10 Best Modern Mods For A Classic Mustang
#1
For A Dependable, Safer, And More Enjoyable Classic Mustang
By Jim Smart
Photography by Jim Smart

The classic car hobby is a strange irony. We want the look and feel of a classic Mustang, yet that's not always what we want at all. In the 1980s, we went to great lengths to get the darned things factory original. Then we got bored with that approach due to dated technology and mediocrity, which cultivated the restomod movement that began in the mid-1990s.

Make no mistake--the Mustang restoration boom was vital to history and we had great fun doing it. We're still doing it, in fact. Thanks to the Mustang Club of America's commitment to concours judging rules, we have outstanding examples that enable us to relive the Mustang's most memorable era.

Few things are more breathtaking than a factory original '65-'73 Mustang convertible with the top down. With all that charm bursting at the seams, what makes us want to change what was so appealing about these cars to begin with? Let's look at the grievances about vintage Mustangs:

* Sloppy steering
* Lackluster handling
* Hideous drum brakes
* Broomstick-in-a-barrel manual shifters
* Old technology engines
* Overheating issues
* Leaky power steering
* Poor fuel economy
* Leaking cowl vents
* Frozen door locks
* Broken seat backs
* Inadequate sound systems
* Insufficient instrumentation
* Loud cabin noise
* Inadequate restraint systems
* Poor exterior lighting


Need we say more? As far back as the 1970s, '65-'73 Mustangs needed improvements to make them safer and more fun to drive. In those days, we were thinking comfort, performance, handling, and braking--not much different than our thinking today. But in those days, there wasn't sufficient aftermarket support. Today, aftermarket support is limitless, yielding the greatest classic Mustang fun cars ever. Let's look at the Ten Best Modern Mods you can make to a classic Mustang.

READ MORE HERE!
Reply
#2
Over the years I have improved my 72 Mach1 with the following

* Lackluster handling - Koni shocks - larger sway bars
* Hideous drum brakes - no change yet
* Broomstick-in-a-barrel manual shifters - shift kit
* Old technology engines - electronic ignition - high perf coil
* Overheating issues - upgraded water pump
* Leaky power steering - no change
* Poor fuel economy - well .. duh
* Leaking cowl vents - not a problem
* Frozen door locks - not a problem
* Broken seat backs - had to replace drivers seat base
* Inadequate sound systems - Jensen stereo and speakers
* Insufficient instrumentation - stock but LED lighting
* Loud cabin noise - music to my ears (Flowmasters)
* Inadequate restraint systems - shoulder harness & TMI sport seats
* Poor exterior lighting - Xenon headlights
Reply
#3
Did you replace it with an AOD trans? Did you do the work yourself?
Reply
#4
Right now my 73 Mustang Convertible is 99.9% stock. Once it gets out of the body shop with its new paint I'm thinking about upgrading the engine to a 302, 351, or possibly a 4.6 Mach 1 or Cobra engine. But that will be a few years off. For now I will live with the 1973 Ford Engineering as part of the allure of owning a classic vehicle. Decisions, Decisions!!!!
Reply
#5
You need an older Mach1 to modify. The 73 convertible will never torch the pavement or get the respect a Mach1 does just from the difference in looks. That's my two cents anyway    

Here's my stable. The sprint is bone stock (except for radial tires) and still has an AM radio. Since it's one of only fifty made, modifying it would be a crime in most states :-)
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  50 Best Vintage Mustang Bolt-Ons Mach 1 Club 1 10,779 10-30-2018, 03:35 PM
Last Post: Steven Harris
  28 Classic Mustang Restoration Tips You Have To See Mach 1 Club 0 6,416 10-13-2018, 03:44 PM
Last Post: Mach 1 Club
  Holley Idle Circuit Mods Mustangmike 13 34,392 11-25-2015, 05:16 PM
Last Post: Mach1FatherFigure
  50 tech tips for your classic Mustang! Mach 1 Club 2 11,844 02-11-2012, 07:07 AM
Last Post: Mach 1 Club
  25 weekend projects for your classic Mustang Mach 1 Club 3 13,834 02-11-2012, 01:43 AM
Last Post: Masterblaster7212
  How to get the perfect stance for your classic Mach 1 Club 0 7,015 01-18-2012, 09:53 AM
Last Post: Mach 1 Club
  VIDEO - How to install a pitman arm nut: 1972 Ford Mustang Fastback Mach 1 Club 0 9,409 01-01-2012, 09:04 AM
Last Post: Mach 1 Club
  Mustang Club Of America's Tips To The Winner's Circle - How To Win! Mach 1 Club 1 14,650 01-01-2012, 06:44 AM
Last Post: Steven Harris
  How to own a classic Mustang and drive it to Mach 1 Club 0 7,847 12-14-2011, 01:49 AM
Last Post: Mach 1 Club
  10 Best Modern Mods Mach 1 Club 5 17,772 08-12-2011, 01:24 PM
Last Post: Steven Harris

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)
[-]
Latest Threads
What's One More Iron In The Fire!
Last Post: fram lee666
03-18-2024 06:21 PM
» Replies: 125
» Views: 238067
"Jacobra"
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
06-30-2023 11:13 PM
» Replies: 86
» Views: 150873
My old Queensland Ambulance
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
06-30-2023 11:08 PM
» Replies: 5
» Views: 1688
New member from San Jose, CA
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
05-09-2023 08:39 AM
» Replies: 12
» Views: 3957
Saving Seatbelts
Last Post: Jim
02-19-2023 10:23 PM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 9112
Sourcing new wheels
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
01-25-2023 02:34 PM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 2002
Shaker Air Filter
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
01-08-2023 02:24 AM
» Replies: 3
» Views: 1466
1971 Mach 1 parting out interior parts -...
Last Post: ylwhrse
12-22-2022 01:38 PM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 640
Painting
Last Post: Rare Pony
12-14-2022 06:24 PM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 1966
WELCOME ALL NEW MEMBERS INTRODUCE YOURSE...
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-31-2022 01:36 PM
» Replies: 82
» Views: 157032
1970 mach 1 matching numbers
Last Post: Kstweeter
08-31-2022 10:31 AM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 1086
Brake booster/servo hose length
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-23-2022 09:40 AM
» Replies: 7
» Views: 2999
New Member
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-20-2022 11:18 AM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 1498
smooth window operation on 70 Mach
Last Post: CUSTOMMISER
08-15-2022 12:10 PM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 1476
Blinkers on solid
Last Post: busted21
08-09-2022 03:58 AM
» Replies: 14
» Views: 8720
Blinkers on solid when lights on.
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-08-2022 12:06 PM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 1719
351 cj running hot
Last Post: busted21
08-08-2022 12:13 AM
» Replies: 5
» Views: 3404
Major Winter projects
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
07-09-2022 05:12 AM
» Replies: 49
» Views: 21264
Happy Fathers Day!!!
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
06-20-2022 02:34 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 1685
1969 Raven Black 390 Looking For
Last Post: mason1958
06-11-2022 09:48 AM
» Replies: 10
» Views: 15082

>