Thus far, our "Inside Scoop" series has shown you how to install a TMI headliner and reupholster your seats. We've mounted period-style headrests from Pony Car Concepts, laid down molded Auto Custom carpeting, slid in Canadian Mustang speaker kick panels, and built a custom rear package shelf. We've performed all of this in a '67 Mustang coupe, which has a lot in common with millions of other notchbacks like it the world over.
For our last installment, we're going to button this puppy up and get ready for that maiden voyage in a few weeks. We're going to install water shields, restored quarter trim panels, rear seat, three-point safety belts from Pony Car Concepts, TMI door panels from Mustangs Plus, California Mustang dash padding, and instrument panel also from Mustangs Plus. Believe it or not, you might think you have it all down when it comes to interior restoration. None of us do. We've learned something along the way, and we're hell-bent to share the education with you.
We not only want to make our interior beautiful, we want to make it safer and quieter as well. To make it quieter, we're installing carpet padding behind the quarter trim panels, rear seat, kick panels, and the firewall insulation pad. For a safer driving experience, we're stepping up to three-point safety belts from Pony Car Concepts. It will make the drive safer than it was in 1967.
The rear seatback is fitted...
The rear seatback is fitted in place.
Two sheetmetal screws retain...
Two sheetmetal screws retain the seatback at the bottom.
Another area you can insulate...
Another area you can insulate for added cabin quiet is the panel behind the rear seat.
Quarter trim panels should...
Quarter trim panels should be media-blasted, primed, and painted for best results. When we sand them or simply prime and paint over the old finish, we lose the faux vinyl surface originally stamped into the steel. The backs of the quarter trim panels should be insulated for sound deadening.
We used carpet padding. Spray-on...
We used carpet padding. Spray-on trim adhesive is applied to both surfaces, then the insulation is applied. We were surprised to learn Ford assembly workers at the Metuchen, New Jersey, plant didn't drill holes for the screws hidden behind the rear seat.
The rear seat bottom is shoved...
The rear seat bottom is shoved into place, then released into the retainers. Push aft and down, then release.
The '67-'68 Mustang dashpad...
The '67-'68 Mustang dashpad is retained with four buttonhead screws like this one along the base of the windshield.
Two studs at each end of the...
Two studs at each end of the dashboard retain the dashpad from behind using a tinnerman's nut.
We use a prick punch to find...
We use a prick punch to find the dashpad trim screw holes. We took the chicken's way out, doing all of this before the windshield was installed.
We have already restored the...
We have already restored the instrument panel, which we've covered previously in Mustang & Fords. Installation is straightforward.
Assuming you have lubricated...
Assuming you have lubricated the speedometer cable with white grease, you're ready to install. Check security of plugs and wiring behind the panel. Insert the cable into the speedometer head and tighten.
Carefully fit the cluster...
Carefully fit the cluster in place, tucking in the top first, then the bottom. The '67 cluster has six screws; for '68, just five.