[sed6]

I've had the bug to own a 1966 Fastback since I was 16. 20 years later I think I'm finally ready. I can't decide if I should buy a project car and restore it myself or buy one that someone's already done the work on.

If it matters what I want is a daily driver, something I can drive 2-3 days a week to work during nice weather and around town on the weekends. 5000 miles a year sounds about right. I want a good combination between performance and streetability.

Here's some pros and cons I've come up with for each. Please, I ask for your thoughts and comments on anything I missed and your personal experiences.

Restore myself - Pros
-Get exactly what I want as far as colors, interior options, engine, brakes, etc.
-Guarenteed no rust/no bondo. If I do the work myself (or pay a shop) I can be positive no corners were cut and no areas overlooked.
-I would take a lot of pride in doing the work myself, who wouldn't!

Restore myself - Cons
-Cost, I'm pretty sure I'll spend more money doing it myself than buying someone elses hard work.
-Time, like many here I work 50+ hours week and don't have a ton of free time. I could devote 10-20 hrs/wk maybe to a restoration.
-Experience, I can turn a wrench pretty well but have no experience with body work or rust repair. While I'm confident I can learn anything I need to, that'll just add to the total time I spend on it.
-Tools, I have your most common tools, but no welders, grinders, parts washers, etc.
-Space, we have a three car garage and three cars so someone's gonna have to park outside.

Buy restored - Pros
-Instant satisfaction! I get the car I want now and can immediately enjoy driving it and showing it off.
-One check to write. I've got the wife's okay to spend $25k-$35K now. Something tells me spending that equivalent over the next 1-2 years (or more) will be met with much more resistance.
-More fun to work on? Changing out the console, or adding a/c, or adding disc brakes, etc (you know things I might want to improve on the car) seems like more fun to me. A restoration must be completed before you can enjoy it. I can take the car out of service for week or two to upgrade the brakes or for the winter to upgrade the engine and know that I'll be back on the road soon.

Buy restore - Cons
-Was the work done right? I have no idea how to detect bondo, or rust, hiding under that perfect paint. Were other corners cut that I can't see?
-Is the car really the car represented? Could I detect a fake GT? What if the door tag was changed? There must be many other ways to dupe a buyer I'm not even aware of.
-Probably gonna have to compromise on some things. I doubt the exact interior/exterior color, engine, trans combo I'm looking for is gonna present itself at the right time for the right price.

So there you go, my thoughts so far. What are your thoughts? Is there a clear direction I should take? What influenced your decision? I welcome your 'if I were you' or your 'here's what I did' thoughts. Thanks much!

-Scott
OKC, OK

[Print Dad]

Hello Scott,
First welcome to the forums. this is a great place to learn and seek advice.

You seem to have thought the situation over well. As you point out, there are 2 main thoughts here. To purchase already done or to do it yourself.

For most of us..doing it ourselves gives us a great sense of accomplishment and a feeling of " I did that".. This is very true but there is also another reason why many of us build are own. That reason is money. When you build yourself it allows you to save a little cash for the next project. Many people work on their cars for years and years. Often they are never really done or finished.

The second train of thought is to purchase a vehicle that is done. As you mention it can be a bit tricky. Bondo and a quick paint can hide a multitude of problems. There are many ways to make a car look far better than she really is.

Because of you financial situation I think i would do the following:
1. - Figure out what car you would like. - year model options etc.
2. -try to find a reputable dealership or mechanic in your area
3. - Go to several car meets or clubs and ask questions about shops etc.
4. - Start to search for cars that you are interested in.

Never purchase without a qualified mechanic or shop checking the car out. Tell the seller you want the car inspected by your mechanic. He/she should be able to do things like
1. - A compression test
2. - A vacuum test
3. - A check of the body with a magnet
4. - A complete study of the under carriage.

A good shop will know how to do all these things.
In this economy there are plenty of cars around. Many people start projects and then stop for various reasons.

With the amount of money have can spend you should get a first class vehicle. If you purchase a shelby or high end car you will be far too short in the money department But for a 66 Fastback you should be able to get a car that you turn the key and go.

Lastly, if you purchase any older car there will be things that need to be done/replaced or things that you may want to do to make the car more personalized.

So when it comes to this purchase, i think you need to decide what you want the car for. If it is an investment, look for complete stock museum quality car (concours). if you want a sharp car that you can do a few things on to make it your own then you are looking for another type of vehicle.

For me and many others, we want a car to call our own and drive and enjoy. I have changed things like valve covers, and braided hoses because I like the look. This is not acceptable to the purists but that is Ok.

You have enough money to purhcase a fine fine car that is very close to original. Why not consider purchasing a car that appears finished. I promise you, that there will be things that need to be done, thus you get the pride of doing it your self.

I hope this post is not too long winded but this is a very hard question to answer........... Print Dad

[66 restomod]

You have thought out all the points very well!

Just be honest with yourself before you commit to the project because there will be many days you just don't feel like doing anything on the car. But the secret is to do something, anything, each day on the project to keep it moving forward.

You see lots of projects that start with great intentions but life and things get in the way of completeing it. You can find cars on Craigslist for sell that are 1/2 done for 1/2 the cost that was put into it. This can be a great deal to take on if the work is up to your expectations.

My son and I spent 2 1/2 years working every weekend on our Father-Son car for him. It was a great project for the both of us and he learned a lot. I dont know if I would jump in on another one right now for me to be honest.

Be sure to get buy in from everyone involved for the time and money it will take to do the project. It can be a shock when you need rust repair or discover the paint you want is $6,000 and the budget is gone.

But with all that said there is nothing better than these cars and the satisfaction of owning and driving them.

Good Luck and BE Safe
Ron
Christophers 66 Mustang Restoration and Modification

[Warrior 2011]

if i were you i would buy a car that you can drive and restore. Thats what i did. You get the best of both worlds. And like Print Dad said it might always be a project cause there are always things that you would like to do to your mustang.

[FordGtMan]

Yep, totally agree with warrior. Buy one for 15 grand and slowly work on the things that you would like done. I dont think i could drive a car and say its "done". Theres always something i would like to change or upgrade.

[andrewmp6]

I would find a nice rust free shell and build it my way and enjoy the car.I like doing it myself i know its been done right no corners cut and trust the car won't die on me.

[66mustang86]

I have to agree with buying a car u can drive as you go. It sucks when the car sits for years on end and you don't have the pleasure of driving it. That way u can get what u want in all departments.

[havoc65]

I'll have to third warriors point. Buy something that you can drive home, looks good and doesnt need a ton of work. That way you can drive it most of the time and work on it when YOU want to. Thats what Im doing with my car. The upgrades and mods never seem to end, one leads to another. Its a lot more enjoyable to do projects you really want to do that make the car better or faster than doing things that have to be done just to get her on the road.

[sed6]

Thanks all for the input, keep it coming!

Seems the popular option is to buy a decent driver and work on it as time and money allow. This very option crossed my mind, and is appealing to me. But, I gotta ask how do I do that?

Where do I find a straight, rust free car with good paint that hasn't been restored already? I mean no amount of engine or brake work is going to strengthen rusty frame rails. Do I hang all those go fast goodies on the car knowing that one day I'll have to strip them off and tackle the rust and paint? That approach seems backwards to me.

I've looked at lots of mustangs for sale and honestly they all seem to be in desperate need of restoration (not drivable) or already restored. The safe to drive and work on at your leisure Mustang in the $12-$15k range is pretty illusive.

-Scott
OKC, OK

[nickgt350]

I did it 67 Shelby GT 350 clone I new nothing about body work or welding bought a welder had some one show me how to weld. It took three years and lots of time but one of the most rewarding projects I have taken on. It is done I need to post more pictures of the finished product. you can see some of the pictures in my profile. I would recomend doing it yourself but you must stay commited to the project easy to get side tracked. good luck let me know if I can be any help
Nick 502-548-5432cell

[Bopper]

Buy the car of your dreams that has already been restored. Spend the $ up front to get it checked out correctly. Your wife is on board currently, so go for it. Life will throw you curve balls along the way, and chances are that the time available for tinkering will be less and less. And don't forget that financial demands will change also. Do yourself, and your Wife a favor and spend the time cruising with her, rather then under the car alone. I just may follow my own advise.

[mustang402]

Welcome to the forum Scott!
As I read all of the post that the members have written I realize that's one of the reasons I like this fourm so much! As for me and my son we have been working on a good rust free 67 coupe for about 1.5 years now making it our own and have enjoyed it and he has gained allot of experience and respect for these cars, we don't regret a single minute of our decision, we figure that it will last another 43 years. If I were in your place and situation I would take my time and get the car that I wanted have it checked out if your unsure about some things by a reputable mechanic/shop they are everywhere, do as your doing here and talk to people, go to shows etc. 25-35k will get you a great ride and you and your wife can enjoy the pony together! Believe me... no matter which way you go the purchase will only be the beginning as you will find in either case you will still want and desire to give it your own touch. It's addictive!
HTH
Good Luck
Sully

[MDeezie66]

Hey scott welcome, this is a really hard decision to make and we all go thrugh it. After seeing my brothers project go into 6yrs and counting i decided to go with a partial fixture car. It had a decent paint like 5 yrs old and the interior was brand new, only thing was i blew the motor in a week after i got it, but i knew it was shot. So all i have to do now is put in my new engine (347 Stroker which is sitting in my garage) and im ready to go. Not to shy you away from restoring it yourself, but I too work long hours like you and restoring a car will take alot of your time. Good luck on your decision! Mike

[silver69]

Hello Scott,
having built 8 cars now from the ground up I will tell you to buy a finshed car that has been thoroughly checked out.
Accept there will still be small things - they are 45 years old- just like most of us, need I say more. If your wife is on board with this do as another poster said and spend time with her engaged in the passtime rather than wrenching. Will the engine go? maybe I have built close to 19 engines and had one eat a camshaft(#14) for no reason I could find other than bad parts.
You will spend 4-8K+ for a good paint job, 4-8K on an engine unless you go bone stock then 1500, if you want good heads guess what - 1500 just to get the heads at your door, then roller lifters ........... you get it.
then 750 for the interior parts NOT installed, then 1000 to have someone put it in and fix broken frames/tracks......
then 1000-1600 for wheels and tires, 200 to 2000 for brakes/stock vs disc, then periphery stuff, 300 radiator, 5-600 standard front end, 2-4k rack & pinion set up. not to mention that evey new part is not necessarily a good part boy is that frustrating!! I left out suspenion stuff. out of pocket you will be out in excess of 25-30K if you are not careful and more if you get a rusted frame, you get a decent car you will have to give8-12 for it out of the gate. You can buy a damned nice car for 18-20 and start enjoying it that day. andthat is not to say you cant personalize it anyway as you go forward. Do you have a reputable painter in mind(if he's good he aint cheap) how bout an upholsterer? Engine man? trans shop? Do you have space to have a car in pieces for minmum 1 year and possibly forever?
You want to keep you wife on your side? Do you have a good bead blaster, air compressor, good neighbors, bodywork experience, paint experience, a good paint gun, I could go on. Take it from me you would be much happier in the long run looking for and finding a car real close to what you want and going from there. no matter what when you get it you know you are going to replace the belts, antifreeze, thermostat, Oil, chck th ebrake linings and maybe a battery as to not get stranded anywhere. As everyone has said - it is never "done" and if it is wont stay that way for long.
Just my advice Scott, only you can decide what is best for yur given situation and goals.
Joe

[67ragtopStang]

Everyone has given you great advise on what to do. I'd look for a really nice driver that you can, improve while it's still on the road. In this economy, $25K-$35K should get you a really great '66 Fastback.

I think you should start by joining your area Mustang Club. Mustang Clubs are a great way to have fun with like minded people and a great resource for finding great Mustangs that may not be on the market yet. You could also take an experienced member with you to look at prospective cars. I wouldn't get hung up on finding a car has not been restored so much. Most cars 40+ years old, have had some amount of restoration over the years.

I wouldn't buy a car without title, an inner fender VIN stamp, and the original Drivers Door Tag stating what drivetrain was in the car originally. Ask the owner of if he has a maintenance history. Take the car for a ride. Does it run well and track straight? Does everything work? Does the oil look dirty? If all looks good, have a mechanic survey the engine. Put it on a lift and inspect the underside. Inspect the frame rails, floors etc.. and for signs of structural repairs. Look under the dash for signs that the cowl is rusted. Taking an experienced Mustanger with you really helps in these inspections.

Good Luck! I wish I had your budget when I bought my car. I'm sure you will be able to find a great '66 Fastback in your price range.