I'm wanting to buy a 1960's mustang but I'm not really familiar with the cars. I'm wanting a project car for the body work mostly. What kind of problems should I look out for (except for the body and interior damage) should I be looking for? I'm looking at the 302 engine. Which would be better in the long run? 302 or 289? The mustang with the 289 has all matching serials. Any advise would be appreciated!!

 

The first thing is don't get caught dreaming. It's easy to see what a car can be, but we forget to look at the little details. So if you're comfortable with the bodywork then pay close attention to the mechanicals as they may need extra work and then add to the overall cost.

Figure on rust, even in a well cared for car and be omfortable in fixing it, even if its a framerail, rocker, cowl...

302 and 289 are basially the same thing, one isn't really better than the other. As for numbers matching, it depends on how well optioned the car is as to whether or not its worth it to keep it numbers matching and even more importantly its up to your preference. Do you want numbers matching original or do you want more modifications?

 

Besides the normal rust areas, you need to look at frame rails and floorpans and cowls.
If you have a numbers matching car with the 289, it's worth more imo as 289's are getting harder & harder tio find and I personally think the 289's were better motors. They seem to be able to take more punishment than the 302's in terms of RPM's.