leglime65

Greetings all...
Big time noob here... just committed to getting a '65 coupe that is 85% restored. All the hard work has been done (engine, trans, rust all gone, etc). Paint and reassembling trim and interior are going to be my tasks.

I'm 150% new at this. Not a gearhead at all... but not afraid to try. Pretty big DIY'er in other areas aside from cars. Not always successful, but always willing to give things atry(wife says she was surprised I didn't try and build a dog before I broke down and got her one).

But when it comes to vehicles, biggest jobI've ever tackled was rotors and pads on my 2000 Ranger. Simpleton stuff, I know.

With that being said, I'm looking for recommendations on a reference book to obtain that will help me get my new acquisition back together. I'll be doing stuff like installing carpet, installing windshield, painting dash and other interior peices (going from red interior to black). Not sure if I'm going to tackle exterior paint myself or not (awesome thread on the use of rollers and the Krylon and marine products have inspired me though!).

I know there are a ton of books on the market... just wondering if there is a consensus "must have" for knuckleheads like me.

Appreciate any guidance....thanks in advance!

109jb

One manual you need is the Ford shop manual for the 65. You can get it on CD or in paper form from many of the Mustang parts supliers. One place to get it is here:

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SM1+01

For a newbie to automotive work, I would also suggest getting something like a Chilton, or Haynes manual for the car.

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/ite...sp?T1=MP121+01

http://cgi.ebay.com/Chiltons-Repair-Tune-Up-Guide-Mustang-Cougar-1965-73_W0QQitemZ230203494930QQihZ013QQcategoryZ378QQss PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The Haynes and Chilton manuals are step by step and generally have good photos of what is being done.

Hope this helps.

John B

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john721

Any of the Jim Osborne publications...they are reprints of the Ford build instructions. Schematics, one line diagrams, etc. I keep mine in the "library".. always finding stuff in there I didn't know..

RolandT3Speed

This book is invaluable.
Mustang 1964 1/2 - 73 Restoration Guide (Motorbooks Workshop) (Paperback)

And (IMHO) never waste your money on a Haynes or Clymer repair manual.
Chilton's or factory all the way!

109jb

You can check out the Chilton and Haynes and Clymer manuals at your public library. If they don't have them on hand most library's will get them in a few days from another library on loan. Check them out from the library and judge for yourself.

Also, you can usually buy them on e-bay for less than $10 including shipping.

Admitedly, the Haynes manual is not the best, but it is laid out for the very inexperienced in automotive work. Like the original post that indicated that his experience consisted of changing rotors and pads on a 2000 Ranger. I've hadChilton, Haynes and Clymer manuals for various cars that I've owned and I would rank them Chilton, Haynes, Clymer from best to worst. The Chiltons weredefinately better, however, with the Haynes manuals I've been able to do anything I've needed. Can't say the same for the Clymer manual that I had.

I always try to check books out at the book store or at the library before I buy. I'd suggest you do that.

John B