Classic Mustang Restoration Guide

Classic Mustang Restoration Guide

"All the resources you need for your restoration project, from start to finish."

Last Updated May 1, 2024 | Meghan Drummond

Restoring a classic Mustang is no small task. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t break it down into smaller steps. Here are some of our favorite how-tos to help you work through the process of bringing your first-gen back to life.

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Get Your Classic Mustang and Learn About Its Equipment

Before starting your restoration, you’ll need to find the perfect classic Mustang to restore. From there, you may want to learn about its original equipment. You can use our data plate decoder and equipment code guides to get a better idea of what your Mustang’s stock options were. If you want to know even more about your Mustang’s original equipment, you may want to look into a Marti Report.

Classic Mustang Exterior Restoration

Most classic Mustangs come with the kind of cosmetic wear and tear you’d expect after half a century. From missing emblems to tiny dents and dings, here are guides for fixing common exterior problems.

Classic Mustang Mechanical Restoration

Some of the most common problems with classic Mustangs are related to wiring and heating and cooling systems. These guides will help you fix old, damaged wiring and radiator issues.

Classic Mustang Interior Restoration

Interior repairs are easy wins. These upgrades require patience and persistence but can be done by beginning and experienced DIY-ers alike. Plus, you’ll see the benefits immediately.

Classic Mustang Brake and Tire Upgrades

You’re not going very far without brakes and tires that can support your build. Here’s what to know about swapping up to disc brakes and keeping your tires rotated.

Classic Mustang Equipment Upgrades

A lot of classic Mustang equipment, from radiators to light bulbs, has a wide range of options. Here’s what to know about each and how to select the right gear for your build.

Classic Mustang Maintenance

Once you’ve done the hard work of restoring a classic Mustang, you want to keep it running well and looking sharp. Here are some of the maintenance procedures you should get familiar with and mark on your calendar.

Classic Mustang Restomod

For some, restoration is only a small part of what they have envisioned for their classic. Here are some of the most popular (and ambitious) Mustang restomod guides for the truly daring.

Get Inspired by Some of Our Projects

Not quite sure where to get started? Here are some of the classic Mustangs the CJ’s crew has worked on over the years. We’ve included build sheets and videos so you can replicate what we did or give it your own spin.

Connect With Us

We’re always working on classic Mustangs, and our community loves sharing their builds. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see the latest how-tos, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more builds and advice from the Mustang community.

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about our editorial standards and guidelines.