Tele in the trunk of a 2007 Mustang Convertible?

Stencil · May 1st, 2007, 02:15 PM

Howdy,

My partner and I are planning a State-side roadtrip in a few weeks and I'm having a tough time determining whether a Strat/Tele rectangular hard shell case will fit in the trunk of a recent Mustang Convertible.

Mustangs are pretty rare on this side of the Atlantic and Ford's specifications don't mention trunk capacity (nor do they mention CO2 emissions, for that matter.)

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers,

D°

tele12 · May 1st, 2007, 11:47 PM

I can't give you a definitive answer, but since you haven't gotten any other replies I'll try to be somewhat helpfull.
I used to have the previous bodystyle Mustang. I know that a strat in a gigbag would fit no problem, I believe a hardshell case would have fit also, I had no problem fitting a full set of golf clubs across the trunk.The newer car is wider than the older one was. I owned a coupe which generally has more trunkroom than a convertible.
I am almost sure the trunk will be big enough to fit the case, BUT this car will not have a big trunk so the case combined with your other luggage may be a problem.

CharlieO · May 1st, 2007, 11:59 PM

I am quite sure that it will fit, but I think that you will be wasting a lot of space with the rectangular case. Can you get a standard molded case before your trip?

If you are renting, you might want to get a Toyota Solara convertible or a Chrysler Sebring convertible instead. They have larger trunks, and I like driving them more than the Mustang convertible on long trips.

Here is the 2008 Sebring convertible trunk:
http://www.chrysler.com/en/sebringco...veniences.html Click on "Interior Dimensions."

Stencil · May 2nd, 2007, 12:25 PM

Thanks guys, for the tips and advice.

My girlfriend and I usually travel light, with soft-shelled hand luggage, so the item on the critical path is the guitar and case.

I agree that a molded case would be a better fit, but unfortunately I may not have a choice: part of this travel project involves buying a guitar, which might be a GirlBrand (if I can get an almost affordable price) or a Ric 360/12 (which comes in a rectangular case slightly bigger than a Fender case.)

Thanks for the advice regarding the Chrysler, it looks like a more suitable car for this trip than the Mustang. I'll have to talk to Hertz about it: they grant me an unbeatable rate) but tend to favour Fords.

Cheers,

D

Sarge · May 2nd, 2007, 02:02 PM

Surf the web, find guitar case dimensions, measure the trunk and .....shazzam!

neocaster · May 2nd, 2007, 03:02 PM

The rental agency tried to give us one of these on our honeymoon. The convertible trunk was prohibitive. My suggestion is that you try to get a larger convertible, like a Chrysler Sebring.

guitarzan13 · May 2nd, 2007, 03:05 PM

It fits best long ways----with half of the backseat down.

Tdot · May 2nd, 2007, 03:21 PM

If I owned one of those cases I'd stop at the Ford dealer and try to stuff it in the car maybe even get some pics.

Something to keep in mind with most convertables, is that the roof or at least the frame folds into the area between the trunk and rear seat, and usually takes up a portion of the trunk. The Mustang is not a large car (in the US). I've driven a few recent models and there's almost no rear seat legroom, but the back seat may fold down for extended trunk space.

It's not a car I would buy, but I would rent one for a trip. Since you don't have easy access to a Mustang I think it would be a lot more fun to drive than a Sebring which seams to be the choice of old folks.

neocaster · May 2nd, 2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tdot

If I owned one of those cases I'd stop at the Ford dealer and try to stuff it in the car maybe even get some pics.

Something to keep in mind with most convertables, is that the roof or at least the frame folds into the area between the trunk and rear seat, and usually takes up a portion of the trunk. The Mustang is not a large car (in the US). I've driven a few recent models and there's almost no rear seat legroom, but the back seat may fold down for extended trunk space.

It's not a car I would buy, but I would rent one for a trip. Since you don't have easy access to a Mustang I think it would be a lot more fun to drive than a Sebring which seams to be the choice of old folks.

It's way more fun to drive, but I've got an uncomfortable feeling that those who said it fits overlooked the word "convertible." I've driven them, and they've got seriously tiny trunks.

boris bubbanov · May 2nd, 2007, 03:41 PM

The SKB FS6 actually fits in the trunk of my Honda s-2000. But there's no room for anything else. The Solara and Sebring were more designed for this type of application, but neither of those is large by US standards, either.
The New Mustang trunk is more cubes than the 2002 type, but I wouldn't take the chance.

Bubbanov

CharlieO · May 2nd, 2007, 07:23 PM

Exactly when are you leaving? I suppose that I could take my Rickenbacker case to the local Ford dealer to see if my case fits in a Mustang convertible trunk. My wife and I went there to check out a Thunderbird trunk before our trip to San Francisco in 2005.

By the way, I can tell you that I put 5 guitars and a bit of luggage in the trunk of my Sebring convertible when I moved to Florida in 2003. None of them were in hard cases, but I can guarantee that at least one rectangular hard case will fit.

CharlieO · May 2nd, 2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tdot

It's not a car I would buy, but I would rent one for a trip. Since you don't have easy access to a Mustang I think it would be a lot more fun to drive than a Sebring which seams to be the choice of old folks.

Wait a minute there, young whippersnapper... Who're you callin' old, son? Actually, I have driven the Mustang, Sebring, and Solara convertible on long trips, and I've owned a Sebring convertible. The Mustang doesn't compare to the Sebring and Solara for comfort on long drives. If I was in the market just for a toy for short trips around town, the Mustang would be the winner. As for the Tbird, forget it, it's a loser (and probably no longer available for rent.) This comes from a guy who had both a '56 and '57 Thunderbird.

Tdot · May 2nd, 2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieO

Wait a minute there, young whippersnapper... Who're you callin' old, son?

Of course I'm just guessing, but everyone I see driving a Sebring (soft-top or not) look like they are 3 or 4 years older than me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieO

Actually, I have driven the Mustang, Sebring, and Solara convertible on long trips, and I've owned a Sebring convertible. The Mustang doesn't compare to the Sebring and Solara for comfort on long drives. If I was in the market just for a toy for short trips around town, the Mustang would be the winner.

Yes, the Mustang models range from liveable daily driver to stiff modern muscle. For long term I like the Solara, the Sebring looks nice but just didn't feel right to me (maybe in 4 years).

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlieO

As for the Tbird, forget it, it's a loser (and probably no longer available for rent.) This comes from a guy who had both a '56 and '57 Thunderbird.

My mom had an original Tbird before I was around. My uncle hated it because when she made left turns, the door latch would give sometimes and he'd fall out of the car into the intersection. She would have to drive around the block and pick him up.

Stencil · May 3rd, 2007, 09:24 AM

Thanks again, Guys, for all the useful tips and opinions.

CharlieO, that's a really kind offer you made. I don't want to impose, but if you happen to be driving by a Ford dealership with your Ric case, prior to the month of August, I'd love to see what it looks like in a Mustang convertible's trunk.

If we want a convertible for this trip (and we do), we probably won't have much choice beyond the Mustang. The nature of our itinerary is such that for once Hertz is cheaper, much cheaper, than the other agencies. Hertz tends to favour Ford products.

However, we're not too worried about comfort -- after all, we've driven around France, Italy and Spain in a First Generation Fiat Panda -- and more about stowing a guitar and a couple of small bags out of sight. A rectangular Fender case will almost fit in the boot of our MGB, and I can't imagine the Mustang's to be much smaller.

I'll likely have more logistical questions as our travel plans firm up, so thanks again.

D°

Tdot · May 4th, 2007, 08:08 PM

I stopped at a Ford dealer today with my tape measure. They only had one in stock at the moment, a V6 Premium hardtop in metallic red.

It was snowing this morning, and raining when I got out of the house. The folks at the dealership were nice but not enthusiastic about the idea of filling the trunk with water while took measurements & photos. They did look up volume info and found that the 2007 trunk is noticeably larger than prior years.

So next best thing- exterior measurements of the 2007 coupe trunk area.

Width:
66" = body measured edge to edge across the tail lights.
50" = actual trunk lid.
Length:
15" = edge of trunk top deck to seam at bottom of rear window.
Depth:
14" = from trunk lower lip (top of bumper) to top of trunk edge. Internal would be deeper.

I think the Fender hardcase is around 42"x18"x4" (maybe someone can measure theirs). So my guess now is that the case would easily fit even with the soft top.

gtrman911 · May 4th, 2007, 08:48 PM

how about one of those Gibson fat-padded teardrop cases.
they're pretty sweet.

Tdot · May 4th, 2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtrman911

how about one of those Gibson fat-padded teardrop cases.
they're pretty sweet.

I think the goal is to arrive in the States, rent a car for the trip, buy a couple guitars (that come with hard cases) and be able to take them in the car.

Stencil · May 4th, 2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tdot

I think the goal is to arrive in the States, rent a car for the trip, buy a couple guitars (that come with hard cases) and be able to take them in the car.

Tdot, you got it exactly right.

And regarding your taking measurements in the rain, you're a scholar and a gentleman. Thank you Sir!

Cheers,

D°

PS: My partner now sees a certain point to my hanging out here. She made a comment about "male solidarity"

Tdot · May 4th, 2007, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stencil

PS: My partner now sees a certain point to my hanging out here. She made a comment about "male solidarity"

To be honest I'd rather stay home take your Alfa out cruising.

gtrman911 · May 4th, 2007, 11:20 PM

oops. me no comprende.

twangee · May 5th, 2007, 01:23 AM

I got a mustang and a rectangular case. Fits just fine. I always surprised at just what I can stuff in there.

CharlieO · May 5th, 2007, 01:49 PM

So this morning I changed my Saturday routine a bit. Instead of hitting the local music stores, I took a camera and my Rickenbacker case to the local Ford dealer. The salesman was very accomodating, but it was clear that he wasn't a guitar player. He also didn't seem to know anything about the Mustang trunk, like how to open it. I helped him with that, and he wandered off while I took these photos:

As you can see, there is plenty of room for additional soft luggage. By the way, this photo was taken with the top down. Unlike some convertibles, the top doesn't look like it takes up any of the trunk space. In addition, there is a little space between the seat back and the case, which is not shown in the photos.

Stencil · May 5th, 2007, 02:54 PM

CharlieO, you're The Man

Now my mind is totally at ease about renting a Mustang ragtop for our cross-country jaunt.

You and Tdot now have a place to stay if ever in the Paris area (though possibly not together.) Also, I'll be happy to take trunk measurements of any tiny European car you may be interested in.

Cheers,

D°

May 1st, 2007, 02:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Stencil Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Gif-sur-Yvette, or the Air France Lounge Posts: 211 14 Photos	Tele in the trunk of a 2007 Mustang Convertible? Howdy, My partner and I are planning a State-side roadtrip in a few weeks and I'm having a tough time determining whether a Strat/Tele rectangular hard shell case will fit in the trunk of a recent Mustang Convertible. Mustangs are pretty rare on this side of the Atlantic and Ford's specifications don't mention trunk capacity (nor do they mention CO2 emissions, for that matter.) Thanks in advance for your help. Cheers, D° __________________ "Cut out the middleman, start your own revolution."

May 1st, 2007, 11:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
CharlieO Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Age: 56 Posts: 1,416 10 Photos	I am quite sure that it will fit, but I think that you will be wasting a lot of space with the rectangular case. Can you get a standard molded case before your trip? If you are renting, you might want to get a Toyota Solara convertible or a Chrysler Sebring convertible instead. They have larger trunks, and I like driving them more than the Mustang convertible on long trips. Here is the 2008 Sebring convertible trunk: http://www.chrysler.com/en/sebringco...veniences.html Click on "Interior Dimensions." __________________ http://www.CharlesOffer.com

May 2nd, 2007, 12:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
Stencil Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Gif-sur-Yvette, or the Air France Lounge Posts: 211 14 Photos	Thanks guys, for the tips and advice. My girlfriend and I usually travel light, with soft-shelled hand luggage, so the item on the critical path is the guitar and case. I agree that a molded case would be a better fit, but unfortunately I may not have a choice: part of this travel project involves buying a guitar, which might be a GirlBrand (if I can get an almost affordable price) or a Ric 360/12 (which comes in a rectangular case slightly bigger than a Fender case.) Thanks for the advice regarding the Chrysler, it looks like a more suitable car for this trip than the Mustang. I'll have to talk to Hertz about it: they grant me an unbeatable rate) but tend to favour Fords. Cheers, D __________________ "Cut out the middleman, start your own revolution."

May 2nd, 2007, 02:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	Surf the web, find guitar case dimensions, measure the trunk and .....shazzam! __________________ A coward dies many deaths, a Soldier once.

May 2nd, 2007, 03:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
neocaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chester County, PA Age: 35 Posts: 3,588 11 Photos	The rental agency tried to give us one of these on our honeymoon. The convertible trunk was prohibitive. My suggestion is that you try to get a larger convertible, like a Chrysler Sebring. __________________ "...You don't need faith if you know it's gonna work!" "The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was accessed."

May 1st, 2007, 11:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
tele12 Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NY Posts: 531	I can't give you a definitive answer, but since you haven't gotten any other replies I'll try to be somewhat helpfull. I used to have the previous bodystyle Mustang. I know that a strat in a gigbag would fit no problem, I believe a hardshell case would have fit also, I had no problem fitting a full set of golf clubs across the trunk.The newer car is wider than the older one was. I owned a coupe which generally has more trunkroom than a convertible. I am almost sure the trunk will be big enough to fit the case, BUT this car will not have a big trunk so the case combined with your other luggage may be a problem.

May 2nd, 2007, 03:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
guitarzan13 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: LaGrange, GA Age: 43 Posts: 1,291 8 Photos	It fits best long ways----with half of the backseat down. __________________ Practice make permanent!!!!....Perfect practice makes perfect!!! Chris B. Current Band www.productoffaith.net Last band as a bass player www.neonjones.com

May 2nd, 2007, 03:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,913 55 Photos	If I owned one of those cases I'd stop at the Ford dealer and try to stuff it in the car maybe even get some pics. Something to keep in mind with most convertables, is that the roof or at least the frame folds into the area between the trunk and rear seat, and usually takes up a portion of the trunk. The Mustang is not a large car (in the US). I've driven a few recent models and there's almost no rear seat legroom, but the back seat may fold down for extended trunk space. It's not a car I would buy, but I would rent one for a trip. Since you don't have easy access to a Mustang I think it would be a lot more fun to drive than a Sebring which seams to be the choice of old folks. __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

May 2nd, 2007, 03:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 9,165	The SKB FS6 actually fits in the trunk of my Honda s-2000. But there's no room for anything else. The Solara and Sebring were more designed for this type of application, but neither of those is large by US standards, either. The New Mustang trunk is more cubes than the 2002 type, but I wouldn't take the chance. Bubbanov Last edited by boris bubbanov; May 2nd, 2007 at 03:44 PM. Reason: spell

May 2nd, 2007, 07:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
CharlieO Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Age: 56 Posts: 1,416 10 Photos	Exactly when are you leaving? I suppose that I could take my Rickenbacker case to the local Ford dealer to see if my case fits in a Mustang convertible trunk. My wife and I went there to check out a Thunderbird trunk before our trip to San Francisco in 2005. By the way, I can tell you that I put 5 guitars and a bit of luggage in the trunk of my Sebring convertible when I moved to Florida in 2003. None of them were in hard cases, but I can guarantee that at least one rectangular hard case will fit. __________________ http://www.CharlesOffer.com

May 3rd, 2007, 09:24 AM	#14 (permalink)
Stencil Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Gif-sur-Yvette, or the Air France Lounge Posts: 211 14 Photos	Thanks again, Guys, for all the useful tips and opinions. CharlieO, that's a really kind offer you made. I don't want to impose, but if you happen to be driving by a Ford dealership with your Ric case, prior to the month of August, I'd love to see what it looks like in a Mustang convertible's trunk. If we want a convertible for this trip (and we do), we probably won't have much choice beyond the Mustang. The nature of our itinerary is such that for once Hertz is cheaper, much cheaper, than the other agencies. Hertz tends to favour Ford products. However, we're not too worried about comfort -- after all, we've driven around France, Italy and Spain in a First Generation Fiat Panda -- and more about stowing a guitar and a couple of small bags out of sight. A rectangular Fender case will almost fit in the boot of our MGB, and I can't imagine the Mustang's to be much smaller. I'll likely have more logistical questions as our travel plans firm up, so thanks again. D° __________________ "Cut out the middleman, start your own revolution."

May 4th, 2007, 08:08 PM	#15 (permalink)
Tdot Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Back of the Wasatch, UT Posts: 3,913 55 Photos	I stopped at a Ford dealer today with my tape measure. They only had one in stock at the moment, a V6 Premium hardtop in metallic red. It was snowing this morning, and raining when I got out of the house. The folks at the dealership were nice but not enthusiastic about the idea of filling the trunk with water while took measurements & photos. They did look up volume info and found that the 2007 trunk is noticeably larger than prior years. So next best thing- exterior measurements of the 2007 coupe trunk area. Width: 66" = body measured edge to edge across the tail lights. 50" = actual trunk lid. Length: 15" = edge of trunk top deck to seam at bottom of rear window. Depth: 14" = from trunk lower lip (top of bumper) to top of trunk edge. Internal would be deeper. I think the Fender hardcase is around 42"x18"x4" (maybe someone can measure theirs). So my guess now is that the case would easily fit even with the soft top. __________________ And now for some feedback: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

May 4th, 2007, 08:48 PM	#16 (permalink)
gtrman911 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Camelot Posts: 1,227 7 Photos	how about one of those Gibson fat-padded teardrop cases. they're pretty sweet. __________________ My opinion is worth what you paid for it.

May 4th, 2007, 11:20 PM	#20 (permalink)
gtrman911 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Camelot Posts: 1,227 7 Photos	oops. me no comprende. __________________ My opinion is worth what you paid for it.

May 5th, 2007, 01:23 AM	#21 (permalink)
twangee Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 251	I got a mustang and a rectangular case. Fits just fine. I always surprised at just what I can stuff in there. __________________ "The wall giveth, and the wall taketh away." Roger Angell

May 5th, 2007, 01:49 PM	#22 (permalink)
CharlieO Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Age: 56 Posts: 1,416 10 Photos	Just tryin' to help a TDPRI brother out... So this morning I changed my Saturday routine a bit. Instead of hitting the local music stores, I took a camera and my Rickenbacker case to the local Ford dealer. The salesman was very accomodating, but it was clear that he wasn't a guitar player. He also didn't seem to know anything about the Mustang trunk, like how to open it. I helped him with that, and he wandered off while I took these photos: As you can see, there is plenty of room for additional soft luggage. By the way, this photo was taken with the top down. Unlike some convertibles, the top doesn't look like it takes up any of the trunk space. In addition, there is a little space between the seat back and the case, which is not shown in the photos. __________________ http://www.CharlesOffer.com

May 5th, 2007, 02:54 PM	#23 (permalink)
Stencil Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Gif-sur-Yvette, or the Air France Lounge Posts: 211 14 Photos	CharlieO, you're The Man Now my mind is totally at ease about renting a Mustang ragtop for our cross-country jaunt. You and Tdot now have a place to stay if ever in the Paris area (though possibly not together.) Also, I'll be happy to take trunk measurements of any tiny European car you may be interested in. Cheers, D° __________________ "Cut out the middleman, start your own revolution."