65 coupe should I buy it? 1st time classic buyer!

[fatboyq]

well its a 65 coupe manual drums and brakes. 289 with comp high energy cam, edelbrock intake aluminim, 600cfm carb holley, shelby tri-y headers? deal exhauset, roller rockers,flex fan. C-4 tranny rebuilt with 5k on it minor shift kit? 8inch with 2.80 gears, thicker radiator, black interior redone 5 years ago engine has 5k as well. new floor pans, seat risers? frame extensions kyb shocks new front supsenson and fresh brakes, wants 4,500 for it.

Does it sound about right? I drive a 87, 88 lx and GT and have worked with the 5.0 heads cam etc. I never driven a car with a carb so I dont know what issues they have.

i read the faqs on older stangs. Does this sound like a good deal paint is decent as well as body. no rust holes dents etc..

let me know what you guys think. I just want a car to cruise in summer/nights etc. I will never race it just cruise it.

 

[66 BLAKE 96]

Of course there are lots of variables, but it sounds like a good deal to me.

 

[Mosse]

Sounds good to me. Get it!

 

[SuperDave]

Seek the advice of a knowledgeable Mustang authority who can inspect the car. There is a LOT to know about Mustangs and to make a purchases without expert opinion is, well, foolish. Seek out your local Mustang club for help.

 

[Fostang]

inspect inspect inspect. Never get carried away by whats under the hood without a solid foundation you've got nothing.

Rust is a mustangs worst enemy followed by accidents then crazy modifiers like myself.

 

[electricgreen]

The one thing that stuck out to me was "new frame extensions". Now, we replaced those on our 73, and a friend had to do the same on his 65, but both cars are (were) "northern" cars (ie, had a good bit of rust). That should be a warning that the car had/has significant rust problems. Hose down the car, or pour water in the cowl to check for leaks. Crawl under and check the frame rails and shock towers-be aware that "undercoating" can be used to cover up rust and or bad repair jobs. Look down the body for "wavyness"(body filler), and maybe try a magnet on a few places. Our friend's 65 has had significant sheetmetal repairs done (he's a welder by trade, his dad used to have a stang resto business, so he knew what he was getting into), and when we are done, our 73 will have as well. I'm not trying to say it's a bad car, but be prepared, and look over the car carefully, so you don't end up with a bigger project then you planned on.

 

[Mosse]

Electricgreen is right. That cowl area is hard to repair properly. Been there. You can propably find some rust under pedals, but thats easy compared to cowl area...

 

[fatboyq]

Thanks for the replys guys, I always wanted an older classic car and since I have 2 mustangs already why not a 65 style.

I will check for rust etc.. this guy is from my local mustang club and he is a mechanic and drag races etc so he knows what he is doing. I trust him, I havent seen the car except from like 5 feet away. I will give it a one over when I get there.

since I havent worked with carbs ever do you think it will be hard to work on? I always hear carb cars always need tuning ie the carb ajdustments etc.. I never used a choke etc, or driven a manual brake car with no powersteering, Im sure they take 2x longer to stop right? is it hard to convert to disc up front? and get power steering?

is there any known issues with the 65? and what is a fair price for this car and mods shape its in etc? what is the max i should pay?

thanks, can i swap out the flex fan for a normal one? relitively easy? i dont like the noise they make..

 

[crushnut]

If everything is good and sound, then i think the price he is asking is pretty good, but you can always negotiate

 

[SuperDave]

One of the wonderful aspects of the Mustang is their simplicity. I strongly recommend that you get a copy of the FACTORY shop manual (see the vendors). Don't bother with a Chilton's or a Haynes.

Remember '65 was nearly FORTY years ago. Anything that old, including people, is bound to have a few problems. These problems are what makes the cars FUN! If you don't enjoy these problems do NOT buy any old car!