Is this a rusted cowl?

[Boki]

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to Mustangs, and I've been actively looking for one for a few months now. I found this mustang that is a couple of hours away so I haven't got the chance to drive out and look at it in person. I got some pictures sent to me but I need y'alls expert advice.

Is the rust found on these pictures the cowl?

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[2+2GT]

That's surface rust. Generally, they rust out from underneath.

 

[Az Pete]

You will only see the rusted cowl from under the dash on a full car. The test is to pour water into both sides of the vent in front of the windshield. If you get water flowing into the inside of the car....you have rusted cowls. BTW, ask the owner before doing the water test.....

 

[DukeGnarley]

don't pour in too much water though, if the drains are a little clogged with pine needles it will over flow the vents and pour in the car, even if the cowl is fine.

 

[tcrote5516]

Yea, your best bet is to bring a flashlight and do some stretches. Getting on your back up under the drivers + passanger side is a PITA but it will be well worth it to know what your getting into.

 

[Pony66]

That rust is from the battery hitting the fan. Then the acid gets sprayed on your engine and hood. Ask me how I know this
Its surface rust like 2+2GT stated. Pretty easy to clean and paint over.

 

[Boki]

Thanks for all the info guys, I really appreciate it. This car is at a Ford dealership in a small town outside of Houston, so I don't think they should have an issue with me doing the water test. I'll bring a bottle of water with me.

@Pony66 - I'm glad you could identify that rust. I couldn't figure out what would cause that. That helps me out a lot.

 

[mudbilly]

how much are they asking for it ?

 

[Boki]

how much are they asking for it ?

$8K. White with red interior 65 Mustang. 96K miles, underdash A/C, original 289, auto, no p/s or p/b. Based on the pictures they sent me the interior is an 8 out of 10.

They were asking $11K in late August when I first inquired about it, but I never made it out there and looked at some Mustangs closer to home. They sent me an e-mail last week asking if I still had interest and they had knocked the price down to $8K. Does that seem like a fair price?

I'm looking to make this a daily driver, so i'm looking at adding power steering and brakes.

 

[Bitter]

I can't tell from the pictures if it is a coupe or a fastback, but either way, $8,000 sounds steep.

 

[Az Pete]

Even for a driver, I would say 5-6000 sounds better.

 

[Boki]

Thanks for the input guys. I hope I can bring them down some if I like the car. It's been sitting on their lot for 2 months now.

It is a coupe. Here are some more pictures for reference:

 

[Capt Dan]

The cowl cover is an indication that the cowl leaks.

Interior has been redone. (the doors have been repainted see the overspray on the weatherstripping)

Outside has been repainted. (obvious overspray in engine compartment)

Check out under the floor mats. Looks like staining from these pics.

Car also once had hood pins installed. See holes in radiator core support and under hood.

My opinion is that the car is rougher than it appears. A quick cosmetic upgrade, possibly to cover up problems in order to sell. Check under the floorboards for rust. Have a mechanic check it out.

Don't pay 8k.