Mustang's Plastic Problem: An Environmental Concern

The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has been a popular sports car in the USA since its introduction in 1964. Mustang interiors contain various plastic components, including consoles, kick panels, and trim parts. While some people appreciate the durability and cost-effectiveness of Mustang's hard plastic interior, others criticise it as feeling cheap. Mustang owners seeking to customise their vehicles or improve the interior aesthetics may consider painting plastic parts, requiring knowledge of plastic types and proper preparation methods.

Mustang interiors contain multiple plastic components

There are several types of plastic used in Mustang interiors, both in original and reproduction parts. It is important to know which type of plastic you are working with to use the proper products to clean, prep, and paint the plastic parts. A simple test with acetone can be performed to determine the type of plastic. If the plastic melts or smears with acetone, it is ABS or PVC plastic. If the plastic is not affected by acetone, it is a thermoplastic such as TPO or EPDM.

Some Mustang owners have expressed dissatisfaction with the hard plastic interior, deeming it cheap and uncomfortable. The main complaints centre around the dash pad and door panels. However, others have defended the use of hard plastic, citing its durability and cost-effectiveness.

When it comes to painting plastic parts, proper preparation is key. Products like vinyl prep can be used to soften the plastic for better adhesion. For fiberglass parts, a light priming or sealing is recommended before painting.

Different types of plastics are used in Mustangs

The Ford Mustang is an iconic American "muscle car" that has been a popular sports car choice in the USA since its introduction in 1964. Mustangs contain a variety of plastic components, and it is important to identify the type of plastic before cleaning, prepping, or painting.

One way to identify the type of plastic is by performing a simple test with acetone (commonly found in nail polish remover). Applying a small amount of acetone to an inconspicuous area of the plastic and rubbing it with your finger can help determine the type of plastic. If the plastic melts or smears, it is likely ABS or PVC. If the acetone has no effect, the plastic is probably a thermoplastic like TPO or EPDM.

Vintage Mustangs, for example, have plastic components in the interior, including consoles, kick panels, and trim parts. These older models may also have fiberglass parts, which can be challenging to refinish. Reproductions of these parts are often made with newer plastics and may require specific prep products for proper paint adhesion and coverage.

More recent Mustang models, such as those from 2005 to 2009, feature a mix of metal and plastic components. The dashboard panel, for instance, is noted to be made of real aluminum with a clear coat, giving it a soft or "plasticky" feel to some. On the other hand, the gauge bezels and chrome rings have been a subject of debate, with some claiming they are real chrome and others believing they are simply plastic with silver paint.

Some Mustang owners dislike the hard plastic interiors

The Ford Mustang is a classic American "muscle car" that has been a popular sports car in the USA since 1964. While Mustang owners are generally happy with their vehicles, some have expressed dislike for the hard plastic interiors.

There are several types of plastic used in Mustang interiors, both in original and reproduction parts. Vintage Mustangs, for example, have plastic consoles, kick panels, and small trim parts. The upper door panels on older models were also made of unforgiving plastic. The newer models have incorporated feedback and made improvements, such as softening surfaces and adding dash stitching.

Some Mustang owners have criticised the hard plastic interiors as feeling "cheap". The main complaints centre around the dash pad and the door panels. Some owners have also reported issues with the plastic parts being easily scratched or prone to rattling. However, other Mustang owners have defended the plastic interiors, arguing that they are functional and durable. They also point out that the Mustang is not marketed as a luxury car, but rather as a performance vehicle, and that the plastic interiors contribute to its affordability.

It is worth noting that the Mustang's interior design has evolved over time, with the design team developing full-scale clay models and incorporating customer feedback. The 2015 model, for example, featured a slimmed-down shifter and improved cup holder placement. Ford's chief interior designer, Doyle Letson, has also spoken about how the team slimmed down the instrument panel and incorporated a knee airbag into the glove box door, creating a more spacious cabin.

Overall, while some Mustang owners dislike the hard plastic interiors, others find them acceptable or even preferable, depending on their priorities and expectations for the vehicle.

Prepping plastic for paint involves cleaning and softening

The Ford Mustang is a classic American "muscle car" that has been a popular sports car in the USA since its introduction in 1964. Mustangs contain various plastic components, from consoles and kick panels to trim parts. When it comes to prepping plastic for paint, proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth and lasting finish. This involves cleaning and softening the plastic surface to ensure the paint adheres well and the final product looks professional. Here's a step-by-step guide to prepping plastic for paint:

Identify the Type of Plastic

Firstly, it's crucial to identify the type of plastic you're working with. There are two main categories: Thermoplastic, which softens when heated, and Thermoset, which remains hardened after curing. A simple test with acetone can help determine the type of plastic. Apply a small amount of acetone to an inconspicuous area of the plastic and rub it with your finger. If the plastic smears or melts, it's likely ABS or PVC. If it's unaffected, it's probably a thermoplastic like TPO or EPDM.

Clean the Plastic Surface

Thorough cleaning is essential to remove any contaminants, such as mould release agents, grease, or wax. Use soap and water to wash the plastic, scrubbing it with a sponge or cloth. Rinse the piece and let it dry completely. This initial cleaning step ensures that contaminants are not transferred during the painting process.

Scuff and Sand the Surface

Once the plastic is clean and dry, it's time to scuff the surface. This step helps create a rough texture for the paint to cling to. Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding block with light to medium pressure to sand down the entire surface, paying extra attention to shiny areas. Avoid using coarse or aggressive paper that can damage the plastic. After sanding, wash off the dust and debris with water and let the piece dry again.

Apply a Primer

Choose a primer designed for use with plastic. Shake the can vigorously and practice your spraying technique on a scrap of cardboard. Hold the can about 12 inches from the surface and use long, sweeping dusting strokes to apply the primer. This step helps the paint adhere better and creates a more even finish.

Paint the Plastic

Use spray paint specifically made for plastic, such as Rust-Oleum or Krylon Fusion. Shake the can before use and hold it 6 to 8 inches away from the plastic surface. Apply thin, even layers of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next. You can use a paintbrush for touch-ups or to cover smaller areas.

By following these steps, you can effectively prep plastic Mustang components for painting, ensuring a smooth and durable finish that matches your desired colour and aesthetic.

Mustang plastic model kits are available for purchase

The Ford Mustang, a classic American "muscle car", has been a popular choice for model car enthusiasts due to its sleek design and long history. The original Mustang was introduced in 1964, and since then, various iterations and special editions have been released, providing a diverse selection for model kit manufacturers to replicate. Mustang model kits often require painting and gluing, although some snap-together options are available for beginners that don't require additional assembly steps.

When choosing a Mustang plastic model kit, it's important to consider the scale and level of detail you desire. Smaller scales, such as 1/24 and 1/25, are commonly available and offer a balance between size and intricacy. Larger scales, like 1/16, provide more room for intricate details but may be more challenging to assemble. Additionally, certain Mustang model kits may focus on specific features, such as the engine or interior, allowing enthusiasts to showcase their favourite aspects of the car.

Mustang plastic model kits can vary in terms of the materials used and the level of prep work required. Some kits may come with pre-painted parts, while others will need to be painted to achieve the desired finish. It's important to follow proper plastic prep procedures, including cleaning and testing the plastic type, to ensure the best results when painting your Mustang model. Overall, Mustang plastic model kits offer a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced model builders, allowing them to recreate this iconic car in meticulous detail.

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