Tycoon614

Hey,

I have a question about a 1980 Ford Mustang that my grandparents want to give me; it’s been out of use for about 12 to 15 yearsand needs a good amount of work. I don't know how much it needs though and it will be my first car. Anyway is it easy and relatively cheap to repair? Just in general.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Chopper

That all depends on what needs to be replaced.

Start by removing the spark plugs and squirting motor oil into the cylinders.
Drain the old oil out and replace it with some 10w30.
Change the filter also.
Turn the crank over by hand using a breaker bar until the engine rolls smoothly and things get lubed.
Since you've been charging the battery since this all started you're now ready to crank the engine.Crank the engine until you get oil pressure on the guage and stop.This is assuming there's no gas in the tank to cause the engine to start unexpectedly.
Change the fuel filter and add some gas to the tank.
Get a fire extinguisher and keep it close.
Crank the engine and see if the engine will start on it's own.
No? Pour a little down the carb and crank again.
Keep the fire extinguisher ready.
If it fires you're in luck.

This was all very basic and left out a lot of details but that's it in a nutshell.The rest comes after you get the engine running.Things like the transmission,rear end,wheel bearings,chassis bushings,shocks,interior,electrical system,and body,all come next.

These cars aren't worth a lot so don't go crazy.

96stanGTR

v8 or wat???

mcfarway

Make sure it's not rusted-out first ... don't bother if the doors, quarterpanels or (especially) floorpanels are rusty (it'll never hold together). Chopper did a great breakdown (no pun intended) of seeing if it'll even run ... if you make it that far, don't forget to check/repair/replace the brakes as well.

After 12-15 years of sitting, unless she's pretty I wouldn't take her out (and I've ridden some fugly whips).