New Project! 65 289 vert

[02MGGT]

I've been doing this project in my head for years but it took a few to acquire a garage and enough extra cash to get started.

Long story short... My dad bought it new in June 1965 and stopped driving it in January 1972. It has been sitting in his garage ever since.

It was stolen in 1967 and the perps overheated the engine (cracked the block). The short block was replaced.

Towed it 500 miles to my house last weekend and, now, finally, this project is for real. I'm not new to Stangnet, I used to lurk a lot over on the 4.6 modular board, but I am new to the classics. I've learned a ton in the short time I've been over on this side.

Please bear with me as I learn the ropes of rebuilding (and modding) a classic mustang... :SNSign:

 

[351w_swap]

holy crap, for sitting for the last 30 some years that thing needs some work, especially in the engine bay.

 

[67VertMustang]

Actually, it looks pretty good for sitting for over 30 years! Tons of original parts. Heck, the seats, steering wheel, dash pad, doors, seat belts, glass, and convertible top all look pretty good. Take those crazy floor mats out, spot treat the carpets and clean everything really well and see what has to be redone. As far as the engine bay goes, some degreaser, a wire brush, and some paint will go a long way. If you plan on rebuilding or modifying the engine for high performance, wait until the engine is pulled to paint.
If you want to see what the current engine will do, don't try to start it until you change all fluids and filters and "prime" the system with oil up top and hand turn it. The radiator is probably filled with rust and silt, but can be "rodded and repaired" by any radiator shop. I upgraded to a larger 3-core repro. Someone here has the proper and complete procedure for starting a car that has been sitting forever.
Keep every part that you take off or replace. I sold all my old stuff on eBay and paid for most of the new stuff I wanted. Those crazy thoroughbred show car guys will buy almost any original part and fix it up.
Super cool car and a great family history. Think of what you want to do and talk to good old Dad and see what he thinks about your plans. You know, if he kept it all these years, in the back of his mind it is may still be "his car." Good luck with the project!

 

[danny clemens]

Congratulations on your car. It looks like it is a very straight and solid project. If it were mine I'd keep it close to stock and keep all parts that I exchanged. It's not everyday that you find a car that original. Good luck and somebody here should be able to answer any questions that you may have with the restoration.

 

[02MGGT]

All good advice, thanks. It is in pretty good shape for what it is.

The car is still my dad’s, it is going back to him when I’m done. Sort of my way of saying thanks for all he’s done for me over the years…

This car will be driven, and will stay in the family for as long as I’m alive, so I would like to update some things – mild engine build-up, front suspension, RP steering, discs front and rear. That is about it. Will keep the transmission and rear end for now (if they are still good). I will also probably keep most of the original take-off parts (provided I can find a good hiding spot from my wife).

 

[68conv4sp]

Nice, straight, manual trans, vert. 3 or 4 speed?

 

[enferno]

how much was she?

 

[02MGGT]

Nice, straight, manual trans, vert. 3 or 4 speed?

it has the 4 speed.

how much was she?

she was free! it's a family car...

 

[enferno]

she was free! it's a family car...

best price ever!