Beginning Restoration

[68P51]

I've been waiting for a long time and I'm finally about to send my car to the body shop for the first phase of restoration after it's been sitting for 10 years. It needs both rear quarter panels which are buckled from when it was hit from behind. The decklid is going to need some fiberglass work, and one of the doors was hit earlier and has a repro skin on it which is very thin and flimsy. The other door has the typical rust bubbles in the lower front. I don't have the #s matching engine and transmission so I'm not too concerned about originality but I want it to be good quality when it's done. What should I do about replacing these parts? Is it worth it to buy new repro parts or should I go on the hunt for a parts car and cut it up? Over on the vintage mustang forum it just seems to be an argument about which brand of repo parts is best. What about punching out the holes for the California Special script? Or would it be okay to just drill it? Thanks for any advice.

 

[rvrtrash]

I would see if there is any way possible to save the quarters by pulling them out. If the shop has a frame machine and can shrink metal, they might be able to do it. I'd use a donor car if they can't save them. It seems most of the repop quarters are for a '67. For the doors, I'd probably look for a pair of rust free originals and put them on both sides. I'm not a big fan of aftermarket panels. I think the debate is still going on as to whether the script holes were punched or drilled from the factory. If you do have to replace the quarters, I think drilling would be fine, just make sure you get the orientation correct.

Steve

 

[6t8-390gt]

Your public profile doesn't say where you are located, but if you are in a region of the country to find good original parts I would use those as a first choice. Reproduction parts often require alot of work to ensure a good fit. If you are paying a shop to do the work labor rates may cost more than pay 2-3 times as much for NOS.

Good luck with the project.

Danny

 

[68P51]

Thanks. I'm in Texas so the salt hasn't gotten most of them but they still rust. I may have located a parts car. Still have to find out what shape it's in.

Here's the current list my dad came up with.

Body:
Need right now:

Both Rear Quarters

Gas Tank (beat up all over)

Left rear fender end cap (GTCS specific)

Left frame rail over rear end

Lower Valance

Rear bumper

Repair fiberglass deck lid



Later… but needed to complete rear

Rear Shelby taillight panel (fiberglass)

Pair of complete taillights

Lower rear window trim



Later… for front end:

Both headlight buckets (front fender ends)

Lower/side grill trim

Front bumper

Front lower valance

Battery box



Windshield

Lower windshield trim

Roof rail trim



Repair:

Left door - rust

Rust-proof paint all over



Order at last min:

All rubber

Stripe trim kit





Interior:

All dash trim

Dash cap

A/C?

Steering column (bad shaft splines at steering wheel)

Full re-wire

Seats, panels, carpet, hardware, seatbelts

More………



Front suspension:

Your decision – I have Mustang II available (will need brake upgrade)

Power steering?



Rearend:

Gear ratio?

Bearings?

Brakes?



Engine/trans:

Your decision…..

Exhaust

Radiator



Wheels/tires:

 

[franklinair]

Many of the items you mention are on E-bay. Recently I've seen the tail light panel, and lights. Also the headlight buckets. Happy shopping.

Neil Hoppe

 

[rvrtrash]

Many of the items you mention are on E-bay. Recently I've seen the tail light panel, and lights. Also the headlight buckets. Happy shopping.

Neil Hoppe

Hey Neil, have you seen any original tail light panels and what they are going for? I have one hanging on my wall and am curious what they're worth now.

Steve

 

[66hcs-conv]

There is a big salvage yard SW of Phoenix, west of Casa Grande, AZ that has quite a few 60's Mustangs. I can't find his card, but he advertises in Hemmings. South west auto salvage ??? Desert auto salvage ????
Sorry, not much to go on.

Have fun, Dave

 

[PFSlim]

Been there, done that, and bought a the T-Shirt from Tim!!!!

Paul

 

[franklinair]

Haven't seen any original tail lite panels lately. I recall seeing/reading about a metal panel now available, but kinda pricey. Can't remember where. Perhaps clubpro would know.

Neil

 

[calspecialchic]

Are you looking to make this a show car and therefore want near perfect parts or are you trying to just finish a car so it is a decent looking driver? If it is the latter, I may have some parts for you. I have a front and rear bumper, both tailight bezels, but only one tailight, right lower dash trim (new).
These are parts I took off and replace for my restoration but it depends on the condition you want.
My front bumper is very nice with only a few scratches. But it is rusty on the inside.
Rear bumper has no dings, but has rust spots on the underside where the holes are.
The light bezels are pitted and the lenses have inside cracks.

 

[68P51]

Thanks for the info. I want to make it a good 3-4 day a week driver. It was hard to find a decent parts car for a good price so we placed a big order with NPD a few weeks ago. It's in the body shop now and should be out in a few months. I just read the thread on the repro quarter panels not being right, I hope they gave us the correct one.