I recently sold my 03 mustang gt because i needed a truck. well needless to say i missed my mustang and was itching for another one. My next door neighbor has had a 66 mustang coupe with a 289 in his backyard for about 12 years now. I always asked him for it and finally the other day we went and ran through the car. It does need quite a bit of restoration. I am new to classic mustangs, and i am inexperienced mechanically but eager to learn. I am more worried about the body work which i have no experience in. I am just wondering if you guys know any helpful books, websites, or videos that can help me out.

thanks

 

welcome!
http://www.haynes.com/products/productID/156
i have this book ('cept its from 1979) but this book has never steered me wrong.

also the faq (http://midnightdsigns.com/james/FAQs.htm) has tons of sites. ya body work is the biggest problem. watch for rust in the rear quarter panels, floor panels and also if you wanna check the cowl (which is probably rusted through) you can pour water in it but unless he got that done it probably does look like swiss cheese.

frankly when i started on my car i had absolutely no skill to speak off. the cars are pretty simple to work on and the more you work on em the easier it tends to get.

 

thanks for the advice i will definitely check out those web sites.

 

some of those sites are down but usually anyone here will know answers to specific questions or your questions. usually can find plenty of other sites

 

IMO, get the factory manual. The haynes manual covers too many models and too many years to be truly helpful.

 

body work is pretty easy its just practice. be sure to check the trunk and floor pans for any parts that might have rusted thru. a couple questions tho. do you know how to weld? do you have a garage to work in? plenty of posts describing what kind of tools people prefer to use and their techniques on body work tho.

 

Hey Mustanggt9589,

Not sure if you're planning on doing all of the body work yourself, but a friend of mind started up a classic restoration body shop up here in Mass. He does awesome work, and at the moment his rate is $30 per hour, not including materials. He redid my floors, framerails and torque boxes and the came out great. He just moved to a new shop and I believe he is going to raise his rate to $40 an hour in about a month. I'm sure if you wanted to go this route, you could lock in at $30 per hour. He'll also pick up your car if needed for free.

Anyway, here's his site: http://www.tnthotrods.com/

 

I second this. I have both the Haynes manual and the shop manual. The shop manual is much more helpful and specific. I got my shop manual on CD so I can print whatever pages I need and take them to the garage without having to worry about getting grease all over a book.

I also recommend this http://www.amazon.com/Mustang-Restor...6395030&sr=8-1 it has a lot of good info. The only downfall is that the pictures are in black and white.

 

I agree. Haynes and Chilton are abbreviated, often leaving out steps. Step 1- remove heater. Step 2 - Install heater.

The Ford manual covers one year, and goes into excruciating detail on everything, even things the aftermarket books don't cover at all. Much reference on specifications. Worth every penny.

 

DAMN. I should send my stuff there and mark it up. I could still charge 75/hr and make tons of money without doing anything ! lol That's guys rent must be really low.