Im going to look at a 64 1/2 tomorrow and want to know the key areas to check out. All I know what to check for is major frame rust, make sure the body isnt 90% bondo, and just general condtion of the inside metal. I was just wondering if there are problem areas in this year that I should be sure to check out. Its been awhile since I was in the classic car scene and I am very excited to get back into it. Thanks for any info.

 

Old trick is to take a magnet, and go around the qtr panel at the wells. If it's all metal, then you will know. Floor pans are another place to look, but kinda hard to tell without seeing them.

 

Areas to check for "common" rust on mustangs:

Front End:
-wheel flares on fender.
-cowl vent
-Fender apron under battery (passenger side)

Middle:
-Bottom door corners (if facing the door, the bottom left and bottom right corner).
-Rocker panels

Rear:
-Rear quarter panel area (right behind the rear wheels). Very very common spot for rust as water will run into trunk and sit in this area.
-trunk

You'll also want to check the water channels on the roof for rust. If theres a vinyl top you'll want to check the vinyl top/roof area for bubbling/crunchy noises as there will most likely be rust.

A good way to guesstimate the condition of the floor pans is to know the condition of the cowl vents. If the cowls leak (pour water into them and watch) then chances are the floor pans will be rusted through. You can also just pull the carpet back and check the floor pans by hand.

The best way to check the frame is to get underneath the car and see things yourself. The most common areas for rust on frame rails are the front end and rear end areas. I personally have a lot of rust on the front passenger side frame rail right behind the bumper brace bracket. I've seen several mustangs with the rear end frame rails rusted pretty badly, as far as how or why theyre rusted i do not know.


I hope this information helps, best of luck!
-

 

Thanks for all the info, I will let you all know how it goes today.