65 Satellite recommendations..?

[coupe]

Have a '65 Satellite. Decent car. Pretty straight and I've driven it a little bit. It needs some things and I'm just not knowledgable about these early cars so wanted some advice/help. Don't really know where to begin with it...

1) Frontend is very loose and needs to be totally rebuilt (steering and suspension). What companies make a complete kit (PST, etc??)to rebuild the frontend? Any recommendations based on experience?

2)Drum brakes on front are terrible. What's the protocol for adding disks up front along with a dual master cylinder? Is there a kit for this too? Maybe combine it with the frontend rebuild?

3)The windshield is cracked badly. I think I've found one online oncebefore, but can't seem to find it again.

4)Car has hit something up front and the bumper is dented in as well as the hood seems bowed up...almost as if they hit something and then just replaced the fender (which is straight). Do the hood and bumper interchange with 4-door cars?

Lastly, it has a 383/727 and was wondering if anyone has done a OD 4-speed in one of these cars...maybe a GM or Ford overdrive with a different bellhousing?

Thanks in advance!!!

-Matt.

 

[64 Post]

Hey, Matt.

1) Most of the front suspension parts are available from Moog at places like NAPA, Vato Zone, etc. I've never used the kits. I also stay with rubber vs poly. You might need the tool kit from American Muscle (about $200) if you're going to do the job yourself.
2) Multiple solutions from the after market. I used later Diplomat parts on my 64.
3) Windshield should still be available through places like Safelite. I've gotten several through them.
4) Yes, all front end parts/sheet metal interchange between body styles.
5) I think Kiesler makes an O/D unit but I'm not a fan of the company.

Oh, and God Bless... :icon_razz:

 

[300]

X2. Yes I Got. 65 Sat ,back in Sept, Got most of stuff like 64 Post said at Napa, also got hood bumper off a65 4 door

 

[coupe]

Hey, Matt.

1) Most of the front suspension parts are available from Moog at places like NAPA, Vato Zone, etc. I've never used the kits. I also stay with rubber vs poly. You might need the tool kit from American Muscle (about $200) if you're going to do the job yourself.
2) Multiple solutions from the after market. I used later Diplomat parts on my 64.
3) Windshield should still be available through places like Safelite. I've gotten several through them.
4) Yes, all front end parts/sheet metal interchange between body styles.
5) I think Kiesler makes an O/D unit but I'm not a fan of the company.

Thanks for the info.

Oh, and God Bless... :icon_razz:

Haha. Prick. :laughing7:

 

[Furyous]

Just a FYI until you make the change on the front brakes.. One of the biggest mistakes people make with drum brakes is they do not keep a good hardware kit on them. A cheap easy way to keep the drum brakes working great.. The springs go bad and then the brakes go to mush...

I change them out every year...

 

[coupe]

That's good to know. I'm gonna change them sooner than later however! Thanks.

 

[coupe]

I know it's been a while since I posted... but wanted to give an update:

I had a polygraphite bushing set from PST installed on the front and it is muuuch better. Couldn't get an alignment quite right because the control arm is slightly bent, but it drives well enough for now... I'll fix it later.

Also did a disk brake conversion with new master and a power booster. It is great except that the camshaft isn't pulling much vacuum so the booster isn't helping much. What do folks recommend to remedy this? Electric pump? Belt driven pump? Maybe just a cam swap.

Car needs a lot of work still, like new weather stripping, seals, and the windshield. It also leaks a little water (parked in my driveway) so will need a carpet along with the seals. I decided on just keeping the 727 and installing a Gear Vendors unit later... I'm in contact with a restoration shop locally to hopefully get some of the work done this spring and summer. Will update as I go along.