Desert Classic Mustangs

Desert Classic Mustangs ico

(16 reviews)

Auto Repair StationsArizonaMaricopa CountyTempeEast 6th Street

Maricopa County . Arizona

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  • Overview
  • Intro
  • Photos
  • Location
  • Reviews
  • +1 480-292-5426
  • desertclassicmustangs.com
  • 1850 E 6th St, Tempe, AZ 85288, USA

Operating Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Desert Classic Mustangs Introduce

Desert Classic Mustangs, located at 1850 E 6th St, Tempe, AZ 85288, USA, is not your average "Auto Repair Station." Instead, it operates as a highly specialized and renowned facility dedicated to the art and science of classic car restoration and customization, with a particular expertise in Ford Mustangs. They serve as a premier destination for enthusiasts looking to bring their vintage, muscle, and custom vehicles back to life, or to enhance their performance and aesthetic appeal. Their services extend far beyond routine maintenance, focusing on intricate, high-quality transformations that respect the heritage of these iconic machines while often integrating modern performance.

Environment and Atmosphere

The environment at Desert Classic Mustangs is a testament to passion, precision, and craftsmanship. While not a typical walk-in oil change shop, it is a bustling workshop where the detailed process of automotive resurrection unfolds. You would expect to see classic Mustangs and other American muscle cars in various stages of restoration – from bare metal shells on a frame table undergoing meticulous sheet metal replacement to fully painted bodies awaiting final assembly. The atmosphere is likely characterized by specialized tools, advanced fabrication equipment, and a team of dedicated craftsmen engrossed in their work. Customer reviews like "Truly transformed my most prized toy" and "The restoration work this team does is top notch!" underscore a workspace where exceptional results are the norm, and a deep appreciation for classic automobiles permeates every corner. It's a place where dreams of pristine, powerful vintage cars are systematically brought to fruition.

Comprehensive Services and Goods for Sale

Desert Classic Mustangs offers an extensive range of services and provides the necessary goods (parts) to execute their specialized projects. Their expertise spans the entire spectrum of classic car restoration and customization, including:

  • Full Ground-Up Restorations: This is a core service, involving complete disassembly, frame repair, bodywork, paint, interior, and mechanical overhauls to restore a classic car to its original, or often improved, condition. They utilize specialized reinforcement structures to ensure the car can handle upgraded horsepower and torque.
  • Custom Builds: They specialize in building custom cars, including popular replicas like Shelby, Eleanor, and Bullitt Mustangs. They work with clients to realize their unique visions, from concept to completion.
  • Metal Fabrication and Rust/Sheet Metal Replacement: Essential for older vehicles, their skilled fabricators handle intricate metalwork, including complete floor replacement, frame section repairs, and addressing severe rust, ensuring structural integrity and a flawless finish. They are known for doing repairs "correctly so you never see the previous damage."
  • Bodywork and Custom Paint: Achieving a show-quality finish is crucial. They offer expert bodywork and custom paint services, meticulously preparing and painting vehicles to perfection.
  • Engine Swaps and Performance Upgrades: For enhanced power and modern drivability, Desert Classic Mustangs performs engine swaps, including popular LS and Coyote engine conversions. They also offer various suspension and performance packages tailored to client needs.
  • Transmission Services: Complementing their engine work, they handle transmission installations and upgrades to match the performance goals of the vehicle.
  • Full Electrical Wiring: Modernizing or repairing complex electrical systems in classic cars is a specialty, ensuring all components function reliably.
  • Suspension Upgrades: To improve handling and ride quality, they offer comprehensive suspension maintenance, repair, and upgrade services.
  • New Body Manufacturing: In some cases, they are involved in building new 1st generation Mustang and Bronco bodies, as well as complete frame constructions. This indicates their deep capability in structural fabrication from the ground up.
  • Documentation of Work: They meticulously document all work done with pictures, providing transparency and a record of the restoration process for the owner.
  • Parts Sales: As a specialized shop, they deal with and install a wide array of classic Mustang and other classic car parts. They explicitly state, "All major Mustang supply parts houses carry everything you need to build the shell and many companies offer updated mods to make your car into a muscle performance machine! You can buy all new parts now and not having to use old parts!" This indicates they either supply or guide customers to obtain the necessary components.
Key Features and Expertise

Desert Classic Mustangs stands out in the classic car restoration industry due to several unique and compelling features:

  • Deep Specialization in Mustangs: While they work on a variety of classic cars, their name and much of their expertise are rooted in Mustangs, particularly early generations. This specialization allows for unparalleled knowledge and efficiency in these models.
  • Exceptional Quality and Workmanship: Customer reviews consistently praise their "top notch" restoration work and the "best experience" leading to loved results. This reflects a commitment to high standards and meticulous attention to detail.
  • Structural Reinforcement for Performance: A unique feature is their use of "specially built reinforcement structures" when restoring body shells. This is crucial for enabling older vehicles to handle the increased horsepower and torque from modern engine swaps, providing a safer and more robust foundation than many other builders.
  • Experienced Team: The quality of their work directly points to a highly skilled team of technicians and fabricators who understand the intricacies of classic vehicle construction and modern performance integration.
  • Ahead of Schedule Delivery: One customer noted they "delivered ahead of schedule," which is a significant advantage in custom restoration projects, often known for their lengthy timelines.
  • Word-of-Mouth Business: The company states they do "very little advertising, no hot shot shows, no Sema exposure and no press. We work from word of mouth and repeat business." This is a strong indicator of customer satisfaction and the quality of their work.
  • Global Reach: They also claim that "most of our business comes from out of state and 65% from over seas," even building right-hand drive Mustangs. This speaks to their international reputation and specialized capabilities.
  • Customer Communication: Reviews highlight that the team "answered all my questions," indicating good communication throughout the complex restoration process.
Promotional Information

Desert Classic Mustangs primarily relies on its stellar reputation and the tangible results of its work for promotion. While they eschew traditional large-scale advertising, their customer testimonials are their most potent marketing tool. The statements "Worth every dollar and I love the results. Truly transformed my most prized toy. I will refer them every chance I get" and "Will be recommending to all my fellow enthusiasts!" demonstrate the powerful effect of satisfied customers.

Their ability to provide services for specific, highly sought-after custom builds, like Eleanor or Shelby replicas, serves as a significant draw for a niche market. The emphasis on "building right hand drive Mustangs" also specifically targets international enthusiasts.

For individuals in Tempe, AZ, and globally, who own classic Mustangs or other cherished vintage vehicles and seek meticulous restoration, custom fabrication, or performance enhancements, Desert Classic Mustangs offers unparalleled expertise and a proven track record of transforming automotive dreams into reality. Their phone number, (480) 292-5426 or +1 480-292-5426, is the direct line for inquiries and project discussions.

Desert Classic Mustangs Photos

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Desert Classic Mustangs Location

Desert Classic Mustangs Customer Reviews

The best experience I could have hoped for. Worth every dollar and I love the results. Truly transformed my most prized toy. I will refer them every chance I get.

Dec 22, 2023 · Joe Pascale

The restoration work this team does is top notch! They answered all my questions and delivered ahead of schedule. Will be recommending to all my fellow enthusiasts!

Dec 09, 2023 · Joshua Lumer

Where do I start...Elliots communication skills, are non existent! Estimate was$32k+ and they had it for over 7 months!!!! 1977 Bronco front end damage. Needed to go to the frame shop for some straightening. Corner braces on front engine support torn, never welded. Bronco was turned over to me with tire pressure over 75lbs each tire! Front grill never attached to the front of the tub. Told me brakes are bad, no vacuum...but never checked the vacuum booster mounted on inside wheel well. Told me steering gear box was bad, loose. But never tightened back down from frame shop. Scheduled to pick it up, we need to adjust the headlights, damaged the chrome ring and never attached the spring to the housing, so how could it have been adjusted? High pressure hose on AC pin hole leak, Elliott told me it didn't have a leak and it holds pressure, he doesn't communicate with his guys either. His guys put a straight piece of tubing and used hose clamps, this is the high pressure hose??? Passenger fender rattling, I check to tighten the screws, ALL are striped out!! Fan for external transmission cooler never hooked up! They dented the top of my chrome air cleaner. The list goes on and on! I will NEVER RECOMMEND anyone to have repairs made at this shop!

Jun 22, 2022 · John Novak

Outstanding service, I was surprised by the quality of the work. Highly recommend

Nov 20, 2023 · Luciana Padurean

Car was delivered exactly as described. Excellent job!

Nov 20, 2023 · Titio Tit