Hello all, I'd like to introduce myself to the forums and tell you all that I'm going to venture forth on a '65 Mustang restoration! I'm only 16 but I'll make enough money to afford some good equipment over the summer. I have not officially purchased the vehicle, but it's soon to be in my hands. Anyway, Its a 6-cyl auto (for now) and has a not so great silver paint job. The rust is not beyond repair; it has 3 spots in the cab with small holes rusted through, minor surface rust in various spots underneath, and very small spots of rust which made thier way through the paint on top. There are a few very small dents on the roof and hood, but other than that this body is in good shape. I'm pretty sure I have the seller talked down to $1,500 from $1,900 because I noticed the badly rusted parts by taking up the carpet a little. So there ya have it, if there's anything yall would like to tell me about the transaction or anything else I should be checking for please do so. I'd also appreciate it if anyone knows the best way for me to aquire a 289 or 302 engine, four speed manual transmission, and a good place to pick up the other goodies like radiators or window gaskets. Thanks in advance!

 

i don't have any advice except have fun and good luck

 

First off, [sm=welcomesign.gif] to the forum. Next, if you can pick it up for less than 2 grand, U got a deal, even with all the rust and stuff.

Be prepared to shell out a bucket of $$$$$ to do an I6 to V8 swap. There are a lot of things that have to be changed out including the entire suspension.

[sm=signs003.gif]

 

Plus about 5 grand for rust/body work and repaint job.

 

Hello, and welcome to the hobby!

First of all - you'd be much better off just buying a V8 car if you want a V8 - plain and simple. If I were you, I'd be happy with the straight six. You're going to sink way more money into that car (by doing a V8 swap) than it's worth.

As for parts - pick up copies of Mustang Monthly and Mustang&Fords magazines. They're loaded with ads from all the big parts vendors.

Rust: if it's a little spot bubbling up through the paint - it's likely a huge patch of cancer on the other side of the panel. Don't shrug off "just a spot here and there." If the floors are rusty, then you're most likely in for a costly cowl repair. Not wanting to be the voice of doom... Just know what you're getting into, and be sure it's worth your hard-earned money before you buy. Good luck!

 

Yeah, Dan is right on the money. Rust in and on these old cars is the most costly repairs you can get into. That I200 6 banger is a real tough engine, and if you don't care about a lot of power, it will be great for a daily driver. You can also get a butt load of aftermarket parts to make it go fast.

 

Thanks for the replies and advice! I actually planned on having a friend do/show me how to do the rust repair since he went to Wyoming tech for auto body repair, so that will cost me little or nothing. I appreciate the advice on keeping the stock 6 cylinder in it, but I really want to switch to a beefy 289. It's really hard to find this car in my area, especially one that hasn't been restored yet, so finding one with an 8 cylinder would be extremely tough. As far as the deal is going, after the guy had a night to decide, he said that he wasn't in enough of a hurry to sell the car for $1500 instead of the $1900 asked. So he says he's going to put it in the paper and this is where my dilemma is, I won't have $1900 in another 3 and a half weeks! I'm kinda feeling it slipping through my fingers... Again, thanks for replies.

 

Get 1500 in cash, then walk up to him and offer it. Tell him it is all you have, and will take really good care of the Mustang. I bet he will take it. Nothing like looking at cold hard cash.

 

Welcome!
I'm an advocate of "It's your car, do what you want", but in this case, I would recommend you wait for the V-8 car you are looking for.

Now, that being said, try going onto www.fordsix.com Those guys have all kinds of neat little tricks to hop up the six to get the power of an 8(and some will probably be cheaper than the V-8 conversion).
I'm not trying to persuade you into anything, but I was in your shoes more than once, and I'd hate to see you get discouraged when the cost gets exceedingly high. Did you try ebay or Collector Car Trader? I've seen V-8 cars on there going for about 2 thou or so, besides this will give you a chance to see what the market bears.

Should this guy decide on the 1,500 and you do buy it, good luck on it and by all means, keep us updated and post pics and questions. [sm=signs003.gif]

 

All is well gentlemen, I was able to get the money by begging my dad for a loan and will be picking up the Mustang tonight! My sister is without a car, so she will be driving it for a while. She really likes this car so I have been considering waiting for a V8 to come along and then just let my sister keep this one. I won't be able to do any major work for a while so it seems best to just wait. Thank you all, I'll get some pictures tomorrow hopefully.