| '65 Mustang Restoration: Completion and Recap |
| Host Steve Magnante runs provides a project overview for the restoration of our '65 Mustang. |
From "Classic Car Restoration"
episode DCR-510 |
|
|
At the conclusion of the restoration, Classic Car Restoration host Steve Magnante recaps the entire process that this vintage Mustang underwent — including the experts who helped, the parts that were installed and how the upgrades and modern systems have returned a classic "pony car" to its former glory — and then some.
The "resto-modification" approach we followed in this particular restoration strives to maintain the classic look and much of the period integrity of the vintage car, while updating it less-visible ways that will enhance and modernize its overall performance and safety features which strives. The process involved a number of system conversions and upgrades, but we've maintained the classic styling that makes the vintage Mustangs America's automotive sweetheart.
With the performance, safety and convenience upgrades, this is actually a far better car than it ever could have been back in '65 when it first rolled off of the assembly line. Here's a summary recap of what we did over the course of this ten-part series on the '65 Mustang restoration.
We started with what some would call a "lost cause" — a sad shell of a car that was missing many critical exterior components. The interior was even worse. It needed new headliner, seat covers, carpet and door panels.
 |
The "T" on the VIN tag indicates that the original engine was the 120 hp straight-six.
|
|
Notably, we started with a good solid engine. This car was originally a "T" code in the VIN number, indicating that the original engine was a 120 horse power straight-6 — what some would call a boring engine. Luckily the car's previous owner had already swapped out the engine for a 289 small-block — the classic Mustang V-8.Thanks to some help from some of the best Mustang restoration experts in the country, we brought this ‘65 classic into the 21st century with some well-chosen performance upgrades, restoration parts and truly high-tech goodies.
Jeff Ford of revelation racing supply helped us upgrade the worn out suspension and unpredictable drum brakes with a modern bolt-in McPherson strut and disc brake system. We also installed larger anti-sway bars, sub-frame connectors, traction bars and engine compartment bracing.
Jeff Ford installs the suspension upgrades
| 
McPherson strut system components
| 
New brake assembly
|
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.diynetwork.com/DIY/2007/02/22/dcr510_4cb_e.jpg",350,450))
)
)
)
