jdive17

My father-in-law gave me his 1965 convertible that he received from his dad (first car his dad bought new). The car is a 289 V-8 that still runs, but the "frame", floors, etc. are shot. Rather than buy the "frame", I think it would be better to use a donor chasis. Any suggestions on a good donor for the frame, suspension, etc.? I found a 1965 coupe that I can get a good price on, but I thought that the convertibles had additional supports to take the torque load due to lacking the integrity from the roof.

I also have a 1992 5.0 that I would be willing to contribute to the effort!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

andrewmp6

You know its a unibody car there is no real frame to it just 2 frame rails in the front and 2 in the back.And yes the convertible has a different floor pan then a coupe so it won't work.The suspension is the same but its better to replace it with new parts then use old stuff that's wore out.Take some pictures of the rust on the car so we can see what all is really bad on it.

rmodel65

if its really rough you might want an entirely different car to start with...you can even actually buy a brand new 65 mustang convertible body from dynacorn

palerider

Donor especially coupe is wrong approach. Vert had more reinforcement areas - torque boxes, inner rockers, 1 piece seat pan. Just to name a few. You are better off buying replacement parts and welding in or as already suggested start with another vert. Maybe a 6 cyl with good body. You can use the v8 parts (engine, spindles, radiator, rear end, etc.) from the car you have to save money. Post some pics of rusted - let see how bad it is.

kenash

Yeah, I agree with the problem trying to find a donor, unless, it spent it's life in Death Valley. The Dynacorn although may seem a little "spendie" up front, in reality, maybe cheaper in the end. It'll depend on your own skill sets and equipment.
I was faced with replacing both floors, frame rails, rear qtrs, both torque boxes, trunk floor drop off, and the left rear inner wheel house. With an investment in the proper tools, I was able to do all of my own restoration. The skills I learned from that experience have paid itself forward a number of times.

andrewmp6

It is a convertible tho so it will always be worth more just because of that.

jlg2002

Jdive, welcome to the forum. You have an interesting dilemma here because your FIL gave you essentially what would be considered by most as a scrap car at least some of us here on the west coast). The Mustangs unibody construction is repairable but unless you have the skills, tools and time (and some $$$) this is probably not the best way to get into the mustang owners club. I woulld agree with the group here in that you may want to look for a donor car of the same vintage and transfer what you can over to it. good luck with what ever way you choose.

2+2GT

You'd be surprised what can be fixed by professionals, or even a determined hobbyist-

http://www.mustangbarn.com/68gt500cv.html

http://www.mustangbarn.com/king.html

palerider

I agree - I Laugh in the face of rust now :-) Would be good to see some pics on how bad it really is.