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Ford Mustang (2004 and earlier)

1151618202142

Comments

  • gt4megt4me Member Posts: 58
    Get some "Loc-Tite" from your local hardware store for the bolts...

    As for the car, I'll start the bidding at $1 !!

    -Craig
  • kidevo1kidevo1 Member Posts: 31
    I recently ran over a possum doing 80 in my new car. It broke a few of the plastic screws, mounts and slightly cracked my under skirt for my front bumper (It's amazing how much plastic cars come with these days)

    But I made a trip to the hardware store, bought some 2-ton epoxy to bond the skirt back into place and bought some "metal" bolts to hold the engine under cover back in place. Looks as good as new again.

    This sucker will have to crack in half before it ever gets loose again! :)
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    "I recently ran over a possum doing 80 in my new car."

    But why would you let a possum drive your new car? I mean they don't even have licenses... ; )
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    ...take your anti-possum comments to a different board!

    How do you actually KNOW we don't have licenses - huh????!
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    I guess I just always assumed they'd fail the vision test...
  • kidevo1kidevo1 Member Posts: 31
    After seeing the damage a few miles later at the mobile station. I was very tempted to turn around and do another drive through.
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    Congrats! Sounds like a cool car...auto or 5spd? Does it have the shiny 16" wheels? I really like those.

    And how did you go about the spoiler delete? Swap trunks, or actually remove/fill holes?

    Anyway, welcome to the world of Mustangs. They really are a special car...and with the unfortunate demise of the GM F-bodies, there's nothing else like it available. I'm sure you'll really enjoy it.

    -John
  • brian3240brian3240 Member Posts: 6
    My Mustang is an automatic.
    The wheels were part of the decor package, and are aluminum with "ponies" on the caps.
    My dealer removed the spoiler, and repaintes the trunk...the only real option.
    Now that I've driven the car a while, a few wishes;
    - a disappeaaring or hidden antenna
    - lighted window/lock buttons
    - gas struts for hood opening
    but don't get me wrong...this is a really neat car!
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Replace that long antenna mast with a stubbie -

    http://www.calcarcover.com/search.asp?search=antenna

    I went with the 15" length and it seems fine.

    As for your door lock "pins" - replace them with billet items from MGW Ltd; look up their site. Good company.

    Enjoy your pony!

    Jeff
  • vgerdesvgerdes Member Posts: 2
    The following site, Ford customer service, recommends, 5-30wt for the GT. Here is the net address, http://www.customersaskford.com/Kate/quick_reference_guides/ford_- 2002_Mustang_2002.html
    I was worried about using 5-20wt here in Tucson. I have 15K so far no problems, but now that I know I'm covered by warranty I will switch to the Mobil 1, 5-30WT.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    ...that site is incorrect. Ford specs 5-20wt syn blend for all Mustangs for the last couple of years. Same as Honda does.

    Check "Engine Coolant" capacity on that same link - it even has a typo - "3.6L V8" - ain't no such animal; it's a 4.6L V8.

    It's your car; use what oil you think is best and I doubt you'd go wrong with Mobil One 5-30wt: I use that in two Lexus vehicles.

    But - that site is still wrong...perhaps Proof Reading Ain't Job One!
  • trueblue03trueblue03 Member Posts: 2
    my previous 'stangs were an '84 GT 5 speed (silver, red interior) and a '93 LX 5.0 5 speed (electric red, black interior). To be perfectly honest, the '93 was my wife's car. We were dating in the fall of '92 and she wanted to trade up from her college car (a base Escort). I "helped" her look at new cars, and gave her advice on different models. I suggested a 5.0 LX 5 speed, and she test drove an electric red one, fell in love with it, and bought it. Heck, I HAD to marry her then. ;-) Anyway, we had that car for ten years. It was probably one of the most pampered 5.0 'stangs you'd ever see
    (garaged and covered, gently driven, on time oil changes, etc). After ten years, it had only 50K on the clock, and 45K of those were in the first few years we owned it (especially since she became a mini van mom seven years ago). It looked and ran like new. Last fall her brother talked her into selling it to him (doh). So, with our newly freed up garage space, and the factory rebates going on this spring, what better time to buy my first ever convertible? In my younger days I probably wouldn't have dreamed of buying a V6 pony car, but after driving a convertible V6 in Florida for a week, I was impressed with the all around package - especially considering price. For the sake of argument, I test drove a couple of GT convertibles, but at my age I guess I've gotten a little tired of the extra noise, the stiffer ride, the lower fuel mileage, and the higher insurance costs. After much soul searching, I found (much to my surprise) my male ego no longer needed a V8. So I'm now the proud owner of a parchment over true blue V6 rag top with all the goodies (leather, traction control, power seat windows/locks, tilt/cruise, keyless entry, 6 disk CD, the polished pony wheels, and factory GT fog lamps - sticker $27K, after rebate and dealer discount $22K). I've got a little over 3K on the ticker now and I couldn't be happier with it. It is a wonderful value for the money, in my opinion, and has plenty of power for my purposes (top down cruising on warm evenings). Long live my new garage queen!
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    Sounds like a cool car...though I love my coupe, there are times (like this past weekend in the mid-Atlantic) when I really wish I had bought a convertible... : )

    I have a GT (my first Mustang, so obligatory to get the V8 I guess), but I still think the V6 model is a strong car too. It's surprisingly quick, has all the tail-out fun, and feels pretty nimble. Maybe the only thing missing is that great V8 burble...

    5-spd or auto? And I love those polished wheels...wish they made 'em in 17in for the GTs!
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
    So I moved out of a no front-plate state into one that requires one. My question: whats the best way to get that front license plate on my 2001 mustang?

    Should I... (gasp) drill holes in my front bumper cover? Should I get rubber washers? Are there kits for this kind of thing?

    Help...
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    ...on the front license plate situation.

    I'm in a state that requires front and back plates as well. In most of my cars, if I get them new or without the plate mounted if I buy them used, I don't install the plate.

    About once every 4-5 years do I get a $25 "fix-it" ticket for no front plate - then it's my choice to mount the plate or pay the fine. I just pay it. Seems I only get this ticket in conjunction with a parking ticket.

    Anyway, if you really do have to mount the front plate, there's not much of an option beyond drilling two holes and using a rubber/plastic bracket that should have come with the vehicle or is easily available from a Ford dealer.
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    I've always lived in front-plate states, so cars w/o them look odd to me...esp. ones like Mustangs that have the indent for one. Though I've always loved the Corvette solution...

    But this license plate bracket...is this actually a Ford part? I'd love to not have my plate directly mounted to my bumper as it is now (came that way from the dealer, and I even found a set of screws and a little set of instructions showing the same thing the very same in the glove compartment)
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    Having always had a front plate I must agree...it looks weird without it!

    I believe my 2000 Mustang a lots of other Fords don't use a front "bracket" per say but rather have "bolts" built into the front bumper just below the surface. If you are a plate state, they just stick an awl through the surface of the bumper at the dealer and make screw holes.

    The plate screws right into the bumper and I believe it is the same on my wife's Taurus and my son's Focus.
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    Just took a look at my '02 GT vert and you're right; Ford just screws 'em right thru the bumper normally.

    After I bought the vehicle (used with 4k miles) I plugged the bumper's holes with some small, black plastic plugs from Pep Boys that match the bumper color.
  • stvdmanstvdman Member Posts: 62
    Try this link to see THE way to mount the front license plate.
    http://www.fast281.com/video/licenseplate.wmv

    I have a 1995 Sapphire Blue Mustang GTS. It has been a GREAT car for the last 8 yrs and 90,000 miles. I now drive almost almost an hour to work and abck per day so I had to come up with something new.

    A 2003 Black 10th Anniversary Cobra. This is is MEAAAAAAAAAAAN! At first I didnt think the performance was alot more than my 95 which is modded, of course. Well after finally getting a chance to push this thing and drive it a bit harder than the normal test drive, holy smokes. She corners, accelerates, brakes, and does almost EVERYTHING better than my 95. It better right?!? The only thing I nedd is a little better exhaust note, but that will be taken care of this spring :)
    http://www.corral.net/photopost/data/500/1579sssstang-resize.jpg
  • crowninternetcrowninternet Member Posts: 1
    HELP!! I'm on the verge of purchasing a pre-owned 01 mustang GT convertible and I've got plenty of co-workers and family trying to talk me out of it. I would GREATLY appreciate any feedback current owners can give me on this model. Are there any major problems I should be considering? How well is the convertible top holding up? THANKS!!
  • jeffmust2jeffmust2 Member Posts: 811
    I purchased a slightly used (4k miles) '02 GT 5-speed convertible earlier this year and I love it. My son also has a '01 5-speed GT hardtop.

    Besides the kick out of modding it (so far - Pro 5.0 shifter, Bilstein shocks/struts and lowering springs, subframes, etc.) it gets 20 mpg on regular gas, the insurance premium isn't bad if you're past 30 (and I'm waaaaay past!) - and it's a blast to drive.

    On the downside, the backseat is good for a briefcase or a few grocery bags but not humans, the quality of some parts is rather suspect, the fit and finish is Ford Job What?, etc.

    As for your question about the top holding up...if that's a major concern, you might not be the perfect candidate for a convertible...after all, steel & paint hold up better than vinyl fabric just about every time. It would be nice if you can garage it; if not, try a high-quality custom car cover (CoverCraft makes an excellent one for GT convertibles).

    And did I say it's a blast to drive?

    Don't let anybody talk you out of it. And, when the weather is perfect for that drive with the top down...remember to NOT take them along!

    You list a Honda sedan as your driver now...so the Mustang will be a VERY different experience for you. If you buy a used one at a good price - and there's lots of convertibles to choose from in So. CA...you can sell it down the road without a lot of depreciation. That's a good way to get into a different type of automobile - low risk.

    Good luck!
  • pda97pda97 Member Posts: 91
    I'm looking for a nose mask for my 03 Stang. What do you folks recommend ? Colgan, Ford, whatever ? What brand is the easiest to install and remove ? Thanx for all comments.
  • 3trigs3trigs Member Posts: 2
    They were giving away Machs the end of last month in central Fla..$3000 rebate plus beat the dealer down to invoice..

    One dealer now has 2000 rebates on 04 GT's..

    Almost sprang for the 03 Mach, 5spd, 29330 sticker..

    a dealer in Venice,Fla had a 5000 doc fee on Machs several weeks ago, must be smoking something new???
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    I live in the Hurricane Isabel path, and as it was approaching, I thought to myself that if my '02 GT were to get wrecked or whathave you, I'd replace it with a Mach 1.

    Interesting how the Bullitts were pretty hard to come by, whereas the Machs can be had fairly reasonably...
  • hhh387hhh387 Member Posts: 8
    The 98 Mustang V6 is listed at 150 horsepower. The 99 Mustang V6 is listed at 190 horsepower. Anybody have any idea what the actually real wheel horsepower on both of those cars is? Also does anybody know why the 99 Mustang supposedly has 40 more horsepower than the 98?
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    I think actual rwhp for the 1998 V6 is somewhere around 125-130. 99+ jumps to 150s.

    And yes, the 99+ do have 40 more hp. New heads, split-port injection, and other changes to the 3.8 did it.

    The 99+ V6s are the ones to get if you're going V6.

    -John
  • hhh387hhh387 Member Posts: 8
    I am looking to buy a used mustang this Christmas. I want to get a 99+ V6 because of the horsepower gain and I like the style of them better as well. I got a few questions.

    #1 How reliable are the 99+ Mustang V6's? Because when I am searching on auto trader I usually put the mileage limit to under 60,000 miles any suggestions on wether I should lower or higher that limit?

    #2 Will I run better times on the 1/4 mile with a manual than with an automatic? If so how much time difference do you think there would be between the two?

    #3 One of the first things I would like to do when I get it is a different exhaust. I will have to be making monthly payments so I would need a cheap one. Any ideas on what is a cheap one that will give me a good sound and some more horsepower?
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
    I bought my 2001 manual V6 coupe brand new and since then have put 36,000 miles on it. I have not had one single problem. A used one should be really cheap.

    If you want to have any fun driving this car do NOT get an automatic. The automatic transmission feels like it robs all the power from the engine and pauses and jerks on downshifts.

    If you are going to get a different exhaust then go ahead and get a dual system with an H pipe. There are plenty of brands out there, but I have not done this (yet!) so I can't tell you which to buy.
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    The 99+ ones are pretty reliable. There was an earlier-year issue with the 3.8 involving head gasket failure, but I think that's been resolved for some time now. Given how many of them are made, you should be able to find a low-mileage one fairly easily.

    As for the 1/4, a 5spd is worth maybe a half-second difference over the auto. The auto also eats up more rwhp.

    But more importantly, I agree that a 5 spd is much more fun all around, esp. on a V6 Mustang. You won't regret getting one, and besides, part of the fun of a pony car is being able to easily light up the wheels in 1st and chirp the tires into 2nd!

    Re the exhaust, Ford Racing makes a direct-fit "quasi-dual" for the 3.8 that's supposed to be nice, inexpensive and well-made...

    The V6 Mustangs are great bang-for-the-buck cars I think; you get decent performance, rwd, and good looks for not a lot of money.

    What color are you considering? : )
  • hhh387hhh387 Member Posts: 8
    Thanks for your guys responses. I think I will definitely go for the 5 speed. The color to me really doesn't matter I'm just trying to find the best deal right now since I dont have that much money. When I get more money I will get a paint job. If I had to choose I would hope to get a blue or yellow one. John do you know a web site where I could look up information on that ford racing "quasi-dual" exhaust? The bang for the buck is the main reason I am getting this car. I have looked at other cars and none have beat the power for the price of a mustang. If anybody knows any cars that I would be able to find for under $10,000 used that have a better bang for the buck please tell me and I will be sure to look into it. Also John how did you figure out the real wheel horsepower of the mustangs do you know a site where I could look that up, or did you just figure it out by seeing a dyno of it?
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    For all things mustang, check out www.stangnet.com. They have different forums, inc. a V6 one that might be useful to you, inc. dyno plots, etc. It can be pretty addictive though... ; )

    Re color, you should be able to find 'em in all colors no problem...there are a ton of them around.

    Re the exhaust, it's a Ford Racing product, so check out their website or get a catalog at your dealership... Also, GEFracing.com used to carry them, and is a good place for Mustang parts online (I bought my Ford Racing GT exhaust from them).
  • thedarkwolfthedarkwolf Member Posts: 70
    The v8 is more reliable than the v6 if you care.
  • fdthirdfdthird Member Posts: 352
    says who?
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    Yeah, I thought the 3.8 is pretty much bulletproof these days...like the GM 3800 V6.
  • hhh387hhh387 Member Posts: 8
    Mileage wise how long do you think the average 99+ V6 mustang lasts?
  • quettiequettie Member Posts: 1
    i just bought a 03 mustang gt and on the passenger side the carpet is not intact and it looked like the air bag was deployed bc the facing had a gap in it. I didn't see it when i was in the car until the next day. i took it back and the dealership said let us fix it. I demanded a another mustang bc i don't want a new car that they have to fix. The service department was closed already they told me to bring it back tomorrow what should i do. I chked the vin number to see if it had been wrecked or bumped it hadn't been. How can i handle this to get another mustang.
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    This is a new Mustang, right? New Mustangs shouldn't have such problems...
  • fenwayfrankfenwayfrank Member Posts: 6
    I have a 2000 Rag Top and some Jack A.. decided to cut a small (2 inch) hole in it for some unknown reason.
    I've found a few placed on line that sell replacement tops at reasonable prices. I've also found conflicting advise about trying to replace it myself.
    Does anyone have experience doing this, and would you recommend trying it myself?
    Are there any places where I can get some instructions?
  • stang03stang03 Member Posts: 4
    I have a 2003 Centennial Edition convertible stang. I plan to add a Steeda GT cat-back exhaust kit and a Steeda GT high-flow air kit. Does anyone know if adding these mods will void any warranties? Steeda says no but I figured I'd check with other owners who may have looked into this before. Any other recommended mods?
  • john_324john_324 Member Posts: 974
    After owning a Mustang for little over a year now, I'm still amazed at the interest, emotion and nostalgia this car generates in people.

    Complete strangers will approach me in parking lots to tell me about a Mustang they once owned, little children have shouted "nice car!" at me, and older gentlemen have watched intently as I've cruised by. I've never driven a car that seems to have such near-universal appeal in this country.

    So it hasn't been too surprising that everybody seems to have a Mustang story of some sort; from double-dating in a friend's first-year model to drag racing in a '70s Mach 1 to owning a rare SVO turbo, I've heard some interesting recollections and stories (often from people I least imagined would be into Mustangs).

    So let's hear *your* interesting/cool/nostaligic Mustang stories! I'm sure people on these boards have some great ones.
  • 3point1v63point1v6 Member Posts: 18
    i never used to be into cars until a friend of mine showed up at practice one day a couple years ago with a 2000 mustang in bright red. i dont know if it was a gt or not since i didnt know anything about cars/mustangs at that point. but i remember all of us talking about how he was getting a new car...then seeing him pull up in the mustang. right away i knew that was a car i wanted.
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
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  • sphinx99sphinx99 Member Posts: 776
    I really, really hope that's not the new Mustang. With the roofline that low, front, side and rear visibility will be awful, and that will massacre Mustang sales the same way '96 Taurus's ovals did. I have high hopes for the new Mustang to bring something special to market; if this is it, then IMO Ford's in big sales trouble no matter how cool it is or how great the engine or chassis is.

    First rule of design for a high volume production vehicle: utility matters most. That's the reason the Mustang sells so well: it's affordable and roomy without sacrificing fun. Save the low roofline and slanted windows for the $45k Cobra model that competes with Corvettes.
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
    Oh I dunno, the roofline looks close to the shape of my 2001. The visibility is not great, but it's good enough. If people just learned to adjust there mirrors the proper way they wouldn't [non-permissible content removed] so much about this.

    The fact that this part of the car is still covered up during the time the photos were taken shows that the roof and side design might not be completely finalized yet. Although I wouldn't expect major changes in the basic shape.

    Looks sharp to me. Some of the interior plastics look a little hard and cheap, but it is still a major improvement over the current mustang. At least the design is clean and the metal bits look like they are going to be real metal. I like the old school font on the gauges a lot.
  • sphinx99sphinx99 Member Posts: 776
    I disagree, and I believe a great many others will too. I know how to adjust mirrors, thank you very much. Visibility still will suck. Open air driving will suck, and with the door sills so high and the roof so low, leaving very little side window, the car will feel claustrophobic. Sure, that's all fine and dandy for a $200k exotic, or even a genuine $50k sports car, but that's dangerous territory for a $20k "affordable" coupe from a company that has to give away cars as it is. The best thing about the current Mustang is not its power but its overall accessibility; I hope Ford realizes that's not a bad thing.

    Oh well.
  • revdrluvrevdrluv Member Posts: 417
    I just don't think the roof looks that low. If anything it looks like the sides are extra high. Check out where they are in relation to the seat on the interior pic. Looks like it might be hard to rest your arm on the door with the window open. Not such a great thing either, but it does look like the armrests on the door might actually be good for resting you arm on them. (On the current model they are pointless)
  • sphinx99sphinx99 Member Posts: 776
    I'll give you that, the interior looks great!
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