It's about that time. I have replaced everything mechanical on my 73 mach1 except the windshield wipers and the rear end. Everything is in Tip-Top shape as far as the interior goes. Electrical works like it should. So, Now I am about to do the body, and I want to do it right. My question is- What is a ballpark estimate for time and money to have all the stuff taken off my body, the body work done, primer, paint, and re-assembled?
I know it's impossible to say without knowing exactly what's wrong with the car, But assume that the only body work is some surface rust, small dents, replacing rear quarter, radiator support, and about 6 inches of metal around the windshield with moderate rust through. The frame has rust up front, but is still very solid. Small amount of surface rust in the cowl.
I already have new hood, fenders, front and rear valence, and any other sheet metal. I just don't have the tools or experience to do body work.
I agree with Cindys sn95. You really don't know until someone can take a thorough look at it.
But if you want something to compare it to, my 1966 Fastback required about 25K in body work alone. Car appeared fair, but not great on the surface. Some rust on rocker panels, rear quarters, and around windshield. After taking it apart and media blasting several rounds, it ended up getting new floor pans, cowl vent, full rear fenders, rocker panels and sub-frame work. About the only thing it retained was most of the front end, dash, firewall, and the roof. Smart money would have been to scrap it and buy another one, but then there would be one less 66 fastback in the world and I couldn't have that on my conscience. Especially after owning the car for 25 years.
I'm not saying yours is in that kind of shape, but until you get it apart, there's really no way of knowing. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.
Good luck, and I hope everything works out for you.
So are you saying that I need to have 25k in the bank before I have the car taken apart? I just don't want the guys to take my car apart, say I need twice as much as I have to spend. Then have to pay them to put my car back together and get stuck paying a lot of money just for somebody to tell me how much money its going to cost to actually repair it.
I have a rusty M code. How rusty is Too rusty? I have holes in the frame, floor and torque boxes. When I take my car to body shops, they look at the body but not the rust damage. Who knows about rust removal on a unibody and making a strong straight chassis?
I live in Los Angeles. Also Does anyone know crook Brothers auto body in paramount? how do you rate them?
Sorry to mislead/confuse. I'm not saying you need 25K. I had several places look at mine, and they all quoted me a range, pursuant to taking it apart. Since it was originally a Chicago area car, I was prepared for the worst (filler, lead, etc.), and it ended up being on the high-end, 25k. The low-end estimate was 15K.
If you know the history of your car and are confident that no one has performed shoddy body work on it previously, that certainly mitigates the surprises.
Find a local Mustang club and ask them if they would be able to refer a shop.
Most people are going to feel uncomfortable giving you an estimate with out looking at the car.
I have just started to look for a shop to do work on my car. One guy I stopped in and talked to, that was supposed to be about the best around here told me $140,000.00 and my car is pretty straight with no rust.
So, a lot of it will depend on what kind of car are you going to want to end up with too. Are you going to want a trailer baby show car, a nice sunny day driver or a daily driver.
Find a local Mustang club and ask them if they would be able to refer a shop.
Most people are going to feel uncomfortable giving you an estimate with out looking at the car.
I have just started to look for a shop to do work on my car. One guy I stopped in and talked to, that was supposed to be about the best around here told me $140,000.00 and my car is pretty straight with no rust.
So, a lot of it will depend on what kind of car are you going to want to end up with too. Are you going to want a trailer baby show car, a nice sunny day driver or a daily driver.
The bottom line will be what you want and how much you want to do.
If you WANT to do do as much work as possible you will save LOTs of money. It is a good chance to learn new skills and "bond" with the Stang.
If you can not or do not want to do the work yourself, then you will find everytime you open up the wallet 100 dollar bills fly out.
If you are building a Trailer Queen it will be 1000 dollar bills flying out...
Everyone is different. You get to choose what is right for you
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A code 66 coupe
289 4v, Roller Rockers, Electric fan
Performer & 650 Edelbrock
MSD ignition
Tri Y into 2.25 Shelby side exhaust
T5 conversion & Hydraulic clutch
CSRP Discs
Ballpark figure for a frame-off resto? 
and my car is pretty straight with no rust.
