[PM57]

I am getting close to buying a 65 Mustang convertible in pretty sad shape. Vin #5F08C704350. The car is complete and the body seems to be in very good shape with no damage, but the interior is trashed. It was in a flood and the floors are rusted through, but the rest of the underneath looks pretty solid. I am new to Mustangs, but I have worked on other classics and I am looking forward to working on this Mustang. I have a few questions before going forward.
On another classic car forum that I use, some members have set themselves up as distributors for parts and offer 20% discounts on purchases. Has anyone here done that?
I want to restore the car on a tight budget and I can do most of the work and I wondered if anyone would give me a rough estimate to restore the following.
How difficult is it to replace the floors?
Neither of the doors will close and I wondered if this was a sign of serious frame issues, since it is a convertible?
Replace the interior and top?
Rebuild the engine and transmission and I will have to take them to a shop to have this work done?
What is a reasonable price to have it painted and very little body work will need to be done?
Thanks,
Phil

[Ivy66GT]

These cars do not have a frame but were welded unibody construction. The floors, and the few small boxes that weld to them are all that hold the car together. When that rots away the car body, especially a convertible, sags in the middle and the doors won't close.

If I were you I would reconsider the thought that the body is in good shape. The fenders hang on the outside and can be patched. Its gonna be hard to make a frame with Bondo.

I think your first line said it: sad shape. Can it be fixed? Yes. Will it be cheap and easy - no.

[Calponycarsmike]

On another classic car forum that I use, some members have set themselves up as distributors for parts and offer 20% discounts on purchases. Has anyone here done that?

Never heard of that, and I would be suspect of someone offering such a deal. As a manufacturer we don't set up anyone that calls unless they have a real business. If you did do this make sure you delt with someone in person and paid for your parts when you got them.


How difficult is it to replace the floors?

Cost will depend on how much of the floor needs to be replaced and if you already have a welder, and the skils to do this job.

Neither of the doors will close and I wondered if this was a sign of serious frame issues, since it is a convertible?

It could be that the car is so rusted that it has sagged, or it could just be that someone bolted the doors on quickly to put the car together and did not take the time to line them up.

Replace the interior and top?

Interior is easy and really pretty cheap so long has you have the seat frames and the rest as a starting point. The interior can be done for around $1,500 in parts, rememeber you have to paint the dash, inner doors, and other metal sections of the car.

Rebuild the engine and transmission and I will have to take them to a shop to have this work done?

That would depend on what needs to be rebuilt and how bad everything is. Can't really tell you, you should take it to a shop if you want to rebuild the motor, but you wouldbe better off just buying a good running engine and tranny. Odds are the engine in it is not the original and even if it is you are going to want to upgrade it.


What is a reasonable price to have it painted and very little body

I would not be suprised if more body work needs to be done with the floors rotted out. Paint and body can really vary depending on shop and what level of paint you want done.

Here are some people you should talk to in your neck of the woods, tell them Mike from CPC sent you and they will take good care of you.

Doc's Mustang Parts
2011 Rambler Rd
Lexington, KY 40503-2440
(859) 276-5880
docsmustang.com

HOOFBEATS OF AMERICA
953 FLOYDS FORK DR.
SHEPARDSVILLE, KY 40165
502-836-9016

THE MUSTANG STORE
LOUISVILLE, KY 40219
502-964-2165

KENTUCKY MUSTANGS
985 DOUBLEGATE RD.
JEFFERSONVILLE, KY 40337
859-498-9631
www.kentuckymustangs.com

BLUEGRASS MUSTANG UNLIMITED, INC.
15 SHELBY LANE
GRAYSON, KY 41143
606-474-7790
www.bgmustang.com