Don't think of installing aluminum pedal pads/covers as a "ricer" or "bling" upgrade for your classic Mustang. Why? Because once you do some spirited driving with a quality designed pedal pad set, you'll see that they are actually quite beneficial for increased pedal grip and better heel-and-toe down shifting. Notice we said "quality" in that statement. There are multitudes of pedal pad kits out there that are, shall we say, flea market quality. These inferior products are indeed more for looks than anything else. But if you take the time to install something like these billet aluminum/magnesium alloy pedal pads from Total Control Products (TCP), you'll immediately feel the difference the first time you shift or grab some brake for an upcoming corner. Installation couldn't be much easier than carefully measuring pad location, drilling a few mounting holes, and installing the included flush-fit hardware. Check out this new Quick Tech where we ditch the slippery rubber pads and upgrade this early Mustang with TCP's pedal pad kit.
1 The TCP pads are designed...
1 The TCP pads are designed to mount directly to the metal pedal face for a firm and tight feeling under your feet. The stock rubber pads would allow some pedal “squirm,” so they’ve got to go. Pry the rubber pads off of the pedals and if it bothers you, shoot the original pedal face with some black paint.
2 Position the billet pedal...
2 Position the billet pedal pad over the original pedal face and lightly secure with a C-clamp. The locking C-clamp pliers, shown here, work best for the job. A bit of masking tape on the tip of the clamp will protect the pedal pad from scratches.
3 Locate the four screw holes...
3 Locate the four screw holes in the face of the pedal pads and use them as drill guides to make the four 3⁄16-inch mounting holes for the attachment hardware. A right-angle drill might help in the tight confines of the under dash area. Just drill the hole closest to your clamp for now.
4 Slip one of the 8-32 stainless...
4 Slip one of the 8-32 stainless cap screws into the newly drilled hole and secure it with the provided locknut to secure the pedal pad.
5 Carefully release the C-clamp...
5 Carefully release the C-clamp and reposition it next to the remaining mounting holes. Drill out the remaining holes and secure with the included hardware. Ensure the pedal pad is seated flat to the pedal face and doesn’t rock. Do not over-tighten the hardware, as you can distort or even crack the aluminum pedal pads.
6 Clamp the gas pedal pad...
6 Clamp the gas pedal pad into place over the pedal face and drill out the mounting screw locations using the same steps you did for the brake (and clutch if manual trans) pedal pad.
7 Install the stainless steel...
7 Install the stainless steel cap screws and secure with the included locknuts provided, but don’t over-tighten.
8 The finished installation...
8 The finished installation not only looks sharp, but you’ll appreciate these pedals from the very first time you get in the car after the install. We certainly did.