I hadn't spoken with Mark DuBois of Distinctive Industries in ages. Out of the blue, I decided to call him. Through the years, Mark and I have brainstormed a lot of ideas for Fords old and new. Chatting with Mark has always been an opportunity to dream spin and conceive new ideas. One idea born of our good conversation is the new Mustang trunk carpet kit from Distinctive Industries, available from Texas Mustang Parts. This is one of those "Why didn't someone think of this before?" ideas that seems so natural for a vintage-Ford trunk area.
Mark drove up to my Southern California high-desert home with three Distinctive Industries trunk carpet kits for '65-'68 Mustangs in black, red, and blue. Every factory color is available, plus a few more we haven't even thought of. We gave each of them a look, then installed the black one in a '67 Mustang hardtop.
(above & right) The Mustang...
(above & right) The Mustang Trunk Carpet Kit by Distinctive Industries, available fromTexas Mustang, is a five-piece arrangement that's easy to install. Theseatback segment goes in first; then, the quarter-panel segments. Afterthat, the trunk floor and tailpanel. This kit is available in the samecarpet types and colors for interiors. Custom colors are also available.
Our trunk creates installation...
Our trunk creates installation challenges because we have a soundsystem. The sound system can be covered, which isn't advisable due toheat concerns. Or you can remove the equipment, install the carpet, andreinstall the equipment.
Mark DuBois of Distinctive...
Mark DuBois of Distinctive Industries installs the seatback segmentfirst. Because we have the sound system already installed, this segmentis laid in place as shown.
Quarter-panel segments are...
Quarter-panel segments are next. Mark begins with the right side, whichfits the carpet flush with the quarter-panel.
Fitting the quarter-panel...
Fitting the quarter-panel segments takes practice. Mark works the piece under the taillight, then up against the quarter-panel. This is how it should look.
We advise installing trunk...
We advise installing trunk floor extensions between the quarter and floor as a means of support. These are also available from Texas Mustang.
The left-side quarter-carpet...
The left-side quarter-carpet panel is next.
Next, Mark lays in the trunk...
Next, Mark lays in the trunk floor carpeting.
We like this carpet kit because...
We like this carpet kit because it gives a vintage Ford a late-model look. Mark works the carpet around the wheelhouses.
Because Velcro is used for...
Because Velcro is used for adhesion, we can mold the carpet nicely around the wheelhouses. When it's time to remove the carpeting, removal is a snap.
The tailpanel segment is last....
The tailpanel segment is last. This area takes practice to get it right. Mark suggests working this area as it best suits your trunk area.
Some folks like to hide the...
Some folks like to hide the taillights. Some don't. The fuel filler neck is hidden with the carpet, which is retained with Velcro.
The finished product from...
The finished product from Distinctive Industries. The spare-tire coveris fully adjustable for most tire/wheel sizes.