Fox-body '79-'93 Mustangs are hot right now because they're plentiful and cheap. Even better, the late-model market is teeming with high-quality restoration parts and accessories from companies like Latemodel Restoration Supply, which offers just about everything you need to restore a '79-'93 Mustang. This month, we're going to show you how to remove and replace carpeting.
Carpet replacement in '79-'93 Mustangs is different from early classics because there are fewer parts to remove. Fox-body Mustangs are more of a snap-together affair, with parts held together with plastic fasteners and button head screws. Consoles, for example, are retained with four screws and three multiplex plugs. Sill plates are made of plastic and retained with Phillips head screws. Kick panels are held in place with plastic rivets. Quarter trim panels are two-piece with one screw each. If you've spent most of your time restoring '65-'73 Mustangs, you will find that '79-'93 Fox-bodies are easier to disassemble and restore. The greatest challenge is parts. Although there are plenty of reproduction parts available, there are also those that may never be available as reproductions, which means searching for good used or new-old-stock parts.
If you've spent most of your time restoring '65-'73 Mustangs, you will find that '79-'93 Fox-bodies are easier to disassemble and restore.
1 Front and rear seats must...
1 Front and rear seats must be removed first. The rear seat bottom is pressed aft and lifted out as shown. Only the seat bottom has to come out.
2 Front bucket seats are...
2 Front bucket seats are mounted on four studs each. A 5⁄8-inch deep-well socket or box-end wrench is needed to remove the nuts. Slide the seat forward to access rear studs and aft to get to the forward studs.
3 With the seats removed,...
3 With the seats removed, carpet access is straightforward. Seatbelts and console have to be removed next.
4 Seatbelt removal is next....
4 Seatbelt removal is next. Outboard belts include three-point shoulder units. Inboards are short receivers like this one. You’re going to need a Torx 50 driver for the bolts.
5 This is the driver’s inboard...
5 This is the driver’s inboard belt with a seatbelt reminder switch connection, with the plug hidden beneath the carpeting.
6 The kick panels are easy...
6 The kick panels are easy to remove. Each is retained with a plastic rivet. Latemodel Restoration Supply has complete trim hardware/software kits for panel replacement.
7 Quarter trim panel bottoms...
7 Quarter trim panel bottoms are easy to remove as well because they tuck neatly under the quarter trim panel and are retained with one trim screw.
8 Plastic sill plates are...
8 Plastic sill plates are removed with a Phillips head screwdriver. No need reusing these grubby old plates with the fresh carpet because new reproductions are available from Latemodel Restoration Supply.
9 If you’re accustomed to...
9 If you’re accustomed to '65-'73 Mustangs, you’re going to love '79-'93 console removal. Only four screws-two at the front and two at the rear-retain the console to the floor.
10 Remove the ashtray for...
10 Remove the ashtray for access to the forward console screws. You can remove the shift handle and boot for easier console removal though it is unnecessary.
11 To remove the console,...
11 To remove the console, pull the hand brake as far as it will go. If you have a manual shifter, place it in neutral.
12 These three multiplex...
12 These three multiplex plugs must be disconnected before the console can be removed from the car.
13 The carpet can be challenging...
13 The carpet can be challenging to remove. Take care not to damage underdash wiring while pulling it out. Once the carpet is out, it’s a good time to inspect the floorpans for rust and other damage.
14 In the mid-1980s, Ford...
14 In the mid-1980s, Ford recalled Mustangs for floorpan stress cracks. This reinforcement plate was the fix. If you don’t have one, now is a good time to install one from Latemodel Restoration Supply. Ask for part number LRS11135RP, priced at $29.99.
15 We’re installing part...
15 We’re installing part number ACC-8293CP-CHG, a Charcoal Gray, molded 16-ounce cut-pile carpet for '82-'86 Mustangs. Cost is $129.99 plus shipping. Made by Auto Custom Carpet, this Fox-body carpet has a 1/2-inch jute backing and is guaranteed for one year. It comes out of the box wrinkled, so lay it in the sun for a couple of hours to make it easier to form and install.
16 Begin your cuts with two...
16 Begin your cuts with two slots mid-tunnel at the hand brake and shifter. Be careful not to cut too much.
17 You’re going to need a...
17 You’re going to need a sharp razor blade because jute carpet backing is not easy to cut. Again, be very careful in your cuts.
18 Count on having to work...
18 Count on having to work the carpet over and over until it conforms to the floorpan. Use a heat gun or hair dryer to get it warm and pliable. The hot sun also works for making it flexible.
19 Use a razor blade to cut...
19 Use a razor blade to cut the small holes for the seat studs. Use retaining nuts to keep the carpet in place once you’re confident the carpet is properly positioned.
20 Latemodel Restoration...
20 Latemodel Restoration Supply sent us this console lid, part number LRS-06024G in gray.
21 Two screws retain the...
21 Two screws retain the console lid so it’s easy to replace. LRS has a wide variety of console and other interior parts available for '79-'93 Mustangs.
22 Seatbelt protectors (sleeves)...
22 Seatbelt protectors (sleeves) are also available from LRS and go a long way toward enhancing your carpet replacement. Here’s the driver-side belt and protector (LRS-61175A in gray) with switch. All colors are available.
23 The console is reinstalled...
23 The console is reinstalled at this time. Ford made it easy during '79-'93 with a simple four-screw installation, so there’s no searching for screw holes through the carpet like '65-'73 Mustangs. Complete the job by reinstalling the sill plates, kick panels, quarter trim panels, and seats. Then sit back and enjoy your new carpet.