Tech | Billet Interior Handles Install
We've been seeing it for many years-late-model Ford or Mustang parts trickling into the classic Mustang and Ford marketplace. From the ever popular '01 Mustang "Bullitt" wheel conversion to more complicated stuff like modular engine swaps. The answer is simple really, Ford owners look to Ford's parts first for their upgrades; wishing to keep their projects "all Ford" whenever possible. We feel the same way and would rather figure out a way to use a late-model Mustang seat than stick a Fiero, or heaven forbid, a Honda or Toyota seat in our classic Mustang. Unfortunately though for many of us into modifying our classics, the interior of our cars has been vastly ignored. Sure TMI Products has a nice line of modern seat covers and its Sport Seat foam, and several aftermarket seat companies offer bolt-in mounting kits, but there are so many other areas lacking.
We long for the day some carpet manufacturer will actually make a one-piece cut-pile replacement carpet kit for the classic Mustangs. We don't need the look of a two-piece loop pile carpet when everything else in the car is being modernized and upgraded. Thankfully there's hope for us with the guys from Billet Performance Accessories (BPA) who think the same way we do. Their new line of interior door handles, window cranks, and parking-brake handles (starting at just $16.75) beckon us to a whole new world of potential interior upgrades. Available in a standard satin finish and optional polished with clear coat, we scored a set of the brand-new interior products for classic Mustangs to check out, and feel free to give BPA a shout with some other product ideas. If there's demand warranted they'll fire up the CNC machines for even more classic Mustang items.
Our '68 coupe has been dressed...
Our '68 coupe has been dressed up with TMI Products' carbon-fiber look interior and door panels. While a nice upgrade, the stock chrome door handles and window cranks now look out of place with the more modern and stylish carbon-look interior.
The window crank is retained...
The window crank is retained by a single Phillips head screw hidden under the brushed aluminum cover at the base of the crank. The cover is adhesive backed and can be carefully pried off with a fine flat-blade screwdriver.
The BPA window cranks are...
The BPA window cranks are retained by a small Allen head set screw. Simply slide the crank onto the regulator shaft and tighten the set screw. Repeat for the rear cranks.
BPA makes inside door handles...
BPA makes inside door handles for '65 to '67 Mustangs, but not the '68 and its "safety design" handles-at least not yet. So we called in a favor and picked up a pair of satin chrome '68 inside door handles from Scott Drake. Their near billet look will go nicely with the BPA window cranks.
To access the handle, the...
To access the handle, the arm rest, which is retained by two 3/8-inch bolts, needs to be removed first; then the Phillips head screw retaining the door handle can be removed.
The Scott Drake satin chrome...
The Scott Drake satin chrome door handles are available under part numbers C7AZ-5422600-S and C7AZ-5422601-S from your favorite Scott Drake dealer. Their MSRP is $26.95 each and they are a direct replacement for the stock handles.
The parking-brake handle from...
The parking-brake handle from BPA is also a direct replacement for the stock plastic part. The stock handle is retained by a press-fit pin. There are a couple of ways to remove the pin, including drilling it out, driving it through to the other side, or in our case, there was enough of the pin protruding to grab it with a pair of end cutters.
The new BPA parking-brake...
The new BPA parking-brake handle slips right onto the end of the parking brake shaft and is secured with the included Allen head set screw. Our parking-brake handle is optionally clear coated to match our window cranks. In the future, BPA is even considering powdercoated colors or anodizing, all dependent upon customer demand.
Secured and ready for use,...
Secured and ready for use, the parking-brake handle looks as good as the '68's doors now. Hopefully we'll see future products for '65-'70 Mustangs like this, including ignition-switch bezels, turn-signal levers, vent-window handles, door-lock knobs, and more.