How to Install Wilwood Front Disc Brakes and Dual Bowl Master Cylinder in a 1966 Mustang

[@superpapi]

25 years ago I had to make my own disc brake conversion kit out of a 76 Ford Granada. This is MUCH cleaner! Fantastic job!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks 👍

[@NicholasPutz]

This is exactly what I needed for my Wilwood installation on the front for my 65 fastback.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Perfect! I'm glad to hear that my videos are actually helping people, especially someone with a Fastback. Someday I'll have one on this channel. :)

[@BiancoLand_]

Thank you for the videos! I'm just getting ready to rebuild my dad's high school car (66 Fairlane) and the first project is updating the brakes and master cylinder.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Good luck, you've got this!!

[@TheJoefussGarage]

Hey there fellow Andy, I really enjoyed this, especially the bloopers !. I have three Wilwood kits to install.. Your front kit, for my 65 Coupe-driver, and the 12.2 front kit, and and matching kit for rear on my 65 Fastback roller project... So this was awesome 😎👍 !!! Of course, we're all gonna have those issues like you're seized bolt stuff.. Keep em coming... .

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! I stopped putting the bloopers in because they were consistently the least watched part of the videos. I also messed up a lot more back in the early days of my channel and I'm more comfortable in front of the camera now. Wilwood makes a great product, and if my current car didn't have them on it when I bought it, I would have put them on there, maybe something larger like what you've got. Good luck!!

[@kennethabrazee3540]

I am going to do my conversion with this exact kit next week. Thank you Andy

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Good luck!

[@TheRareCriticalThinker]

Awesome brother! Can’t wait to do this on my ‘67.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks. :)

[@matthewhummel6023]

What a wonderful upgrade in your braking. Very good.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes, it was fantastic. I have these same brakes on my current Mustang too! :)

[@nerdypaulbunyan]

Your outtakes are so relatable. I'm about to get to work doing basically the exact same job on my 66 barn car. i rebuilt the drums to get things all working, but anyway thanks for setting some reasonable expectations about what kind of issues i might run into.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thank you! You can do it! Just a heads up, if you are replacing the thermostat, drill a 1/16" hole in the top lip of the thermostat for the air bubbles to get out while bleeding the system of air. I didn't do that and it caused problems down the road (see my Heater Core video).

[@Kualeppi]

I have stock kelsey hayes discbrakes on my ’66 Mustang and I just added Wilwood dual master cylinder. What a day and night difference in brake feel and stopping power. I can really recommend Wilwood products. Great video by the way 👍👏

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! Yeah, I'd like to upgrade my MS to a better aftermarket unit, like the one you've described. It's good to hear that the Wilwood unit has been a great upgrade. :)

[@MrBenescarment]

Thank you for the tutorial, I actually did a wilwood conversion kit for my 66 impala and your video was right to the point !

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Awesome, it's great to hear my video was able to help you out! :)

[@MassimilianoGraziani]

Thank you from italian Mustang MY66 that need to mount front disk!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad it helped!

[@josea4351]

That was a great video, the out takes were very funny. I feel your pain, Murphy always lurking when fixing things.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sm87112]

Great video of the process, liked the bench bleeding, might I suggest narration during the processes.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Good advice.

[@daveg5018]

Excellent step by step! Thank you

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matttreadway513]

I am about to do this on my 1965 Falcon. Thanks for the info!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad to help, good luck!! :)

[@johnwesleycollins878]

Fun learning with you keeping it real

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Awesome! Stick around, I've got lots more coming! :)

[@lbrastaman]

Great video and editing skills.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Much appreciated!

[@esjovold6572]

Interesting video, have you ever come across anything comparing this system to the factory installed disc brake system. I’m working on a 68 cougar with power discs, I can’t seem to find a lot comparing the differences, I imagine the wildwood would be a improved braking system, but I’m not sure what I would all have to change. Thanks for your videos, anything I can learn to help me work on my car is great.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Not that I can think of, there wasn’t much out there when I made this video. There are lots of videos installing all kinds of brands and configurations, but I didn’t see anything comparing them.

[@WatchNFLNetwork-m2w]

Thank you so much for the great how to video, going to follow the same route here with my 1965 Mustang. Did you include a master cylinder booster as well or just the master cylinder?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I did upgrade the MC in a different video. That is one of those items that is at the top of my list when upgrading these first Gen Mustangs. :)

[@WatchNFLNetwork-m2w]

@@AndyKruseChannel No booster though? Just MC

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@WatchNFLNetwork-m2w Nope, real men have manual brakes. 😄

[@DepecheAMode]

I have those same Cragar rims on my 66. Can you share the part # for the Wilwood kit?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

No problem, and I think your wheels will work with that Wilwood kit :) Brakes: Wilwood, 4-piston, 11.30" discs, fits most 14" wheels and up, part # 140-13476

[@hunts318]

Andy, did you experience any trouble getting the two pre-made Wilwood lines going from the brake master to the proportioning valve to seal properly...no leaks no weeping...? Thank you for video.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

No leaks or issues there, but it did take a bit of fiddling to get everything to align happily. In the end it was fine, just the install was a little bit of work. :)

[@codykostensky4806]

@@AndyKruseChannelwhat socket did you use to take the sensor off I can’t tighten my lines with the sensor in the way which it came already on the proportioning valve

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@codykostensky4806 If you don't have a socket big enough, you can use a crescent wrench or even a pipe wrench to break it loose. :)

[@ernestoluque828]

Hello Andy, upgrading my brakes its the next thing i wanna do to my mustang its also a 66 coupe, did you get more wheel clearence after installing the kit? i want to use wider tires.. thanks.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

This kit does not provide more wheel clearance as the mounting surface is essentially in the same location as the factory drum brakes. The wider the tire, the more critical the backspacing for your wheels become, until you reach a point where the wheel or tire are hitting suspension components. I think a guy could put 245 on the front with the correct backspacing (maybe 4.25 or 4.5 inch), before things get tight, but you'll want to double check that before spending the money. I too would like wider tires on the front, but it's a balancing act of wheel and tires sizes that ultimately got too expensive to chase because it meant I needed custom wheels (basically custom backspacing) or choose wheels with the correct backspacing in a design I didn't like. Good luck!! :)

[@fistteam]

Great installation & “Nothing is Ever Easy…Right?!? Just curious, as I’m 👀’n at a similar Wilwood kit for my ‘69 Mustang & trying to decide whether or not to go with the Power Disk Brake setup w/the booster? Is there any particular reason you decided Not to go w/ the power disk booster option? Great video & good 👀’n ‘66!!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I prefer manual brakes on these kinds of cars. :)

[@kennethatang]

what size Crager wheel do you have? I have 14" Cragers but when I did research on a wilwood kit, the caliper didnt clear.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Sorry Boss, I don't recall what wheels they were back when I installed these brakes on the car. I have read that the Wilwood brakes will work with some of the 14" wheels out there, but I don't have a specific list. I think Wilwood has the specs on their site for the clearance around the brake calipers, from there a guy could check to see if their wheels will fit or not. :)

[@dean1627]

They have a kit with Wilwood master cylinder and a booster.Do you recommend using a booster at all?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I'm not a fan of power brakes on these cars. That has nothing to do with Wilwood (or any other brand), I just like manual brakes on my classic Mustang. :)

[@moddedlegacy1081]

Currently doing I6 to V8 conversion which requires me to replace all the front suspension to 5 lug v8 suspension parts. I have completed everything except when I put on some stock v8 steel 14” inch wheels I purchased to use in the meantime I save up. Unfortunately I ran into the issue of the caliper hitting the steel wheels what set up should I have to avoid this?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You didn't mention if you installed these same Wilwoo disc brakes, but I'm assuming you did since you're commenting on this video. I believe Wilwood's goal was to have these brakes fit most of the 14" wheels that fit on these cars, but not all of them. I'm guessing your wheel is one of those that won't fit. However, you could probably run a wheel spacer while you save up for the wheels you really want. They make spacers as thin as 1/8", but most start at 1/4" thickness and go up. A 1/4" spacer might do the trick, but be careful not to go any thicker as your wheel studs will not be long enough. Other than that, I do not recommend modifying your brakes or the wheels, either get some spacers or get some new wheels. :)

[@moddedlegacy1081]

@@AndyKruseChannel thank you !

[@61rampy65]

@@moddedlegacy1081 I am just starting to do this swap on my neighbors 67 Cougar. Neighbor bought the kit with 11.3" rotors, and we test fitted the rotor and caliper on his stock 14" wheels- no fit (we did this months ago). So, he had to buy 15" wheels to fit. Just started the conversion tonight, looks fairly easy to do.

[@carlosn586]

I rarely follow anyone on YT. But I am currently restoring a 66 and 68 Fastbacks. I have to say, you are phenomenal at this! Which front disc brake kit would you suggest for a 66 pony? It currently has drums all around with single bowl master. Not trying to break the bank. Wilwood or a Kelsey Hayes? Power or non power?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I appreciate the support! :) For the ‘66 I’d say the Wilwood kit in this video is tough to beat. Couple that with the fantastic customer support that Wilwood offers, it’s tough to shop anywhere else. I’m partial to manual brakes for these cars, but if the car will only see cruising and grocery runs, then power brakes is not a bad option. Lastly, check into the 10lb residual valve for rear drum brakes that Wilwood also offers.

[@averagejoesidaho1655]

Hey Andy, I'm installing same Wilwood Front Discs and the Wilwood dual bowl as well on my 66. Curious what brake fluid you used, if you don't mind me asking?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I just use the standard off-the-shelf DOT 3 fluid at my auto parts store. If I was going to spend more time on the track I’d look into a DOT 4 fluid, maybe something like SuperBlue or maybe something from Motul, but I just won’t be pushing the car hard enough to justify the higher boiling point in premium brake fluids. 😁

[@NickGay-t1m]

Where did you get the bracket that goes on the master cylinder?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Which bracket are you referring to?

[@2Fastlshdh]

What is that blue stuff that you were putting on your brakes

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Wheel bearing grease, you can buy it at any auto parts store. :)

[@hovlandbound]

Excellent video. Is the Wilwood a good brand? I'm looking to do this to my 68 Mustang, and I have been seeing some cheap kits out there. My guess is it is being you went with it. Let me know, thanks for the video.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

There are more expensive brands and they make an awesome product, but for classic Mustangs I think Wilwood makes a fantastic product at just the right price. I have since sold the car in this video and bought another Mustang and it has the same Wilwood brakes. If I was going to do it all over again, I'd still go with Wilwood. Also, their customer service is top shelf. They're very helpful and knowledgeable, and I've got my eye on a few more of their products for future projects. :)

[@hovlandbound]

Thanks so much for your input. I need to research and see what all I need. Maybe call or write to Wilwood and see what they recommend for my car. I was told I need to replace my brake peddle as well but I see in your case you didn't need to. Keep up the good work!!

[@timmylew]

Could you put a link to brakes, master cylinder, bracket? I have a 66 fastback with 289 with 15 inch rims and manual trans. I would like to put discs on front.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I put the part numbers in the descriptions below my videos.

[@glm777]

Great Video! Just about to do the same to my 64.5 - D-code Coupe. Do you have a part number for your Wilwood kit? Converting from an automatic to a 5 speed also. Looks like the kit has the PB bracket that clears the manual clutch linkage? Thanks! Cheers, Gary

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! The Wilwood kit I purchased was from Amazon and the kit is 140-13476. The master cylinder and associated hardware and brackets was a different kit than the Wilwood stuff. I purchased Master Cylinder stuff from CJ Pony Parts. I would not recommend the distribution block I installed, the pressure switch for the brake lights didn't work, I ended up needing to use a different switch on the pedal assembly and bypass the one in the block.

[@FastFords289]

Great work. How much pedal effort does it take to stop manual disk brakes, is it the same as manual drums or easier? Thanks.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Great question, but honestly I don't recall what all four drums felt like before the upgrade. Those disc brakes were so early in the build for that car than I barely put any miles on the car before I did the swap. However, while they did great, I found my self struggling with the brake bias adjuster all the way until I sold the car. I spoke with Wilwood and they recommended I buy the 10lb residual pressure valve (which sort of pre-loads the rear drums) to better balance my braking. I ended up selling the car before I got a chance to do that. The brakes were great, I just wanted them to be closer to what brakes feel like today. I have the same setup in my current car (they came that way though) and I'd like to dig into making the brakes a little better. Again, they work great and I locked them up the other day when another car nearly T-Boned me, but we'll save that story for another day. :)

[@FastFords289]

@@AndyKruseChannel man, close call, glad nothing happened to you or the car, crazy drivers out there, gotta be careful and on alert at all times now days. I appreciate the response, I’m probably gonna go with the power brake booster set up when I do the front disks on my 68 fairlane. Thanks again.

[@willirob1856]

Awesome content! Were the wheels a 14 cragar ss? I have that rim and hoping to not have to change it. Just kidding read the rest of the comments. Thanks again for the content doing this kit this weekend after a suspension and steering overhaul.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes, I believe they were Cragar SS wheels. Good luck! :)

[@sergioruiz5218]

Andy you missed the most difficult part connecting all the lines to the commbination valve, i know for a fact that was a nightmare !!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Haha, this whole project was a nightmare! :)

[@danieldavidson4030]

I just finished this install as well and I'm curious if you experienced any brake drag with the new disks and if so did it go away after some time? Thanks

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I did not. :)

[@bbtorres23]

Do u know if there is a cheaper option for the master cylinder? Front disc , drum rear. Got the same car as yours except for the engine . 302

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I think there are several cars in the '70s that Ford made where the master cylinder and front disc brakes can bolt right onto these early Mustangs. But I do not know the specific years and models.

[@franswijnands4022]

Moeten ze niet aan de voor kant die rem klauwen ?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Sorry, can you rephrase the question?

[@franswijnands4022]

Ik kijk nog een keer naar je video en dan zie ik of ik goed heb opgelet heb

[@franswijnands4022]

Mijn fout zag je video en prima ik heb niet goed opgelet 😁

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@franswijnands4022 No problem. :)

[@WatchNFLNetwork-m2w]

Did you stick with drums in the back?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I sold that car before I got that far. 🙂

[@Oldcarnut63]

Just wondering did you have to empty the has her cylinder ??

[@AndyKruseChannel]

No need to empty or remove the fluid from the Master Cylinder during this install. Some of the fluid in the brake lines will leak out, but you'll have to do a full bleed of the brake system anyways, so it will be fine.

[@Oldcarnut63]

@@AndyKruseChannel yep thanks . im finding more that has to be fixed.

[@shawncoffin1153]

Hello Andy. Would you choose to install this same kit on another Mustang or would you choose to install a different kit? As always, great video, thanks.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I've been incredibly happy with the Wilwood brakes. I have since sold the car that was in this video, but my new Mustang project car came with the exact same set of Wilwood brakes. I'd love to go with the bigger brakes that Wilwood offers, but it requires larger wheels and I'm not sure if I want to go down that path. :)

[@shawncoffin1153]

Thanks Andy. I’m looking to upgrade my brakes and I appreciated your feedback!

[@mavgrab74]

Did you use a Leed master cylinder ? That is the one i'm looking at for my 66 Fairlane.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I'm not sure of the specific manufacturer, it was a generic unit from CJ Pony Parts.

[@tblume84]

Did you also convert the rear drums?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I never got the chance, I sold that car before getting to do the rear disc conversion.

[@WatchNFLNetwork-m2w]

Probably similar or same as it would be for my 1965 Mustang right?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Exact same. The difference being some cars have the 4-bolt or 3-bolt spindle, so it won't look the same during the install, but it won't matter since the Wilwood bracket is designed to fit either spindle, and the brakes will work the same in the end. :)

[@WatchNFLNetwork-m2w]

@@AndyKruseChannel Thank you and great video

[@austinwebster8230]

Can i do the same thing for a 1966 V6 automatic? And do the rear drums need to be changed over as well?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes, you can put Discs on the front, but you have to be mindful of the spindles on your car. Some kits work with the 6 cyl spindles and some don't. Thankfully the Auto will not affect upgrading to disc brakes. The rear drums can be left alone for this upgrade, my drums are still in the rear of my car. :)

[@austinwebster8230]

@@AndyKruseChannel see I forgot I need to switch to the 5 lug as well. So have to change the back too. Debating on drums or disks for rear

[@moddedlegacy1081]

@@austinwebster8230I am in the same boat I am keeping the rear drums for now. How is your project going ??

[@austinwebster8230]

@@moddedlegacy1081 dealing with rust repair now

[@moddedlegacy1081]

@@austinwebster8230 were you able to do the 5 lug conversion yet?

[@Sensei314POKE]

Do you think this was enough braking power or do you think the car needs a brake booster

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I think that would depend on the driver. Meaning, I've got a pretty strong leg, so manual brakes are not a problem for me. However, it might be for someone that is smaller. I don't mind manual brakes, but it is definitely different than modern cars, so a driver needs to be mindful that it takes more effort with these things. :)

[@Sensei314POKE]

@@AndyKruseChannel good to know! I appreciate you taking your time to reply to me!

[@jusme2336]

Would there be anything different to do if I have a V8 automatic? Mine is 65 Convertible Mustang

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I had a '66 V8 Auto Mustang before this car and I purchased the same master cylinder that I put in that car. But I also added the power brake booster in that car. For the brakes them selves, if you car was an original V8, the spindles would be the same (they're called the 4-bolt because the Straight 6 has the 3-bolt) and this kit would fit the same as it does in my video.

[@jusme2336]

@@AndyKruseChannel I brought a kit from CJ pony over the holidays but I haven’t had it installed yet. www.cjponyparts.com/cj-classics-power-disc-brake-conversion-kit-with-power-master-cylinder-automatic-transmission-front-v8-mustang-1965-1966/p/DBF193/ You’re installation seems doable... fingers crossed 🤞🏾

[@MPMEnt]

Andy, what grease did you use for you bearings? Thanks

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Nothing fancy, just your standard axle grease you can pick up at the auto parts store. The particular stuff I was using is LubriMatic - High Temperature Disc/Drum Brake Wheel Bearing Grease. :)

[@MPMEnt]

@@AndyKruseChannel Thank you for taking the time to answer me 👊🏽

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@MPMEnt No problem, I'm happy to help. :)

[@MPMEnt]

@@AndyKruseChannel may I ask what size tires you recommend for the ‘66 Coupe? I’m going with 15x7 rims. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@MPMEnt]

@@AndyKruseChannel I’d like a lower profile tire but don’t want to sacrifice comfort. Manufacturer recommends 215/60R15; thoughts on 215/50R15?

[@4-SpeedPetrol]

Are your Cragar s/s wheels 14"? If so, any clearance issues with this Wilwood kit?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Correct, Cragar 14" wheels. They cleared the Wilwood calipers great! That particular Wilwood kit is designed to fit with most 14" wheels used on the early Mustangs. The caliper is notched in a way to make room for the inside of most of the 14" wheels. :)

[@4-SpeedPetrol]

@@AndyKruseChannel Thanks for the reply. I have the same Cragars on my '65 fastback and I plan on ordering this Wilwood kit this week but was hesitant after reading it clears "some but not all" 14" wheels on their website. Great content, thanks again!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

@@4-SpeedPetrol Awesome, I'm glad this kit will work as it's a pretty good and complete kit for our cars.

[@welcometothevlog7477]

What are all the torque specs 🙏

[@AndyKruseChannel]

There in the instructions that comes with the kit. :)

[@gabrielrobles6799]

Hello, good morning, excuse me, I have been trying to get the braking equipment for the 1966 mustang and I can't get it, you can send it to me or you can tell me where to deposit to get it, thank you very much, I await your kind response.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I purchase that Wilwood Brake kit from Amazon. The part number is 140-13476.

[@gabrielrobles6799]

Thank you very much

[@gabrielrobles6799]

hola buen dia disculpe tengo mucho tiempo tratando de conseguir el equipo de frenado para el mustang 1966 y no lo consigo me lo pueden enviar o me puede decir donde deposito para optenerlo muchas gracias espero su amable respuesta saludos

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I replied to your other question. :)

[@PhilShenton]

old I know and you’ve probably heard it before, but you didn’t shim the pads in evenly. Much bigger gap on the inner pad than the outer.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Ok

[@andresmauries2745]

After a year how are these holding up?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

The brakes are great! I've only put about 300 miles on the car, so my experience is limited. Knowing what I know, I would definitely buy them again. I'd go bigger if I could, but I knew when I purchased this Disc set that I wanted the wheel size I have now, so I was limited in disc diameter from the beginning. I'm not super impressed with the brake bias distribution block I purchased, I'd probably just get the Wilwood unit if I had to do this over again. I'd also do a little more research in the Master Cylinder, the generic unit I have is Meh. There was very little info available, so I couldn't tell you the size. I think I'd do 7/8" next time, which might provide a pinch more braking pressure, which would be great on a manual brakes car. :) Thanks for asking!!

[@andresmauries2745]

@@AndyKruseChannel awesome info !! Thanks for responding

[@bluetruck53]

@@AndyKruseChannel I tuned in as I am looking to do the same Wilwood disc conversion for my 66 F-100 pickup, and you did have the same "jelly jar" single master cylinder with the same brake light pressure switch that Ford used for MANY years. One of my concerns was how to attach that switch. I think you went to a mechanical light switch? Did the switch itself leak or the threads not seat? I have aluminum Ford style 15" wheels on the truck and look to go with Wilwood 140-14607 disc kit and Wilwood 261-13626 for master cylinder and proportion valve kit. They asked for my brake pedal ratio which worked out to 5.6 : 1, so a 15/16" bore cylinder was recommended for manual brakes. I will be working outside when the weather warms. My concerns are getting the brake back plates off without doing damage. I see you had a stubborn bolt. Other videos see people really having to hammer repeatedly. Residual pressure valve for rear drums 10 lbs. is recommended by Wilwood (260-13784) as Wilwood master kit is made for rear discs (without that valve).

[@alejandrorellana350]

And the servo ?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

What servo?

[@alejandrorellana350]

@@AndyKruseChannel power brake?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

That car didn't have power brakes. I prefer manual brakes on these kinds of cars. :)

[@sm87112]

anyone catch the torque spec on the bracket install?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Wilwood says they need to be torqued to 30 ft-lbs. :)

[@Whimpykids2]

Don’t get a tangent bowl from wilwood go with a lead brakes kit if you have power boosted works better

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You're not a fan of the Wilwood master cylinders?