Who knows vintage Mustangs?

[wilnj]

So my Father in Law turns 80 this year.

He had a 65 Mustang coupe, 6 cyl which he sold before getting drafted. After being discharged, it was college, career, marriage, kids.

My father in law isn't a car guy, but he mentions his car every now and again. My west coast based brother in law wants to buy him "his" car back. He found this one here on the east coast and was asking my thoughts on it.

https://meritcars.org/1966-ford-mustang-2567


I don't know much about vintage cars but I know this one looks rough around the edges but then again, my father in law would probably be afraid to drive a garage queen.

I don't see him doing much more than an occasional trip Stewart's Root Beer with my Mother in Law.

What say the experts?

[asphaltgambler]

Rust in the floorpan and torque boxes and most everywhere else. You can buy a Marti report which will by VIN, give you what it was born with. A thorough PPI on structure / paint is needed

[unclebilly]

Well, I just bought a 66 mustang barn find a few weeks ago and drove it home nearly 800 miles.

That car in the photo is a 66 like mine.

They handle poorly, the 6 cyl gets incredible fuel economy. Parts are CHEAP and available. That price seems more than fair for that car.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Rust in the floorpan and torque boxes and most everywhere else. You can buy a Marti report which will by VIN, give you what it was born with. A thorough PPI on structure / paint is needed

I dunno, Its priced under $15k... thats a bargain.

The only thing that jumps out at me is the hood fit looks poor and that welded in floor patch which is easily replaced if you wanted to.

That rear bumper is around $200 if you want to replace it.

I would have bought that one instead of mine.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Rust in the floorpan and torque boxes and most everywhere else. You can buy a Marti report which will by VIN, give you what it was born with. A thorough PPI on structure / paint is needed

Google says the 65-66 coupes didn’t get torque boxes and the floor is any easy check for me.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

I dunno, Its priced under $15k... thats a bargain.

The only thing that jumps out at me is the hood fit looks poor and that welded in floor patch which is easily replaced if you wanted to.

That rear bumper is around $200 if you want to replace it.

I would have bought that one instead of mine.

For an 80 year old who’s not a car guy do you think it would be more problematic for the occasional ice cream run?

[RANDY P]

Looks good to me.

Time isn't on your side so...

rjp

[pwd72s]

lots of knowledge here:

https://mustang.org/ Perhaps give the guy a membership along with the car...

Car in the ad looks good...is there a way you can see before buying?

[unclebilly]

Here is a photo I took of mine on the way home…

Seriously, it’s cheap enough, looks good, and is serviceable as it. Buy it now so he can enjoy it.

[BK911]

I have a 65 that I am considering selling.
Original 289 on pallet.
270hp 306 crate engine installed.
Auto, PS, AC. AC not installed.
New suspension steering and brakes including front power disc brake conversion.
More than $15k though!
Just north of $20k, but it's practically new underneath.
No rust. None.
Burgundy over black.

[911boost]

I have had my '66 6cyl since 1991, bought it from the original owner.

Wonder if there is an issue with the steering, but the parts in the picture are V8 parts, not the 6cyl versions and would not work with the spindles currently on the car. I am swapping all mine to V8 parts to fit the Granada spindles and SN95 disc brakes currently going on as my son want to drive it and I wants discs on the car.

The passenger side or door has been repainted at some point as it doesn't look like it matches. I would check the rear quarters for mud as they rust out there and wheel wells.

Overall it looks fairly stock (minus the radiator) and clean, fixing the floors is not an issue at all.

Like UB all of the parts are available. Is your FIL on the west coast or east?

[matthewb0051]

I'm not digging the halo headlights on the OP Mustang. Anyone else notice?

[Scott Douglas]

With that radiator fill sitting so low relative to the rest of the top tank, I can't see how that cooling system would ever work well.
Does your FIL have a place to store it when not in use?

Yeah, I saw the funny headlights but didn't want to sound off about them not being to spec.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by 911boost

Is your FIL on the west coast or east?

FIL is east coast and by that, I stress coast since he lives on Barnegat Bay in NJ. Even his galvanized steel doors have rusted.

My BIL is west coast so he’s enlisted my help in the search.

[Scott Douglas]

I'd suggest your BIL find a west coast car and drive it out east. You'll know then that it's OK for your FIL to drive.

By the way, those 6-cyl non-power steering cars had really slow steering boxes in them.

[911 Rod]

That and a CAA membership and he will be smiling!

[911boost]

I would not spend the extra $ on a west coast car if where he lives rusts everything. If that is the case, I'd get something that isn't a creampuff, like the one you posted.

And yes, someone needs to kill those headlights with extreme prejudice.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

That and a CAA membership and he will be smiling!

Nah… just insure with Hagerty and get the Hagerty Club membership so you get roadside assistance. Cheaper and tows further than CAA.

It’s not going to go down in value and even making it perfect (after he’s done with it) will only increase its value.

[911boost]

Also, if well maintained that 200ci will run forever.

[Dixie]

Granted, I'm no mustang expert, but the giant hole in the floorpan would make me pass on the car. Especially since the floors appear to have been already replaced/patched at some point. The fresh undercoating also makes me wonder what they're hiding. They even sprayed it on top of the fuel tank (trunk floor).