Rust is safely removed with the right media for each part, then sealed with etch primer for lasting protection.
We offer media blasting of all body and chassis parts to remove rust and oxidation. Different types of media are used depending on the part. More coarse media aggressive on the frame members and soda on the big panels to keep panels from warping. Glass beads for aluminum. Fiberglass gets walnut shells because of the soft fiberglass structure. We do not recommend dipping in chemical stripping tanks. It can damage metal and is nearly impossible to remove all residue from cracks and crevasses. This causes issues with the primer and paint over time. All bare metal is coated with etch primer which has better adhesion and rust prevention the older epoxy primer.
We mount the unibody for full access, ensuring precise, experts, and factory-correct repairs.
A full restoration includes mounting the unibody to a rotisserie. The Mustang was one of the first cars with a unibody. The body and frame are one unit as opposed to a body on frame. Some shops will refer to a frame off restoration. The frame can’t be removed on a Mustang since the roof, quarters, floor, and frame are one piece welded together. We mount the unibody on a rotisserie to access all areas of the unibody to perform rust or old collision repairs. Since Paul is an engineer he makes sure the structure is repaired correctly. We are also licensed in automotive structural repair by the state of Michigan. We paint he unibody on the rotisserie. We also have several original Mustangs to take dimensions off. If you choose we can provide upgrades to the frame structure.
Hagerty-approved repairs and detailed Mustang pre-purchase inspections, including condition, VIN, and value.
Collision repair is another service we provide and are on the Hagerty insurance approved repair shop list. This Mustang from the Detroit Michigan area Mach 1 hit a pole. We straightened the front frame back to factory specifications. During our repairs we found the car had been restored by another shop and was missing a brake proportioning valve which caused the driver to lose control.
Pre-purchase inspections can be provided if you are considering the purchase of a classic Mustang. We can tell you the condition of the body and frame, mechanical, and electrical systems. Also identify the engine in the VIN code and give you an approximate value of the car.
Award-winning finishes using quality materials and expert prep for lasting, rust-free results.
Our owners have received countless trophies that speaks for the quality of our paint and body work. Look down the side of one of our cars and it’s straight. Just like building house a lasting paint job starts with a good foundation. With the price of paint today it needs to be done right. We make sure the body is prepared correctly then we apply a resin based primer. It is then hand blocked and sanded to make it straight. We use quality PPG or Dupont paint products. The line that we use is not the cheapest and not the most expensive but middle of the road that we found has worked well over the years. Several of our past restorations over 10 years ago still look like the day hey left. After painting there is a rust preventative we will advise you about to keep your classic rust free.
We preserve original metal and ensure all welding is professionally certified and done right.
When it comes to rust repair, Mustang Craftsmen is committed to preserving the originality and integrity of your classic Mustang. We take great care to retain as much of the original sheet metal as possible, understanding that factory panels carry historical and collector value. Every cut, patch, and panel we work on is approached with precision to ensure structural soundness and authenticity.
Our lead fabricator, Sean, holds a professional welding certification from Delta College and brings years of hands-on experience in classic car restoration. All welding is performed to exacting standards using the appropriate method for each application—whether MIG, TIG, or spot welding. This ensures lasting strength, clean seams, and a factory-quality finish that blends seamlessly into the body of your vehicle. At Mustang Craftsmen, we don’t just repair rust—we restore confidence in your car’s foundation.
We replace brittle wiring with original-style or modern systems and install electronic dash upgrades.
With many of these classic Mustangs now approaching 60 years old, the original electrical systems often show their age. Wiring becomes brittle, insulation deteriorates, and shorts or intermittent failures become common. These issues can lead to anything from non-functioning lights to serious safety hazards like electrical fires. At Mustang Craftsmen, we offer complete electrical restoration services to address these aging systems and bring your Mustang up to modern standards—without compromising its vintage character.
For those aiming for authenticity, we can install factory-style reproduction wiring harnesses that match original specifications. For clients seeking enhanced safety, reliability, and functionality, we offer upgraded electrical systems that include modern fuse boxes, clean wiring layouts, and additional circuits designed for accessories like electric fans, fuel pumps, upgraded lighting, and one-wire alternators. These upgrades not only improve reliability but also allow your Mustang to handle today’s electrical demands.
Engine, transmission, brakes, and steering upgrades using trusted parts, upgrades, and pros.
Engine machine work is performed by a local machine shop that also does work for Jack Roush. They are very experienced. Along with stock rebuilds usually clients want a performance upgrade. We offer a package that includes aluminum heads and intake, 4 barrel carburetor, headers and electronic ignition. We can also paint the aluminum parts to retain a stock look to the engine if desired. The basic upgrade adds over 100 horsepower over the stock engine. Also we can install stroker kits to add more horsepower and torque.
After we remove the transmission, automatic and manual transmissions they are rebuilt by a professional transmission shop. We can have them install shift kits to C4, FMX, and C6 automatic transmissions to quicker and more positive shifts. A common upgrade we can install is a Tremec 5 speed transmission and a hydraulic clutch. Also we can change from automatic to manual and vice versa.
A common option is to add disc brakes and power assist. We can also upgrade to a high performance caliper and rotor.
Power steering can also be added. The stock Bendix system can be rebuilt or we can upgrade to rack and pinion system. We have tried to install several brands of rack and pinion and have found which system fits the best and has a reasonable cost.
We offer full interior replacements and use high-grade vinyl for our convertible tops.
At Mustang Craftsmen, we offer complete interior restoration services to bring your classic Mustang’s cabin back to life with factory accuracy or custom style—depending on your vision. Our interior replacements include seat upholstery, door panels, carpeting, dash pads, headliners, and trim. Whether your goal is a concours-correct restoration or a refreshed, comfortable interior for regular driving, we ensure every detail is installed with care and craftsmanship.
We use high-quality materials that replicate the original appearance while offering improved durability and comfort. For convertible models, we replace worn or damaged tops using high-grade vinyl that resists UV damage, shrinkage, and moisture. Our team ensures a perfect fit, smooth operation, and proper sealing—restoring not just the look, but the function and longevity of your convertible Mustang.
This 1967 GT350 came to us as a barn find. It had been stored for 40 years in Indiana. As withbmost mid west cars the major problem was rust. Every car is unique however and this one appeared to be due to condensation. Everything was original right down to the hose clamps but there was an even coating of rust over everything. Even the tachometer needle was rusted to the face. Every part had to be addressed. We had it media blasted then went to work doing our best. Most of the frame and body panels were saved. We sent the instrument cluster out to be restored.
The car was restored to stock except the owner decided to have it painted Nightmist blue instead of the original Lime gold. Lime gold was the most popular color for 1967 Shelby’s but it also the most painted over to change. The owner took it to a Shelby show in Pennsylvania and won an award. The owner is in Michigan and is very pleased with then car and brings it back for routine maintenance.
We are a family owned Mustang restoration shop where we perform minor repairs and cosmetic upgrades to complete rotisserie concours Mustang restoration
