25 Do It Yourself Mustang Projects
Improvements You Can Make To Your Ford Mustang Over A Weekend
Jim Smart
January 18, 2011
Photos By: The Mustang Monthly Staff
Mustang restoration projects are always great fun, although they keep us
perplexed at times. Restorations are like the proverbial elephant. It is best
they be eaten in small bite-size chunks, never all at once because they can
become overwhelming, which makes it harder to finish a restoration project.
Take your project one step at a time and watch it fly by. This is why we've put
together 25 of some of the best weekend projects for your bite-sized
restoration efforts.
1 Install a Console
Running out of ideas for your classic Mustang restoration? Install a center
console and watch your Mustang's interior come alive. Complete consoles are
now available as reproductions from National Parts Depot, not to mention all
of the parts necessary to restore an original console. Installation is easy with
time and patience. Begin by looking at factory original installations for proper
positioning. Then go to www.npdlink.com for everything you'll need to
enhance your classic Mustang's interior.
Before installation begins, remove both bucket seats for ease of installation.
Perform a mock-up, including all console parts for proper positioning. Take a
scratch awl and mark screw holes through the carpeting to determine screw
locations. It is suggested you remove carpeting because drilling through
carpeting can pull threads and cause damage. Then, when carpeting is
reinstalled, use the scratch awl to find screw holes, align console, and install
screws. Console lighting connections can be found at your Mustang's main
wiring loom at the transmission tunnel under the dashboard.
2 Replace Convertible Top
Few things make a classic convertible look hotter than a new top and boot. A
new convertible top breathes new life into an old Mustang and it can be done
in a weekend.
Before you undertake replacement of your old convertible top, check out
www.mustangmonthly.com and look for informative how-to articles about how
to replace a convertible top, which gives you plenty of valuable insight from
professionals on how to get it right. Tackling convertible top replacement
should never be performed without extensive knowledge of the subject and
the best materials, which are available from Hydro-E-Lectric. Everything you
need for a successful top replacement, including good advice, is available
from www.hydroe.com or 800/343-4261. Visit an upholstery supply store in
your area for raw materials and tools you'll need to do the job successfully.
Don't be afraid to ask for advice. Do a mock-up to check for proper fit, then be
patient and go after this one in baby steps.
3 Install A Stereo
Nothing enriches the driving experience more than a great sound system with
all of your favorite music. Custom Autosound (www.casmfg.com or 800/4970797) brought affordable, high-quality sound systems to classic Mustangs
back in 1977. A lot of superior technology has come since then. Check out the
cool Custom Autosound products for your Mustang because selection has
never been better for this productive weekend project.
New tech meets tried and proven in the new USA-630 sound system from
Custom Autosound. This cool bolt-in system goes right in place of your factory
AM radio or worn-out Kenwood stereo from the 1980s. The USA-630 takes
your favorite tunes from any Flash Drive and enables you to play them
endlessly with no changing of CDs or popping in dusty old tapes. Just touch
the control and get back to driving while listening to 240 watts of crisp stereo
sound.
Everything necessary to get the job done is available from Custom
Autosound. Opt for powdercoated steel speaker grilles for your package shelf,
which won't distort from heat and cold. Speakers must be installed on flush
and level surfaces to get the best performance. Never install them on an
uneven surface where they can become distorted. Get your sound system
power from switched power. And because classic Mustangs have plenty of
switched power plugs underdash, you don't need to cut or splice wiring.
Request A Quote On a Range Rover Sport
4 Easy Electronic Ignition
Surely you're not still running mid-20th century ignition points and condenser
in your vintage Mustang. Two decades ago, PerTronix (www.pertronix.com or
909/599-5955) developed the Ignitor electronic ignition retrofit kit for Autolite
distributors, which means the Ignitor offers a proven reputation and reliability.
The Ignitor retrofit, which fits in the palm of your hand, puts the efficiency and
reliability of electronic ignition into your vintage Autolite/Motorcraft distributor
where the cumbersome points and condenser used to sit. What's more, there
are four possible options to choose from-Ignitor, Ignitor II, and the all-new
Ignitor III, or you can go with the PerTronix billet distributor with a choice of
three possible Ignitor packages inside.
The beauty of the Ignitor series is easy installation in your Autolite distributor
in about 30 minutes. Just don't forget to reinstall the distributor ground wire
while you're at it. The PerTronix billet distributor has a vacuum advance for
exceptional street performance along with roller bearing construction and the
Ignitor module inside.
5 Adjustable Engine Mounts
The restomod movement has brought us so many innovations designed to
combine classic '65-'73 Mustang styling with high technology to improve the
driving experience. Adjustable engine mounts from Ron Morris Performance
and Mustangs Plus are one such innovation because they isolate engine and
driveline vibration better than stock mounts and they're fully adjustable for
ease of installation and performance.
All you have to do is raise your engine off the stock mounts with a hoist or
floor jack (do not jack at the oil pan) after removing the engine bolts. The rest
is easy. Remove the stock mounts from the chassis and get started on your
Ron Morris adjustable mount installation. For more information, visit
www.mustangsplus.com or call 800/999-4289.
6 Install Dual Exhausts
Although this is a weekend project best left to a trusted exhaust shop, all you
really need to get it done at home is a SawzAll (or sharp hacksaw with plenty
of muscle), jack stands, proper tools, and patience. Virginia Classic Mustang
(www.virginiaclassicmustang.com or 540/896-2695) offers complete dual
exhaust systems for just about every classic Mustang along with a variety of
stock and aftermarket mufflers, depending on how you'd like your Mustang to
sound. The real beauty with these systems is ready-made components
designed to fit your Mustang. They bolt right on and look sharp once installed.
Do a fitment check before tightening the clamps.
Exhaust tips should be the last item you install after measuring their
relationship to the rear valance. Don't make the mistake of positioning them
too far out or in. And there are hokey-looking exhaust tips to stay away from. If
you're running single exhaust, stay away from the use of an exhaust tip. A
single exhaust tail pipe should be hidden.
One more thing, did you know you can overtighten exhaust system clamps?
That can distort the pipes, creating the very problem you're trying to avoid leakage. Once your exhaust system is installed exactly the way you want it,
weld up the seams, even if that involves a visit to a reputable exhaust shop.
When you're installing a dual exhaust, always go with factory exhaust system
hangers at the stock locations for best results because they offer the best
exhaust system security and quiet. Refrain from using aftermarket hangers
attached with sheetmetal screws.
7 Reupholster Seats
Here's something you can do yourself in a weekend and it will only cost you
calloused fingertips, simple hand tools, and the cost of a Distinctive Industries
upholstery kit from Dallas Mustang (www.dallasmustang.com or 800/6878264). Doing seat upholstery yourself takes patience more than anything else
because getting in a hurry can cost you in terms of time and waste. Become
aggressive with stubborn upholstery and it will tear.
To achieve the best job possible, you need pliers-needle nose, conventional,
diagonal cutting, and hog ring types-Phillips screwdrivers of all sizes, scissors,
a large common screwdriver or pry bar, heat gun or hairdryer, and a can of
silicone spray. Silicone gently sprayed over foam seat buns makes it easier to
install new vinyl upholstery. Tip: Always use new seat buns for best results.
Any reputable upholstery supply shop will have everything you need to do the
job correctly-listing wire, hog rings, and all the right tools.
8 LED Taillights
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) have changed the way we apply lighting in recent
years. We're seeing LED use more and more in our homes, at traffic lights, on
signs and billboards, and certainly in our automobiles. One of the most
common uses for LEDs in our Mustangs is exterior lighting-headlights,
taillights, back-up lights, and even interior lighting. Few companies have done
more for classic and late-model Mustang lighting than Mustang Project in
Texas.
Mustang Project makes it easy to go from old-school incandescent bulbs to
bright LEDs inside your taillight housing in a matter of an hour's time. And if
you're feeling industrious, you can retrofit all of the lighting in your classic
Mustang with LEDs because Mustang Project makes it easy. All you have to
do is follow simple instructions, watch what you're doing, and behold the
brightness. For more information, go to www.mustangproject.com or call
800/631-0507. You can also email them at sales@mustangproject.com.
9 Improve Fuel System Safety
It goes without saying that classic Mustangs are not as safe as what Ford is
building today. If you drive a classic Mustang regularly, you accept the risks
as well as the rewards of ownership. Write it off to evolution and what has
been learned about automobile safety in 45 years. However, did you know
that you can make an older Mustang safer with Tank Armor? It's an easy bolt
on that covers and protects the gas tank.
For Tank Armor to be installed safely, the fuel tank needs to be completely
drained. Drilling can cause sparks that could ignite fuel vapors. Use 5/16-inch
Grade 8 bolts with flat washers and self-locking nuts. Never use sheetmetal
screws. Use 3M Rope Caulk, also known as Dumb-Dumb, between the tank,
Tank Armor, and body. It is suggested you use braided fuel hose for high
pressure fuel injection between sending unit, body line, and fuel pump as
some measure of additional protection, taking note where your Mustang's
tailpipes are routed.
Tank Armor is available from Antioch Mustang Stable at www.tankarmor.com
or 480/357-1006.
10 Install a Heavy-Duty Sway Bar
Want to improve handling in an afternoon? A heavy-duty sway bar from
Mustangs Plus (www.mustangsplus.com or 800/999-4289) reduces body roll
and improves handling without a lot of cash flow and it's something you can
do in your driveway with simple hand tools.
One word of caution: It's easy to install a Mustang sway bar upside down. So
pay close attention to the instructions and your Mustang's original sway bar
installation.
It's a good idea to install both a heavy-duty sway bar and fully articulating strut
rods at the same time for best results. It has been stressed to us time and
again to avoid urethane bushings with stock strut rods because old strut rods
can snap under the stress. Rubber bushings are your best choice for strut
rods followed by polyurethane bushings, which have more give than straight
urethane. Install a sway bar with your Mustang ever so slightly jacked up, yet
with tires still on the ground for ease of installation.
11 Classic Mustang Headers
We've seen lots of header installations. Shorty headers offer a nice clean
installation but they don't always offer the performance of long-tube headers.
Stan Johnson of Ford Powertrain Applications (www.fordpowertrain.com or
253/848-9503) has taken header design and function to new levels for
Mustang owners. These are perfect-fit, long-tube headers designed for
virtually every type of Ford V-8. They combine the benefits of both long- and
short-tube headers.
FPA headers are high-tech exhaust scavengers you can install in a weekend
because they fit so well. Jack your engine off the mounts and install these
guys through the bottom. Check out our photo of long-tube FPA headers on
an FE big-block. They hug the engine without causing clearance problems in
a tight Mustang engine compartment. You can expect even better fit with
small-blocks. Instead of conventional header collectors with gaskets that can
fail, you have a ball and socket design that doesn't require a gasket.
Spend the money and get the best header gaskets money can buy because
gasket replacement is an unnecessary problem you don't need. Also go for
the best locking fasteners while you're at it. Tighten fasteners uniformly and
do not overtighten.
12 Increase 5.0 Power
Old hot rodding tricks still apply to today's fuel injected small-block Fords and
overhead cam behemoths. Engines are still air pumps. The more air and fuel
you huff through them, the more power your engine's going to make if you do
everything right. One easy modification you can make in an afternoon on your
'86-'95 Mustang 5.0 is a larger throttle body, which increases airflow to
improve both horsepower and torque. Few companies know more about latemodel Mustangs than BBK Performance (www.bbkperformance.com or
951/296-1771). BBK has a variety of performance improving throttle bodies for
Fox-body Mustangs.
Like carburetors, you can go too large with throttle bodies. For your street 5.0,
all you need is a 70mm throttle body, which is something you can add without
having to step up to larger fuel injectors. And honestly, it's all you need for
improved street performance. Don't forget to go with the larger 70mm EGR
spacer, also available from BBK. And regardless of what anyone will tell you,
remain smog legal and install that spacer along with all the appropriate
emission control parts.
13 Install A Rally Pac
Few accessories excite the senses like a Rally Pac, which was an option for
'65-'66 Mustangs. Selection has never been better because there are plenty of
options out there today. Reproductions are available in every color imaginable
from Mustangs Unlimited (www.mustangsunlimited.com or 888/398-9898),
including standard factory dark face and Electroluminescent (white) for under
$450. Swap meets, eBay, and the classifieds offer plenty of used Rally Pacs.
Regardless of where you find your Rally Pac, installation is simple because
everything necessary for installation and restoration is available from
Mustangs Unlimited. We're talking wiring harness, lenses, faces, interior spray
paint, clamps, and more.
As with most accessory installations, we suggest doing a mock-up to check fit
and positioning before tightening everything up. Follow your Ford wiring
schematic for proper wiring instructions because Rally-Pac power is both
switched (ignition and instrument lights) and live. Switched power is for the
tachometer and instrument lighting. Live is for the clock, which runs all the
time. It is not necessary to cut or splice wiring because your Mustang is fitted
with switched and live power plugs underdash. If a plug is not available
underdash, go directly to your Mustang's fuse box.
14 Coilovers For Classics
Not only can you improve your Mustang's suspension system in a weekend,
you can do it yourself. The only outside help you will need is an alignment
shop when you're finished.
Imagine being able to improve handling yourself without having to rely on a
chassis shop. Ron Morris Performance (www.ronmorrisperformance.com)
came out with a bolt-on Street Force adjustable coilover suspension system
for classic Mustangs a few years ago and it's something you can install at
home over a weekend. The Street Force system eliminates the Mustang's
original coilover-upper arm, Falcon-based system. All you need is a coil spring
compressor, jack stands, a floor jack, WD-40 penetrant, and typical hand tools
found in most rollaway tool chests. No special tools are required to install the
Ron Morris system once the factory suspension system is removed.
What makes the Ron Morris Street Force system different is its fully
articulating components connected with Heim joints for smooth operation.
What's more, Morris puts the coil and shock close to the axle spindle, which
reduces the spring rate required. And because these shocks are adjustable,
you can tune them for canyon cutting or weekend cruising. We have had the
privilege of installing the Street Force system with excellent results. It is easy
to install and tune.
15 Integral Power Steering
We waited for years for this magnificent idea from the Mustang aftermarketintegral worm-and-sector, 16:1 ratio power steering for '65-'70 Mustangs.
Borgeson Universal (www.borgeson.com or 860/482-8283) has introduced a
complete integral power steering system for early Mustangs. The Borgeson
system is compact, clears small-block V-8 exhaust manifolds and headers,
and is easy to install, making it a great do-it-yourself weekend project. All you
have to do is support your Mustang safely with jackstands under the
framerails, then install a manual steering linkage (unless you have manual
steering already) or manual steering adaptor. It is suggested you get the
manual steering centerlink for best results.
Borgeson suggests going with its Saginaw power steering pump in order to
maintain operational hydraulic pressure with your engine at idle. The
Ford/Thompson pump won't keep up with the Borgeson power steering gear
at idle speed. However, if you choose the Ford/Thompson pump, Borgeson
provides the correct hoses. All you have to do is install the Borgeson steering
gear and route the hoses a safe distance from hot exhaust manifolds or
header tubes. Borgeson also offers the correct steering shaft and/or coupling
for smooth operation.
16 Improve Your Clutch Release
Ever since Ford's Dearborn assembly plant began producing Mustangs 46
years ago, the original pony car has struggled with clutch release issues. Did
you know you can eliminate this problem in an afternoon? Because the stock
clutch release mechanism is so problematic, even with all new parts, it is
suggested you step up to something stouter with the Muscle Z-Bar from
Barillaro Speed (www.barillarospeed.com or 865/531-1840). It's undoubtedly
one of the nicest clutch release upgrades you can install on your Mustang
without sacrificing that original feel. It offers Heim joint technology along with
heavier gauge steel construction that won't fold over with a 3,000-pound
three-finger clutch.
All you have to do is first inspect your Mustang's underdash clutch linkage for
excessively worn parts, such as the helper spring and bushings, then get busy
replacing the factory z-bar, also known as the equalizer bar. Because the
Muscle Z-Bar has adjustable Heim joints, there's no binding. The best part is
that you can install it yourself in a couple of hours, including adjustment time.
17 Single-Wire Alternator
If you drive your classic Mustang on a regular basis, you understand charging
system woes. They can leave you on the roadside waiting for AAA and a
battery. Those old mechanical voltage regulators can sometimes make your
Mustang's charging rate sporadic. When this happens, you need to install a
single-wire 100+ amp alternator, a popular modification for owners who drive
their vintage Mustangs daily. Performance Distributors
(www.performancedistributors.com or 901/396-5782) calls its single-wire,
high-amp 3G alternator Mr. AMP and it does a terrific job of keeping the lights
on and your battery charged.
Mr. AMP enables you to bypass the stock voltage regulator because it is
internally regulated. Performance Distributors includes everything you'll need
to install the 3G Mr. AMP, including heavy-gauge wiring, circuit protection, and
all terminals. Don't forget to disable your Mustang's ammeter when you go to
single-wire. Otherwise, you can count on smoke in the cockpit.
18 Strap In To Stay Safe
Like we said earlier, when you drive a vintage Mustang, you accept the risks
as well as the rewards of ownership. Companies like Custom Accessories
(www.customaccessoriesmfg.com or 800/560-2358) have come out with
three-point passenger restraint systems for early Mustangs as a means to
making them safer. They're easy to install in a weekend in your driveway.
Thing is, not everyone wants that late-model look in their classic Mustang.
This is why there are viable alternatives for those owners who want lap belts
that not only look good, but also function well. Here are your choices.
We like the classic look seat belts from National Parts Depot
(www.npdlink.com and go to the interactive catalog or 800/874-7595).
Produced by Scott Drake Reproductions for NPD, these belts are available in
a variety of Mustang interior colors and connect across your waste with the
ease of an airline belt. When you're installing these belts, it is suggested you
use the factory attachment points along with positioning them where the pony
and tri-bar are right side up as they face the passenger.
If your desire is to restore your Mustang's original seat belts and retractors,
SSSnake-Oyl Products (www.ssnake-oyl.com or 800/284-7777) can help with
a nice selection of new restraint systems as well as restoration of old belts,
buckles, and hardware. The main thing you want to remember with seat belt
restoration is to take note of date codes on the buckles and hardware to
ensure you get back the same hardware for your Mustang's manufacture date
code. You can also specify a specific date code. If they have it, you will get it.
Ssnake-Oyl Products can restore any classic Mustang seat belt with
outstanding results.
19 Wheel Terrific
Sometimes, a stock steering wheel just doesn't cut it in terms of feel and
appearance. When you compare the feel of an original Mustang steering
wheel to a nice, compact aftermarket wheel, it feels like you're driving a school
bus. Grant Products has a huge array of custom steering wheels and
installation kits for classic Mustangs. Installation is something you can
accomplish at home with that tool kit your parents gave you when you were
16.
As with any steering wheel, the Grant wheel must be secured carefully. It is
suggested you use a thread locker on bolt threads, but not the shaft nut,
which is a lock nut. Wiring must be protected from chaffing and cutting.
Tension pins should always be installed with gaps to the inside to prevent turn
signal switch damage. It is also suggested you use white grease on these
pins.
Grant steering wheels and related parts are available from Summit Racing
Equipment at www.summitracing.com or by calling 800/230-3030.
20 Swap Up To Performance
A carburetor and intake swap is one of the oldest performance tricks in the
book because it's a quick way to real bolt-on horsepower. It can be performed
in your garage with little more than home mechanics tools and a strong back.
Because the aftermarket is so inundated with induction systems and
carburetors, it's easy to get confused. The first question you want to ask
yourself is, how do you intend to drive your Mustang? Next, what's your
engine's personality?
Your carburetor and manifold swap doesn't have to be aftermarket and it
doesn't always have to mean larger. Sometimes, it's little more than going
from a two-barrel to a stock four-barrel manifold with an Autolite or Motorcraft
carburetor from Pony Carburetors (www.ponycarburetors.com or 575/5264949). Going to a four-barrel intake and carburetor offers its greatest benefit
when the accelerator is pressed, which is where you really feel the difference.
Another option is a Cobra high-rise manifold from Tony D. Branda
(www.cobranda.com or 800/458-3477) with a period Holley 4150 or 4160
carburetor, which looks authentic. Holley carburetors can be found at any
swap meet, including Shelby LeMans bowl style. Tony D. Branda's website
has everything you need for a Cobra high-rise conversion at. Visit Holley's
website for genuine Holley carburetors and parts at www.holley.com or call
270/782-2900.
If restomod is more to your liking, Professional
Products(www.performanceparts.com or 800/585-0683) has a wealth of goodlooking performance parts, including polished and powdercoated dual-plane
intake manifolds for street use and easy clean up. Quick Fuel Technology
(www.quickfueltechnology.com or 270/793-0900) offers you a wide variety of
high-performance carburetors that will bolt onto your aftermarket high-rise
manifold with a Holley base plate pattern.
21 How Safe Are Your Brakes?
It tends to be an old saw you can't do anything with drum brakes. However,
this just isn't true. Drum brakes get a bum rap because they don't always get
the attention they deserve when it's time for relining. When you reline your
Mustang's drum brakes, remember how important it is to replace everythingshoes, springs, hardware, wheel cylinders, and drums. It's always a good idea
to give new drums a light shave because too many of them aren't surfaced
properly during manufacturing. Wash drums thoroughly to remove all debris
and petroleum-based preservatives. Drum brake backing plate contact
surfaces should be ground smooth. And if they're excessively worn, they
should be welded up and resurfaced or replaced. The reason we stress new
brake drums is wear and shoe travel. When drums are turned to their limits,
you will get excessive pedal travel.
We bring up brake safety because this is an easy job you can do yourself.
Your main objective needs to be close attention to detail in workmanship and
replacement parts. Currie Enterprises (www.currieenterprises.com or
714/528-6957) stocks everything you need to rebuild classic Mustang drum
brakes.
22 Coolin' It
One of the most common concerns we hear about is overheating. That's
because there are many misconceptions about why Mustangs tend to run hot.
One of the biggest is cooling system capacity. Vintage Mustangs had small
radiators from the factory that never did the job they were supposed to do.
Then, when radiators became loaded with rust particles and other debris
during years of neglect, it further hindered cooling capacity. Even the larger
24-inch radiators ('67-up) were woefully inadequate with time and use.
To eliminate your Mustang's overheating problems, you must first have
enough radiator capacity in order to transfer heat, ideally a three- or four-row
core coupled with proper fan-to-radiator spacing and a shroud. There's always
debate between copper/brass radiators and aluminum. Redline Cooling
(www.redlinecooling.com or 734/320-6915) eliminates the debate with the
wisdom and expertise of Craig Parsons, who builds one heck of a custom
aluminum radiator. And when it arrives on your doorstep, you can be confident
it's going to fit because Craig understands your needs.
Redline Cooling radiators are available with and without Spal electric cooling
fans. If you're going with an engine driven fan, consider your application
before ordering a fan, spacer, and shroud. The fan should be half-way into the
shroud for optimum airflow and heat transfer. Get the fan too close to your
radiator and you will run into air stagnation.
23 Cable View
There are all kinds of clutch release systems for classic Mustangs. Earlier, we
showed you the Muscle Z-Bar system, which yields identical feel to original
equipment. Bruce Couture's Modern Driveline (www.moderndriveline.com,
208/453-9800) clutch cable system provides a late-model clutch pedal feelthat nice, smooth clutch engagement we associate with '79-'04 Fox-body
Mustangs. Hydraulic clutch kits are also now available from Modern Driveline.
Installing a clutch cable system is easier than you might think and it can be
performed in a day. The instrument panel and driver's seat should be removed
along with the Mustang's pedal assembly for access. Pedal assembly removal
isn't always easy. It is suggested you rebuild your Mustang's pedal assembly
using a new shaft and bearing kit from Scott Drake Reproductions for superior
support and function. This shaft kit is available from National Parts Depot
(www.npdlink.com or 800/521-6104).
Pedal assembly removal also involves master cylinder removal. This is the
time to inspect your Mustang's master cylinder. If you're doing a '65-'66,
consider installation of a dual braking system, as used on '67 and later
Mustangs.
24 Carb Increase
Although the aftermarket carburetor industry has certainly been good to
Mustang enthusiasts in terms of all-out performance, few fuel systems have
worked as well and as reliably as what the factory used to begin with. With
Pony Carburetors, (www.ponycarburetors.com), you can choose the correct
factory carburetor for your classic Mustang, retrofitting your Mustang's fuel
system in an afternoon with a concours restored piece right out of the box.
Although each carburetor is run tested and ready for operation, idle air mixture
and jetting may need to be different for your elevation. So be ready to make
adjustments to fuel mixture and ignition timing when installation is complete.
25 Stop The Drip
If you keep a classic Mustang in your garage with its original-style Bendix
power-assisted steering, you understand the concept of keeping a drip pan
underneath or wiping up your garage floor on a weekly basis. The problem
with Bendix power steering is the many and varied spots (ten of them) where
fluid can leak. Control valves leak. So do power cylinders and hose
connections. First, make sure you have fresh hoses of solid integrity. Order
new power steering hoses from Larry's Thunderbird & Mustang Parts
(www.larrystbird.com, or 800/854-0393). They can be installed in an
afternoon. We suggest the purchase of good tubing wrenches while you're
ordering hoses because conventional open-end wrenches can round off
fittings.
Also, make sure your power cylinder boot is free from cracks and splits.
Double check power cylinder grommets while you're under there. One more
thing, closely examine all flared fittings for even the smallest nicks, which will
cause leaks even with a new hose.
And remember, your Mustang's power steering pump generates 1,500-1,800
psi, which is dangerous if handled carelessly. Never check for leaks with your
fingers and always be mindful of proper hose connections. Get control valve
hoses backwards and you can wind up with broken wrists. Take pictures
before disassembly because this is easy to get backwards.