Daily Driver Vintage Mustang

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Article Title: Daily Driver Vintage Mustang
Author: randy stoker
Category: Classics, Collecting, Entertainment
Word Count: 817
Keywords: classic mustang parts, daily driver mustang, vintage mustang
Author's Email Address: rstoker408@aol.com
Article Source: http://www.contentcrooner.com
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Many auto enthusiasts enjoy the style and look of a vintage 1965-1973 Mustang but do not consider such an "old car" for daily driver usage. That is a shame because there are many memories associated with the vintage cars made in the 60's plus pride in the styling and design of those "Muscle Cars" that legends were built upon.

Wouldn't it be great to drive a 1969 Mach 1 Mustang to work? You might even qualify for preferred parking!

Today's modern automobiles enjoy many safety and emission upgrades that have improved driver comfort and reliability. The use of plastics in body panels to save weight and computers to manage the mechanicals of a vehicle have improved the performance of today's automobile.

However, I believe that these improvements have also removed the individuality and personal expression of the vehicle owners. The 1960's automobiles were very unique and individual in character, in fact an extension of the owners personality. Is it possible to drive a classic 1960's era car in today's world?

Yes it is possible to daily drive a vintage automobile! A vast market place of automobile suppliers have developed modern style improvements for the vintage era cars intended for daily usage.

The improvements described in this article can improve the driver safety and comfort that drivers are accustomed to with a modern vehicle while enjoying the classic look and prestige of driving a vintage automobile.

One of the biggest weakness for any vintage automobile are the brakes, suspension and steering as supplied by the manufacturer.

Huge technological advances in braking improvement have occurred since the 1960's. Modern vehicles now include ABS brake systems or computer controlled brake systems as standard oe equipment. Compared to the small diameter brake shoes and brake drums supplied on most 1960's vehicles, these modern improvements have vastly improved driver safety.

At the time of this writing, the author is not aware of ABS brake systems designed for vintage automobiles.

However, many aftermarket automobile parts suppliers have developed replacement disc brake upgrade kits that include power assisted boosters and adjustable front / rear brake bias control. Most kits are designed to be direct replacement "bolt-on" kits, meaning the original style of the vintage mustang is not altered for the upgrade package. Both front and rear axle disc brake conversion kits are available for most popular applications.

Suspension improvements are also available. Improved suspension kits designed for driver control and cornering ability are now available. Many of these products use the same mounting positions of the oe suspension but are re-designed with today's technology to strengthen and increase driver safety.

Coil springs are now available in various rates to match the vehicles intended use. Replacement shock absorbers sold today are vastly improved from those supplied by the manufacturers in the 60's. Replacement bushings are available in polyurethane material (vs. rubber oe style) to improve wear and ride quality.

Most of these suspension upgrades are direct bolt-on items that improve ride quality and driver safety without compromising the appearance or design of the vintage automobile.

One of the biggest upgrades available is Rack & Pinion steering conversion kits. All vehicles built in the 60's used a combination of a steering box, idler arm, tie rods and links to move the front wheels. With so many moving parts involved in the wheel turning process, there exist many potential areas of weakness and wear.

If you have the opportunity, sit in any original 60's vehicle and turn the steering wheel either direction. Notice the original position of the steering wheel and count the number of complete steering wheel rotations to turn the front wheels lock-to-lock. Most often the count will be 3-4 complete steering wheel rotations. Now sit in your modern automobile and attempt the same test. Did your steering wheel complete even one rotation to turn the front wheels lock-to-lock? That is the reason the Rack & Pinion conversion kits are such an exciting upgrade to a vintage automobile.

Most of the rack & pinion kits are designed for direct bolt-in replacement, like the other improvements discussed in this article, and retain the vintage look and style of your classic vehicle.

Other improvements are also available such as air conditioning kits, improved seating and stereo systems.

Improved seat belts that mount over the shoulder are now available. If your budget is large enough, it is possible to upgrade any vintage car for daily driver usage. Most of the popular 60's vehicles such as Mustang, Camaro, Corvette or Firebird have networks of suppliers offering upgrade packages.

So yes, you can buy a classic 60's vehicle and relive your youth! Owning and driving a vintage car on a daily basis is possible thanks to the strong interest of other enthusiasts like yourself and the resourcefulness of the manufacturers who supply the parts.

Buying a classic vehicle is the ultimate way of saying "Buy American Products" and showing your pride in owning a piece of American history.

Randy Stoker owns Sacramento Mustang Parts which provides parts for the classic 1965-1973 Ford Mustang. Sacramento Mustang started business in 1980 and has provided excellent service to the Mustang hobby ever since. Please visit our web site http://www.sacramento-mustang.com for more information.
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