Are you interested in building a 67-68 Ford Mustang but the price is prohibiting? In this post, we share our build sheet for 1967-1968 Ford Mustang mods using scavenged parts.
We‘ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of using these car parts on your classic and answer some questions and determine if this process is right for you.
- What car parts are direct swaps?
- What parts should you expect to need modifications?
- What kind of parts makes sense?
NOTE: This build sheet is not a complete list you might get from the parts counter at a dealership that shows part numbers for door panels, mirrors, carpet, and other details. This is a limited blueprint to show you features where you can not only cut down on price but also enhance performance on your classic Mustang versus going the original route with the Ford Motor Company factory build sheets.
This will be a build sheet that you can take or leave, but it should give you an idea of what might be possible using scavenged parts that function properly and will not require you to pay a fortune.
Click on the button below if you want to see the downloadable build sheet.
WHEN DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO SCAVENGE?
Well, that depends on your budget and the creativity that you want to bring to your build.
If you are sold on keeping the originality then this is not a good option for you.
But if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to bring reliable parts and good drivability and performance, this may be a good option for your build sheet.
Also, it feels good to give a second life to old factory parts that might otherwise sit around and collect dust.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO FIND SCAVENGED CAR PARTS?
Recently my favorite palace to find used car parts has been on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve also had good luck finding parts at junkyards. eBay or a local garage sale website is also a great source to find the specific car parts that you may need.
Another way of finding parts is connecting with other builders on an online forum community dedicated to vehicle restoration or classic cars. I don’t know about you, but I’ve often had a surplus of used parts from previous vehicles sitting around taking up space.
You never know what others might be willing to sell unless you let them know what you’re looking for in a discussion thread. You could be their first customer.
WHAT IS A MODIFIED “RECIPE” FOR A 67-68 MUSTANG
ELECTRICAL
- 1993 Ford Taurus 3.0 130amp alternator
- Benefit: One-wire conversion and high amperage
STEERING
- 1981 Buick Skylark rack and pinion
- Benefits:
- Hydraulic power steering
- Provides the required 6″ throw
- Benefits:
- Nissan Versa Electric Assist
- Benefit: Great combo with manual rack and pinion
SUSPENSION
- SN95 Ford Mustang front suspension
- Modification needed: requires a cradle or k member
- 06-09 Ford Explorer IRS (independent rear suspension)
- (cradle is currently in development- we will keep you up to date on future developments)
BRAKES
- SN95 adapter
- Benefit: increased braking capacity
- Honda iBooster
- Modifications: compact bolt-on with no vacuum requirements
DRIVETRAIN
- 1996-2001 Ford Explorer rear end
- Benefits:
- rear disk brakes
- High gear ratio
- Available limited slip
- Benefits:
HOW MUCH WILL THIS BUILD SHEET COST?
This method has the widest range of price variances due to the availability of parts during your search and individual sellers set their own pricing. The different cradle configurations can be purchased from either the off-the-shelf or the DIY plans/blueprints which you can follow.
After the cradle is installed, used factory OEM parts attached to it are easy to source for affordable prices somewhere, such as on FB Marketplace. Or if you’re in a time pinch and don’t mind paying a bit more, you can get them new off the shelf from an automotive parts company, such as RockAuto.
WHAT KIND OF PARTS ARE DIRECT SWAPS?
Some car parts are direct swaps but require custom cradles to be made. One of the best benefits of a cradle is that everything aligns from the late-model car parts, but then the cradle adapts to your original Mustang with minimal mods. Building a cradle is the secret sauce to using this scavenger method for your classic Mustang.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF THIS APPROACH?
ADVANTAGES:
- Modernize areas on a classic that tend to be the squeaky wheel in restoration. Leaky power steering systems and sloshy handling come to mind first.
- Part-sourcing is typically off-the-shelf at your local parts store. This comes in very handy not only for the pricing but to get you back on the road faster. If you have been restoring vehicles for any length of time you know how frustrating it can be to see your piece of artwork sitting in the garage with all the other ornaments.
- Drivability. It’s not always the case that modern is better when you look at vehicles on the road today. But in areas of gearing, cooling, and engine efficiencies the updates can give your vintage car a leap in enhancements.
DISADVANTAGES:
- Most, if not all, of the mods listed on the build sheet require some fabrication. This may not be a disadvantage to some but it could intimidate some of us. We’ve tried to limit the list to the easiest and most successful mods here.
- It takes more time and energy to search for scavenged parts. This can be fun for some, but it’s not for everyone.
NOW, HOW DO I ASSEMBLE ALL THIS??
It’s time to visit YouTube. You could pay someone to do all the work for you, but why not give it a try yourself? I have learned most of what I know by watching and learning from other builders online. Our channel, Follow the Builds is dedicated to showing you that you can in fact build it yourself. And we are here to help!
Also, if you’re not part of a forum community dedicated to classic car restoration, find one to join. Being able to talk with fellow builders to troubleshoot and find resources and help is a huge lifeline when tackling a project like this.
THAT WAS FUN! CAN I SCAVENGE OTHER PARTS FOR MY BUILD?
Want to save money on the interior of your car? Scavenge away! Want a comfortable, modern seat for your classic vehicle? You can swap seats with a late-model Mustang or even a BMW for some stylish, comfortable seats. Finding newer, wrecked vehicles that still have a clean interior is a great way of modernizing and customizing your classic car without spending a fortune.
The original factory seats in a classic Mustang look great when recovered, but they might not be the most comfortable if you’re planning on spending lots of hours in it as a daily driver. The interior details of your vehicle really do matter if you want to focus on comfort and modernization.
WRAP-UP ON THIS BUILD SHEET
If you choose this option for your 1967- 1968 Mustang build sheet, put your creative cap on and you can create a very reliable classic Ford Mustang with the drivability and performance of a modern vehicle.
You might even find more car parts than are listed here that can transfer to your vehicle.
Please share those parts in the comments below so we can get them listed on a build sheet for the building community to benefit from.
WHAT’S AHEAD?
We’d love to help you with your build. Get the discussion started. Share in the comments below if there is something custom you are looking for.
Or email us if there’s anything we can help you with!
