Mustang Rookie - Just ordered one.

[BillK]

Hi all!

I am an F150 King Ranch driver, and my wife drives an Explorer ST. I was recently given the opportunity to order a 2026 Dark Horse, and I decided to do so. I literally placed the deposit and submitted the order yesterday. This will be a summer driver (we are in our 50s in the Midwest) and something I keep to pass down to my kids. I will attach the build link below for those interested.

I would appreciate advice on reasonable enhancements - not over-the-top modifications. I am thinking of things like a custom license plate frame that highlights the chassis number. I want the car to be true to itself, but celebrate it appropriately too. Full PPF and ceramic coating will occur soon after arrival; this remains unclear at this point.

Being new to the Mustang world, I would appreciate any useful tips and advice the group has to offer. I am most certainly a Mustang newbie/novice.

https://shop.ford.com/configure/mus.....PB2...54C.COU.43A.59L.67P.61D.MAC.YZTAC.%5D

Thanks!

Bill

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[Sofa King]

Welcome... biggest thing is to make sure all of the loose parts (shipped in trunk) arrive and that the dealer installs the ones you want/need. The front splitter, gurney flap, underbody strakes, tow hook all ship in the trunk. And be sure that they remove the shipping blocks from the coil springs!

 

[Wiley Marmot]

Welcome! Pretty sweet looking ride you got ordered! If I was to trade or sell my Rapid REd '24...........that's the color I'd want.

 

[GT7 Mayhem]

Here's a simple interior upgrade I did that really pops. Diamond stitched vinyl floor liners:

By the way, I really like your build but I'm shocked that Ford gives you cloth seats on a fully loaded Dark Horse. Doesn't seem right to me. Should be suede or leather at that price point!

 

[BillK]

Welcome... biggest thing is to make sure all of the loose parts (shipped in trunk) arrive and that the dealer installs the ones you want/need. The front splitter, gurney flap, underbody strakes, tow hook all ship in the trunk. And be sure that they remove the shipping blocks from the coil springs!

This is helpful. Thanks. I will definitely have this on my radar.

 

[BillK]

Here's a simple interior upgrade I did that really pops. Diamond stitched vinyl floor liners:

By the way, I really like your build but I'm shocked that Ford gives you cloth seats on a fully loaded Dark Horse. Doesn't seem right to me. Should be suede or leather at that price point!

Thanks! The Recaro seats were an option, but I opted against them. They are not heated or cooled and their track design makes them less comfortable. This will not be a track vehicle, and the older we get, the easier it is to get in and out the better for us. Conceptually, I agree though.

 

[mapoirier23]

These nice front plate brackets
https://eosplates.com/collections/f...-mustang-tow-hook-license-plate-mount-bracket

If you are thinking about PPF, I had ceramic Optishield done instead. The easy way to describe it is, thicker version of ceramic coating with protective properties. WIth the added bonus of no seams...

https://opticoat.com/products/opti-...VuPh-mdqjBZ9TbMbPeP-ym0zzufVhqyhAbLY8qb_O73Nw

Don't let anyone tell you that you should have ordered it with this instead of that. It's your car and your money, get what you want and enjoy. I just got mine, Oxford white, non-HP, no recaros either. I wanted heated and cooled seats. I opted to go non-HP because of replacement tire cost, but that's me.

Enjoy

 

[Skye]

https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/new-car-acceptance-checklist.158844/

Congrats on placing the order. The thread above could be helpful.

 

[OldCoastie]

Congrads on a beautiful car. Mods, looks like you got the full monty here. I like the rear side window louvres on the coupe, other than that you got it road/show ready.

 

[exm]

Congrats! If you look at my signature you can see the mods I have done (and have planned). If you need any more info on any of them, let me know!

 

[BillK]

These nice front plate brackets
https://eosplates.com/collections/f...-mustang-tow-hook-license-plate-mount-bracket

If you are thinking about PPF, I had ceramic Optishield done instead. The easy way to describe it is, thicker version of ceramic coating with protective properties. WIth the added bonus of no seams...

https://opticoat.com/products/opti-...VuPh-mdqjBZ9TbMbPeP-ym0zzufVhqyhAbLY8qb_O73Nw

Don't let anyone tell you that you should have ordered it with this instead of that. It's your car and your money, get what you want and enjoy. I just got mine, Oxford white, non-HP, no recaros either. I wanted heated and cooled seats. I opted to go non-HP because of replacement tire cost, but that's me.

Enjoy

Thanks for the information. Agreed on the ‘this or that’ debate in regards to the build. That ship has sailed. I do appreciate helpful guidence on post-production though! I just had PPF and the XPEL 8 year ceramic put on my 26 F150 King Ranch. I will definitely do something for the Mustang. I will keep it a long time.

Love the front plate idea! Thanks!

 

[Marty1000]

Congrats on your purchase! BTW- Great color choice. Just did my first mod last weekend on my DH.
https://www.americanmuscle.com/diode-dynamics-mustang-multicolor-dome-light-dd2303.html

 

[BillK]

Congrats on your purchase! BTW- Great color choice. Just did my first mod last weekend on my DH.
https://www.americanmuscle.com/diode-dynamics-mustang-multicolor-dome-light-dd2303.html

How was the install? Are you happy with it?

 

[Marty1000]

How was the install? Are you happy with it?

The install video on the Dynamics website made it look easier as it may have been done on a base GT model without the security module. Since all the 3 cables in the DH with Security option are short when dropping the console one must do it slow and careful not to damage cables or connectors. I found the security module connector more challenging to disengage since it has a locking tab. See attached picture. I do love the option as I like the ability to have a warm white lighting in the vehicle. BTW- Maybe for some that do camping at night with their car setting the color to warm-orange might keep the bugs away from inside the cabin?? ;-)

 

[D/\rK•650]

These nice front plate brackets
https://eosplates.com/collections/f...-mustang-tow-hook-license-plate-mount-bracket

If you are thinking about PPF, I had ceramic Optishield done instead. The easy way to describe it is, thicker version of ceramic coating with protective properties. WIth the added bonus of no seams...

https://opticoat.com/products/opti-...VuPh-mdqjBZ9TbMbPeP-ym0zzufVhqyhAbLY8qb_O73Nw

Don't let anyone tell you that you should have ordered it with this instead of that. It's your car and your money, get what you want and enjoy. I just got mine, Oxford white, non-HP, no recaros either. I wanted heated and cooled seats. I opted to go non-HP because of replacement tire cost, but that's me.

Enjoy

I've used opti ceramic coating before on my 370z. It was installed by a detailer near me its a pretty good brand coating. I'd be willing to try this shield coating but I bet its Uber expensive.

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