Torque Box Install on a Classic Mustang

[@tibs2059]

Andy, I watched this video yesterday, but found myself watching one of your old videos with the old Coupe and got a good laugh at the bloopers you added at the end. Haha, that was great. If you ever find you have some good bloopers on any of your new videos, please add them. That was fun.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! I stopped adding them for two reasons. 1 - they were consistently the least watched part of any video back then (probably because I'm not as funny as I think I am). 2 - I find that I don't make as many mistakes while working on the car as I did in the past. Depending on how you read that, it may seem like I'm over confident in what I'm doing, but I have found that over time I feel more comfortable in front of the camera and I've learned quite a bit over the years about working on my car and it has built a form of confidence I didn't have before. Right before I stopped adding those to the videos, I caught myself intentionally doing something wrong or dropping something on purpose to make it look like a mistake (for the blooper reel), and I decided that's not who I want to be and it felt deceptive, which is the opposite of what I want my viewers to experience. There's a ton of videos out there on all manners of replacing and modifying these cars, I want to be one of the go-to guys because of my integrity and providing a helpful and practical video. Wow, that was longer than it needed to be. :)

[@tibs2059]

@AndyKruseChannel That makes perfect sense. Well, I can tell you as I rebuild my 66, you have for sure been a go-to for me. That's one reason why I have been going back to some of your older videos. Also, I'm really enjoying seeing what you are doing with the fastback. Can't wait to see the color you choose. Good times, my friend. Keep up the great work.

[@johnwesleycollins878]

I like watching your videos you don't act like a expert easy to watch good information and very nice car appreciate you and your style

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I appreciate that!

[@Dennis1H]

Andy, thanks for the video. I'll be adding these torque boxes with your video as a guide.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Fantastic! The sum of the parts, that's where an upgrade like this begins to shine. :)

[@manabouthome]

That's a challenging project for a diy-er. And even more challenging when you're recording and describing the whole process. Good result and good video!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks. It seems more intimidating than it really is, once you break it down it's not complicated at all. :)

[@jerrymoore6227]

Nice. They will really help with the handling. Looks great thanks for letting us see your handy work. Bigger job than you think ! The old pony will be ready to run for sure

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks 👍

[@Mike-sh2dg]

Great video Andy. Don’t feel bad, welding is hard. I love how easy they make it look on tv car shows.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks 👍

[@SmackeysGarage]

Nice video. Torque boxes are a big project and definitely require a lot of disassembly. Looks like they came out great!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks Brotha!!

[@HalfMoonCustoms]

I’m about to do this on my 66 fastback. Thanks for the video. It helps! Also enjoyed your mistakes you’ve made video. I’m building a 66 fastback with an aje front suspension and 347/tko 5 speed. New subscriber!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Glad it was helpful, and thanks for the support! :)

[@dsrgarage]

Definitely the video I needed. Good info. Thanks

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Happy to help. 🙂

[@sounddevicesmike]

So glad to see that you were able to tackle this on your own; it gives me hope. I can't wait to get your driving impressions on the changes are you planning to have it back on the road late spring/early summer? I'm working on our 66 coupe and I think we have similar goals for the cars. Currently, our car's suspension is stock but, It's going to get the Arning/Shelby drop maybe some new control arms, QA1 shocks, MMI Subframe connectors panhard bar, Export/Monte Carlo bar, and torque boxes.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I'm hoping to have the car back on the road early spring. I have a few things I want to do when I get the car back, so when it's on the road is still up for grabs. Sounds like you've got a fantastic list of suspension parts, that's going to really dial in the car and make it handle great! :)

[@edshipman8814]

Its all good Andy. Thanx

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks 👍

[@5798Mike]

Waaay out of my league Well done

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Nah, you’ve got this! 🙂

[@joewhitt2394]

Heck yea. I like that you don’t over complicate everything. Huge help

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks!

[@michaelpope1029]

Great Job 👍🏽 Love watching all your videos, you always give great ideas for upgrades. You just motivated me to go work on my 66’ right now.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You can do it!

[@mikebroszczak5767]

thanks Andy for the video

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You bet

[@josemedeiros007]

Nice work Andy. Do you have Subframe connectors yet?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yep :)

[@FastLane87]

Good job, Andy! Very informative. And welding sheet metal is not fun for anyone.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! :)

[@Ricardo_Wade]

It's a little late for this but I would recommend using weld primer when plunge welding panels together for protection

[@AndyKruseChannel]

I did. 🙂

[@ML-dl1cp]

Nice work, Andy, and the best how-to video on early torque box installation. If it's any consolation, I'm the only person I know to fail a community college evening course in basic welding. Still can't weld to save my life. I'm keen to see if torque boxes are worth it in a car that already has subframe connectors, and export and Monte Carlo bars. I'm on the fence about dong this one.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yes, but it’s the sum of the parts. Most won’t feel the difference, but that doesn’t mean it’s not helping. I still recommend them, especially considering Ford started adding them to the cars in ‘67

[@ssscamaro1]

Andy can you show where your steel fuel line is routed with the torque box installed please?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Not sure how I'd do that, these videos are not editable. :)

[@dennisparass5531]

Hi Andy. Another great and useful presentation. I know that you have already installed sub frame connectors to stiffen the car. What do you expect the torque boxes will add to the handling? Thanks…and please continue with your shows

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks! I expect the front end to tighten up a bit, but it won't be a night and day difference. These kinds of mods are better evaluated as a whole, meaning subframe connectors, Monte Carlo Bar, Export Brace, etc. But it also takes a larger sway bar, stiffer springs, and sticky tires because stiffened up car won't feel better if the suspension is sloppy or the tires are hard. :)

[@wolfthornhawkridge5705]

If it didn’t fall off when you got finished your a decent welder. Built not bought, also, nice hat. Happy holidays!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks!!

[@donsmanufactory]

I think you’ll find the front end is lower with respect to the rockers. Leaving the engine weight hanging out from the jack stands will cause it to droop. Yours might not be too bad with the export brace holding it a bit more rigid. Better to support the subframe just forward of the lower control arm mount.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks for the heads up. :)

[@donthompson2188]

They do make the car a lot more rigid.

[@donsmanufactory]

Consider sealing the front surfaces to keep wheel splash out of the torque boxes. Washington is wetter than Oregon. 🤓

[@happyhomesteader4808]

Hi Andy, Great how to video for this much needed upgrade on the 65-66 cars! I just did this on my 65 coupe. Your welding technique looks good, I just think you need a little more heat. Anyhow, Great job and have a Merry Christmas!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks. I need to take a class or two on how to weld and build a little confidence. :)

[@JoefussGarage-jl1bb]

Hey there Andy, awesome job, summarizing front torque boxes on 65-66 stangs.. I did this job last year, I too used the Spectra Supreme brand one piece boxes from NPD, they very good stuff, though adding them alone, without doing the toe boards is a bitch, to say the least. I choose to bend the inner flange, of the upper piece of the box, heating it, bending it downward in a vice. Then I could rosset weld that flange to the outer side of the floor support/framerails... You're way is still plenty strong... Mine is on rotisserie, so the extra work was easier.. You're trying to enjoy you're awesome 😎 ride, you go brother !!!!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, there's a part of me that wants to take the car all the way down to the sheet metal and build up from there, that would be the best way to address everything on this car. :)

[@goldysgarage189]

It is scary considering how similar yet different our two cars are. I plan to begin my own channel to provide others a view at what I'm doing.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Perfect, go get the camera! :)

[@jeffunderdahl8605]

Awesome video Andy! I’m lucky that my 68 already has these, but I think a 65/66 is also in my future and I would want to do this. And I’ve never welded, so I’m pretty nervous about that.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

You can do it!

[@DMUSA536]

I like your videos because you’re learning as you go and we’re along with you. When will the car get painted?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks. When I drop it off at the painter. :)

[@Adam-tl6wh]

Man, you should have no shame in your game! Unlike others out there or keyboard warriors you and others like us are out doing our projects and we should be proud of that.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks for the support! :)

[@skanoofis2099]

A little seam sealer will hide those welds hats off to you I wouldn’t try to do it lol

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Yeah, I put some seam sealer on both boxes after the fact. I dislike how expensive that stuff is. :)

[@thyubernoob]

Its cheaper then rust repair😉👍

[@thyubernoob]

Its cheaper then rust repair😉👍

[@thyubernoob]

Its cheaper then rust repair😉👍

[@jpmendoza138]

Nice job Andy! Welding is not easy. Are you using flux core?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Mig with Stargon gas. :)

[@JK-lw1yj]

Can you tell. me what mufflers and other exhaust components you have on the FB? Really like the sound.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Flowmaster 40 Series Mufflers (part number 42541), JBA Shorty Headers (part number 1650S), and JBA H-Pipe (part number 1650SH). :)

[@JK-lw1yj]

Thanks. Amazed you can do a video while driving the car and be heard, since I've read that those mufflers are pretty loud. Been trying to find quiet mufflers for my 65 FB.

[@johnsloan3404]

The torque box didn't look bad Why did you change them

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Not sure what you mean. These were not installed on the 64-66 Mustangs from the Factory, but Ford did start adding them in 1967. This car didn't have them when I bought it, that's why I'm installing them in this video.

[@johnsloan3404]

@@AndyKruseChannel now I understand thanks for answering

[@bofa83]

you shouldn't be insecure about your welding. the overwhelming majority of people dont know how to weld. I dont know how to.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks, but I just want to make sure that people don't think I'm the authority when it comes to how to weld, that's why I talk about it, I don't want to lead people down the wrong path.

[@clargay]

Hey Andy, Are using flux core wire here? No gas?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Mig welder.

[@craigmorrell1052]

yes but is it gas? we know it is mig but it could be with or without shielding gas. By the low splatter and soot I would say gas. @@AndyKruseChannel

[@b67fstb]

Cover the welds with seamsealer . hide the poor welds.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Thanks for the heads up. :)

[@clargay]

And how many hours did this take per side?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

3-4, I don't recall.

[@NightOwl444]

Great video , I’ll leave this to the welder and installer if ever done. Great work Andy Engineering at its best seen the 12 ton jack , 😎

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Nah, you can do this.

[@davevan8864]

I admire your mods........but this has cured any thoughts of me doing this!!! My car is rock solid southern car and I drive pretty mildly.....so I'll pass on these. Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Cool

[@MattandHeatherSumners]

The passenger side with the battery cable; I’d be worried it’ll become a water trap, as you’ve cut it and left a hole where moisture can get in? Does this concern you? And don’t worry about your welding dude, we’ve all gotta learn.

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Doesn't concern me because these devices are not designed to be sealed. Additionally, this is a fair weather car only, so it doesn't go out in the rain. :)

[@l.munnier9658]

What NO FIRE EXTINGUISHER ????? Shame on You !!! & Was that a claw HAMMER ?

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Nope. 😁

[@PowerfulRoman]

We die like real men.

[@petermcfelin5979]

get back to us when you have a rough idea what your doing. most confusing video i have ever seen

[@AndyKruseChannel]

Be careful, your jealousy is showing. :)