Top 5 Classic Mustang Upgrades Under $500
Last Updated June 25, 2024 | Meghan DrummondSo, you’ve found and bought the perfect classic Mustang. You’ve got major plans, but where should you get started? Considering you just bought your classic, you might be on a slightly tighter budget than usual.
Here are five mods that are a great starting point on most classic Mustangs. Each upgrade on this list:
- Only requires basic hand tools
- Instantly improves your Mustang
- Can be completed in a day
- Costs less than $500
Check out this video to find out more, or keep reading for an overview of each.
1. Bumpers
On most classic Mustangs, the bumpers are major eyesores. Bumpers get dented, dinged, and rusty. Since they’re chrome, you might even get unsightly pitting. While pitting can sometimes be fixed, it’s hard to make it look as good as new.
New front and rear bumpers offer a major appearance boost, and at a fraction of the cost of other appearance upgrades (like a new coat of paint). With new, shiny chrome bumpers, you can totally pass off your paintwork as patina. Either way, your Mustang will look less like a wreck and more like a classic.
You can replace your Mustang’s front or rear bumper individually, but doing both at once ensures they’ll match. Many kits combine front and rear bumpers with the brackets and bolts you’ll need to get them installed correctly. While these kits sometimes run a little over $500, having everything you need handy is a huge convenience.
2. Fuel Tank
There are a lot of reasons why your fuel tank might be past due for a replacement. Classic Mustang fuel tanks are notorious for rusting easily. And if it hasn’t been driven in a long time it’s possible gasoline was left to age in it. Old fuel and rust both contribute to dirty fuel.
Even if your engine is in tip-top condition, feeding it dirty fuel means it won’t run well. And eventually, it could degrade your engine as well. Clean fuel leads to better performance.
A fuel tank kit replaces your tank and some even come with a fuel sending unit. With the exact right amount of clean fuel, your Mustang will run a lot better. You can get a fuel tank kit that’s an exact replacement, or upgrade to stainless steel so you don’t need to worry about rust in the future.
If you're not sure if your fuel sending unit is measuring your tank's level correctly, be sure to check out our detailed guide on how to test a fuel sending unit.
While you’re upgrading your fuel system, don’t forget to take a look at your fuel filter as well. A new fuel filter is cheap and saves you the trouble of guessing when the previous owner replaced it last.
3. Carpet
If you’re looking for a single install that will make your interior look like new, you’re out of luck. But the carpet is definitely going to have the biggest impact while still being affordable. After fifty years, most classic Mustang carpets are looking more than a little worse for wear.
One of the best reasons to replace the carpet is the smell. Old carpet has a definite smell that’s less than pleasant. This is especially true if your Mustang has acquired some mold through the years. But with fresh carpeting in your Mustang, you’ll get a better smell, better look, and better feel.
While original-style carpet is available, many people opt for a mass-back. Mass-back carpet has a firm rubber layer added. This improves rigidity, which leads to an easier install. It also reduces road noise, for an overall improvement in the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of your ride. Even if you opt for this premium option, you’ll be able to replace your carpet for under $500.
This is probably the most time-consuming modification on this list, and it can still be done without cutting corners in a weekend. Since this install requires totally cleaning out your interior, it’s also a great time to give your Mustang a solid interior detailing.
4. Passenger Side Mirror
A lot of Mustangs from the ‘60s didn’t come with a passenger side mirror from the factory. In the years since then, many have suffered busted glass or pitted chrome. Adding or replacing a passenger side mirror is a major upgrade for the looks of your Mustang.
This visual upgrade is especially impactful when you only have a mirror on the driver’s side. Having a mirror on both sides looks a lot more balanced. It also makes driving safer and merging less stressful.
Though factory replica mirrors are available, you can add power options or ones with LED turn signals. These simple upgrades give your classic Mustang a restomod look while also adding functionality.
This install’s easy whether you’re adding a new Mustang side mirror or replacing a busted one. While adding power options is a little more complex, it can still be done in a single afternoon.
5. LED Headlights
Classic Mustangs came with sealed beam halogen headlights. Though these lights are inexpensive and easy to replace, they aren’t very bright. Especially when compared to modern lighting options. If you’re planning to drive at night, upgrading to LEDs has a few major benefits.
LEDs offer significantly brighter light. This added visibility improves safety and makes your night drives more enjoyable. In addition to being safer, LED lights can also add style to your Mustang.
With a halogen/LED halo setup you’ll get brighter lights and can add a ring of color. There are plenty of styling options so you can get a lighting setup that’s right for your build.
LED conversion kits make installation a breeze. Most of these headlight replacements are essentially plug-and-play. Even multicolor setups aren’t nearly as complex as they look. Check out our 1965-1973 Mustang headlight installation guide for detailed steps on how to add LEDs to your classic Mustang today.
What’s Next?
These simple installs can keep you busy for the next few weekends and result in a much better-looking Mustang. But if you’re wondering “what’s next,” you’ll want to check out our classic Mustang restoration guide. This combines some of our best information on popular restoration fixes as well as modern upgrades for your Mustang.
Check out the rest of our generational Mustang Mod guides for even more Mustang parts recommendations: