Revitalizing a Legend: Blue Thunder’s Interior Overhaul

Revitalizing a Legend: Blue Thunder’s Interior Overhaul

. Restoring a classic Fox Body Mustang is more than a mechanical project; it is an exercise in preserving automotive history while infusing it with modern performance. Our project car, a 1980 Mustang nicknamed “Blue Thunder,” is currently undergoing a complete interior transformation. This week, we shifted our focus from the engine bay to the cabin, aiming to create a cohesive environment that honors its Ford heritage while adding contemporary comforts. A Fresh Foundation: Dash and Electronics The centerpiece of the new interior is a freshly installed dash pad. Original Fox Body dashboards are notorious for cracking after decades of Read More

Cox Gets Sneak Preview of Spectacular Mustang Collection

Cox Gets Sneak Preview of Spectacular Mustang Collection

. “The Kenny and Marilyn Newcombe Mustang Collection is one of the finest collections of Fox body Ford Mustangs I’ve ever seen,” Mecum co-host Stephen Cox said after reviewing the cars last week in Atlanta. “Leave it to the Mecum crew to consign a historic collection of this importance. They’ve found something pretty special.” Ford manufactured what is now called the “Fox body” Mustang from 1979 through 1993, making it the longest running generation of Mustang to ever grace the roads. The Euro styling appealed to early 1980’s car buyers, and the powerful 235 horsepower 5 liter engine appealed to Read More

What I Learned From a Chassis Bracing System

What I Learned From a Chassis Bracing System

. Rebuilding My Totally-Not-Collectible Mustang, Part VIII The Stephen Cox Blog is Presented by National Parts Depot  Guess what I just learned after 40 years of driving Mustangs? The stock suspension on an early Fox body Mustang actually isn’t that bad. It’s certainly not great, but I was shocked to learn that it’s actually somewhat serviceable as far as 1980’s technology goes.  Known as Blue Thunder, my 1980 Mustang has never had anything other than factory-recommended springs and struts. I’ve found them perpetually unsatisfactory with too much body roll, poor turn-in on corner entry and insufficient insulation from the bumps Read More