Starting a new build. its a plain 68 with good floors torque boxes etc. I looked for the right one for a while. This is pretty close.
I was wondering about upgrades to
electronics
Dash pads
consoles
seat electrics.
I am old now and really like the seat heaters in my Tundra.
Basically, 4 questions
1.How much work to convert a standard into and XR7 from the interior lighting and dash (gauges) application? is wiring rewired?
2. Any after market center console options?
3. IS there a good AC retro kit or am I better just rebuilding with OEM?
4. Good aftermarket seat options.
On your question #1 converting a standard to an XR7 dash/gauge. It is a lot of work and requires XR7 under dash and gauge wiring for a 68. It is a complete wiring replacement. Parts and pieces can be difficult to locate and your car will always be a standard by vin #. IMO a person is better focusing on other areas to make your standard something you can enjoy. Good luck with your project.
I first started to change to a XR-7 dash with my 1967 in the 1970’s. I had a standard coupe. The XR-7 has different senders on the engine too that need to be changed for the XR-7 dash to work in a standard.
I rebuilt the factory ac heater box but used a sanden compressor…BUT i choose to stay with r12 as it cools better, leaks less ,and requires less air flow on the condenser. Still works great!
We chose honda prelude seats and had them stitched up as Cougar seats. Alot of new technology in seats sincs 1968.
As to seat alternatives here is a good article ( and place to start ) looking at ‘options’: https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/other-ford-seats-in-mustang.1194931/
Personally if I weren’t doing a concours restoration, I’d choose to replace the '69 XR-7 ( White leather ) buckets with a fox body ( late 70’s through mid 80’s ) set of white leather Recaro buckets. They had similar pleating / stitching and looked like a good fit. The Vintage Mustang forum article shows a number of those Fox body style of buckets in Mustangs. This image is 2008 Mustang seats in a 1966 Coupe. They really don’t look out of place.
