1969 Ford Mustang FastBack Rebirth

[Shivers]

Hello Everyone, I am a new Member of Sorts. I have been looking for a active Mustang forum for help and advice on restoring a Original 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback. I will be picking it up this week. The car has been sitting for about 4 years. It has all original parts. Here is my question.

Where should i begin.

The first piece of advice, I got was to get the car running, that way i can enjoy it while i am restoring it. Forget the Cosmetics.

 

[The_Dude]

That's what I'd do as well. Once you have it running and driving you can decide where your priorities lie.

 

[woodsnake]

That's almost right. Get it running safely. If the engine runs, check out the brakes, the fuel tank/lines/carburetor as well as basic engine tune up stuff. Wires, spark plugs points if it still has them etc...
As soon as it is a realiable car again, then you can start looking at upgrades. Or, if your overall plan in fact a resto mod, then as you replace stuff, just go straight for the upgrade. Money will become an issue, as they always seem to cost at least twice what you think it will up front.
Sit down with a paper and pencil, and try to come up with a list of goals, or a "vision" for the car. I hate having a car that is a paper weight. If it isn't at least "yard driveable" it isn't even a car. Post up your location, and some pictures, maybe there is somebody near by that is working on something similar and can help.

 

[candphall]

Well Woodsnake what a novel idea. I am currently getting a 69 fastback on the road and live in the land of Disney . Orlando Fl. , maybe shivers is right down the road.

 

[Falcon79]

Get it running, find your inspiration for what you want. Make a goal list that will bring your inspiration to life. Start the work where your talent lies, enjoy!

 

[StreetsideStig]

Well, the first thing you need to do is post some pictures we can ogle.

But no, I agree with these guys. Once you get it running, you can decide what things bother you the most, and prioritize them that way. Then take care of the things that are only going to get worse: serious rust, mechanical issues, suspension.

Welcome to Stangnet!

 

[NasaGT]

Welcome to Stangnet!

Lots of good advice above. Post pics and evaluate the car, safety items first. Go from there.

 

[65fastbackresto]

I also welcome you to Stangnet, great group of car guys here. I never could have forseen the issues I got into when I got this car 5 years ago, but everytime I got stuck I got great advice on how to get myself rolling again.

 

[mustangmike6996]

as mentioned about, there is a ton of great info on this site. I have a 69 fastback that i am restoring currently. i have had it for 10 years actually.. but it kept getting put on the back burner for more important things like college, having a kid, and joining the good old USMC. i knock a little bit off the list every time i make it back home.

these are some things to consider:

-look at your long term goal for the car (as someone else stated).. there is no point spending money on lets say rebuilding a trans for the time being if you plan on converting it to auto or upgrading it.

-take it one step at a time. dont get in over your head.

-familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your specific car. do your research!!! tinker around but pay close attention to how it came apart. take pictures during removal and disassembly so you know what you are doing a few months down the road when you put it back together. maybe get a haynes manual or something along those lines to reference.

-mark every nut and bolt you remove, put it in a ziplock bag and write with perm marker where it goes.

-keep track of how much you spend and what you are willing to keep spending

-dont get discouraged.... sometimes it gets pretty overwhelming jumping head first into a large project.

 

[Shivers]

I Live on the East Coast, Boston to be exact. This Car was my Great Uncles Car and it has a lot of Value to Me! Cant wait to Get the Hood Open and Start Tinkering Away!

Im going to use a Auto Company in Taunon that Specializes in Muscle Cars to get it Road Ready... and then.... well... look for as many original parts to fix up the exterior with!!! Im excited!!!

 

[boss_302]

Hello Everyone, I am a new Member of Sorts. I have been looking for a active Mustang forum for help and advice on restoring a Original 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback. I will be picking it up this week. The car has been sitting for about 4 years. It has all original parts. Here is my question.

Where should i begin.

The first piece of advice, I got was to get the car running, that way i can enjoy it while i am restoring it. Forget the Cosmetics.

welcome to the forum there is a 69 mustang forum http://www.1969stang.com/mustang/forum/index.php quite a few 69 car getting restored on there

 

[Platonic Solid]

Before you spend a dime on anything, do a thorough structural rust inspection. This is an absolute first step must. I've seen classics that look like trailer queens on the surface, but with structural rust issues that make them seriously dangerous to drive.