I just inherited a 1966 289 2b C4auto coupe with power steering, 4 wheel drum brakes, added on pony interior. I grew up around mustangs as my grand parents used to restore/sell them, so I know enough to know that this car is a Frankenstein of parts and there's a lot of things that don't make sense. I just fixed a wiring issue by replacing all the looms in the eng compartment..and discovered it has a 65 3 wire heater blower, 67 pw steering pump, 68 carb etc. etc.

Here's what I know: It has original/or old suspension, shocks, horrible brakes, lots of play in the steering and old 14" steel wheels with bad tires. So I was thinking to do the following (note my questions under each proposed upgrade/fix:
1. Upgrade to front disc brakes/double reservoir
(should I add power brakes while I'm at it?)

2. Have the steering fixed so no free play and fix the power steering leaks (Anything I should do here while I'm at it?)

3. Replace all the shocks with KYB Gas as well as suspension rubber (What about Shelby GT suspension, although I don't want to spend a small fortune here?)

4. Upgrade wheels to vintage 45's with 225/60/16's.

Goal for this car: I'd like it to be a daily driver (8miles/day) realatively safe, and fun. I don't need a concourse classic, but want to stay with the theme.

In the future, I plan to upgrade to electronic ingintion, 4B carb and maybe a few other performance mods..but for now, I just don't want to have white knuckles all the time.
thanks for your advice ahead of time.
Dylan  

Hi Dylan,
 We're in the same boat. I got my dads 68 289 Coupe from CA last year and I'm in the process of doing a rebiuld with similar goals as yours. A great book to read before you get into it is MUSTANG RESTORATION HANDBOOK by DON TAYLOR. And believe what he says, although it was written years ago the same rules still apply.
 Here's my thoughts to your list, if it's a safety item definately spend the money and do things right the first time.
1) The power brakes are worth it.
2) For peace of mind I'd rebuild the front end with new ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings etc.
The free play in the steering could also mean the PS control valve & steering gear needs rebuilding.
3) If your not building a car to track race you won't even need a shelby suspension, use the $$$ on other things. Up-grading/adding stabilizer bars will make a noticable difference.
4) Wheels are an area I'm in a toss-up. I like the durability & looks of alloy wheels, but the steel ones are so much less $$.
 If you have paint/finish questions, check out the forum at autobody101.com  Hope this helps, Good luck MB