Product Review: Latemodel Restoration Supply's 2005-2008 Mustang Blackout Panel

Accessories are endless for the Ford Mustang. Whether you’re looking for big time modifications, or a small tweak here and there, you’re sure to find many accessories on the market to suit your needs. In this instance, I decided to make a small tweak to my 2008 Ford Mustang. I enlisted the help of Latemodel Restoration Supply; a supplier and manufacturer of Mustang accessories.

A Magnetic Alternative: Decklid Blackout Panel

In 2007, I caught a glimpse of Ford’s V6 Performance Package Mustang at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The V6 Mustang on display looked sharp. One characteristic I especially admired was the rear decklid blackout panel. (See Photo). Not looking to commit to the $2,395 price tag for the entire Ford package, I began my search for a stand alone product that would provide the desired result.

It wasn’t long before I came across Latemodel Restoration Supply’s Decklid Blackout Panel (Part Number LRS-40110MBP). The heritage style blackout panel covers the rear decklid between the car’s taillights. It’s available for both the V6 and GT Mustang, years 2005-2008. At a price of only $39.95, I figured I’d give the product a shot and see if it really worked. I ordered the blackout panel directly from the company’s website, requested standard ground shipping, and waited for it to arrive. The company processed my order on a Sunday (not common practice), and by Thursday it was waiting for me at my front door here in California.

To my surprise, the Decklid Blackout Panel fit within a small box. The panel itself is a magnet, so the company ships the product loosely rolled within a protective wrapping. I removed the panel from the packaging, wiped down both sides with a clean cloth, and got to work.

The Installation Process

Installing the product was easy. First, I washed the car and followed up with a standard waxing. I applied an additional coat where the blackout panel attaches to the car. Then I checked both sides of the panel to make sure it was free of any debris. The final step involved positioning the panel over the rear emblem, in the hole provided, and slowly aligning the product onto the car. Installation, in all, was extremely easy. I used extra care to make sure I didn’t scratch the paint beneath the blackout panel.

To be honest, my initial impression of the panel was not extremely positive. The product had been rolled up for a while during shipping, and small creases appeared on the magnet. If you have an eye for detail, little creases like this will drive you crazy. I worked out the small creases by hand and walked away for about 30 minutes. When I returned the product had settled into place and looked sharp. All the creases were gone and the panel looked like an actual piece of the Mustang’s body.

The Final Take: Blackout Panel

Other than the initial shortcoming of working out the creases, I was pleased with this product. For less than $40, I had achieved the desired look. As for keeping the product in good shape, the company recommends you remove it once a week for cleaning. They also advise that owners keep the area beneath the panel clean and waxed to prevent paint damage. I can’t stress this enough. Although the product provides a quick exterior modification, you don’t want to damage the paint beneath the panel. In all, if you’re looking for a quick modification, and have $40 and 30 minutes to spare, check out the Latemodel Restoration Supply’s Decklid Blackout Panel. Of course, if you have $2,395 or more to spend, maybe you’d like to go all the way with Ford’s V6 Mustang upgrade package.

To learn more about LateModel Restoration Supply, visit their website at www.latemodelrestoration.com.