New to classic mustangs and have a purchase question

JBK-Mustang · 09-01-2009

Hi, I have two young sons and have decided to purchase an old mustang to rebuild from the floor up with them. I'm a novice when it comes to both classic mustangs and rebuilding a car and im looking forward to learning as I go but on the same issue it is always good to get the advise and comments from those who have been through it. With that said I have found a 1968 Ford Mustang GT for $750. This is basically a frame only vehicle it's missing the engine, transmission, interior, hood and both front fenders. So my question is if this is a good deal for the mustang. I thought it might be good to get it this way so I don't have to remove everything. This way I can get strait to work on the body and once done put in the new rear end, engine, trasmission and interior and so on. I have heard and seen sites where you can purchase all these things but thougt that maybe someone knew if this was going to be hard to find some parts or if just overall if I'm going down a road I don't need to go down. Thanks

JBK-Mustang · 09-01-2009

Sorry for the double post the first one did not show up at first and I thought I messed something up so I re typed it. Sorry

**pcfrisch** · 09-01-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBK-Mustang

Sorry for the double post the first one did not show up at first and I thought I messed something up so I re typed it. Sorry

No Problem, Welcome to AFM and hopefully you will find your answer here.

nigel · 09-01-2009

Welcome to the site. I would gladly pay it. Figuring that you are going to have to get the body work done always. They have the kits starting at $700.00 for all the fenders and hood. Plus the elenor body kit. You have alot of options.

66GT305PS · 09-01-2009

Some tips:

1) Read, read, read about classic Mustangs, especially 1968.
2) read or take an adult ed. course in auto restoration.
3) join a Mustang club in your area and discuss your plans.
4) go to Mustang car shows to decide if you want to restore to original design or modify the Pony to your tastes. Talk with those that have a 1968 GT.
5)Take lots of photos of the work in progress.

Enjoy the process, knowing that there will be a lot of time, money, frustration, fun and memories involved.

JBK-Mustang · 09-01-2009

Thanks for the input. This is why I joined the site, I never even thought about taking a restoration class thats a good idea.

Also, Nigel are you able to tell me where I can find these kits? I'm searching the net as we speak but any good sites anyone knows about would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

andrewmp6 · 09-01-2009

Take a magnet and randomly stick it anywhere on the lower half of the car and around the rear wheel arch's.If it don't means heavy body filler hiding something a rust hole or a patch done wrong.2nd pour water down the cowl vent its the vent by the windshield where the wiper arms are.The water should drain out down under where the fender and door meets on both sides.If the water comes out in the floor of the car means the cowl is rusted out it can be pricey to fix or weld it shut and use a aftermarket heat and ac most don't suck air from the cowl.For tools a good mechanic set its 100 something pieces some screw drivers a big long strong arm and a case of pb blaster.

Veronica · 09-02-2009

Hello.

A lot would depend on the body style, as in, is it a fastback, convertible or coupe. Also, it would depend on how extensive the rust is. Parts availability isn't really a problem, especially since you live in Houston. There's Mustang Mania in Katy, John's Mustangs down on Glenmont, and, surprisingly enugh, a lot of stuff for these cars can still be bought at auto parts chain stores like O'Reilly's, and Ford still has some stuff for these cars.

JBK-Mustang · 09-02-2009

I'm trying to send the pictures he sent to me through my I phone if they don't load right I'll repost the picture later today once I'm at home so that everyone can see what I'm looking at. Thanks again for all the advice.

BigSecz · 09-02-2009

Coupes are okay but you're not going to see much of a return on your investment with them. The condition you described the car I wouldn't offer more than $400. A friend of mine that restores Mustangs just purchased two complete '66 coupes for $750 as a package. There are a lot of things missing on that car that are really expensive, like the vent window trim and other chrome pieces. You can save yourself a ton of money if you buy one that is complete for a little bit more and refurbish things like window regulators. Not to mention just purchasing all the electrical for that car is going to set you back $1k. The one good thing about tearing a car appart is seeing how things come off the car so you know how to put them back on. I recommend getting yourself a good shop manual and the facory assemply manuals. My first recommendation for parts is Virginia Classic Mustang, they have great customer service, speedy delivery, and competitive prices. My next recommendation would be National Parts Depot. Good luck!

Calponycarsmike · 09-02-2009

Since you need to put a frontend on it anyways, how about a Shelby one

JBK-Mustang · 09-02-2009

Ok lets see if this works. Hopefully you are seeing the two pictures that were provided to me of the mustang. But even without out the pictures it's starting to sound like I shound not get it. Please take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks

thetvirus · 09-02-2009

It will save you a lot of time and money if you buy a complete car for $2,000-$3,000, than to buy this car and pay for expensive reproduction pieces / trying to find original pieces. That car looks like the drivers side floor is pretty rusted which means the drivers side cowl is probably rusted through.

andrewmp6 · 09-03-2009

There is a lot missing yeah pass for a complete car.That one your looking 2 grand in just sheet metal i bet.

BigSecz · 09-04-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBK-Mustang

Ok lets see if this works. Hopefully you are seeing the two pictures that were provided to me of the mustang. But even without out the pictures it's starting to sound like I shound not get it. Please take a look and let me know what you think. Thanks

That is a parts/donor car, but even then it doesn't look like there are a lot of parts that are worth anything. If it has all of the electrical harnesses and they are in good shape they would be worth getting out of the car. You should pass. You can find complete cars out there for a little extra money which will save you big money in the long run.