I will never get tired of your videos, and the way you explains and teach on how to to, and on how these upgrades work. - I will let you know Andy that Im an older guy and 65 years old. - I have been working and restoring cars for nearly 4 decades. Orginally I have been a Mopar man, but I have also been a Ford & Mercury enthusist too. There are always new things, tips and tricks and competance to learn. Right now Im in the resto of my 1970 Mercury Cougar Convertible. - This car will be built as a high performance vintage racer and will be lowered, fat wheels and suspension and a " real driving Machine for Noewgian curvy roads when completed Andy, - Your You Tube Channel has been " a must" for me and like for so many othersI love your videos. - Best greetings and Peace and Love from Norway. OLE : )
I appreciate the feedback! I too enjoy learning new tips and tricks, and I try to incorporate something that was helpful to me in my videos, hoping it will help the next guy. Keep turning that wrench Brotha!! :)
I installed the Maier racing panhard bar leaf springs and bilstien shock 2 years ago on my 65 coupe and it totally changed the handling. I could not be happier with the product and the company. Talk to Charles or Mike and you will be impressed. You will love this setup. Thanks for the video Andy !!
I just talked to Mike Maier. I’ve met him before, as I only live a few miles away from his shop. Bought a set of Bilstein shocks from him a while ago. Thanks to this video, well, I now want a Panhard bar, lol. I don’t weld, but Mike was nice enough to hook me up with a fabricator. He’s just the coolest person. He will talk to you without any intent of selling you anything. He’s just a down to earth nice guy. The best in the business. The only thing I’m not looking forward to is cutting my exhaust pipes, sigh. But, my old school muffler guy will redo them. Thanks, Andy!
Andy, where were you when I made my video? LOL- I think you did a better job than I did..! :-) Btw, the rigid tube that goes frame rail to frame rail can be swung around to offer clearance for the exhaust. Sway bars add spring rate in the corner. I suggest running a sway bar when you are on concrete surfaces & slicks/tires. It also narrows the window from grip to no grip. If you are running street tires and running on asphalt, then stay away from the rear sway bar. That kit was definitely an evolution kit. Hope you guys dig it!! Charles Maier
Awesome, Mr Maier commenting on my video! Thanks for the feedback, I was hoping that it would paint your company in a good light as I'm super impressed with this bar as well as the customer service I received during the purchase. For what it's worth, Bill was awesome to work with! I was thinking about that upper tube being able to clear the exhaust, but I was needing to cut the exhaust out anyways as it was interfering with the mounting locations for those pieces that weld to the frame. In the end I was able to make it all work out and I got the exhaust we done. Everything clears and everything works as expected. :)
Great vid, man. Thanks. It’s amazing how similar our projects are. I have the Maier rear springs and I couldn’t be happier with them. They all but eliminated the axle rap that I was getting from the Grab a Trac springs. I have the Bilstein sport shot ma and they seem to be a great match to the high spring rates I have. 600 up front and 165 out back. This mod is on my short list. So glad to hear that it’s made a huge difference for you. I’m sold
Awesome, those Bilsteins are something I've been debating about swapping to. I really do think you'll like this new Bar when you get it installed, it really changes how the car reacts in the corners, and tightens up the car. I should have bought this bar sooner. :)
Fantastic content. Very educational.. watching again after putting floorpans in my 73. Finishing the subframe connectors... then will be beginning on rear end. Thanks again fot the channel...
Great video thank you for it! I've looked at maiers stuff for my own car but never pulled the trigger. Now I just might have to. and thanks for the code. Happy driving
Thanks! Now is the time, you'll appreciate how much better the car feels when driving around the corners. That code is essentially good for forever. I asked if it had an expiration and they said no. :)
This is the best mod I've done to the car. It might be because of all the other suspension mods I've already done, but this car is so much more fun to drive with this new Panhard Bar. :)
I highly recommend this bar. This bar has transformed the way the car handles more than any other part I've installed. The chassis is so much more predictable and tighter feeling. I wish I would have done this mod sooner. :)
Thanks for the video. I've subscribed to your channel. Can you post up some photos (or a quick follow up video) of the finished exhaust pipes you mentioned? I'm struggling to see how the panhard bar will fit with a fuel tank and standard exhaust pipes running to the rear of my car.
I wish we could have seen a go pro under the car before and after the install around the same corner to see the difference! But great install video very precise!
Hi Andy panhard bars are as you said a lateral locating device designed to keep the axle centred in the car. They also, depending on where they cross the axle centreline, set the rear roll centre height. That is why you can vary the under /over steer characteristics by changing it's height relative to the centreline. On a car with leaf springs and a live axle like your mustang the factory roll centre height is the centreline of the rear axle. The kit you have fitted lowers the rear roll centre considerably from stock in all 3 positions and with standard rate springs would increase the understeer drastically. I think it maybe designed to run with much stiffer than standard rear springs, which, without the panhard rod would make the car oversteer. Fitting the 2 together would make a nice adjustable package. I see you have 3/4 main leaf springs which are a great set up to control axle tramp without binding but are they a heavier rate than stock? I'm not trying to be a smart arse here but anyone watching the video needs to know what they are looking at. Jay
The rear has 4.5 leaf, mid-eye units that I upgraded a while back. I do not recall the spring rate, but they are definitely stiffer than stock, almost too stiff for those days when I don't want to push it.
Thank you for sharing! Trying to decide between the Mike Maier Mod 1 kit or the Street or Track Watts links setup. Would you go for more of an adjustable package if you could do it over again?
I am very happy with the build quality and experience that backs all of Mike Maier's parts. In fact, I have my eye on their Mod 2 rear package. :) There are some advantages to the Watts Link, but I am not a fan of how complex it is for the average guy to install, as a Panhard Bar is easier to install and requires less modification to the car and supporting pieces. It's not about 'doing it over again' because my path is mostly limited by funds. I don't want the car to sit for 2-3 years while I save up and buy the suspension. I want to drive my car so I buy parts as I can and upgrade. In the end it costs me more, but I'll take that trade because I get to enjoy the car and learn along the way. :)
Truth. So far all I've needed help on this car was bleeding the brakes, everything else has been a solo effort. The good thing is it shows others can do it, even though it's usually better and safer to have help. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel Yeah I looked up the 1 person brake bleed kits and I wasn't too confident on getting all the air out, so I recruited the wife for help on that too. She does drive it about as much as I do, so I think it's high time that she put in some work on it.
Haha, trading work for some fun time, I like it. Yeah, I looked into those one-man bleeders, I even bought one. I was probably doing it wrong, but I wasn't impressed either way.
Sad to see those beautiful pipes get cut out! I've been very interested in their products, happy to see you getting some level of a partnership! Do you have any plans to objectively measure performance improvements?
Agreed, it didn't like cutting out some exhaust work that I recently paid for, but it was needed to get this Bar in the car. Knowing what I know now about how awesome this Bar is, I'd do it again in a heart beat. This Panhard Bar is fantastic, I wish I installed it sooner. I have since had the exhaust pipes redone and it's all good to go now. The only performance measurement I have is my backside, which is telling me that this car is so much tighter than before. I can actually steer the car with the throttle, even with that tired 289 I currently have installed. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel in a perfect universe, would have had a better order of events? I know it also sucks to have to grind off underbody protection.Steering with the throttle sounds like a dream.
@@jordanschultz2232 Yes and no, all of the suspension related parts I've added would have been added even if I could have purchased everything at once. I think this new Bar really shines now that I've sorted out the suspension weaknesses with new components. However, considering how well this car handles now, I would have liked to purchase it sooner, meaning other things I've done to the car would have waited so I could put money towards the Panhard Bar. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel so this car doesn't have a rear sway bar yet but you had one in the coupe right? Will you be adding one now? What about front sway bar you did an upgrade on both of them no? Do you feel any shirt comings from your other suspension componente now such as shocks coils or leaf springs?
Correct, the rear swaybar was on my previous car, the coupe. I do not have one on this car and at the moment I don't plan to add one, the Panhard Bar is that good! I have upgraded the front sway bar, and I'd recommend people add that to their list if they're focusing on the improved handling of these cars. I'm wondering if I should have gone with the 5 leafs (like on my Coupe) instead of the 4.5 leafs I purchased for the Fastback. I do enjoy the slightly softer ride when I driving "normal", but I have found the limits of these leafs when I push the car. I also cut too much off my front springs, now that they've settled a little. The driver's side is about 3/8" lower than the passenger, I'd like to have them be even. However, front springs are cheap, so I may revisit it and not cut so much. :)
Any clearance issues between your differential/rear axle and the panhard bar, especially under high torque conditions where bumping between the two components would most likely occur? Was there enough room to route the dual exhaust to the back? Thanks.
Zero issues, because when installing the bar, you make sure everything is placed so that it clears the Diff. Even under extremely loading scenarios, nothing rubs back there. I had to have my exhaust redone because that fixed cross bar wanted to share the same space as my original exhaust routing. I could have fixed it myself, but I figured I'd let my muffler guy make it perfect. :)
Night and day difference. I should have done this bar a long time ago. I should have done this bar on my previous Mustang. I have a video coming up where I talk about it a bit, but I think I should just do a whole video on how this bar has completely transformed the car. :)
The console I purchased for this car was used (off Ebay) and before shipping it was around $70. On my previous Mustang I purchased the same console, but new, from CJPony and it was about $150 shipped, now they're $180 plus shipping.
Doesn't the car have to be at ride height with the weight on the tires? Also invest in a 3/16 Titan brake line flairing tool available at Oriley, those rear brake lines are beyond horrible.
I thought I was burning up my credit card with projects. You're literally vaporizing your card. Did you get inspired by my autocross video? Also you should include a link to Maier Racing in the description.
I might be spending too much on the car, but as long as the Boss approves...... This bar was on my list since the my last car, I just ended up doing the Rear Sway Bar first before I sold it. I knew I was going to do it on this car, I just had other parts I wanted to fix/upgrade first. However, knowing what I know now, I should have purchased this bar sooner. This mod has transformed the way this car handles more than any other mod I've done so far. :)
I will never get tired of your videos, and the way you explains and teach on how to to, and on how these upgrades work. - I will let you know Andy that Im an older guy and 65 years old. - I have been working and restoring cars for nearly 4 decades.
Orginally I have been a Mopar man, but I have also been a Ford & Mercury enthusist too.
There are always new things, tips and tricks and competance to learn. Right now Im in the resto of my 1970 Mercury Cougar Convertible. - This car will be built as a high performance vintage racer and will be lowered, fat wheels and suspension and a " real driving Machine for Noewgian curvy roads when completed
Andy, - Your You Tube Channel has been " a must" for me and like for so many othersI love your videos. - Best greetings and Peace and Love from Norway. OLE : )
I appreciate the feedback! I too enjoy learning new tips and tricks, and I try to incorporate something that was helpful to me in my videos, hoping it will help the next guy. Keep turning that wrench Brotha!! :)
@@AndyKruseChannel Thank you so much Mate ☮❤👍👍
Thanks!
Glenn, thank you for the support!!
I installed the Maier racing panhard bar leaf springs and bilstien shock 2 years ago on my 65 coupe and it totally changed the handling. I could not be happier with the product and the company. Talk to Charles or Mike and you will be impressed. You will love this setup. Thanks for the video Andy !!
This bar is hands down my favorite mod to the car. Even more than doing the T5 swap. :)
I just talked to Mike Maier. I’ve met him before, as I only live a few miles away from his shop. Bought a set of Bilstein shocks from him a while ago. Thanks to this video, well, I now want a Panhard bar, lol. I don’t weld, but Mike was nice enough to hook me up with a fabricator. He’s just the coolest person. He will talk to you without any intent of selling you anything. He’s just a down to earth nice guy. The best in the business. The only thing I’m not looking forward to is cutting my exhaust pipes, sigh. But, my old school muffler guy will redo them. Thanks, Andy!
Mike is one of the best out there, we need more Mike Maiers in this world. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel Yup!
Andy, where were you when I made my video? LOL- I think you did a better job than I did..! :-) Btw, the rigid tube that goes frame rail to frame rail can be swung around to offer clearance for the exhaust. Sway bars add spring rate in the corner. I suggest running a sway bar when you are on concrete surfaces & slicks/tires. It also narrows the window from grip to no grip. If you are running street tires and running on asphalt, then stay away from the rear sway bar. That kit was definitely an evolution kit. Hope you guys dig it!! Charles Maier
Awesome, Mr Maier commenting on my video! Thanks for the feedback, I was hoping that it would paint your company in a good light as I'm super impressed with this bar as well as the customer service I received during the purchase. For what it's worth, Bill was awesome to work with!
I was thinking about that upper tube being able to clear the exhaust, but I was needing to cut the exhaust out anyways as it was interfering with the mounting locations for those pieces that weld to the frame. In the end I was able to make it all work out and I got the exhaust we done. Everything clears and everything works as expected. :)
Thank you so much for doing videos like this, they’re super helpful on making decisions for my own build
Glad to help! :)
Great vid, man. Thanks. It’s amazing how similar our projects are. I have the Maier rear springs and I couldn’t be happier with them. They all but eliminated the axle rap that I was getting from the Grab a Trac springs. I have the Bilstein sport shot ma and they seem to be a great match to the high spring rates I have. 600 up front and 165 out back. This mod is on my short list. So glad to hear that it’s made a huge difference for you. I’m sold
Awesome, those Bilsteins are something I've been debating about swapping to. I really do think you'll like this new Bar when you get it installed, it really changes how the car reacts in the corners, and tightens up the car. I should have bought this bar sooner. :)
Fantastic content. Very educational.. watching again after putting floorpans in my 73. Finishing the subframe connectors... then will be beginning on rear end. Thanks again fot the channel...
Much appreciated!
Great video thank you for it! I've looked at maiers stuff for my own car but never pulled the trigger. Now I just might have to. and thanks for the code. Happy driving
Thanks!
Now is the time, you'll appreciate how much better the car feels when driving around the corners.
That code is essentially good for forever. I asked if it had an expiration and they said no. :)
Was not aware of this kit. Thanks for the education. Top notch video, audio and editing as usual.
Much appreciated! To date this is my favorite mod to the car since I bought it. :)
Another, well done video that taught me a lot.
Glad to hear it!
Really interested to seeing a review of the panhard bar! What do you think about the cars handling and performance after installation etc.
This is the best mod I've done to the car. It might be because of all the other suspension mods I've already done, but this car is so much more fun to drive with this new Panhard Bar. :)
I was planning on doing a 4 link with coilovers for my 65 but now i just might do the panhard with no leafs and coilovers.
Unfortunately I can't comment on whether a 4-link, Watts-link, and Panhard bar is better, but I do know I wish I would have done this mod sooner. :)
Really tempted to do this to my car as well!
I highly recommend this bar. This bar has transformed the way the car handles more than any other part I've installed. The chassis is so much more predictable and tighter feeling. I wish I would have done this mod sooner. :)
Great video and nice mod. Should do a driving review of it!
Coming soon! :) Hands down my favorite mod to date!
Also want a review thats the bar I'm planning on getting for my 66. Happy you got one 👍
Coming soon! :)
@@AndyKruseChannel Also thanks for the code good to save what you can 👍
Great video
Thanks!
Thanks for the video. I've subscribed to your channel. Can you post up some photos (or a quick follow up video) of the finished exhaust pipes you mentioned? I'm struggling to see how the panhard bar will fit with a fuel tank and standard exhaust pipes running to the rear of my car.
No problem. I posted a few pics on my Instagram page of how the exhaust routes around the Panhard Bar. :)
I wish we could have seen a go pro under the car before and after the install around the same corner to see the difference! But great install video very precise!
Yeah, that would have been a good idea. But I promise you'll feel the difference before and after. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel I definitely believe you these old unibody cars flex a little more than they should lol.
Hi Andy panhard bars are as you said a lateral locating device designed to keep the axle centred in the car. They also, depending on where they cross the axle centreline, set the rear roll centre height. That is why you can vary the under /over steer characteristics by changing it's height relative to the centreline. On a car with leaf springs and a live axle like your mustang the factory roll centre height is the centreline of the rear axle. The kit you have fitted lowers the rear roll centre considerably from stock in all 3 positions and with standard rate springs would increase the understeer drastically. I think it maybe designed to run with much stiffer than standard rear springs, which, without the panhard rod would make the car oversteer. Fitting the 2 together would make a nice adjustable package. I see you have 3/4 main leaf springs which are a great set up to control axle tramp without binding but are they a heavier rate than stock? I'm not trying to be a smart arse here but anyone watching the video needs to know what they are looking at. Jay
The rear has 4.5 leaf, mid-eye units that I upgraded a while back. I do not recall the spring rate, but they are definitely stiffer than stock, almost too stiff for those days when I don't want to push it.
Thank you for sharing! Trying to decide between the Mike Maier Mod 1 kit or the Street or Track Watts links setup. Would you go for more of an adjustable package if you could do it over again?
I am very happy with the build quality and experience that backs all of Mike Maier's parts. In fact, I have my eye on their Mod 2 rear package. :)
There are some advantages to the Watts Link, but I am not a fan of how complex it is for the average guy to install, as a Panhard Bar is easier to install and requires less modification to the car and supporting pieces.
It's not about 'doing it over again' because my path is mostly limited by funds. I don't want the car to sit for 2-3 years while I save up and buy the suspension. I want to drive my car so I buy parts as I can and upgrade. In the end it costs me more, but I'll take that trade because I get to enjoy the car and learn along the way. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel thank you!
FOrever ReDesigning...
Nice work.
Trying to improve the car, it doesn't seem to be ever be done. :)
Andy's famous quote, "This might be easier to do with another person."
Truth. So far all I've needed help on this car was bleeding the brakes, everything else has been a solo effort. The good thing is it shows others can do it, even though it's usually better and safer to have help. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel Yeah I looked up the 1 person brake bleed kits and I wasn't too confident on getting all the air out, so I recruited the wife for help on that too. She does drive it about as much as I do, so I think it's high time that she put in some work on it.
Haha, trading work for some fun time, I like it. Yeah, I looked into those one-man bleeders, I even bought one. I was probably doing it wrong, but I wasn't impressed either way.
Hi Andy I’ve just done a disc brake conversion and used a 1 man bleeder and I worked great 😊
@@garysbonsai Some people swear by those one-man bleeders, maybe the one I purchased was crap, but I struggled with it more than I wanted to. :)
OH this is getting closer to an electric power steering install video!! :-)
Pretty soon that's all that'll be left to do. :)
Sad to see those beautiful pipes get cut out! I've been very interested in their products, happy to see you getting some level of a partnership!
Do you have any plans to objectively measure performance improvements?
Agreed, it didn't like cutting out some exhaust work that I recently paid for, but it was needed to get this Bar in the car. Knowing what I know now about how awesome this Bar is, I'd do it again in a heart beat. This Panhard Bar is fantastic, I wish I installed it sooner. I have since had the exhaust pipes redone and it's all good to go now.
The only performance measurement I have is my backside, which is telling me that this car is so much tighter than before. I can actually steer the car with the throttle, even with that tired 289 I currently have installed. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel in a perfect universe, would have had a better order of events? I know it also sucks to have to grind off underbody protection.Steering with the throttle sounds like a dream.
@@jordanschultz2232 Yes and no, all of the suspension related parts I've added would have been added even if I could have purchased everything at once. I think this new Bar really shines now that I've sorted out the suspension weaknesses with new components. However, considering how well this car handles now, I would have liked to purchase it sooner, meaning other things I've done to the car would have waited so I could put money towards the Panhard Bar. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel so this car doesn't have a rear sway bar yet but you had one in the coupe right? Will you be adding one now? What about front sway bar you did an upgrade on both of them no?
Do you feel any shirt comings from your other suspension componente now such as shocks coils or leaf springs?
Correct, the rear swaybar was on my previous car, the coupe. I do not have one on this car and at the moment I don't plan to add one, the Panhard Bar is that good!
I have upgraded the front sway bar, and I'd recommend people add that to their list if they're focusing on the improved handling of these cars.
I'm wondering if I should have gone with the 5 leafs (like on my Coupe) instead of the 4.5 leafs I purchased for the Fastback. I do enjoy the slightly softer ride when I driving "normal", but I have found the limits of these leafs when I push the car. I also cut too much off my front springs, now that they've settled a little. The driver's side is about 3/8" lower than the passenger, I'd like to have them be even. However, front springs are cheap, so I may revisit it and not cut so much. :)
Any clearance issues between your differential/rear axle and the panhard bar, especially under high torque conditions where bumping between the two components would most likely
occur? Was there enough room to route the dual exhaust to the back? Thanks.
Zero issues, because when installing the bar, you make sure everything is placed so that it clears the Diff. Even under extremely loading scenarios, nothing rubs back there. I had to have my exhaust redone because that fixed cross bar wanted to share the same space as my original exhaust routing. I could have fixed it myself, but I figured I'd let my muffler guy make it perfect. :)
How does the car drive now? Great video
Night and day difference. I should have done this bar a long time ago. I should have done this bar on my previous Mustang. I have a video coming up where I talk about it a bit, but I think I should just do a whole video on how this bar has completely transformed the car. :)
Andy, please tell me those are not the recalled Harbor Freight jack stands!
I can see now they're not, but they don't have safetys. Don't bump the lever!
I don't think so, but I don't know.
Hey where did you get your center console. In a previous video you said it was $70 I can’t find anything less then 180
The console I purchased for this car was used (off Ebay) and before shipping it was around $70. On my previous Mustang I purchased the same console, but new, from CJPony and it was about $150 shipped, now they're $180 plus shipping.
What size torque thrust wheels you running?
16x7 with 4" backspacing, part number VN2156765. :)
Doesn't the car have to be at ride height with the weight on the tires? Also invest in a 3/16 Titan brake line flairing tool available at Oriley, those rear brake lines are beyond horrible.
I always comment before seeing the whole video, sorry.
Haha, no problem, I've done that too.
I thought I was burning up my credit card with projects. You're literally vaporizing your card. Did you get inspired by my autocross video? Also you should include a link to Maier Racing in the description.
I might be spending too much on the car, but as long as the Boss approves......
This bar was on my list since the my last car, I just ended up doing the Rear Sway Bar first before I sold it. I knew I was going to do it on this car, I just had other parts I wanted to fix/upgrade first. However, knowing what I know now, I should have purchased this bar sooner. This mod has transformed the way this car handles more than any other mod I've done so far. :)
@@AndyKruseChannel Yeah, I told my Boss about your videos. She said I’m banned from watching them anymore. She says she can’t afford you. 😜
Side exhaust. Problem solved.
Yeah, that would make it easier for routing. :)