I'm new here, but I'm kinda scared about what I want to do. I saw my neighbors '65 coupe, and I have since fallen in love with the classic mustangs. I NEED to own and drive one. To that end, I'm purchasing a '67 coupe on Friday or Saturday.
It has a straight six in it, with an automatic transmission. It had A/C at one point, but doesn't now. It needs a radiator, a battery, an engine fan, and a filter for the carb. It has no interior, save for the dash. The gauges and steering wheel are still there, and the glove box, but that's about it. It's still got the gas tank (a new one from the looks of it), and the original pony gas cap. All the glass is there, save for the small triangular pieces behind the door windows.
My questions is this: how hard, and how expensive do you guys think it will be to get it driving. I don't need anything fancy, just take-it-to-work-and-back. I'm imagining the engine parts, and a seat, and a coat of paint. Also, some lights as well. Still, I'd like some of your opinions and a little encouragement that this can in fact be done.
Congratulations! How excited you must be!!! This is very do-able... but I have to warn you - "nothing fancy" will soon turn into "It has to be..."... You'll get excellent advice and tips in this section... Enjoy your new ride and post up some pictures when you get a chance!!
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I should clarify. I'm pretty poor, I sold a whole lot of stuff to get the money to pay for this, so just driving will turn into "it has to be", but not for a long time. What I needed was more of a price estimate if anyone can help me out.
I've got a mechanic who's willing to do all the labor for free, I just need to supply parts. So... prices?
Well prices are the cheapest part of owning a classic car. It's the working fees!!
Generally you're looking at anywhere from 3,000~25,000 in parts depending on your source of parts [buying it from a car being parted out, junkyards, pick n' pull, online sources, car stores, etc.] not to mention the quality and purpose of the part, Stock in comparison to High Performance, and aesthetic options.
Both of my mustangs luckily only required around 6k to restore.
Battery will run ya like 60 bucks NEW, radiator will run ya about 250~350 new, seats will run you about 60~80 bucks each, for the stock bucket seats. As for the fan, im not entirely sure...
That car needs a bit more. The missing front sheet metal may get the attention of the local men in blue.
Expect other parts to need work too. The brakes, steering, electrical and suspension may need work once you start driving this car.
Is the rear quater windows the only thing missing or do you need to find the regulators for them too?
Putting the interior totally together from a parts catalog would run about 1k. If you could live with "seconds" you may be able to score some used door panels, seats, carpet, trim, ect. from someone who is redoing thier car if you can live with blemishes and worn parts for now. The color can always be dyed to match if you get parts from different cars.
I have gotten many parts for mine from not only the Mustang parts suppliers but Ebay too. Here in the Northeast most of the salvage yards don't have anything this old, basically 1980s and newer. Anything this old has been eaten away with rust long ago and crushed. In AZ you should have better luck, especially with places like Desert Valley Auto Parts (DVAP) out there that hold the old vehicles.
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1968 Mustang coupe, Acapulco Blue, 289 2v, C-4, Power Steering.
Hopefully a 1969 convertible or Sportsroof (non Mach or Boss) for next Mustang project
Trying to find my father's 1973 Mustang Grande he bought brand new. 3F04F126773 last known registration and title was in New Jersey, 1982.
I'll break it to you easy. YOU're going to spend over 5 grand on that thing to get it on the street.
that thing is a stripper.
You do NOT buy a classic mustang not knowing how to work on cars unless it's either completely restored, or you're 100% interested in learning how to work on cars yourself.
That car is a huge project, and given the state of the rest of the car, i'd be highly surprised if every mechanical part on that car is not worn out.
If you don't have the ambition to learn how to work on the car yourself, do NOT buy it. You'll spend thousands.
If you're set on a classic mustang, that's fine...however it's going to cost you a TON more cash to get that on the street, than if you just spent a little more and bought a classic that was already running and streetable.
Please take my advice seriously before making a decision, learn off of other peoples mistakes.
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Jeremy
-86 ssp X chp 5.0 coupe
-66 coupe,Ford racing crate 5.0 roller engine, t5 trans
-1972 Maverick undergoing full resto
-1970 Maverick Grabber-why did I buy this one??
Just curious, as probably a few others are here as well, how much is the offer on that car? I know you said you're on a budget, how much of one, if you don't mind me asking? Like v8only said, learn from others mistakes about getting in way over your head. It's really cool that your into classics now, but think realistically what you're getting into. Trust me, you will continue to find things needing to be fixed as you go, not just by looking at it on the surface.
Go talk to your neighbor, who's car you fell in love with. Talk to him about the buying points, condition of his car, what's been done/needs to be done so far. How much has he put in his, relative to it's condition? That'll give you a realistic approach to that car. Whatever decision you make, we're all on here to help each other.
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2003 V-6 - the usual bolt-ons. Gremlin taking up residence in the idler pulley. I'll finish this one when I'm done with the other one.
1965 coupe - Born - straight six standard issue
Now - 5.0 motor, T5 tranny, R&P, full length subframe connectors, draglink bars, hedman headers
Coming soon - disc brakes, electronic ignition and a whole host of other stuff I forgot to mention. The list goes on and on. Basically, it's my new toy
May I make a recommendation? I'm sure your mechanic friend will do the work for free as stated. He MUST be a great friend to make that offer!!!
I suggest you take the money you saved....place it in a savings account then A) walk away from this car B) look for another car
I'm far from a mechanic or body guy but I've looked at 100 or more mustangs and restored 3. I had one JUST LIKE THAT...did all the work my self except body work and paint.....cost? 7,000! Unless you have time and interest and reasonable funds to have it road worthy ....don't do this.
oh and if you do......I assure you everyone here will be the most helpful people you've ever met.
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"After all ......looks ARE important"
1967 Diamond Blue Convertible
all original
Wifey's '67 Coupe Black, GT/CS Clone
Buying a '67 coupe, need help/ encouragement 
