Best Retro Styling Ideas

MassMustang · Aug 21, 2017

So, as I bounce ideas around in my head around my '05, looking at 60's Fastbacks as well as options from Retrobuilt or the "Reversion Mustang", who's got some cool pics of their car if you think you're rocking some extra "retro styling"? I'm looking for ideas to give my car some extra retro styling without looking like I won a shopping spree on JC Whitney.

Let's see some retro ideas! Here's how she sits as of now (Aug 17). I'm adding the SHR flush quarter louvers soon too.

P.S.
Forum Moderators - Feel free to move this thread if need be. Thanks

Mustang dog · Aug 21, 2017

My car isn't completely retro but it is the spirit of the build if that makes sense

07 Boss · Aug 21, 2017

I like the SHR blackout panel for the rear. It has that honeycomb look and is reminiscent of the mach one rear end.

Also I never thought our headlights looked quite right. The louvers in there are I feel are an important styling cue. I color matched my headlight buckets which made the louvers show better than the black on black and no contrast.

And if you really want one of those subtle retro styling cues, get rid of the truck mirrors and replace them with some proper ones like Agent 47 ones or something.

06JET · Aug 21, 2017

MassMustang
I like you license plate. Nice car by the way.

bujeezus · Aug 21, 2017

07 Boss said:
Also I never thought our headlights looked quite right. The louvers in there are I feel are an important styling cue. I color matched my headlight buckets which made the louvers show better than the black on black and no contrast.

How did you do that?

MassMustang · Aug 21, 2017

Mustang dog said:
My car isn't completely retro but it is the spirit of the build if that makes sense

Looking good! :thumbsup:

06JET said:
MassMustang
I like you license plate. Nice car by the way.

Thank you!

07 Boss said:
I never thought our headlights looked quite right. The louvers in there are I feel are an important styling cue. I color matched my headlight buckets which made the louvers show better than the black on black and no contrast.

And if you really want one of those subtle retro styling cues, get rid of the truck mirrors and replace them with some proper ones like Agent 47 ones or something.

I've got the MMD retro mirrors. I love mine!

I've been thinking about my headlights as well. Something like you did, maybe the Raxiom Retro headlights or maybe convert the fogs to headlights and go with the 70-style scoops from Agent 47?

Doug M · Aug 21, 2017

Louvers lol Lol

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Sky Render · Aug 22, 2017

As a counterpoint, my Mustang is decidedly not retro:

pass1over · Aug 22, 2017

I think the body design itself is retro enough. Most retro parts will always make it look like it came from a JC Whitney buying spree imo.

TGR96 · Aug 22, 2017

MassMustang, IMHO, if you are going for the retro look, you have nailed it. Shaker hood, deep dish torque thrust wheels, Agent 47 mirrors, Shelby stripes, blacked out rear deck panel. You even have a nice rake to your stance. I think you need to stop there, although the SHR quarter window louvers are pretty slick!

If you go any further, you will be treading dangerously close to the "JC Whitney" look.

MassMustang · Aug 22, 2017

TGR96 said:
MassMustang, IMHO, if you are going for the retro look, you have nailed it. Shaker hood, deep dish torque thrust wheels, Agent 47 mirrors, Shelby stripes, blacked out rear deck panel. You even have a nice rake to your stance. I think you need to stop there, although the SHR quarter window louvers are pretty slick! If you go any further, you will be treading dangerously close to the "JC Whitney" look.

Thanks, man! I'll have the SHR louvers installed soon. I AM pretty happy with how she sits now but just wondering how to take it to the next level. Maybe that means a new car, maybe it means a major mod to my existing car.

MassMustang · Aug 22, 2017

pass1over said:
I think the body design itself is retro enough. Most retro parts will always make it look like it came from a JC Whitney buying spree imo.

I hear ya!!!

dream07 · Aug 23, 2017

I can add a few things. I owned a '69 Mach 1 in the 1980's and wanted another one, but market price for a functioning car is way out of line. The s197 is also a much more refined car, so I just made my own "tribute" Mach.

My car has the RetroUSA chrome bumpers. They have been on the car for 7 years and still look like new. Not many people have ever had them or even heard of them, mostly due to price. Even though I have won a lot of car show trophies with them, I have them for myself and personal taste. I just like chrome and modern blackout styling doesn't interest me (wheels, etc).

I have the Agent47 mirrors (much better quality than other mentioned manufacturer) and had the quarter window covers done in Redfire paint.

I like the Shelby GT front end, so I found a place that had the same square bar grill and used a Shelby GT emblem.

lemkau77 · Aug 23, 2017

I like to think my car is retro, but I guess that depends on who you are. It's still a work in progress, but it's getting there.

Bingo · Aug 23, 2017

Your car is 12 years old. It's already retro without trying.

MassMustang · Aug 23, 2017

Bingo said:
Your car is 12 years old. It's already retro without trying.

LOL. So true! It's getting there!

I was thinking something radical like this:

http://www.mustangandfords.com/featured-vehicles/1310-reversion-mustang-modern-with-classic-twist/

(I love the rear view and the side angle looks good. The front end needs some updating)

...or this:

https://www.google.com/amp/www.hotrod.com/articles/check-out-the-superswap-2012-shelby-that-looks-like-a-1967-mustang-fastback/amp/

(Looks incredible but VERY expensive!)

Sky Render · Aug 23, 2017

dream07 said:
I can add a few things. I owned a '69 Mach 1 in the 1980's and wanted another one, but market price for a functioning car is way out of line. The s197 is also a much more refined car, so I just made my own "tribute" Mach.

My car has the RetroUSA chrome bumpers. They have been on the car for 7 years and still look like new. Not many people have ever had them or even heard of them, mostly due to price. Even though I have won a lot of car show trophies with them, I have them for myself and personal taste. I just like chrome and modern blackout styling doesn't interest me (wheels, etc).

I have the Agent47 mirrors (much better quality than other mentioned manufacturer) and had the quarter window covers done in Redfire paint.

I like the Shelby GT front end, so I found a place that had the same square bar grill and used a Shelby GT emblem.

What is that chrome thing you have on your front fascia?

pass1over · Aug 23, 2017

it's a replica of a 60's chrome bumper, believe there's one on the back as well

each to his own, /shrug

bullitt1011 · Aug 23, 2017

My version of an '08 looking like a '68 Bullitt.

Fill er up with Ethel by mike garfinkle, on Flickr

07 Boss · Aug 24, 2017

bujeezus said:
How did you do that?

Took them apart and painted them. Taking them apart is a bitch and depending on the manufacturer (they used a couple over the years) they had different adhesive/sealant holding the cover on. I messed up one pair and had success with the second. If I remember correctly the housing with the little black cap that hangs down over the bulb were the ones that I had success with. My original ones did not have the little cap hanging down and those were the ones I couldn't get apart.

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