Suspension for 65 convertible

for a cruiser, the stock suspension properly rebuilt will do just fine. you can do some easy upgrades, like roller spring perches, a one inch lower front spring, i would use the GT rate of 460lb/in for a good ride, upgrade the lower control arm inner pivot point with a spherical bearing to eliminate binding, add adjustable strut rods, lower the upper control arm pivot point on inch, and back 1/8" like shelby did. i would run a 7" wide 17" if you really want a 17" wheel. personally i like the look of a nice 15" better. add in a one inch sway bar and you are done with the front.

in the rear a good 4 1/2" mid eye leaf spring does nicely. add in a set of good shocks and go cruising.

remember that with the larger wheels, you need more backspacing to clear everything. i plan on going with a 15x7 wheel on all four corners, and running either a 205/65-15 or a 215/60-15 tire all around. for a driver or a cruiser, its a nice package, and you really dont need a lot of tire with these cars because of their light weight.

the backspacing is the key here. as i recall a 17x8 wheel needs 5.75" backspace to fit properly, a 17x7 fits better, but still needs 5.25" backspace. dodgestang has a chart on the backspacing that fit mustangs best. it should be somewhere here on the site.