[bjf83]

Hi all

I hope you guys can help.

I have always loved the 1965-1966 era mustangs.

I am looking to buy a 65/66 coupe and was wondering whether anybody here would have any advice on anything in particular to look out for. In particular, common rust areas, common faults.

I am in the UK and am considering importing which means I am buying a bit blind. Therefore, I really need to get the right pictures etc to check whether something is a good deal.

On a seperate note: If a car is from California, what are the chances that it has no rust? Are people being serious generally when they say "cali car, no rust"

Thanks in advance - All my other posts will be shorter!

[SLOSteve]

Originally Posted by bjf83

Hi all

I hope you guys can help.

I have always loved the 1965-1966 era mustangs.

I am looking to buy a 65/66 coupe and was wondering whether anybody here would have any advice on anything in particular to look out for. In particular, common rust areas, common faults.

I am in the UK and am considering importing which means I am buying a bit blind. Therefore, I really need to get the right pictures etc to check whether something is a good deal.

On a seperate note: If a car is from California, what are the chances that it has no rust? Are people being serious generally when they say "cali car, no rust"

Thanks in advance - All my other posts will be shorter!

Hi and welcome to the Forum. I live in California and have a generally rust free (made in San Jose, California) black plate '66 coupe. You're generally better off looking in the California, Arizona (drier) states for cars that are more likely to have little or no rust. However that's not true in all cases because I also have a fastback which has even less rust on it than my coupe and I purchased it from Michigan. Go figure.

As far as common rust areas....check under the radiator, the cowl area, battery tray, door bottoms and around the front and rear window moldings in particular. Also check the floor pans. On the underside check for any areas which provide the "structure" for the car (i.e. frame rails, shock towers, etc.). Basically check the car over thoroughly for any signs of cancer. You'll know when you see it.

Pricewise anything under $10,000 is a decent deal for a "solid" Mustang coupe in my book considering it doesn't need major rust, or body repair. I hope this helps you out a bit.

Best of luck to you and be sure to let us know what you find!

[Dave]

I'm with SLOSteve,
I bought a "Rust Free" '66' Ranchro from California, same area he talks about. He does hit the most common rust spots. I think the cowl area is the most expensive to repare. I did also find the rear panel behind the bumper had some major rust. If from California, expect to replace all the rubber seals around the windows (my case, but easy to find). Don't trust the seller to send you the pictures that show the faults, find some one here that might be able to check the car in person and send you pictures and comments. Have contact with a Sandy in Scotland who has a '69' Fairlane Cobra and he says there really is a lot of demand for the 60's era muscle cars from America. They do an annual tour.
Dave

[Beagle1]

Are you looking for a finished car, show car, driver or project?

[yuttay]

Not all Cali cars are rust free. I have a '67 that has rotted floors and inner rockers because it sat on a cali beach for a couple years. Buying blind is tough. I'd recommend finding a mechanic (preferably familiar with the classics) near the seller and having him go look over the car (which I'm sure they'll do for a fee). Or you can get in touch with the local mustang club and see if anyone there will help you with a quick once-over of the car. An ounce of prevention is worth 20lbs of cure.

[Jay H 237]

Keep in mind too that just because a car is in California doesn't mean it has lived there all it's life. It could have started it's life in the snowy, salty, sandy Northeast for it's first 15 years of life before being moved out west to California!

[bjf83]

Thanks for all your views guys. v helpful.

Beagle 1: I'm looking for an above average daily driver.

If there are bits that need doing, I want to be able to do them over time, and without it being off the road for too long.

My main issue is that I am buying blind if I go for a car in the states. I could buy over here.

Any other comments are welcome and appreciated