With the addition of a few 2011 Mustang GT's and a 2011 V6 Mustang here, it's been a while since we've posted anything about our 1988 Mustang GT convertible, Project: Introvert. Now that the top works great we are focusing our attention to the interior now. The Mustang window motors are one of the most commonly used, and used up, items in a fox body interior and are usually right behind the Mustang ashtray door in rankings of things breaking.

If you are looking to replace your's, here is a good guide to follow. To start off you'll need to remove the Mustang door panels. The passenger side door panel was already removed so that was a part I was able to skip. If you don't know how to remove the door panel, check out Jonathan's blog in the link below.

1987-93 Fox Mustang Door Panel Removal

The first step in working with anything electrical on your Mustang(or any car)is to disconnect the battery. You can reset your radio stations later!

The second step is a precautionary step. I don't think it's necessary, but why take the risk? I got some painters tape and secured the window in the up position. It's better than taking a chance and breaking the glass.

Next, you'll need to unplug the Mustang window motor.

You'll need to loosen the three bolts that hold the motor in place and be sure to save them because you'll need to re-use them.

The Mustang window motor will literally fall out of place and you can pull it through the speaker hole. Then you can compare the factory OEM Ford window motor to the new reproduction. The reproduction is a little smaller than the OEM Ford one, but remember, designs and efficency have changed over the past 25 years!

Installation is the complete reverse of removal. It is a very easy replacement part to fix and well worth the minimal effort. That is unless you like ordering from the drive through with your door open!

***NOTE*** You may notice that the new motor isn't threaded. The factory screws will cut their own threads into the mounting holes of the new window motor.

Hook the battery back up and test your Mustang power window switches to see power to your window again. If your window motor does not work, you may need to replace your Mustang window switches also.

While the Mustang door panel was off, I figured it would be the best time to go ahead and replace the Mustang power door mirrors. The previous owner thought it would be a good idea to secure the mirror down with some sheet metal screws, I'm sure that they didn't realize that new reproduction restoration parts are available for the fox mustang at Latemodel Restoration and are reasonable in price!

First, you'll need to disconnect the battery again and unhook the power mirror plug. I found it was easier to pry the plug off with a small flathead.

Next, you'll unscrew the two nuts that hold the mirror on. Keep these because you will re-use them.

The mirrors are manufactured in black plastic, but all the Mustang guys know that is not how the mirrors came from the factory. The orignals were painted matte black to protect the plastic. So grab a can of black exterior paint and paint the new mirrors before installation or you can paint them prior to removing the old mirrors just to make sure that the paint has time to cure. If you do not paint them the elements will deteriorate them quickly and then you will have to redo the process again!

Once the new Mustang power mirrors are dry you're ready to re-install them and enjoy your new clean mirrors that don't have screws protruding from the outside!

I also used this time with the door panel apart to install a new Mustang door lock actuator in the ol' 'vert.  You can see how to install actuators in another blog seen below.

1979-93 Fox Mustang Door Lock Actuator Replacement

Thanks for following along. This 1988 Mustang GT Project car is getting better all the time. Be looking for more blogs on the interior including new door panels, new upholstery, new carpet and more! Keep checking back!