Hi there,
I am new to these forums - 1st post! I am about to buy a 65 Mustang, and waswondering what things I should look out for - eg signs of impending maintenance costs/engine rebuilds/gearbox failures etc...I have done a bit of a search, and i couldn't find too much - are there any other posts like this, or if someone could point me in the right direction it would be very much appreciated! Similarly, if there are opinions about which make/model to get this would also be of great help!
Thanks again

Dave

 

It kind of depends what condition it's in. If you're buying a show-room car, most of your concerns will be on the options and what's original / what's not, as well as matching codes.

If you're buying something that needs work, definately check out the floor pans (lift the carpet in the front and back, check for rust), seams between the body panels (the doors should line up with the fenders, etc.), the bottoms of the doors and fenders (run your fingers over the paint to see if it's rippled - a good sign that rust / rot may be covered up), and DEFINATELY the cowls (the vent area in front of the windshield - if they'll let you, pour half a gallon of water into it and see if it leaks out below the dash inside the car). Finally, just check for the normal transmission / oil / coolant leaks.

That'll get you started, others can elaborate more.

 

rust rust and rust are the worse things.theres 2 ways you can do a mustang restore it back to showroom everything matching the door tag or go nuts and do it like you want. good luck take your time try to find one with little or no rust its cheaper in the long run.

 

Welcome Dave,

It would probably be easier if you posted a few photos of the car you're about to buy... from that we could give you some ideas on where to look closer.