It's an iconic reminder of muscular ponies past, but is still as relevant and functional on the Mustang GTs of today as it was on the Mach 1s and Boss 302s of the psychedelic era. We're talking, of course, about Classic Design Concepts' Shaker hoodscoop, a thoroughly modern air conduit running straight back to 1969. The company has crafted cool-breathing Shaker kits for generations SN95 through S197, but given the Mustang's fresh makeover for 2010-in particular its re-contoured hood-CDC had to make some minor revisions to its kit hardware, though the aluminum scoop itself remains true to the '69 original.inline_mediumwraptextrightOpen the shipping box and you'll find the CDC/FRPP Shaker already pre-assembled on its base/engine cover. The kit includes everything needed for installation, from thorough, well-illustrated instructions and a hood-cutting template to zip ties and black-finished rivets. You will, however, have to supply your own jigsaw...30764829/howto/mump_0911_how_to_install_a_2010_mustang_shaker_hoodscoopmump_0911_02_+install_2010_mustang_shaker+cdc_skaher_kit.jpgTrue

When Ford redesigned the Mustang for 1969, it also redesigned the doors and windows. With each Mustang redesign has come fewer and fewer parts to both simplify vehicle assembly and improve cost per unit. Weatherstripping is no exception. There was less of it for '69-'70 along with improved sealing. Instead of parting the door and roof rail weatherstripping at the door's leading edge on top, Ford moved this annoying gap lower toward the door bottom to shut out wind noise and moisture. We're going to take you to Mustangs Etc's new shop in Southern California's San Fernando Valley to show you how professionals perform weatherstrip replacement and how you can achieve the same outstanding results.inline_mediumwraptextright25336403/howto/mump_0911_how_to_restore_weatherstripmump_0911_01_+replace_weatherstripping+weatherstripping.jpgTrue

Although we've seen some hard times lately, the Mustang hobby is still enjoying a wealth of new products from the special interest Ford aftermarket. Stang-A-Holics has roared onto the scene with outstanding restomods and a host of new products for classic and late-model Mustangs alike.inline_mediumwraptextrightThis is the '69-'70 Mustang fiberglass front-end ensemble, which is sold separately and not in kit form. Quality is outstanding with exceptional fit. We're going to show you how well it fits and hangs.26582824/howto/mump_0911_how_to_install_shelby_look_fiberglassmump_0911_02_+install_shelby_look_fiberglass+fiberglass_front_end.jpgTrue

We've all seen them at the shows or cruises-a fresh engine, sparkling in Ford Corporate Blue with every clip, hose, and wire perfectly detailed and positioned. Even the engine compartment is spotless. But the view is ruined by the sight of corroded, rust-color exhaust manifolds. Perhaps this isn't such a big deal on big-blocks where the manifolds are tucked mostly out of sight under the heads. But if you're admiring a small-block or a six-cylinder, the exhaust manifolds are right out there in perfect view.inline_mediumwraptextrightHere are our subject exhaust manifolds, which came off a 289 in a '66 Mustang GT. However, the casting numbers reveal they are actually from a '67-'68 289 or 302. With surface rust and minor pitting, these cast-iron manifolds are typical of most Mustang exhaust manifolds.30763905/howto/mump_0911_how_to_restore_exhaust_manifoldmump_0911_02_+exhaust_manifold_restoration+exhaust_manifold_comparison.jpgTrue

When Ford introduced the S197 Mustang for 2005, it didn't seem possible to improve on it because it was so darned good right off the assembly line. It was the hottest looking and best performing Mustang since the 1960s.inline_mediumwraptextright29749935/howto/mump_0910_how_to_install_05_09_sway_barsmump_0910_01_z+how_to_install_05_09_sway_bars+cover_spread.jpgTrue

Scott Drake couldn't wait to show us the new Shelby Performance Parts' Precision Short-Throw Shifter for the '05 and later Mustang 5-speed and Shelby GT500 6-speed. Part of his pride comes from the fact that Engineering Manager Shane Wagner designed the shifter from scratch in the Shelby Performance Parts' R&D garage at the Drake Enterprises facility in Henderson, Nevada. The engineering department there designs cool, trick parts using modern Rapid Prototyping technology.inline_mediumwraptextright24967966/howto/mump_0910_shelby_short_throw_shifter_installationmump_0910_01_+shelby_short_throw_shifter_installation+cover_spread.jpgTrue

The '05-'09 Mustang's great success cannot be underestimated. Ford roared out of the stable in 2005 with much the same kind of success it enjoyed in 1964 with an exciting four-place sporty automobile. Four years later, the S197 Mustang continues to experience phenomenal success, with a 1-2-punch redesign coming for 2010.

Last month, we took you through the teardown and inspection of a '66 289ci engine that had never been apart, other than a timing set replacement some time in its 43-year/189,000-mile history. This month, Marvin McAfee of MCE Engines is going to take us through the engine's methodical blueprinting and build-up - with a pinch more stroke and displacement.

If you remember our '67 Six-To-Eight Frost Turquoise hardtop, you'll recall a daily driver that was mighty worn out. Faded paint and a sun-decayed interior were the only elements holding us up between zero and hero. We installed new carpet and rocker moldings to set the stage, so now Lancaster Auto Interiors is adding new Distinctive Industries' upholstery for the front buckets and rear seats.

Elsewhere in this issue, you'll find Jim Smart's article about replacing upholstery in vintage Mustangs. Here, we're doing the same, only in Joe Galloway's '98 Mustang convertible. The procedure is basically the same, except there are a few differences. For example, the newer seats don't use listing wire and hog rings. Instead, you'll find some of the upholstery secured by glue, which adds its own degree of difficulty when removing the old covers.

We're following along on the restoration of a '68 Mustang GT fastback. The Northern California car is essentially a rust-free example--except for one particular area. While you might think the Nor-Cal climate could be to blame for the car's rusty inner fender apron, the culprit is actually battery acid.

In our Aug. '08 issue, we showed a hood-lift kit being installed on an S197 Mustang. Made by California Pony Cars, the kit eliminates the hood-prop rod and makes opening the car's hood considerably easier.

Ford's Top Loader four-speed transmission got its reputation for solid reliability from time-proven performance under some of the most grueling conditions imaginable. Born in Detroit and groomed in racing venues worldwide, the Top Loader continues to witness widespread use 45 years after its introduction with virtually no end in sight. NASCAR racers like the Top Loader for its rugged demeanor. When you combine the Top Loader with Ford's indestructible 9-inch removable carrier rearend, it's an unbeatable driveline in anyone's league. Our focus here is the Top Loader and how you can make it better.

As enthusiasts and restorers, we've learned a lot about how to make our vintage rides more enjoyable. Aside from the obvious-fuel injection, overdrive, more comfortable seats, outrageous instrumentation, modern sound systems, larger wheels and tires, throaty exhaust systems-there's also the not-so-obvious. From Quiet Ride Solutions comes AcoustiShield, a terrific sound-deadening package designed to make a night-and-day difference in cruising quality by shutting out unwanted road and driveline noise along with extremes of heat and cold.

One of the most often asked questions we receive is, "How do I tighten up sloppy vintage Mustang steering?" Unfortunately, most undisturbed steering boxes are so worn out that adjustments will make little or no difference in steering quality. In fact, because many of these old worm and sector boxes are extremely worn, they're so deeply set into lifelong wear patterns that adjustment only makes things worse.

There are mysteries that have perplexed mankind for centuries. We're going to leave these issues for greater minds and focus on more recent mysteries, such as what to do about leaking windshields and backlights. We could suggest visiting a reputable local glass shop. However, we've learned most windshield shops today don't know any more about replacing vintage window glass than the average garage-born-and-raised enthusiast. We've seen all kinds of careless installations performed by so-called professionals. We've hired local glass shops that guaranteed a leak-free installation and still wound up with water on our feet.

As fond as we are of our classic Mustangs, they came with their share of annoying and sometimes dangerous engineering flaws, such as leaking cowl vents, seatbacks that broke, braking system defects, defroster air doors that fell apart, parking brake mechanisms that never worked well, door latches that froze in the wintertime, and shock towers that cracked. Cracked shock towers are not only hard on front-end alignment, but also dangerous because a crack can turn into catastrophic shock tower and steering system failure.

We know many of you have a new Mustang parked alongside your vintage pony. We do; in addition to our '05 GT, we also have a '69 Mustang in the stable. We enjoy the newer Mustang's excellent handling characteristics and precise steering. After jumping from the '05 to the '69, one of the first things we notice is the significant contrast between the steering on the vintage car compared to that of the late-model one. The older car has good alignment, so it tracks adequately, but the on-center spot is vague and the steering wheel moves from side to side for an inch or two before any change in vehicle direction occurs.

It's amazing what technology has brought us since World War II and the Cold War. Every time we've had something important to do for the greater good of the country, great minds in research and development have come up with better ways to deal with new challenges. The news isn't always from the Defense Department, either. Our space program has developed better technology through sheer necessity. Necessity in nearly every situation is what brings us the better mousetrap.

We like the deep, throaty demeanor of aftermarket high-performance mufflers on new Mustangs. The downside is that they're typically hard on our hearing, especially at highway speeds or at wide-open throttle.

Whenever a Mustang's engine is modified to make more power, the demand on the cooling system increases. More power means more heat, and the limitations of the stock Mustang cooling system can soon become apparent. Marlon Mitchell from Marlo's Frame and Alignment has a '66 Mustang coupe with a built 308-inch small-block. During the summer he runs into some serious heat in So-Cal's San Fernando Valley. Problems can arise with the limitation of the stock radiator capacity and the limited ability of the original cooling fan to move enough air.

It has been at least 30 years, but I will never forget my old Wimbledon White '68 Mustang fastback, a Detroit car with significant amounts of floorpan and torque box rust-and this was in 1977. I had just installed a fresh 289 built by Jan Morris at Precision Engine Machine. Jan fitted my 289 with a new Hays flywheel, clutch, and three-finger pressure plate, a 3,000-pound monster designed for drag racing.

Locks have been around for as long as 4,000 years according to reliable sources. Experts say they date back to the free-spirited Egyptians. The Romans got on board later with some of the first metal locks with springs, tumblers, and keys, similar to what we have today. Although most cars today have keyless entry, they still have the key-activated lock pioneered by the Romans. Chances are pretty good you use key locks several times per day depending on your profession and where you live. If you have charge of a variety of facilities or vehicles, keys fill your pockets with access to just about everything encountered in a given day.

The ability to adjust a seat forward and back on two-door cars like Mustangs is important for various-sized drivers or for having better access to the back seat area. When dealing with vintage cars such as '65-'73 Mustangs, the seat tracks might need some attention in the form of a rebuild. After more than 40 years, some seat tracks are quite cantankerous, making it difficult to move the seat forward or back.

In our Jan. '08 issue, we showed the installation and component highlights of the front half of Maximum Motorports' Road and Track Box suspension package ("How To Install a High-Performance Suspension," p. 82). If you want to turn a '79-'04 Mustang into a car with truly world-class handling capabilities and only want to deal with one source, then Maximum Motorsports (MM) is ideal for a serious corner-carving Fox or SN-95 Mustang.