(Part 2) Wild Horse: A ’68 Mustang that Performs
Text by Travis Noack
Photos by Travis Noack, Isaac Mion, and John Glover
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In Part 1 of this feature we took you under the hood of this precision-built muscle car. Now take a look at the details that take this ’68 Mustang to the next level! This fastback not only has the best gear under the skin and under the hood, but the boys at Kindig-It didn’t hesitate to redefine the envelope to epic proportions.
Body alterations include a stretched hood, custom-formed hood surround bordering the scoop, 2008 Corvette hood latches, custom core support and fender liners, one-off floating front bumper, hand-built front and rear fender flares, hand-built fender headlight surrounds and hand-built rockers that are 1 1/4 inches taller than stock. The rain gutters were ditched for a smoother roof line and Kindig-It Design smoothed door handles were added to further sculpt the Mustang’s midriff. Custom-built quarter glass accents the upper quarters and lends a race-inspired feel.
They’re only fun if you drive ‘em! Even though this Mustang has a lot of show car in its blood, when it’s time to stretch its legs, Devan has no problem letting it run.
Shaved cowl vents further smooth the leading edge and hand-built rear quarter panel corners redefine the taillights. Around the back of the car, Kindig-It kept the smooth groove going with a slivered rear bumper streamlined and shaved to accent the Wild Horse’s wildly redefined lines. A one-off rear roll pan allows the artwork to seamlessly roll under the car and flow into a full custom belly pan, making the undercarriage just as smooth, seamless and sanitary as the topside. A custom-built Lemans-style wing is integrated into the trunk and the license plate box was recessed and tucked neatly and seamlessly into the belly pan.
The threads were crafted by Justin Stephens of JS Custom Interiors. Basketball Orange and black leather team for a rich look and feel.
Once the metal work was completed and the lines were sharpened and crisp, the Kindig-It crew blocked and gapped the car to perfection and Wild Horse was rolled into the booth for the DuPont Porsche White topped with gray stripes flowing down the hood, over the roof, down the trunk and rear tail panel, and even rolling under the car onto the custom belly pan. These guys even ran the stripes through the engine bay and custom radiator shroud and support. The level of detail and craftsmanship present on this Blue Oval is truly a sight to see.
Leather covers the floorboards, too, leading up to a completely custom race-style pedal assembly. A 2005 Mustang dash was sectioned to fit into the classic shell and made retro with Classic Instrument gauges behind a Flaming River column and LeCarra wheel.
Once the paint was sprayed and the finish cut and polished to a deep luster, the interior was next on the list. After all, Devan needed to sport some plush threads to run his race. A 2005 Mustang dash was sectioned, narrowed and tapered to fit into its older brother’s skin. The dash top was given a classic Mustang feel with the center relief cut in and retro Classic Instruments gauges integrated into the contemporary landscape. Justin Stephens of JS Custom Interiors shaped and modified all the interior panels and carried out the Dave Kindig design on the seats, door panels, dash and custom rear cockpit panel in Basketball Orange and black leather. A Flaming River steering column topped by a Le Carra prototype Aspen-style steering wheel delivers steering input to an electrically powered steering unit from American Power Brakes and Steering and on down to a Uni-Steer steering linkage.
Wild Horse is a stunning example of radically reshaped and redefined American muscle. Not only can it plant tongues on the asphalt at a show, but when it comes time to drop the hammer and bury the fun pedal, the meticulously appointed chassis, suspension and drivetrain get down to serious performance business. All of the effort by the crew at Kindig-It Design was recognized on the 2009 show circuit as the car pulled a Utah’s Finest in 2009 and was a 2009 finalist on the Goodguys Rod & Custom Association circuit. It was also a Pinkees Rod Shop pick the same year. The crew from Kindig-It hit one out of the park with Wild Horse. We can’t wait to see what rolls out of the shop next to set the muscle car world on fire.
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