Installing a Coolant Overflow Tank (1969 Mustang Mach 1)

I'm installing a coolant overflow tank on my 1969 Mustang Mach 1. Classic cars didn't have overflow tanks and just let any excess coolant go to the ground when overheating or when it is overfilled. I've decided to fix that by purchasing an overflow tank from Scott Drake.
This part is specifically for a 1965-1968 Mustang, but I retrofitted it so it would fit my 1969 Mustang Mach 1 with a big block radiator. Follow along to see the changes I had to do to make it fit.
The coolant tank is made by Scott Drake.
#restoration
#mustang
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All videos are for entertainment purposes only. Attempt these projects at your own risk! If you do, make sure you follow all manufacturers instructions!

[@FastMikeysGarage]

Great job Smackey! Definitely recommend an overflow tank even if you don’t race. Nice not to leave droplets on the garage floor or driveway. 👍🏻

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks Mike! I agree. Rather not have my garage floor covered in fluids.

[@FastMikeysGarage]

@@SmackeysGarage I’m finally getting to stripping out the engine bay and will be priming and painting it.. what a hassle… LOL

[@Silencer84]

@@SmackeysGarage yeah kinda bizarre to think that the system was literally designed as open so it would leak and you would actually have to refill your fluids every once in a while. Maybe doing a factory overflow tank was just another expensive thing they didn't want to do? This is the first video that has made me aware that these systems are open! Gonna check out how it looks on my '69

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Another great video! I like that overflow tank, it's a cool clean look, and I like those mount brackets too. :)

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks! I’m happy with the way everything turned out. It was a risk buying one that wasn’t specifically designed for the car but it was worth it.

[@Silencer84]

@@SmackeysGarage I'm assuming you kind of had to buy one that wasn't meant for the car because Scott Drake doesn't have one for the '69/'70 models? Or you didn't like those designs?

[@SmackeysGarage]

Hey Silencer. This model on the website I purchased from said it fits 65-73 Mustangs. In the description it also says "May need to be adapted to fit some applications." In the instructions it says 65-68 Mustang. Wasn't too hard to get to fit though.

[@Silencer84]

@@SmackeysGarage very clear, thanks!

[@Ibarrahugoc]

Thanks for the explanation. Just got a 1971 Mach 1 and a disconnected hose worried me! Now I know what its for.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks for watching! Congrats on the purchase. They are great cars

[@bardstables8909]

Good job. Looks great besides being functional.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thank you!

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great upgrade for the Mustang!👍

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks Mitch!

[@davidnimmoartsclubaudition1082]

Great upgrade and easy install. Wish they would make a plastic body for a more stock look as once installed no would notice. Grat for the environment too.

[@SmackeysGarage]

Thanks! I’ve seen people use the washer fluid container for an overflow tank but lose their ability for windshield washer fluid. I do agree a stock looking one would be great for these cars. One that looks period correct.

[@johnmilner7603]

You forgot to change the rad cap to a closed system. It won’t work with an open system cap.😊

[@SmackeysGarage]

I definitely forgot to hit that switch on the cap.

[@streetharIey]

Just bought a overflow tank for my 70. It is round and chrome. It ready looks out of place. I’m thinking of painting it black.

[@SmackeysGarage]

I like the idea of painting it black. I chose the rectangular one because it sorta looks like it belongs there. Is yours the stainless one? I looked at that one as well.

[@streetharIey]

@@SmackeysGarage yes, when I was researching I did not see the rectangular one. Like you that one looks a lot better. I need to figure out what kind of paint to use so it doesn’t peel. I guess like anything else prepping is key.

[@larrywallace7546]

How much hose is needed to route it this way and will I need a new cap ?

[@SmackeysGarage]

I can check on the length tomorrow but it was a few feet. You don’t need a new cap

[@Sw33tyizuz26]

Fits mach 1 1973 ?

[@SmackeysGarage]

Do they take the standard 24" radiator? I'm sure you could modify it to fit if you had to.

[@SmackeysGarage]

The biggest issue I had was fitting it height wise. I was able to add a 90* elbow to it and fit it, but it was tight.