65-68 200cu Mustang... reliable.. daily driver?

mtiso · Apr 14, 2004

Ok gyus here is the deal,
I just sold my new (2003) Ford Focus and even though I did not want to by another Ford product.. I just like the 60's Mustangs (from the looks).

I want to invest about $8000 in a VERY nice condition 65-68 200 cu inch 3 spd. The car must not have any rust or body patches, and preferably should be all original. I intend to use that car as a dayli driver. The ride should not be boat like, rather controlled, performance is not an issue at all... not lookiing for a quick car. The car must not drip ANY oil, should feel tight and solid.
Is that to much I imagine here for $8k? Or are there plenty of cars out there for that money? The car must be reliable... I was thinking that on old cars there are less parts.. thus less can break...? Does that hold true for the Mustang?

I have never driven one... do they drive decent? Considering I would do a suspension upgrade? How is the steering on an old car like that?

Alternatively there would be : 61-63 Corvair, 76-82 Mercedes 450SLC

Thanks for your input

65fastback2+2 · Apr 14, 2004

id get ya a v8 for 8 grand. Shoot if u seriously want the 200cu though 8 grand will get you a fully restored perfect coupe, or a 90% 200cu vert. Id get the v8 for 8 grand though, I just bought a 5 grand v8 thats gonna be my daily driver for college.

As far as old, shoot, you just jump under the hood and work on em, less does break as older cars require alot more to bust, but also require more to get right. My grand pa had a $500 inline 6 4spd 1 ton truck, and for 2 years I dumped the clutch and tried to mess something up on it but couldnt.

Get one with ac, ps (which has quicker ratio settering) and disk brakes.

I still say get the v8.

Rent-A-Racer · Apr 14, 2004

In my opinion, 90% + early Mustangs have had rust repair. It's a fact of life. Unless the car was in Arizona or New Mexico it's entire life, it gonna have rust repair. (even if it's very minor.)
Ford did not built these cars with the intent that they would be around almost 40 years later. (even if they wanted to, it wouldn't be cost effective.) My point being, looking for an orginal panel car for a "daily driver" is unrealistic. If you found one, it shouldn't be a daily driver. (And if it is indeed an "original panel" car, your not gonna get it for 8 grand, regardless of the drivetrain specs.

Others may feel differently, this is ,JMHO.
Good luck in your search!!!

TheWolf · Apr 14, 2004

You should be able to get a VERY good I6 (already restored) for that money.
Given what you want out of it, I disagree with 65fastback2+2. The I6 makes a better daily driver in my opinion, better milage, easier access to everything under the hood, and generally smoother.

I6 or V8:
Classic cars are easier to fix yourself in general. A few other things not mentioned that you'd probably want to do (if it hasn't already been done): get rid of the points (either with a Duraspark II unit or one that just replaces the points) and if its a 65, put in a duel master cylinder (kinda goes along with disc brakes).

mtiso · Apr 14, 2004

65fastback:
thanks for your input... I was tempted by the V8's ... I like their sound.. however the stock V8's are very dissapointing (with the exeption of the performance version) in regards of their stock performance......
for me there are to many drawbacks on the stock V8 vs stock I6... besides it seems that the I6 runs smoother....

Rent-A-Racer
hmmmmm shux... most likely I will move to a place where they have technical inspections on vehicles... if cars are "fixed" they are very very prone to rust (welding joints always rust).. so I might have to get a Mustang, put a brand new underbody coating on.. and a brand new cavity protection.... hmmmmm

The Wolf
... pardon my ignorance.. what are "points" .... spark plugs?

Any other input.... would an 450SLC a better option for me? .. or the Corvair?
I like the Style of the Mustang ver much.. what a beautiful car....

TheWolf · Apr 14, 2004

Points are located inside the distributer. Controls the spark more or less. Inside this distributor is a spring loaded contact switch (points) riding on a revolving cam. The points open and close to fire the coil which produces the spark. Inside the distributor the rotor well...... ummm..... rotates to determine which plug wire gets the spark. Problem is that the points wear and have to be adjusted, moving to an electric distributer (interchangeable with point distributers in I6s) or adding an electric controller in the place of the points inside the old distrubiter is a big step up. It allows for a wider spark gap which can improve gas milage and power slightly. Best part is you will most likely never have to mess with it again (unlike points).

I like your other options too, but the Mustang is my favorite.

65fastback2+2 · Apr 14, 2004

mtiso said:
@65Fastback:
thanks for your input... I was tempted by the V8's ... I like their sound.. however the stock V8's are very dissapointing (with the exeption of the performance version) in regards of their stock performance......
for me there are to many drawbacks on the stock V8 vs stock I6... besides it seems that the I6 runs smoother....

Well my first mustang was all stock. (current one is modded a lil) And let me say this, the stock one would spin the tires into 2nd gear, and this modded one wont spin em, only a slight chirp going into second. I owned a 92 5spd eclipse with the stock 289. Another thing about smooth running. It depends on the car, the stock 289 I had ran ok, was running rich just needed carb adjustment, but the 302 i have now WOWOW, it nearly start up without you having to touch the gas pedal. It idles WONDERFULLY and just purrs i love it. Just some thoughts. Course Ive sworn to never own a 6 banger stang, just my personal preference.

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