Classic Mustang Restoration Guide

Finding the perfect 1965-1973 Mustang can be extremely difficult. You need to know what you’re looking for, but also what’s out there. Once you’ve narrowed down your year range, options, and acceptable conditions, you’ll have a variety of places to look, each with its own pros and cons. Here are all the things you should look for in your first classic Mustang.

Your classic Mustang's door tag can give you details about its color, trim, axle, transmission, and more. Use our data plate decoder to learn more about your Mustang's factory condition so you can restore it to its original state.

If you’re trying to figure out exactly what interior options were available for your first-generation Mustang, this chart should help. We’ve compiled everything we know about the first-generation Mustang’s seats and interiors.

The first generation of Mustang saw significant changes in the engine lineup from one year to another. Using the engine code from your Mustang's data plate, you can find out important information about your Mustang's engine. This breakdown offers specifics on each of the many available engines from the Mustang's first generation.

Learn how to find your classic Mustang’s original paint code and corresponding color.

From casual passersby to extremely critical show judges, having a vintage Mustang that has a properly painted engine is sure to impress. Whether you’re restoring a motor from the ground up or just want to apply a fresh coat of paint, check out this guide to find the ideal color for every component.

There are many decisions to make when you’re replacing your first-generation Mustang’s tires and wheels. Whether you’re interested in what tires your Mustang would have come with, or what tires will fit on your original wheels, this guide includes all of the information about the first-generation Mustang’s tires and wheels.

The term Marti Report is one you’ll find in many classic vehicle sales and at shows. Here’s what a Marti Report is, what types of reports are available, and how to know if it’s worthwhile for you.

Learn how to remove surface rust from your classic car. Make your tattered exterior presentable again with just a few minutes and some simple tools.

At some point, everyone damages their car’s paint. Whether it’s an errant rock or a rogue shopping cart, it’s likely you’ll end up with a scratch that needs touch-up paint eventually. Here’s everything to know about selecting and applying touch-up paint. While touch-up paint may never look perfect, with a little extra effort it can look great.

Whether you're trying to correct a dent or putting in a patch after removing rust, this guide walks you through how to properly contour, sand, prime, and paint your Mustang so that when you're finished it looks as good as new.

After years of cruising down highways or parading around car shows, the chrome bumpers on your classic Mustang may not shine like before. Whether you have dull or broken bumpers, this guide will teach you how to install new bumpers on your 1965-1966 Mustang.

Old radiators can leak, fail to hold pressure, or just not provide enough cooling power for larger engines. Learn how to install a new radiator on your 1965-1966 Mustang by following the steps in this guide.

This guide provides a detailed rundown of how to install a Painless wiring harness in your first-gen Mustang. Between the step-by-step instructions, detailed video, images, and factory manual, you’ll be equipped and ready to perform the installation yourself.

Replacing the heater box in your 1965-1966 Mustang is a simple task that requires little more than removing hardware and replacing seals. With patience and a good bit of muscle, the installation will be over in no time.

This guide will walk you through the sturdiest jack and jack stand points on your classic Mustang.

Learn how to install a rally pac on your Classic Mustang with detailed steps and instructions and add a tachometer to your Mustang’s dash area.

Find out what type of Mustang seat is best for your project. Then, explore different seat replacement options and considerations for each Mustang generation.

Fixing a sagging headliner is an easy way to improve the appearance of your Mustang’s interior. The earlier you address headliner damage, the more likely it is that you'll be able to repair your existing headliner instead of replacing it.

We’ll teach you how to remove the steering wheel in your classic Mustang and replace it with an aftermarket or direct-fit update. Use our videos and images to avoid confusion or an incorrect installation.

Get the stock wheel and tire sizes for your classic Mustang and find out what kind of wheels and tires are best for your build goals.

Converting your classic Mustang’s drum brakes to disc brakes will give you more stopping power. Both the front and rear drum brakes can be converted to disc brakes.

Use this guide to learn how to bleed your car’s brakes and troubleshoot common problems.

Rotating your Mustang’s tires is an important part of routine maintenance, and it’s easy to do on your own. As long as you know the proper tire rotation pattern and have some basic tools, a tire rotation can be completed in less than an hour.

Your radiator serves one of the most important functions in your classic Mustang. Without it, your engine could overheat and fail. Here’s what to know about car radiators so that you can pick the right one.

Ford’s oil recommendations are a good place to start, but you’ll still need to make a few more choices about what type of oil is right for your Mustang's engine. Here’s what to know and when to deviate from Ford’s recommended oil viscosity

Radials vs slicks is a frequent topic of debate at drag events as well as at stock Mustang shows. Read about the differences and how to pick which is right for you.

Have trouble finding your Mustang’s pesky light bulb number? Sometimes it's not listed on the bulb itself and your owner's manual is long gone. Don't fret! This guide will help you determine what type of bulb you're missing and where you can find a replacement or upgrade.

Whether you’ve noticed a leak or just installed a new windshield, you’ll need to reseal the area around the glass. Here’s how to seal your windshield and make sure your interior stays nice and dry.

While chrome that’s in good condition can add a lot to a classic Mustang’s appearance, the same can’t be said for pitted chrome. In addition to bringing down your car’s looks, pitted chrome also doesn’t protect against rust. Here’s how to fix chrome and prevent future pitting.

Cleaning your Mustang’s interior can be a rewarding afternoon’s work, and by taking care of your car inside and out you ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.

Learn how to achieve professional exterior detailing results at home. This guide offers supplies and tools checklists, a rundown of the detailing process, and FAQs.

Changing your oil is very important when it comes to the longevity of your Mustang’s engine. Depending on the conditions you typically drive your Mustang in, it’s suggested that you change your oil on an average of every 5,000 miles with either full synthetic or a synthetic blend per Ford’s Owner’s Manual.

Maintenance is important for safety, but also your Mustang will perform better and be more powerful if all of its parts are in optimal shape.

This guide is a compilation of the best ways to keep your classic Mustang safe during long periods of storage. Follow these tried-and-true tips to protect your ride until spring.

Convertibles are the perfect ride on a warm, sunny day. But soft tops, like those on the Mustang, do need some upkeep to keep them in good condition. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step instructions for cleaning your Mustang’s convertible top.

Turning a six-cylinder classic Mustang into a V8 is a popular conversion. If you've got a great classic Mustang but just wish it had two more cylinders here are all of the necessary components and steps. Whether you want a period-correct conversion or a more modern solution, we've evaluated some of the most popular engine choices.

Upgrade your classic Mustang by replacing your old taillights with new LED alternatives. Not only are they stylish, but they’ll be a lot brighter than your stock taillights. Here are the step-by-step instructions for installing LED taillights on your 1965-1966 Mustang.

A performance camshaft will give your classic Mustang increased power and a unique sound. Find the best cam for your engine with this guide.

Sometimes you find the classic Mustang of your dreams, but it’s got the wrong transmission. Here’s how to swap from automatic to manual transmissions, or vice versa. Changing transmissions might not be the easiest task, but sometimes it’s the only way to get the car of your dreams.

Replace your classic Mustang's worn-out headlights with direct-fit LEDs. With only the light and a screwdriver, upgrade to LED headlights in less than an hour!

Upgrade your 1964.5-1973 Mustang’s visibility with aftermarket fog lights. Learn the tools and skills you need with our step-by-step installation instructions.

Replace your classic Mustang's worn and dull parking lights with direct-fit LEDs. All you need are the lights, this guide, two screwdrivers, and a few minutes!

Replace the worn and dull backup lights on your classic Mustang with new chrome housings and clear lenses. We'll show you how to upgrade to LED bulbs, too.