Recently, Bill Kepp took his 1965 Mustang from zero to hero with do-it-yourself budget paint and bodywork. Kepp was deeply moved by the results he achieved with help from Covina Auto Body and PPG Finishes. The result is a striking green metallic clearcoat ’66 Mustang coupe for less money—a good thing because it managed to free up cash Bill could spend elsewhere on his coupe.
With a painted pony in tow, Bill is ready to tackle vehicle assembly. We called Texas Mustang Parts and spoke with Jerry Weaver, who got us dialed in to a complete black vinyl standard interior for Bill’s ride. With help from Jerry’s assistant, Karol Kuehl, we got outstanding service on our interior project. Texas Mustang Parts was eager to help, coming up with parts and pieces we hadn’t thought of. It was like Christmas morning when the packages arrived from Waco, Texas.
To understand Bill’s excitement, you have to understand the history of the car—and Bill. This is Bill’s first Mustang ever. It was a $400 six-cylinder with a horrible body. In it, Bill saw promise where others saw scrap. Over a few weeks, it was transformed from beater to beauty—clad in a glistening green clearcoat finish and ready for assembly. We’re eager to get started, so follow along with us as we present you with the basics of what it takes to reform a Mustang’s interior into an environment you’ll be proud of.
Our objective isn’t to show you in great detail how to restore an interior, but basically what you can expect when it’s time to handle yours. We’re going to arm you with useful tips designed to help you achieve your dreams, just like Bill is achieving his.
Seats
We looked to the very best for guidance on our seat upholstery. Texas Mustang Parts stocks Distinctive Industries seat upholstery. We were very pleased with the quality. Then we looked to Mike Ambrose of Ambrose Custom Interiors for outstanding results. Mike didn’t disappoint us.
Carpet and Underlayment
Not enough people give the area where your feet go the thought it deserves. Covering your Mustang’s floorpans is more than just carpet, it’s protection and noise isolation. When it’s time to replace carpet, don’t forget the underlayment, those heavy petroleum-based mats that go underneath the carpet. We’re of the opinion that you should go one step further. Purchase some heavy plastic sheeting and lay it down between the underlayment and the carpet. This will keep moisture away from the steel floorpan if your cowl vent leaks or someone spills a Big Gulp.