I've been watching the shows for years and dreaming of the day I'd be able to restore a Mustang. My wife finally made it happen. She bought a '69 Coupe 351W 4V w/FMX for $2000.00 (Running, but rusty) and gave it to me for Christmas without my knowledge....total surprise. I wasn't sure about it for the price...since it is running was very afraid there would be major body problems, but I got started stripping it last weekend and it isn't as bad as I expected. All the rust seems to be cosmetic. This is my first resto/mod though so would value any opinions or advice.

All the skins have rust damageas doboth doors. I've decided that since she got the car for a good price, I'll replace all the exterior skins with repro parts. I live in the Dallas area, so Dallas Mustangs is close by, I will save on shipping that way.Also, I haveaverage (For an Amateur)welding skills so I think I can do all this myself. The frame rails look good, the floorpans are rusted out, but the firewall looks okay and the rocker panels are solid. The battery apron will need to be replaced, but the rest of the clip seems okay to me. I believe that one of the torque boxes (Passenger)may need to be replaced though. I'm not sure how involved that is.

Anyway, here are some pics, I'm sure I'll be back with a million questions. If there is anybody in the DFW area who is restoring a '69, I'd like to look at how it's going, if possible and maybe pick your brain. Thanks.

 

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Newbs.....I'll try again.

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So let me understand this...you have a wife who not only bought you a classic Mustang as a surprise, but she managed tobuy a running 351 in decent shape for $2,000? You've got it good pal. I'd like to know where she found the car and where you found someone like her.
Welcome, and if you've got a million questions you'll probably find a million answers here. I see you have the same common little rust problem I had where the bumper mounts join the frame rail. Mine cleaned up fine with a wire wheel and sandpaper. Even though there was some pitting I just primed them with Rustoleum and repainted them with Rustoleum 7777 Satin Black.

 

Yeah, she's a keeper....and the wife is okay too. Been married 22 years found her in High School, first time she's done anything cool like this, but I have to admit it was pretty cool. She bought the car from a teenager who had decided it was too much for him to deal with. He wanted $3700, she got him down to $2250, then it wouldn't start (Battery dead) and she was going to haveto have it towed homeso she offered him $2000 and he took it.

About the rust thanks ,for the advice. I am looking around for a cheap engine hoist/cherry picker and I'm going to pull the engine/tranny, then I'm going to start working on the front clip/engine bay. I have a few specific questions, but will save them for another thread. I'm not looking for a concourse restoration, the car wouldn't be worth it (Coupe). I'm looking to clean it up enough that it looks nice, but I still want to feel okay driving it even if it is raining out. My main concern is that it is solid, and that it runs.

 

if the tranny is still in good shape then use it. if youre going to have to rebuild it just throw it away. the fmx tranny is a boat anchor.

 

Good idea replacing all the metal. Get a good foundation before you start building other areas up (suspension, brakes, etc)...

 

Thanks, I was wondering about the FMX. I can't find any info on it. I was thinking of doing an AOD conversion, since I'm going to have it torn down anyway.