Well, I'm hoping (fingers crossed) to be going out to look at my first prospective classic mustang. It's a '65. I've gotten some advice from friends as to what to look for, but I wanted to see what sort of perspective I got here. My friend recommended
- looking out for floor rust (where exactly do I check?)
- checking out the lower quarter and rocker panels at sharp angles to look for unevenness since this means there could have been alot of body work (what and where is this?)

What other things should be important to look for as problems? Also, what are some things that if in good condition, make it a good buy?

Thanks always to everyone for their advice and guidance. I really appreciate anything I can get.

 

I can only speak from my experirnce...and what I missed, and what I will look for next time. First, bring a flashlight. You'll need it to look under the dash, all the way to the underside of the cowl (where the wipers are mounted to from underneath). Look for rusy and holes here. This is a problem area, and a pain in the behind to fix right. You can also take a gallon jug of water with you and pour it in the cowl from the outside, then look inside the car whee your feet rest and look for water. Also check the floors... it's not too bad if it's just that..the floor... because if it's rusted up the firewall, that get's tough to fix too. Look at the door bottoms. Look behind the rear wheel opening. Look at the front fenders, they are truly bolt on replacements, but nonetheless, still worthy of checking. Look at the frame extensions, front and rear. Bring a screwdriver, and poke around. Hope this helps you....

 

RUST

RUST

and RUST

its the most costly thing to repair and you should try to get the least of it as possible.

aside from that, post some pics here if you can, a picture is worth a thousand words. Makes sure the engine runs and starts well. Look for leaks and damage. Check over and see if things have been "half @$$ed" cuz that usually isnt a good sign for the overall car, from my experience.

 

use a refrigerator magnet to find body damage.

 

you'll know within the first minute of seeing it whether youre going to buy it.You'll connect with the car if its the one for you. That being said, everyone has given you the tips for checking the car itself out. if it seems solid but you feel no attachment to it... dont buy it. youll only regret not waiting for the right one.

Good luck.

 

if she's predominantly solid metal from stem to stern and pretty complete, then I would say she's definitely a good restore car.

rusted out floor boards are relatively easy and not expensive to replace.