Because classic Mustangs have a drop-in fuel tank that doubles as a trunk floor (so did first generation Mavericks, Comets, Fairlanes, and the like), they are more vulnerable to explosion and fire in a rear-end collision. A Fuel Safe racing fuel cell can help. If you don't want to spend $800 for a fuel cell, Tank Armor, a steel fuel-tank protector, offers some margin of safety. The steel barrier behind the back seat will help confine gasoline and fire to the trunk area in a rear-end collision. Tank Armor also protects the fuel tank from objects carelessly thrown in the trunk. When you install Tank Armor, use bolts, washers, and locknuts instead of the sheetmetal screws Ford used to begin with. Bolts offer greater security than screws, which tear out in a collision.
Creature ComfortsIf you use your Mustang daily, you also want an enjoyable environment for the drive. What will it be like in bumper-to-bumper traffic? Will you be cool and comfortable for that noon meeting? And what about the hot date on Friday night? Does the sound system measure up? And just imagine how power windows and locks in your classic Mustang would impress your friends. The list of potential creature comforts goes on.
If being stock and original isn't important to you, seating is one of the first items you need to toss. One popular swap is late-model Fox-body Mustang seats in a classic Mustang. The '03 Mach 1, as well as the '01 Bullitt Mustang, both have retro seats with upholstery similar to the classics. Just imagine two of those in front with the rear seat upholstered to match.
If keeping your classic Mustang stock in appearance is important, you need to keep your "drive it every day" comforts stealthy and hidden. Custom Auto Sound makes it possible to have a terrific stereo system without anyone knowing it's there. It's called Secretaudio, a remote-control stereo system you operate from a hand-held remote control. The amplifier can be hidden in your trunk, and the stock Ford AM radio can remain in the dash. You may also hide a six-CD player in the trunk area, tied to the Secretaudio system.
Cruise control is easy to hide as well. Use a touch-control system under the dashboard. Because safety is important, stick with the turn-signal-mounted control instead. Power window switches may also be hidden in any number of locations, allowing you to keep the window cranks in place.
Another creature comfort, common to new cars, is called "quiet." Sound deadening does add weight to your ride, but if you place sound deadening beneath the carpet, above the headliner, along the firewall, and behind the kick panels, you can shut out all kinds of road noise. When it comes to quieting wind noise, check the window and door adjustments to make sure there's a tight seal all around. One other comfort factor is annoying rattles; tighten it up and bolt it down, whatever it is.
Vintage Air offers an in-dash air conditioning system for '65-'73 Mustangs. Instead of a lonely underdash compact air conditioning unit, Vintage Air's system installs under the dashboard in place of the factory heater, providing cool air-conditioned comfort, as well as plenty of heat for a cold winter morning.
For the original look of '65-'66 Mustangs, Classic Auto Air offers a factory-original air-conditioning system. They also offer A/C for '67-'73 Mustangs, Sanden compressors, and a '65-'66 "Daily Driver" system that doesn't adhere to the factory appearance.
Your Needs:Drive-It-Every-Day Quick Facts* Three-way lap/shoulder belts* Headrests* Collapsible steering column (optional)* Tank Armor or Fuel Safe fuel cell* Rear-seat barrier* Dual braking system* Front-disc brakes* Wider radial tires/wheels* Heavy-duty spring and gas shocks* Emergency flashers* New taillight dishes and lenses* Outside rearview mirrors (both sides)* Day/night inside "freeway" mirror