Just wanted to say hello, and thank you folks for all of the information on this site. I have been reading this site and others for the past few months, and did a few searches this evening. I just picked up my Mustang today, that was purchased new by my Grandfather. It was cosmetically restored and the motor rebuilt in '95/'96 after sitting for 20 years outside, but the cosmetics were not to a very high standard. Nice 10 footer/driver, but certainly not a show winner. Floor pans could still use some work, and other areas were not fixed properly either. Only driven about 250 miles since the resoration. It has been sitting again, inside this time, for the past 8 years. My car is:

1965 Fastback
October 28, 1964 build date
A code
4 Speed
Rangoon Red/Red standard interior
Manual Disc brakes
3.00/1 rearend ratio
Manual steering
Rally Pac
Bumper Gaurds (not installed yet)
Reverse lights
No outside rearview mirrors
No seatbelts (need to install some to bring my wife and young son along on rides)

Looking it over today, it will need a new battery, solenoid, and probably a new starter just to get it turning over. I did turn it over manually by hand, so I know it is not locked up. It has an Edelbrock intake and carb (I still have all the original equip), and the carb will need to come off for a cleaning. Tank (guy who restored it was smart enought to get a new tank with drain) and lines need to be drained, oil and filter need to be changed, and the coolant is WAY down, so need to fill that. It also has a new 3 core radiator, so hopefully it will stay cool. Once it is running, my relatives told me the transmission is noisy, and one of the main reasons it was parked in '75, so once I determine whether it is a Toploader or a T-10, I need to start on the rebuild. The rear axle should have new seals and possibly bearings, and I will check the bearings up front. While I am checking the bearings up front, I can find out why all the brake fluid leaked out and wound up on the floor under the left front wheel. It does have a new single reservoir master cylinder, and hopefully new calipers, pads, etc. I don't think much was done with the front suspension, so I will check over everything. While washing it today, I had the pleasure of discovering the dreaded cowl leak on the drivers side. Passenger side was ok. The drivers side might also be influenced by the large mouse nest that was inside the vent tube. Thus the reason I spent a half hour vacuuming mouse nuggets up from everywhere in the interior. A quick glance at the wiring did not show any missing/chewed wires via rodents. I am on the lookout for a nice set of the spinner style hubcabs for a '65 that it originally came with. Right now it has a set of '66 hubcaps. Many other little detail things will need to be done, but I will get to those as time allows. I just want to get it back on the road and take it for a drive.
I plan on keeping it relatively stock, as I like the original look. I might add a set of 15" or 16" rims and tires in the future, but that is about it.
Again, thanks for all of the information and insight about things to look for with our classics, and I hope to add to that information some day. Hopefully my picture works...........

Mike

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NIce ride an welcome to the forums.... im sure your gonna get any questions you have answered here...

 

Hi and welcome! good lookin car! about the seat belts, If you're going to drive the car often I recommend new seat belts in the front (possibly with shoulder harness) and then put the old seatbelts in the back for the kid! (or wife ! ) Thats just my opinion, I put harnesses in and the old seat belts in the back so my friends could ride along and not die

 

I got some 3 point fromt belts in mine that are workin fine sumtimes they slip off you sholder but i think i might get some 4 pointer in eventually... i like to go fast

 

welcome. looks like a good deal ya got there, she's a beaut! what are your plans? you gonna keep it stock?

 

The list I made above is the way my Grandfather ordered the car. He paid $3,500 for it optioned the way it was. Unfortunately, he did not order seat belts. I would like to put 4 lap belts in it, and call it good enough. I don't plan on trying to impress anyone with racing or top speed, so lap belts should be enough.

I had wanted this car since I was 10, 26 years ago! I had begged and pleaded with my Grandparents to sell me the car, let me fix it, have someone else fix it, etc. My grandmother finally had enough of me bringing the subject up in the mid '90's, and paid another relative to start a restoration on it. Since my Grandma paid the money for this, everyone agreed she had the say in what happened to the car. Just before she passed away two years ago, she had told a few of the relatives that I was to have the car. My relatives wanted to honor her wishes. This car has alot of family history behind it, and that is the whole reason I want to keep that history alive. My Mom and Dad used this car to go to movies and dances while they were dating in the late 60's, and other family members have similar memories of this car. It's just a shame that it had to sit and rot for 20 years before anyone did anything with it.

Clutch, I had written up above that I planned on keeping it stock, except the possibility of adding some 15 or 16 inch rims and tires in the future. Now you know why I would like to keep it as close to original as possible, while still adding a few things to make it a better driver.

 

that's awesome. it's cool to have something that means that much to so many!

i wish you the best of luck on your resto. also, this is just my opinion but, i like the look of the 14's with some meaty tires on them just looks better on the first few years is all. i'm sure the 15's won't be too bad, but the 16 may be a little tall. it is your car so what you want is what you get. just figured i'd give ya my opinion. it'll be sweet none that less (just as long as you don't do one of those flip flop paint jobs![:'(] LOL!!)

 

[sm=jawdrop.gif] Welcome to the site. That is a great car you have...good job keeping it stock