First time buyer, what to ask/checkout on a 65

[Savage]

Hey all, names Justin, I'm a welder at a metal shop. I've been looking to get a project 65 mustang for a while now, always checkin out ebay, craigslist, blah blah... I don't have much money at the moment, getting married/baby on the way so I'm looking for something cheap. Alright enough about that.

The reason I'm posting is to see if I could get some opinions on this 1965 Mustang I found on craigslist. What questions should I ask, what should I be looking for, what do you think I could offer, all that good stuff.

Looks like there are 2 posts for same car:
1965 Ford Mustang
1965 MUSTANG V8 MOTOR

Appreciate your time checkin my post, thanks!

 

[Mike65]

Justin first of all welcome to NYM. As far as what to check 1) check the cowl, pour water in the outside air vent between the wipers & see if it leaks inside the car. If it does this is a big job to repair. 2) Check the front frame rails for any rot. 3) Check the rear frame rails especially where the spring shackles bolt up, this is a common bad spot for rot. Ask him what was done to the floors. Maybe ponyboy289 will chime in here as he has a lot of knowledge on the 65/66's. The 3 I mentioned are what I could think of. Bring cash & I would offer $800.00.

 

[ROUSH 4]

Welcome to NYM...........

 

[NOBHAVIN]

Welcome Aboard!!!!

 

[Cobra Esq]

Can't help you on your quest, but

 

[adkmach1]

Welcome to NYM. I agree with Mike 65, especially about the frame rails also check rear wheel wells and trunk area. Have you any done any body work and motor work before, if not it can cost a lot of money farming all that work out.

 

[mabcim]

Welcome. Mike65 summed it up the best. There are many other things to look at to help pick a price, but those are the worst areas. He said some floor pan work was done. Why only some? Is that all it needed, or he didn't finish it yet?
Either way, as adkmach1 said, hope you have done body work before; that is where you will be spending a lot of time. The pictures make it look good, but seeing it up close will expose MUCH more.

 

[Savage]

Appreciate all the responses so far. Think I've got a date next weekend to check it out.

As for doing body/engine work on a car I don't have too much experience. But I'm always taking apart, fixing and putting back together machinery so I can't see it being too difficult for me. And if it is, I enjoy a challenge. Gotta start somewhere right?

 

[ponyboy289]

Hello and welcome,
I would go along with what Mike said. Additionally I would look at the doors, quarters,etc. Although these things are not structural, if they need replacement ( which they probably will) are you prepared from a time and financial standpoint. Basically when I look at an old stang I crawl stem to stern underneath and look for anything suspect ( aka rotted or improperly repaired) . Something to consider from a budget standpoint if you were looking to build the car as a v8 ,it appears to have 4 lugs currently. In order to build it properly and safely you will have to convert to v8 5 lug stuff all around ( front spindles, tie rods, pitman arm,idler arm, center link, Transmission,rear,etc. ) This stuff is not the end of the world but the parts and $ can start to add up quickly. For what it's worth the inline 6 is a great little motor if you want to cruise and have fun.