So we are newbies that plan on purchasing a 65-68 convertible, so once we get one we will be posting here like crazy!
We found a 67 conv. with a running 302. It needs interior work, which is fine, but my main concern is the frame. He said the floor pans need replaced due to rust, which is also fine, but he said the frame is rusty as well.
It is listed for 2k...should I pass on it?
I have been having a hard time even finding a covertible in Florida, let a lone one without rust (even our 2 yr old truck is getting rust due to the climate and living on the beach)
Do you have any pictures of this convertible? Pictures always help when asking someones opinion. The thing is, that the floor and frame rails are readily available. Here is a link for the floors, Mustangs Unlimited - The Premier Source for Mustang, Shelby and Cougar Parts and Accessories, and then the same company sells complete frame rails. If I were you though, I would check the rocker panels. The coupes & fastbacks just have an outer rocker panel, but the convertible has an additional inside rocker to give the car strength & support. If the inner or outer rockers are rusting through, I would walk away, because on a convertible those will be a bi*** to replace. You would have to remove most of the body, and brace the door opening before you could even start cutting the old ones out. So if the rockers are in good shape (as in not rot whatsoever) I would say go for it. If they are starting to rot, I would start looking for another. I think I found the one your talking about on the Orlando craigslist.
If you are just looking for any classic Mustang, I found this one on craigslist in Palm Bay, which isn't very far from you, 1966 Mustang - 289/Auto/AC/Deluxe Interior. It's in great shape, and thats a heck of a deal. 289, a/c, pony interior. I would get that if I had the money.
Thanks for your reply, I will check for that when we go to look at the car sometime this weekend after picking up our new boat.
I could have gone either way on a hard top or a conv. (although would prefer a conv) but my boyfriend said it had to be a conv if we were getting a mustang instead of something he wanted, so to get my way I am goin g to have to stick with a convertible lol
I have seen some good deals like the one you posted and I get very bummed when i can only find a small handfull of clapped out rusted shambles of a convertible here in Florida, we can restore it...but I just dont want it to be a complete gound up resto with frame work since I know we will be a little distracted with the new boat, so I am trying to be realistic.
(although if we cant find one I just may buy a working hard top in the meantime till we do lol)
We found a 67 conv. with a running 302. It needs interior work, which is fine, but my main concern is the frame. He said the floor pans need replaced due to rust, which is also fine, but he said the frame is rusty as well.
It is listed for 2k...should I pass on it?
Your opinions are appreciated!
Pass on a rusty frame - unless you are experienced and can do the work yourself, it will cost more than the car is worth - even if you do the work yourself, it may not be worth it.
Spend more and find something that is not rusty - a missing powertrain is easier and cheaper to fix.
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If you find yourself in a fair fight, you haven't been trained properly.
car has a solid undercarriage, floors replaced, solid original trunk compartment and engine compartment, the eight cylinder runs good, and the automatic transmission shifts well. interior is good, not new. will need a top. car is black interior, black top, and originally yellow, but now red, wheels and rims are good. it has power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. the car will need to be painted
sorry, no pictures
Location: south florida
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
PostingID: 1274805584
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I purchased my 68 for $3,500 with a nice interior great running condition,original motor with 125k on her and one rear quarter rusted out.Floor pans replaced many years ago and complete undercoating on car from factory and then new pans doen which held up nice. Bad news is that undercoating hides alot and although I really looked hard at the key places like inside the cowl,at the windshield trim and the Main frame rails I missed the floor pan support rail rot on one side. Still got a great deal and can do the work myself so am happy but make certain when inspecting a potential purchase to get under the car and check the weep holes in the rails for clogged debris or rot as they tend to start rusting at this point due to poor drainage(clogs) and then migrate back into the rails rotting from the inside out. As well check floor above muffler as this also tends to dry out and rust out first. Look inside trunk under liner and inspect whell wells from under and trunk. Not familiar with the inner portion supporting the Convertible but good info to know as well. I do know that frame damage on a convertible can be much more costly then a hardtop due to the need for additional support. Good luck and for 2k invested in a running car with little to no visible rust still an investment.
You guys have been way too spoiled with your lucky, cheap finds and yes I am jealous.
Me personally, I would buy a complete, running convertible for 2k sight unseen. I would go to the bank, take out 20 crisp $100 bills and drive directly to the car. That's just me though. Good luck on whatever one you buy and we look forward to seeing your project.
Frame rails are not that hard to replace. I am just a hobbist and I have replaced them on my '67. NPD has really nice repair panels for the rails and like I said very easy to install. My car was bought for $700.00 and I have replaced alomost everything.(door skins,floor front to back,cowl,fenders,quarters,insde fender wells,frame, the only things not changed were the hood and trunk lid. I would say if you can doo some metal work this would not be that difficult for you. One other thing is when you replace the floor make darn sure that the car is sitting LEVEL on flat ground on jack stands.(If it is the least little bit off you will notice it when your done.) Just take your time and dont rush things and you will be very happy with the outcome. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
I would be careful buying from Craig's List. however, if you do end up buying that $2k vert and need a shop to do the work let me know. one of the members in the club I was in down there had the inner rails floor pans and rear frame rail done on his '66 vert at a shop in clearwater, he was pleased with the results. I think it was resto mod plus, but I can find out the name if you need it.
a running 2000.00 convertible? hmmmm from Florida? I would put that money towards a good one. I lived in Florida. You have to consider one thing not mentioned here. Car folks consider winter conditions, driving conditions, salt on the roads as hazards of buying a car....and most of us would be right.
Here's the clincher....you are in SALT AIR!!!! my chrome on my car rusted sitting IN MY GARAGE!!! The car I speak of was only driven to two drag races and ONE SHOW in FIVE years. I found rust EVERYWHERE!!!! salt air invades EVERY part of those cars.
RUN!!!
Case in point? drive up Hwy 1 from Coca, at approximately Rock Port there is a lumber company on the left over the tracks. turn in on that road...immediately over the tracks look to your right and you will see a HIGHLY sought after Laguna s3 by the Chebbie guys. LOOK at that car....then ask yourself if you want the Stang.
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"After all ......looks ARE important"
1967 Diamond Blue Convertible
all original
Wifey's '67 Coupe Black, GT/CS Clone
Advice on buying a classic Mustang needed. 
and yes I am jealous. 
