. Your thoughts on 64 1/2 Mustang

[68sunlitgold]

Ok, this is off topic as far as a GT/CS but my father in law gave me his '64 1/2 Mustang. It is in tough shape but it is the 2721st Mustang EVER built. The original engine is not in the car but he does have the original.

So, should I attempt to restore it? I am figuring it will cost me at least $30K to do (not concourse correct just driveable). Some of the metal is still good but I was not able to get under it to look at how the entire bottom looks like.

Thanks for your thoughts

Doug

 

[stangfan]

Looks like a lot of work and money involved. I don't think I would do it. Besides, it's not Sunlitgold. :wink:

 

[BigJim]

"Tough shape" is an understatement! If the car means a lot to you and you have the funds and skills go for it.

 

[dalorzo_f]

$30k to driver seems high, but hard to tell level of rust. But it does not look like it would be cheap.

First thing I would do is remove all the clutter, give it a good basic cleaning, and more clearly document :

1. what you have and condition (what's under the hood now? Running? Is it, or other "spare stuff" worth anything?). Do you have a "complete" car or 70%?
2. how much rust repair there really is

After that a better evaluation could be done. But it looks like a big task, but have seen far worse resurrected.... the F code makes it a bit unique.

Also, evaluate the VIN and get an idea of potential value from those in the know. Not sure how much it would add, if any. There is a production guide that can nail down build date fairly accurately off the VIN, do not have a copy.

 

[x-codegtcs]

For a very few, this is a business. To the rest of us it is a money pit hobby. So, I think it comes down to the question of how much this car means to you. I don't know what kind of contacts you have but depending on standard rust - qtrs, outers, floors, fender aprons, and a few other misc areas, you are probably about $5-6K for rust repair and another $3-6 for a driver paint job. Just a guess. Your $30K estimate seems a bit high to me, but I guess it depends on how much you can do on your own and how much to farm out.

If she means something special to you, then go for it... and enjoy!

 

[Midnight Special]

...Just another thought... Where I am, there are a lot of '64.5s and '65s. I know I don't pay that much attention to them and I don't believe they rouse as much curiosity as more unique models. $30K and way less time can get you into something more enjoyable in my (compulsive, impatient and non-restorer) opinion...

 

[CougarCJ]

Unless this car has significant sentimental value, it will be a huge money pit.

Have a look, for 28K you could have this 1965 convertible.
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/3894121226.html

16k would buy this 6 banger.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/3864894755.html

These are just the two that popped up on my local Craig's list under "1965 Mustang convertible"