hey guys...just joined the forum, as it seems like a great place for info and to chat about this kind of thing, and was just looking to ask a bit of advice of you all, ive been a fan of mustangs for a while now, dont now a great deal about them though, and my mechanical knowledge is almost non-existant, that being said do you think its possible for me to buy and do up a nice mustang, with alot of research on the net, and basicly just getting stuck in and trial and error working on one? or is it all just wishful thinking.
It's really a matter of what you want, and what you want to spend. I'm in the same boat as you as far as mechanical ability. I can turn a wrench and have nominal knowledge of cars, but I dont have the ability (or interest) in making a racer. I plan to do the basic stuff (CAI, exhaust, tuner) and call it a day. Besides, I love the look of my pony, and want to keep it as stock looking as possible
Yes, you can build a nice stang with out knowing too much about them. Get yourself a Haynes manual for the car, do a lot of research on this forum, and stick to doing the more basic mods. yourself. I don't know if there are any reputable speed shops in your area but it's a good idea to leave the harder stuff to them untill you are more experienced.
One of the beautiful things about these cars is that almost all the trial and error has been done already by someone! Take it slow and ask lots of questions.
go for it.i bought a race car as a roller a couple years ago and finished it just learning as i went.dont believe everything you read on the internet but there is a lot of good info and alot of the parts only go one way.
thanks for the replys guys, as for what im planning, kinda aiming along the lines of the 1967 mustang, not trying to make a racer, just something that looks amazing and has a decent amount of power behind it just for the proper mustang sound.
Good luck on your search, a V8 289 or 302 should fit the bill with dual exhausts.
Don't know what your budget is but get the best, most complete one you can for what you can afford.
I would see if there is a mustang club in your area, go to a meeting, you don't have to join to go. Ask if anyone is selling a vintage car and go from there. Most enthusiasts put way more hours of work into their car than they'll ever get out of it just because they enjoy working on them.
Jon
A '67 does sound like a good starter Mustang. You get the classic Mustang styling with a few important safety upgrades.
When I was younger, the two things I did that helped me learn about vintage Mustangs was go to car shows and subscribe to Mustang magazines. Mustang Monthly has always been a personal favorite.
The best advice is to learn by doing. Once you get a car, do as much of the work as you can. That's the only way to learn; you can watch someone do it, and read about *how* to do it, but to me trying and making my own mistakes was always the only way to go.
glad to see you guys think i'll be able to do it without actually having the mechanical knowhow behind me. next thing really is finding a good frame/chassy, any sujestions/advice on where i might be able to get my hands on 1, and anything i should look out for?
Looking for a Mustang to purchase is half the fun, try Craigslist.com to find something local. they even show up in the newspaper from time to time.
first things first, check for rust...in the trunk, underneath...under the battery tray is where i found rust on my Mustang....the metal is gone but the car still goes.
a 40 year old car has issues, but fixing them is part of the deal, few Mustangers know everything about repairs, but the forum is a fine place to ask the questions.
pick one you like and give it a shot, you'll be surprised how much you really do know.
Turk390
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2006 Tungsten Grey GT, 5-speed .....tinted glass and smoked plastic.
straight-pipe exhaust,hoping santa brings leather seats this year!
sold a '68 coupe to get this car, i still miss her.
If you have the time, space and desire to do it, then go for it!
You can find one based on your skill level and money to spend on the car. No work = high price and low price = much work.
I am doing a father son project (18 months now) to teach my son about cars for his first car. If you don't have the skills, dont worry! The internet and a manual will get you the "how to" answers.
Best deals are on Craigslist for projects that people have tired of or need to get rid of.
Just be honest with yourself on the effort you are willing to put out BEFORE you jump in.
my mustang needed some work and i was in the same situation as you and after working on it its suprising how much you learn and how fast you learn
id say if you love mustangs go for it just make sure you know someone who have some kind of mechanical experince to give you a hand along the way
IF you have Big Boy cash....then you can buy what ever and have someone else do all the work.
Part of the fun is the hunt. May seem odd but if you have a junkyard close by that has early model cars, snoop around to see if they have Stangs. These things will be stripped beyond belief...but you learn stuff. Get tha books like these guys said..."READ THEM". Now then look at the mid range to expensive cars for sale...even though you will not buy, look and compare at least 5. You'll start understanding at what level you want to be. Be patient....
Go look at some in your price range....but then compare those...you'll start to gain traction at this point and relate price to quality and the level of effort each would require to complete. I wouldn't buy ebay...take the other guys suggestion and buy from Craigslist or Wheels and Deals. Rare but sometimes the local paper has a deal....but scarce.
And these guys can answer ANY question you come up with and are the most helpful I've ever chatted with!!!!
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"After all ......looks ARE important"
1967 Diamond Blue Convertible
all original
Wifey's '67 Coupe Black, GT/CS Clone
Go for it! I restored my car by myself except for body work and paint. I did everything else. Just buy a manual or two, read, and ask questions about anything and everything you don't understand. The people here will help you in anyway they can. Good Luck!
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1966 Mustang Coupe. Mica Merlot with black stripes, Deluxe interior, 302 4V, 4-speed toploader, 3:70 9" rear end.