Advertise on podcast: Ford Mustang The First Generation, The Early Years Podcast

Today on Ford Mustang: The Early Years, we’re diving into the journey of a lifelong Mustang dream—centered on a 1965 Fastback that’s evolved through multiple rebuilds, setbacks, and reinventions. From a rough Craigslist purchase with questionable prior work, to a budget-minded daily driver, to a full-blown high-horsepower street-and-track build, this story captures the heart of Mustang ownership: passion, persistence, and the emotional pull of a car that just won’t let go. It’s a testament to the imperfect, personal, and ever-evolving first-gen Mustang—Vik Day, welcome to the show. Vik Day - today's guest He bought his dream car—a 1965 Mustang Fastback—in December 2018, nearly 20 years after first wanting one. Before that, he’d owned and driven performance cars like a Porsche 996 GT3, an air-cooled 911, and even a 1970 Bronco he quickly sold. But he kept coming back to the pull of a first-gen Mustang. He found a Wimbledon White Fastback on Craigslist in Denver. He shipped it to Texas, only to discover it was far rougher than advertised: a non-original T-code car with a tired 289, questionable mechanical work, unsafe wiring, poor rust repairs, and dangerously low oil pressure. Still, it had a beautiful red deluxe pony interior and working factory R12 A/C—enough to justify saving it. He began by prioritizing safety and drivability with upgraded brakes, suspension components, fuel and brake lines, a clutch conversion, and a full electrical cleanup, choosing not to rebuild the original engine since it was already near the end of its life. He then installed a budget-friendly Blueprint 302 with Holley Sniper EFI to create a reliable daily driver that made strong rear-wheel power and sounded great, but the engine suffered a catastrophic bearing failure after just 6,500 miles, leading to a warranty rebuild and months of downtime. Now he’s fully committed to building the ultimate dual-purpose Mustang—comfortable enough for street use and a car seat, yet capable on track in Houston heat—with a 507-hp Ford Racing 363, TKX transmission, upgraded suspension, steering, chassis stiffening, and supporting hardware. Along the way, he tested his loyalty by buying other Mustangs, including a pristine Rangoon Red ’65 Fastback and a high-school-dream Foxbody, but kept coming back to the original T-code; despite its flaws, it remains his favorite, and he plans to complete the latest evolution, or is he? Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! Email Doug: [email protected] "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’, and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler

"My 67 mustang has always been my dream car. It's a Mustang coupe 289 with a C4 transmission, power steering, power brakes, and deluxe interior. I've owned it for 3 years already and I have done extensive work to get it to where I want it to be. The Mustang is mostly up to my standards but the work never ends on these cars. Currently I'm working on the front floors and going to add factory style AC to it." Edgar, welcome to the podcast. Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! Email Doug: [email protected] "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’, and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler

MotorCity Grind IG Page https://www.instagram.com/motorcitygrind17/ Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! Email Doug: [email protected] "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’, and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler

Ford Mustang community, our guest today is one of the most versatile racers in motorsports—Stephen Cox. He’s competed on dirt and asphalt, ovals and road courses, open wheel, stock cars, and even off-road desert racing—and he’s won in all of them. With 34 career victories, 124 Top 5 finishes, Stephen’s resume is as deep as it is diverse. He’s also CEO of Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions, a familiar face on Fox and NBCSN, and the proud owner of Blue Thunder, a Fox-body Mustang with its own racing pedigree. Let's talk to Stephen. Welcome to the podcast. Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast If you own a Mustang, how long have you owned your ride? 43 years If you own a Mustang or classic car, have you named your car? If so, what is his/her name? Blue Thunder If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done? Performance suspensionRacing engine5 speed, 9" rear end What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car? New interior this winter Links:  Blue Thunder on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565384990613 Blue Thunder on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theblue_thunder_/ McGunegill Engines - https://www.mcgunegillengines.com/ Stifflers Engineering - https://buystifflers.com/ Cold Case Radiators - https://www.coldcaseradiators.com  Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! Email Doug: [email protected] "Keep it safe, keep it rollin,’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Long before we get to disc brake upgrades, Shelby drops and changing gearing ratios, we've got to bake our combustible recipe. Every engine needs five things to roar to life: fuel, air, spark, compression, and timing. Miss just one, and you’re probably listening to this episode on the side of the road. Today, we break down the mechanics behind the machines—and the lessons they teach us about precision, balance, and getting it all to fire in sync. Welcome to Ford Mustang: The Early Years and Ford Trucks, the Early Years Podcasts, where today we will get you tuned up and on the road. Let's bring in our resident expert, Jonathan, welcome back to the podcast -- it's been way too long. That’s the whole recipe for a running engine: Fuel – Correct amount of gasoline delivered into the cylinder.Air – Oxygen mixed in the right ratio with fuel for combustion.Spark – Ignition source (spark plug, or compression ignition in a diesel) to light the mixture.Compression – Pistons squeezing the air/fuel mixture to the right pressure for efficient burn.Timing – All of the above happen at exactly the right moment in the engine cycle. If any one of those is missing or out of sync, the engine won’t run properly. Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’, and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  -Doug Sandler Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Previously recorded poolside at my home in Ojai, California, this time he's calling in from down under -- in Australia -- meet George, owner, inventor, founder of Bangin Headlights.. Installed in both Jewel, my '65, but also Joe Jewel's little brother's, my '67 F-250.Not only is George a Classic Mustang enthusiast and owner, he’s an entrepreneur with a dream – to brighten up everyone’s road ahead. 3 years later, we are checking in. Connect with George:  Instagram: @banginheadlights https://www.instagram.com/banginheadlights/ Link to get YOUR Bangin’ Headlights: www.TheMustangPodcast.com/headlights Ford Mustang The Early Years Podcast (social media) Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’, and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

According to today's guest, Joycelyn Armstrong, her dad was a Ford dealer from 1970-1987. Quote, "He bought all of his children cars that were built the year we were born. I was born in 1965, and I still have my ‘65 convertible. He bought the car when I was 15, and it is my first car and still with me." Joycelyn, welcome to the Ford Mustang: The Early Years podcast. Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview Application ============ If you own a Mustang, how long have you owned your ride? 45 years If you own a Mustang or classic car, have you named your car? If so, what is his/her name? Not yet - haha If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done? She was restored by my brother when my dad bought it in 1980. It was powder blue and rough. She got the works. I promptly killed the motor, so she got a new motor - that’s a whole other story. The best upgrade we’re power brakes in the early 2000s. I weigh a whopping 95 lbs, so getting her to stop was a feat. I spun her 180 degrees to stop in a rainstorm and stared directly at the guy behind me. It was time. What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car? Good question. I often ponder if she should get a facelift lift but since I haven’t, I don’t want her to look prettier than me. We look our age, and I am trying to decide if that is a bad thing. Your listeners can weigh in. Video interview: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nKFJcPofmf2rII9SbOjQYurlHMblcHUX?usp=drive_link Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin,’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

With a stable of Mustangs from all generations, David Shaffer is the envy of any loyal Mustang enthusiast. Excited to welcome back David to the podcast. David, welcome back. Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview Application ============ If you own a Mustang, how long have you owned your ride?: Many If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?: Added more cars What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car?: Keeping them - that's enough! Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Welcome back, Ford Mustang community! On today’s episode of Ford Mustang, The Early Years, we are just two Baltimore boys taking a ride down memory lane with a car that’s been part of one family since it rolled off the lot—and a guest who’s giving it new life with some serious upgrades and a whole lotta love. Meet Aaron Skipper, proud caretaker of Margaret, his classic Mustang named after the grandmother who picked the original color! From a tree incident in the ’90s to Shelby drops and dual exhausts, Aaron’s story is full of horsepower, heart, and heritage. Let’s dive in and hear how this First Gen beauty is still turning heads and roaring strong! Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview Application ============ How long have you owned your first-gen Mustang? Been in the family since new, but took ownership of it 4 years ago Have you named your car? Margaret, named after my Grandmother, who chose the color of the car If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done? Converted to a 4-barrel, headers, dual exhaust, etc. Did a Shelby drop off 1 inch? It was painted late 90s due to a tree falling on her. Interior upgrades What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car? Needs to go back down to metal, have some bubbling issues addressed, and be repainted. Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Jarkko Vuori Welcome to Ford Mustang: The Early Years Podcast! Today we take you back to 1964, uncovering the fascinating story of Mustang #167, a pre-production show car shipped to Finland just days before the official U.S. launch. From secret wooden crates to surprise car shows and a legendary front emblem sculpted by a Finnish artist, this episode dives deep into the untold legacy of one of Mustang’s earliest stars. Jarkki, welcome to the podcast. Questions What made Mustang #167 so unique in the early Mustang story?How did Ford ship pre-production Mustangs like #167 to international locations?Why was Mustang #167 unveiled in Finland before the official U.S. launch?Who was the Finnish sculptor behind the iconic Mustang horse emblem?How was Mustang #167 "hidden" as a 1966 model for decades?What challenges did the restoration of Mustang #167 face?How did the global Mustang story connect with Ford enthusiasts in Finland? Talking Points Mustang production officially started on March 9, 1964, with a few pre-production models like #167.Pre-production Mustangs were marked with an internal "05C" code, used to identify them amidst Ford’s chaotic launch.#167 was shipped secretly in a wooden crate to Finland and unveiled in Jyväskylä, just days before the U.S. launch at the New York World’s Fair.Local Finnish newspapers reported on #167, calling it the "Western-class" sports car.Mustang #167’s front emblem was created by Väinö Kangas, a Finnish sculptor working for Ford.After decades of obscurity, #167 was found and is now undergoing a detailed restoration.The story of #167 highlights the global reach of the Mustang legacy, even before its U.S. debut. Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Danny Stucker and Aaron Cox I met both of these guests today in the Vintage Mustang 6 Forum on Facebook, even had a chance to watch the miracle of a new wiring harness and all sorts of goodness being added to a 6-banger in SoCal. Excited to have maybe a more technical conversation than I am ready for. A little scared but confident in my ability to hit the "mute" button. Danny Stucker and Aaron Cox, welcome to Ford Mustang the Early Years podcast. Danny Stucker Notes: How long have you owned your ride?: Since November 29th, 2020 If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?: I have made substantial modifications to the 200 inline 6 including a Vintage Inlines alloy head, multiport fuel injection, T5 conversion, 9" rear end, wilwood disc brakes . All new stock interior. Basically everything has been done that is not cosmetic outside. What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car?: I want to do the Street or Track front coil over suspension upgrade. Danny's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/mechtrician1 Aaron Cox Notes: How long have you owned your ride?: 8 years for this one What is his/her name?: Her name is Sasha If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?: A very long list of modifications. Forged engine and turbocharged with electronic fuel injection. What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car?: Track days, cars and coffee and enjoyment Connect with the show: @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Today we bring you the unicorn in the First Gen Mustang world, a coupe turned fastback. Here to share the story of his 1967 classic ride -- he's got a few Mustang stories to share I am sure. Welcome Brent Eddy to Ford Mustang the Early Years podcast. Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview Application ============ How long have you owned your First Generation Mustang?: 3.5 years If you own a Mustang or classic car, have you named your car? If so, what is his/her name?: ELENOT If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?: Started out as a 289 4 sp coup. Now it's in paint stage I've converted it to a fastback with custom upholstered interior, 427 Windsor based stroker, 5 sp. TKX. Some elements of a Shelby GT 500 but NOT AN ELENOR thus ELENOT What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car?: I'd like to complete the project by late fall 2025 Instagram @67Mustang_376 - https://www.instagram.com/67mustang_376/ @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Lynn Iverson My ‘66 was born aqua. I got mine after my brother passed (he was a corvette guy though). He restored antique muscle for a living. I asked myself “what am I waiting for? Life is fleeting”. Saved up my tips from pouring beer at a brewery on Friday nights and paid cash. Now I am slowly restoring this car with my 12 year old daughter.  Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview Application ============ How long have you owned your Classic Mustang? For about 2.5 years What is his/her name? No, it’s not Sally. Hahaha. Leaning towards Betty If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done? Working on the interior now What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car? My daughter and will continue in the interior and maybe bodywork to restore the car to its original color, silver blue. Instagram @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge 

Guest email: Hello Doug, my name is Jonathan. We are from central Washington State. My daughter Sydney and I just finished restoring her 1967 mustang coupe in the spring of 2024 just before her wedding. It was a full rotisserie ground up build. We had to replace quarter panels, floor pans, doors and several other things. It's a c-code 289 2-v but we updated with fuel injection, Borgeson power steering, air conditioning, all new wiring and many other updates. We made our own paint booth to paint it inside our shop. This mustang was originally my dad's, and I drove it in high school and college. My dad also has 1966 and 1968 mustangs too. My daughter Sydney has an Instagram page called letmegoaskmydad that has a lot of photos of the car being built. We always listened to your podcast while working on the car . Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview Application ============ If you own a Mustang, how long have you owned your ride?: 4 years Please upload a favorite pic of your Mustang or a classic car you drive now or have owned in the past.: https://secure.acuityscheduling.com/admin/intake-form-values?key=gYcHEVQCqaRnZYJzPx6NF2VAiTbB%2FXT1npzMaeP1sPrNiTMh3AGg4g1PBsGXqRc2y3Q%3D If you own a Mustang or classic car, have you named your car? If so, what is his/her name?: Tar Baby after Ronald Reagans horse If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?: air conditioning, power steering, updated wiring, power wilwood front disc brakes, larger fuel tank, electric fuel pump and fuel injection, extra sound deadening, larger coldcase aluminum with dual electric fans, cd player Bluetooth and hidden speakers Sydney's IG: https://www.instagram.com/letmegoaskmydad/ Instagram @mustangpodcast https://www.instagram.com/mustangpodcast/ An Expert’s Guide to Maintaining Your Classic Mustang www.TheMustangPodcast.com/repair Sponsored by: National Parts Depot www.npdlink.com With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast! "Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!"  Doug Sandler [email protected] Rent your Classic Ford for commercials, film and special events www.ClassicFordRentals.com Sign up today free of charge