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5/31/2026 1:22 PM  #1


Revising project & need guidance

Basically the car has been stripped, repaired and primed.  The disassembly was about 13 years ago.  I have no idea what I'm doing anymore.  How do I start putting thing together?

!.  Do I connect steering linkage and steering column or install brake/clutch pedals first?
2.  Before the above, do I install insulation?  Is it cut out around pedal assembly, gas pedal?  OR just bolted through?  Is insultation under the AC unit to firewall?
3.A hydro boost needs to be installed and plumbed.  Should the steering column go in first?
4. When do I start installing wiring, does wiring go over insulation, or under, to protect it?
5.  Do we put dash pad in before or after wiring?  How about AC tubing?  Does it go before dash pad wiring?
6. I started to install air and have OEM vents, side and center, but not sure how to mount into dash frame.  Does anyone have any photos as to how Ford did the original installation?
If you can send pics please send to :  JJ4051@aol.com  
I DO NOT OWN A SMART PHONE,...texting would not work.  
Thank you!

 

6/01/2026 5:51 AM  #2


Re: Revising project & need guidance

If you want to know how Ford did it, but a set of factory assembly manuals.  They were invaluable in putting my car back together, which prior to my ownership had likely been striped down for use as a race car, and then hastily, and incorrectly, reassembled to sell it.  I dealt with missing parts, incorrect hardware, etc. as I began to restore the car back to factory stock condition.  The assembly manual, once they became available, cleared up what I wasn't sure about, showed me where clips, etc. went (many of which were missing), showed correct routing for lines, wiring, etc.  They are not cheap, but they are invaluable tools.  

By and large, and factory insulation was installed first.  Then fuel and brake lines were some of the first things to be installed, followed by wiring.  

 

6/01/2026 6:56 AM  #3


Re: Revising project & need guidance

I agree w/TKO on the assembly manuals.
First what year Mustang is this about?

Following the question list, here are my suggestions.
 
1.  I would install the clutch/brake pedal assembly first. (Maybe after the insulation)
2. Yes, install insulation first.  Are you using factory replacement insulation or aftermarket?  Factory replacement would likely have all the cutouts installed already. 
Is insultation under the AC unit to firewall?  I would think so, the assembly manual will help with that.
3.  A hydro boost needs to be installed and plumbed.  Should the steering column go in first?
Yes, I would also suggest the engine be installed prior to fitting the hydroboost, this will allow to see any other potential interferences.
4. When do I start installing wiring, does wiring go over insulation, or under, to protect it?
I would place the wiring over the insulation.
5.  Do we put dash pad in before or after wiring?  How about AC tubing?  Does it go before dash pad wiring?
I would do the dash pad after the wiring, etc.  Should make for more visibility and installation.
6. I started to install air and have OEM vents, side and center, but not sure how to mount into dash frame. 
Sorry, I don’t have any experience with this item. 
 
Hope this is of some help.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

6/02/2026 4:33 AM  #4


Re: Revising project & need guidance

The insulation is definitely supposed to be under the heater box/AC unit.  

The dash vents mount, IIRC, as follows:  The center vent is secured by a stud that goes through it and the dash frame from in instrument bezel on the right side, and one from the trim piece on the left.  The side vents mount with screws at the top, and nuts/bolts at the bottom (or maybe they are supposed to be screws and nut clips, as access to the nuts in very tough (I made a tool for this)).  

 

6/02/2026 5:37 AM  #5


Re: Revising project & need guidance

I've never had the assembly manuals but on this last build I used them and they were great to have.  My buddy gave me the manuals.  I'll be buying a set for the 70.

 

6/24/2026 12:24 PM  #6


Re: Revising project & need guidance

 The Jim Osborn assemble manuals will make life much easier. It lets you know routing and how it should go together…. It won't tell you when it should go in though. There were a lot of things that I installed more than once cause it interfered with something that I thought should go in later. For 1 and 2-Working under the dash, have all paint work done, add whatever spray on or peel and stick insulation or you might want to use, then install the factory type insulation pad. Cut what you need when you need. Installing stuff, start at the top and work down-wiper arms and motor, pedal assemble, steering column without steering wheel. It's amazing how much working room the steering wheel consumes.3 Column, gear box, and any hoses prior to hydroboost. You can install the motor to help make sure of avoiding any of its space. It doesn’t have to be a complete motor. Use the trans, block, head, valve cover and header/exhaust manifold for that side. Then you can take it back out for working room.4 Start thinking about the wiring now. Are you using a factory harness, aftermarket harness, do you want more circuits than either of them provide for upgrades? Stereo equipment? Power windows, seats, an extra USB or USBC port for charging devices? 3G alternator upgrade/removal of factory voltage regulator? Horn relays? Headlight relays? Wiring under the dash will have points it can be attached to the body. Tie wrapping it together should be sufficient. Keep the tie wraps loose cause there will be another wire that has to go that way. McMaster Carr sells the wiring loom that’s most cost effective to purchase than going through Summit. https://www.mcmaster.com/products/wire-looms/wraparound-wire-sleeving~~/?s=fabric+wire+looms5 Dash pad at the end. Wiring can be routed prior to AC and defroster ducting install. Terminations can be afterwards.6 This is where the Osborn assembly manuals help out with all kinds of pictures and exploded views. My car was in a stage of disassemble from 1988 to 2012. I bet I have 500 pictures. They were never what I needed to see!! The manuals were much more helpful.


John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
 

6/29/2026 11:14 AM  #7


Re: Revising project & need guidance

I would like to extend a BIG thank you to everyone responding to my inquiries.  
I did acquire assembly manuals as suggested.  More importantly, I appreciate the suggestions as to how to sequence doing things.  Assembly manuals are helpful but suggestions from experience is even more important.  
Thank you again!

I do have another specific question:
What are you guys using for insulation (floor and door)? 
Dynamat seems to be a good product, but expensive!  Is there anything that can have similar results?  
The car is going to be used a few times in the summer and going to some events.  It would seem putting money into functional components vs insulation, would be more logical.  
Is there anything almost as good but less expensive?  

Thank you!

     Thread Starter
 

6/30/2026 6:23 AM  #8


Re: Revising project & need guidance

Over twenty years ago, I used “Quiet Ride Solutions” sound deadening and insulation kit made for my fastback for the passenger compartment.  This excluded behind the rear and trunk.
 
A few years ago, I used “Noico 80 mil" (2 mm) Sound Deadening Mat & "Noico RED 315mil" Sound Insulation, purchased through Amazon, for behind the rear seat and trunk.  These came in squares that one can cut and piece together to fit.
 
I can’t say one is better than the other, and I have no compassion with Dynamat.   
My only suggestion would be to buy the custom fit for the firewall and maybe the floor as there are many curves, recesses, etc. to deal with.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

6/30/2026 12:55 PM  #9


Re: Revising project & need guidance

BobE wrote:

Over twenty years ago, I used “Quiet Ride Solutions” sound deadening and insulation kit made for my fastback for the passenger compartment.  This excluded behind the rear and trunk.
 
A few years ago, I used “Noico 80 mil" (2 mm) Sound Deadening Mat & "Noico RED 315mil" Sound Insulation, purchased through Amazon, for behind the rear seat and trunk.  These came in squares that one can cut and piece together to fit.
 
I can’t say one is better than the other, and I have no compassion with Dynamat.   
My only suggestion would be to buy the custom fit for the firewall and maybe the floor as there are many curves, recesses, etc. to deal with.

My last 10 years doing the aeronautics  job was getting the cockpit electronics in the f35 to survive 135 dbn noise.  I found lots of data about "vibration dampening ,, ie Dynamat" and sound blocking.   my short take for my mustang was to use Dynamat ((lowers panals vibration generated noises)  on 10 %  of open spaces of panel.  On out side noise,, ie tires, wind , turcks passing.  I found sound Blocking material worked best,,,  for low freqs I used 1/2 inch thick mass loaded vinyl.  High feq I put 1/4 in thick foam on top of vinal.  I made paper templates of sections I covered.  The sterio/ music industry has lots of data on how to block sound.  There is lots of noise test data showing outside genererted noise goes thru dynamat ???   THEY DONT LIKE THIS.  ??  I didn't cover everything need but my starting point measurments in the interior was 84 dbn at 70-75 mph.  After install is 73-78 dbn 70-75 mph.   Outside wind speed/direction has a lot to do with generated noise.   My guess was to cover/cacoon the interior shell.  after a few years it has appeared a lot of noise energy is generated by tires that I thought were blocked.  I research Mercedes Enterior noise and they block wheel wheels with simialar system I used. I didn't believe it (go figure)  so I went around and "felt up" wheel wells on new modals  ( i know I'm a sic engineer)  AND yep found some kind of foam covering everything.   So I have  lots of noise still around all windows,, just some more fun to work on the emberglo girl.
   
 

 

7/03/2026 1:18 PM  #10


Re: Revising project & need guidance

I used lizard skin products for sound and heat in the floors, roof, and doors. It was expensive and messy. I also added extra jute under the carpet in all places possible including the back seat. It does OK to well.... I'm not a person to give out great ratings!!! 


John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
 

Board footera


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