[cmstanton]

Hi all. I'm hoping to get a few opinions on a 1965 Mustang being offered to me. I've never restored a car before, so forgive me if the information I provide is a little general, but it's all I have. The car is a 1965 Mustang coupe with a 289 V8 and automatic transmission. The only major rust I've found is on the front fenders behind the wheels and the right rear quarter panel. The floors and trunk are solid. The interior is dirty, but intact. No tears or split seams or cracks. No missing trim or emblem pieces. It also comes with all the components for the A/C, but they were removed by the previous owner. It has a vinyl top, but its dried up and cracked. The individual selling it claims to be the second owner of the car and has stored it in a heated garage since he purchased it many years ago. He also claims to have replaced all brake parts and more. It's available to me for $2000. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Dave]

Well, Welcome!
The one other spot that is really prone to having rust problems is in the cowl area and gets very expensive to fix. If all you have found is minimal rust, sounds like a buy for me. How's it look under the battery tray? Parts are easy to find, it's getting into the body work that costs big time. I would even guess that the good parts are worth the $2000 alone as a parts car (that's with out seeing it). Lived in Rockford for many years, sister teaches in Naperville, old family farm is now part of the Blackwood Forest Preserve.
Dave

[cmstanton]

Thanks for the input Dave. I'm getting another look at it Monday night and I'll be sure to check the areas you mentioned. My parents live in Rockford and my wifes a teacher in Wheaton. Small world

[jay67fast]

How does the car run? Does it shift OK and stop OK? As Dave says above, the cowl is a real problem with Mustangs and a bear to repair. If you were an experienced mustang owner, I'd say buy it NOW, at 2K, if it has a good cowl, runs decent and stops well. You say you're not experienced in restoration, but if you know your way around cars, it's a pretty simple machine to repair mechanically. If you have to pay for body work and paint work, be careful!!!! It's expensive, and hard to find a really good and reputable body shop. Just to do a thorough job on both sides of the cowl(assuming they both leak) will cost around $2K, depending on where you live. Then you'll still have to pay to have the fender and quarter panel repaired or replaced, and then have the car painted. Just be sure you've factored in the cost of all these repairs before you decide how much of a deal the car is.
I've been messing wih old Mustangs for a lot of years and have had 3 fastbacks and 1 coupe, so if I can help any further, or you have any questions, PM me.
jay67fast

[cmstanton]

Thanks jay67fast. I'll be giving the car a thorough check this evening and will be able to check all these areas, including the engine and transmission. Your right. I can mechanically repair most of the car, but as far as body work goes, bolting on a new fender or hood is about the extent of my skills. I'll post an update tonight and let you all know what I find.

[cmstanton]

Update...I bought the car. Thanks to Dave and jay67fast for the helpful tips. You can see some pictures of the car at the link below. Be nice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/34101162@N00/

[krankieone]

welcome to AFM should make a good project keep us updated as you go