Project Hidalgo V2

[Lorne34]

TIme for some interior Mods. I started with the GT350 Start Button, and the MMD Start Button Cover. The start button was a bit of a challenge as I had difficulty getting the original button off. I think I was a bit worried that I was inserting the small pick tool too deep. Ended up scratching the original start button but will most likely not be putting it back on. The GT350 start button is a bit of an over used mode, but I like the way it looks compared to stock.
The Start button cover was a different matter. I really did not like the color and hue of the red plastic. To me it looked cheap and out of place in the cabin interior. A bit in your face. I actually contemplated returning or reselling for a while. My daughter suggested that I paint it to match the black interior. I actually had some matte black spray paint in the basement from another project. As soon as I put the first coat on the start button I knew I was on to something. It turned out great! A hint of red underneath a very stealth looking start button cover.

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[Lorne34]

For anyone looking for a more comfortable seating position I highly recommend a clutch pedal extension. The modern Billet Clutch Pedal extension from American Muscle is a solid piece of equipment. Slides unto the clutch pedal frame and then the cover inserts over this extension. Allows a shorter person to sit back a bit more and not feel so pressed into the steering wheel. I drove my vert home from the dealership without the extension and it was the first mod I did as soon as I got home.

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[Lorne34]

When I had my 2016 coupe it was equipped with the 401A Pkg which includes the subwoofer in the trunk. I really wanted something to finish off the trunk bed to cover the cheap felt lined cover panel so I ordered this Lloyd's trunk mat last year.. This is a solid trunk mat and built to last. I love the retro look of the tri-bar pony logo. Sorry for the bad photography on the first shot... the close up shows the color depth and detail of the logo. Much to my delight the California special comes with the subwoofer in the trunk as well so this mat fit perfectly. Combined with the classic tri bar pony on the front grill and it all ties together...

 

[Lorne34]

One thing the interior lacked from the get go was enclosed channels within the door handles to set your cell phone, wallet, etc.. Especially when you are a passenger and the front console spot below the toggle switches is full. I added these door handle inserts off ebay and they have been very solid. Love the red pony accent in the bottom.
I also purchased a center console storage compartment insert. I felt the center console storage location was just too deep. Very difficult to dig in there and find something in a hurry. This insert sits on top just below the USB plugs. The great thing is that you can still store bulk items below the insert. I have a hat and a pair of gloves in there.... Love the Red pony logo as well... can't get enough of these accents...

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[Lorne34]

I've been wanting to install a cell phone mount for quite some time. I discovered the Scosche brand magnetic mounts. I have them in every one of our vehicles and they work great. Plus matches the black interior
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I608BJ8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Lorne34]

Time for a new shift knob. I never really liked the base rounded knob and found it awkward to quickly shift on 2nd gear corners. With the combination of the Steeda Base Bushing Bracket and the BG Syncroshift II fluid I wanted to complete the shifting experience with something different. I went back and forth between several models and decided upon the GT350 shift knob. Unfortunately there is not a aftermarket version that bolts right on with a stock fit. All of the options have been either re-threaded or a knock off of the original from Ford. Once installed thread lock is required to align the shifter properly. I ended up going with the CJ Pony Parts model which is the direct factory replacement for the GT350 which is re-threaded. I did a bunch of research and found a post about using a jam nut to seat the shifter properly without thread lock. I ended up finding a 12-1.25 hex jam nut that worked perfectly. I may still used loc tight but so far it has not been necessary. As far as the shifter itself goes I was on the fence at first because the shift knob sits higher than stock and was wondering if I needed to replace the shifter linkage with a short throw,. Bur after about a week I settled into it and it's been fantastic. Love how it feels in my hand and lots of confidence on quick throws during in town driving as well as spirited back roads.

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[Lorne34]

Finally a review of the "Love the Drive" Wind Deflector. The packaging was impressive as the unit come stowed in a handy carrying bag. A note is included with some business cards to put in the glove box in case anyone asks about the product. I thought that was unique and a smart business move on their part. The unit comes with 4 straps which attach to the child seat posts at the rear of each seat in the back and then front straps attach to the plastic molding just under the seat edges. The "hooks" as I call them are positioned downward into the wind deflector screen, You have to rotate them out and use the provided raised thumb screws to attach them to the frame of the restrictor unit. The hooks slide into the gap by the front seat belts and the rear brackets fall into the space next to the tonneau covers. The covers can be installed with the wind restrictor in place. Once everything is clipped into place you flip up the screen and you are ready to go. Lots of room for storage underneath in the back seats. If someone was taking a longer trip it would definitely be handy to stow things away in the back seat without worry of losing anything. Putting the top up with this in place was a non issue; simply flip the unit down when not in use.
Impressions of performance- I was immediately impressed with the amount of wind buffeting that was reduced with the windows down. There was also significant reduction in wind coming through the center console. Put the windows up and it was simply amazing the difference. No issues with highway driving and cooler weather is very manageable.
Visibility through the net is excellent and does not obstruct your view in any way including blind spots. It's light weight and stores easily in the trunk or in the garage on a shelf or hooks. I placed some G hooks on my garage wall to mount it when not in use. Total install time once you understand the process is literally less than a minute......
The only downside is not having room for passengers in the back seat when in use, but it's so easy to remove when needed.
Looks like this is a winner.

 

[Lorne34]

Decided to "spruce up" my garage work area. I really did not have any surface area to work with and was constantly using our freezer for a flat bench work area. It was fine unless someone needed to get into the freezer then all of my stuff in process got dumped on the floor.
Purchased a 4ft work bench/tool cabinet along with some shelving. Will be putting up more LED lighting underneath which will help as well. Also found some cool stuff at Hobby Lobby. They have an antique automotive sign section so I was able to find some Mustang themed stuff as well as retro gas station/oil company magnets and some route 66 paraphernalia. I now have all of my tools, detailing/cleaning items, and parts centrally located. Feels like home now. It's not grand, but hey .. I don't have a man cave so why not a "Garage Cave?"

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[Lorne34]

Took some nights shots in the garage... I have to admin that I am in love with the tri-bar sequential taillights on these S550's The lighted pony puddle lamps always seem to be kind of a "guilty pleasure" but I just cannot for the life of me stop smiling every time I see them. I will actually look back as I walk into the house from the garage to get a glance at them.....

 

[Lorne34]

This past June I took a road trip to Pennsylvania with my youngest daughter. We drove the Mustang to Youngstown Ohio, then on to Harrisburgh PA. Once we got past the Ohio/PA border the terrain changed dramatically.. lots of rolling hills and twisty roads to get on the gas and stretch out your ride. The rest stop on ramps were also fun for a spirited pull EVERY time ....
We took a short road trip to visit Gettysburgh which was a fantastic drive and scenery. The next day we took the Amtrak from Harrisburgh into Philadelphia for a tour of the city. Got to see the Museum of Art/Rocky Steps as well as many historical sites. The final day of the trip was in Mohnton PA for the 10th annual American Muscle Car Show. Absolutely fantastic show, visual overload looking at all of the modded stangs. Guys and gals were super friendly and shared lots of information on both mechanical and cosmetic alterations to their rides. All in all worth the drive out there.

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[Lorne34]

More pics and some of the AM Car Show...

 

[Lorne34]

Final set of Pics...

 

[Lorne34]

Finally starting to focus on cleaning/detailing the Stang on a regular basis. One issue for me has been kneeling/crouching down to detail the lower body parts (wheels, tires, lower plastics, exhaust tips, etc..) I have been researching detailing stools for a while and finally decided upon the Griot's Garage unit after watching Auto Fanatic's You Tube Video Review.
Unit is very sturdy, easy to assemble and comes with a comfortable cushioned seat. Now I can finally focus on cleaning the rims and grill without a lot of crawling around.

 

[Lorne34]

Had an oil change done at 10k miles. While I was there I had them inspect and take pictures of the fabric top. The seam appears to be separating from the top along the drivers side door. Ford has agreed to replace the top. One of the pictures is of a normal portion of the stitching as a comparison, One of my concerns with the vert is how well the top will hold up.

 

[Lorne34]

Adjusted the interior gauge color and ambient lighting. The My Color feature is really an awesome bonus. I have been so busy and focused on other things that I never really thought about what color combination would work best. Settled on Blue and Red...

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