Mustang Chrome Thermostat Housing (1965-1995) Installation Instructions

A subtle yet impactful way to add personality to your Mustang's engine bay is swapping the standard black thermostat housing for a shiny chrome unit. This chrome Mustang thermostat housing gives your engine bay a custom look. In this installation guide, we'll walk you through the complete process of removing the factory housing and replacing it with an eye-catching chrome thermostat housing on your 1965-1995 Mustang.

How to Install a Chrome Thermostat Housing in a 1965-1995 Mustang

The thermostat housing surrounds your radiator's thermostat, so installing the new chrome cover is fairly straightforward. With just some basic hand tools and precautions, you can fit your Mustang with a chrome thermostat housing in under an hour.

Before installation, it's important to note that this new chrome thermostat housing will only fit 1965-1995 Mustangs with the 289, 302, and 351W V8s.

Tools Needed

• Coolant Drainage Container
• Gasket Scraper
• Socket Wrench and Extension
• 1/2" Socket
• 1/2" Wrench
• Flathead Screwdriver

Step 1: Drain the Radiator

Make sure your engine is completely cool before you start working. Start by removing the radiator cap. Then, place the drainage container underneath the radiator drain on the left side of the lower tank and drain the coolant. Next, close the drain and set the coolant aside.

Step 2: Remove Radiator Hoses

First, locate the thermostat housing on the top of the front of your engine. Then, remove the radiator bypass hose and upper radiator hose to access the thermostat housing. This can be done with either a flathead screwdriver, wrench, or socket wrench and extension.

Step 3: Remove Thermostat Housing

Unscrew and remove the two bolts holding the thermostat housing to the engine with your 1/2" wrench or 1/2" socket and extension. Then, pry off the old thermostat housing with a flathead screwdriver and clean the mounting surface on the engine with a gasket scraper.

Step 4: Replace Thermostat (Optional)

This is a great time to replace your thermostat if it's started to give you issues. Ensure that the new thermostat is oriented as shown below, with the spring towards the intake manifold.

Step 5: Bolt the Thermostat Housing in Place

Place the supplied o-ring on the thermostat housing and bolt it into place onto the engine. Don't tighten the bolts completely yet.

Step 6: Align the Thermostat

Reach into the thermostat housing and align the thermostat by ensuring the spring is facing toward the intake manifold. Then, fully tighten the thermostat housing bolts into place using your 1/2" wrench or socket.

Step 7: Reattach Coolant Hoses

Reconnect the coolant hoses you removed earlier and then tighten them into place with hose clamps and your flathead screwdriver.

Step 8: Refill Coolant

Refill the radiator with coolant. You can use your old coolant or pour in new liquid. Then, start your car and let it get up to temperature. Check for any leaks that may have formed. If there aren't any, shut the engine off and let it cool down. Then, recheck the coolant for leaks.

If there aren't any leaks, you're good to go!

Add a Touch of Chrome to Your Engine Bay

While not a huge change, installing a new chrome Mustang thermostat can help your engine bay stand out. Paired with various other engine bay dress-up parts, you can easily create an impressive set-up.