Ford Mustang 1964 1/2-1973: How to Restore (S-a Design, 421)

*reviewed from free copy provided by the publisher*

nonfiction - DIY auto repair/restoration (updated edition, 2024)

Since the author acknowledges that "not any single book provides every piece of information that you need, including this one," he aims to instead provide an overview of the basics so that the reader can get a handle on planning and carrying out their project -- whether to compete as a show car (each organization will have very specific and significant differences in what a winning car will look like), or just to drive around, or something in between -- including all the things that they'll need to learn more about (or perhaps will decide to outsource to a professional) and many, many tips on avoiding common (and show more potentially very costly) mistakes that the author has seen over his decades of restoring Mustangs. There are lots of clear color photographs of some of the differences you'll see among the models from different years and various tools that apply to each application.

The info is of course helpful to someone new to restoration, but also to someone who has done significant work before--maybe you've already done everything except paint, or maybe you want to update some elements for safety. You'll most likely still need other resources to provide more specific instructions for various models/parts but it is still very useful to have an organized overview with some very useful guidance from an author with significant experience.

Chapter 1: The Basics
Ch. 2: Planning and Evaluation
Ch. 3: Disassembly and storage
Ch. 4: Body Preparation and Bodywork
Ch. 5: Paint
Ch. 6: Engine
Ch. 7: Transmission and Drivetrain
Ch. 8: Suspension and Steering
Ch. 9: Brakes and Rear Axle
Ch. 10: Electrical
Ch. 11: Interior
Ch. 12: Reassembly and Completion show less

Another good one from CarTech. Lots of Mustang specific details without too much general resto advice. That's often a problem with books like this because the author has to speak to readers that may have never read a resto book before. Stribling does a fine job of pointing out Mustang specific problems to watch for and things that resto judges look for if you're going for a competition level resto.

This is a valuable reference for anyone wishing to understand the work involved restoring a Mustang built during the first decade of the car's manufacture. The chapters on engine and transmission are very strong with loads of tips to avoid unnecessary mistakes and to save time. There are lots of helpful photos and the text is easy to follow. The chapters are logically arranged and each cover a system such as suspension, body, and interior. This is an excellent effort in Car Tech's restoration series of manuals.

Excellent book - chock full of tips and tricks. Great detailed photographs. Well-written. My son-in-law is restoring a Mustang and he was wide-eyed when he saw this.

I have reviewed a few CarTech manual/ how to books now and have to give them high praise for bringing these type of books to market. Far better than the vague how to black and white manuals of old! Sure wish these color photo well written manuals were available when I was younger! Book/manual laid out in a coherent way, easy to follow and interesting to read (which is difficult for how to manuals) Highly recommend publications from Car Tech and pleased to see the variety of titles in their catalog.

My husband and his brothers have restored Mustangs in the past. We don't currently have one but we have talked about finding one to restore. My husband said this guy knows his stuff. This book is full of good, solid advice and instructions along with full color photos. It is a great book to use or reference if this is something that you are looking to do. My husband loved this book and will keep it in his permanent library.

A GREAT Mustang book with hundreds of photos. All aspects of detailing are covered. There are plenty of tips and shortcuts. Read before starting your project.