What to look for in 66 vert project?

[palerider94]

Have had a couple mustangs now and know where to look for some of the common troublespots (cowl, frame rails, etc). Actually replaced a cowl and floors in one of my cars. Have not had any expereince with convertibles. In speaking to owner on the phone he mention cowl and pans where rusted as well as needing rockers. But frame rails were solid and that he has done a lot of work already - some mechanical and some body (blasted engine bay, replaced tail light section, trunk drop offs). Top is suppose to good and it runs. Finishing my Boss Tribute and my daughter likes 65/66. Might make a good college graduation gift. She starts this year - so I got a while. I can get the car pretty cheap wants $2k.


I've heard you have to look out for sagging and other trouble spots on convertibles. Would appreciate some advice on what to look for. I'll take my camera and post some pics.

thanks

 

[noroof66]

Looks like you covered it. I know rear pans and trunk could be more susceptible to rust if top is leaking.

 

[dmoody]

I've been working on a 68 convertible the past 2-3 years. The biggest problem I've found is the rain gutter rusts out and water pours off the top into the trunk and quarter panel areas. I've had to replace the floor panels, inner rockers, outer wheelwells, quarter panels and the trunk floor. The inner rockers are really difficult to replace. They have as many welds as the cowl only in a much harder place to access in my opinion. You can see pictures of the work my father and I have done here:

David and Alisa's Photos : 68 Convertible

david

 

[70vert]

Cowl rust and rocker rust = $$

I think you just mentioned the two most expensive areas in a convertible project or Mustang project in general. Rocker panel work is expensive - if it's outer rocker panels, it's even worse. Try to find a better candidate if you can . . .

 

[65Rob]

I have a 65 vert, you have to look pretty much everywhere for rust. I've replaced almost everything on it, if the inner rockers are toast and have been for a while the top of your door will start to overlap the quarter. Torque boxes should be checked, wheel houses, floors. You really need it on a lift to get a good sense of what all is going on with it.