston disc brake is a good-looking piece that outperforms anything in its class. Reclaim's stopping power will exceed underhood power by a wide margin.
SSBC includes braided stainless...
SSBC includes braided stainless steel brake hoses for exceptional performance. Washer and fitting surfaces must be hospital clean for proper sealing. Again, follow recommended torque and don't overtighten.
Richard begins the front brake...
Richard begins the front brake installation with caliper brackets, again remembering to use thread locker and proper torque values.
You can never give your Mustang's...
You can never give your Mustang's wheel bearings too much lubrication. We suggest high-temperature wheel-bearing grease designed for disc brakes. Massage it into the bearings until they're completely saturated. Bearing cups should be bathed in wheel-bearing grease as well. Apply a thin film on the axle spindle between bearings; you don't want grease between the bearing and axle. The bearings should remain stationary at the axles.
Seal installation calls for...
Seal installation calls for extra care to keep grease where it belongs. Richard uses a sealer driver and great care. The main thing is to not distort the seal and make sure the lip spring remains intact. The spring is there to maintain seal lip contact. Apply a thin film of wheel-bearing grease on the lip.
There are a lot of misconceptions...
There are a lot of misconceptions about how to properly install a brake rotor and drum. First, ensure proper bearing seating. If the outer bearing is flush with the axle's machined surface, you're home. Turn the rotor and see how it feels with your fingers on the outer bearing to keep it seated. There shouldn't be any grinding or resistance-just a smooth roller. Install the washer and castle nut.
Because we've seen brake rotor...
Because we've seen brake rotor installations that scare us, we're going to explain the proper procedure for front wheel-bearing adjustment. While turning the rotor, torque the castle nut to 17-25 lb-ft in order to seat the bearings. Feel for resistance or grinding. Locate the hole in your axle. Back the castle nut to the next hole and install the cotter pin. Wipe off any excess grease and install the cap.
As with the back brakes, Richard...
As with the back brakes, Richard has already assembled the caliper and bracket. The caliper is fitted and torqued to SSBC specifications in the instructions. Loctite is used on these fasteners as well.
We like these stainless steel...
We like these stainless steel braided and coated brake hoses from SSBC. Remember that contact surfaces must be clean. Even a grain of dust or lint between the copper and steel will cause leakage.
SSBC provided us with good-looking...
SSBC provided us with good-looking three-piston disc brakes designed to yield exceptional stopping power with adequate hydraulics-three pistons and hydraulic pressure provide more uniform application across the rotor surface. If you're up for 17-inch wheels, this is an outstanding brake for your application.
Mustangs Plus looked to Classic...
Mustangs Plus looked to Classic Tube for all of Project Reclaim's plumbing. We've opted for a complete chassis plumbing kit, available from Mustangs Plus.
Terry Simpson from The Restomod...
Terry Simpson from The Restomod Shop plumbs Reclaim's brake system. He has opted for the all-in-one pressure differential/proportioning valve. Lines from Classic Tube offer exceptional fit.
We like SSBC's compact power...
We like SSBC's compact power brake booster designed for '65-'66 Mustangs. It fits like a glove and is easy to install. Here, Richard installs the gasket/spacer, which goes between the billet master cylinder and power booster. Before seating the master cylinder, check the distance between the actuator rod and the master cylinder. Adjust to where the rod just misses the master cylinder piston. Ideally, you will have 0.060-inch clearance. If the actuator rod presses on the master cylinder piston, you won't be able to bleed the brakes.
The Restomod Shop rebuilt...
The Restomod Shop rebuilt Reclaim's brake pedal support using Scott Drake's roller bearing kit. Pack it full of white-lithium grease and you're good to go.