Most Mustang magazines you pick up today prominently features Restomods and some really nice concours Mustangs as well. No doubt the Restomod segment of the market is booming.  Of course, there will always be the purist segment populated by folks that strive to make their Classic Mustang as close to factory original as possible. Most purists show their Mustangs either driving short distances to shows or trailering them there. Thank goodness the purist segment is alive and well or we might forget what a factory original Mustang looked like.

Mingling with the Restomod and Purist crowds is yet another growing segment. We refer to this segment as the Retro-Fit segment. The Retro-Fit segment drives their Classic Mustang regularly. They might attend a local show or cruise-in for the social value but trophies are not this segment’s motivation.

The Retro-Fit market segment is loyal to the Mustang’s heritage. They want their Mustang to look like a Classic Mustang looked in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. So what does Retro-Fit mean? Let’s face it, our Classic Mustangs range in age from 34 to 43 years old. Driving conditions have changed dramatically over this time span. Four, five, and six lane highways are everywhere, and they are usually crowded with fast moving traffic. The need to instantly control your vehicle has never been more acute. Great brakes and quick ratio steering have become essentials in today’s cars. I watch college football during the season and never an hour goes by without an auto insurance company commercial. It seems there is an auto collision repair shop on just about every block. More cars mean more opportunities to meet new friends as you exchange driver’s licenses. Driving regularly in today’s traffic conditions with 34 to 43 year old safety technology surrounding you is not considered a sound idea by the Retro-Fit crowd.

The Retro-Fit crowd wants better brakes, better steering, better seat belts and even headrests to protect against whip lash. On 1964-1/2 through early 1967 Mustangs that solid steering column shaft is like a long spear pointed at the driver’s chest. I will list the most popular Retro-Fit upgrades all of which could easily be undone should an owner ever wish to return the Mustang back to original.