[turboed]

Hello, Im going to look at a 65 mustang coupe today to restore for my mom. They want $750 obo. Its a original 6 cyl, 3 speed model so I know it wont be worth much once restored but that doesnt matter. But I am wondering what the going rate is right now for unrestored coupes, in fair condition. I did part of a restoration on a 65 convertible at my old job so I already know how these cars go together. If I get it Ill probally do a 302, 5 speed powerplant. The car is missing the deck lid, hood, and interior. (I work at a upholstery shop though.)

[steveswelding]

Have you checked the usual places for rust and abuse? I'd need more information to give an opinion on value.

[turboed]

Originally Posted by steveswelding

Have you checked the usual places for rust and abuse? I'd need more information to give an opinion on value.

Im going to look at it today, I do know what to look for, as Im bringing my magnet, flash light, and my good ol' knuckles and eyesight. I will let you know of the condition after I go look at it. I will be paying close attention to the condition of the structure.

What are some things I need to look out for that are hard to find items on these particular models?

[steveswelding]

These are the areas I've found to be concerning.
1. Shock towers. Look for cracks, loose or missing screws/hardware, and RUST. Be alert of fresh paint too.
2. Floor panels
3. Cowl area
4. Trunk floor
5. Inner posrtions of the rear Quarters. (accessed through the trunk or from under the car).
6. Front apron panels where the fenders bolt up. Also check toward the cowl and hood hinge mounting areas.
5. Rear window areas from the lower corners toward the trunk, and the C piller areas both sides.
6. Doors in the lower front corner areas.

These are areas where I have found rust on classics. I was fortunate on my 67, but these locations seem to be consistent with water accumulation on other cars I've seen.

Crawl under and check the steering and front suspension pieces for "off-roading" or curb impacts. Another clue would be dented rims. The tranny crossmenber may also tell you of abuse. These cars are not as forgiving of abusive driving as cars with chassis.

Maybe other members can add to this.

[turboed]

Ok heres an update, went and looked at the car up and down, side to side.

The body was actually in really good condition. The car has almost no filler it it from what I could find with my magnet. Here are some main things I noticed

Where the inner wheel house meets the trunk pan it is rotted out.

Strut towers are in good shape, but the outer lip that you can see from inside the fenderwell has some rot.

Both front floor pans will need replace, but the center of the floors (the tunnel) is in perfect shape.

Frame rails from the seats back are fairly rotted.

I know I can talk him down to 600. His wife want the car gone.

[heavy metal]

that sounds like a good deal to me,i would buy it.hope you get it.

[turboed]

Originally Posted by heavy metal

that sounds like a good deal to me,i would buy it.hope you get it.

I want to make the car a nice driver if I restore it. Along with a fuel injected H.O. 5.0 and 5 speed, I would like to add some power disc brakes as well, and upgrade the suspension.

Any particular models of car that can swap over brakes, so that its more a budget type deal?

[steveswelding]

You can save a lot of money if you do the patch panels. All of those pieces are available.