1965 Fastback with DSE

[rusty428cj]

We will be installing DSE mini tubs, subframe connectors, front and rear suspension in this 1965 Fastback.
This is what we are starting with.

The first step is to remove the undercoating before it goes to get media blasted. I have never seen so much undercoating.

You never know what you will find under the paint

 

[crane550]

Definitely a worthy project! I will be watching closely!

 

[rusty428cj]

There was a lot of bubbles and paint coming off so I decided to investigate before sending it to be blasted.

 

[rusty428cj]

We have repairs to do before we install the DSE mini tubbs.

The front crossmember had been hit so we replaced it

Before we installed the new one Brian cleaned up the surface rust than brushed a coat of SPI epoxy

The left front apron has a little rust so Brian cut it out

There was also a little rust on the firewall. After drilling out the spot welds on the fender apron Brian patched it.

 

[rusty428cj]

Both quarter panels need to be replaced.

After they were removed everything was epoxy primed

Lining up the new trunk floor

 

[rusty428cj]

Brian wanted to fit the mini tubs before installing the quarter panels the first thing he did was cut out the frame rail to make room for the new one that come in the kit.

These braces come with the kit

This is what needs to be cut out for the new mini tub. You can go in 2" or 3" we chose 2" because in you go 3" you have to narrow the supplied frame rail 1"

 

[mtaqua]

very cool, wish I would have had this kit. you keeping the rear seat?

 

[rusty428cj]

I'm sorry I have forgotten to update

Test fitting the mini tub and quarter





Epoxy primed the inside of the quarters



Installing the DSE mini tubs





Roll bar installed before the quarters





Couple of coats of SPI epoxy





Quarters and taillight panel installed

 

[rusty428cj]

The floor pan had to be replaced



Brushed epoxy





Installed torque boxes





Test fitting



Installing DSE subframe connectors







Both front frame rails had a little rust









We are waiting for the DSE rear suspension

 

[rusty428cj]

Fixing the door gap



Block sanded and ready for more primer



Two coats of SPI epoxy



DSE parts came in except the rear housing. Now we just need to find the time to install all these cool parts.

 

[rusty428cj]

The rear end from DSE came in with the Quadra link brackets. Moser 9" 3.89 with 31 spline Truetrac

 

[rusty428cj]

Brian wanted something fun to work on so he started installing the DSE rear suspension. Part of the trunk floor has to be cut out.



Installing the new DSE floor

 

[rusty428cj]

Front cradle bolted in place and new DSE front mounts welded in place of the stock sway bar mount



Holes drilled in frame



Crush tubes that go in the frame



Crush tubes bolt to the upper mount and will be welded to the frame





Top bracket plug & tack welded in place

 

[rusty428cj]

You have to weld a snubber bracket to the frame rail





Crush tubes welded in place





Starting to fabricate a brace. DSE leaves the stock strut rod brackets but I like this better plus it gives you somewhere to place a jack.

 

[rusty428cj]

Test fitting the front suspension

 

[rusty428cj]

The next on our list was to install the DSE rear suspension. It is a good thing they send a video and Brian bought a portable DVD player. This is what he is starting with.

 

[rusty428cj]

It has been awhile since Brian started installing the DSE rear suspension.

You have to assemble the upper control arm bracket.





Shock mounting bracket also welded in place

 

[horse sence]

That is some sweet work there Rusty . Brian is truly the master of metal

 

[rusty428cj]

Before Brian started the bottom brackets I sprayed a couple coats of epoxy



The lower bracket is tack welded to the DSE torque box.



Welded in place along with another bracket

 

[rusty428cj]

Brian installed the DSE suspension today so we can figure out our wheel and tire combo. This is the first time test fitting the rear suspension. Everything fit perfect and Brian said the hardest thing to install was the rear sway bar.