01-18-2010, 01:19 PM
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!
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!