66 mustang project

[bajamaxx]

i have a 66 mustang hardtop. its just the body, frame, and some interior. im looking to make it a everyday drivable car, but still have lost of power. hope fully you guys can answer some of my questions. what do you guys run, automatic or manuals? whats better, fuel injected or carborated? and whats better/ easier to keep up with, super charger, turbo charger or both? thx
-Joseph

 

[65stanger]

Welcome to Stangnet!
You may find that to get the answers you seek, you might need to narrow your questions down a bit more, and ask them one at a time.
You say your 'stang is essentially body (frame) and interior.
These cars are a unibody design, where the subframes (frame rails) are welded to the body. What condition is the body in? is there any rust.....i.e.: the floorpans, frame rails, cowl, trunk floor/drop-offs, rear quarters, etc., etc.....
Before you start building for any kind of power, you want to be sure you have a chassis that can handle it.....not to worry, you can get advice here on how to fix just about any of it!
What engine was in the car originally? If you don't know. look at the wheels, a 5-lug pattern is a V8, a 4-lug pattern is an I6. If it was an I6 and you want to drop in a V8, you'll have to upgrade your entire suspension and steering to V8 specs, ESPECIALLY if you are building for power!
As for your questions regarding auto or manual, fuel injected or carbuerated, super or turbo charger, you'll find that people here have differences of opinions across the board. Read what they have to say, and decide WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU!

btw--- I hope you've got a lot of money to spend, this can be an expensive hobby! Enjoy!

 

[bajamaxx]

thanks for your advise. im pretty much a newbie at this, i know a little about cars, im only 15, but will be getting a job, and putting the money towards the car. im sure ill have plenty of questions as i get farther into my project.

 

[bajamaxx]

ooh yeah, theres rust on the hood, no biggie, and theres rust on the floor behind the petals, and theres a little rust on the back quarter panels.

 

[88 Fox GT]

You age does not limit you to what you can do on your car. I'm 16 years old and have put 2 engines in my car. Went from a 6 cylinder to a carbed 302 all the way up to the EFI 5.0 I have in it now. With this engine, I have done nearly all work myself, all the stuff I didn't need a friend to help me do anyway, lol.

Anyway, welcome to StangNet, I and all the other will be more than happy to help you out.

 

[bajamaxx]

thx, its good to know im not like the only one doing this at my age.

 

[65stanger]

ooh yeah, theres rust on the hood, no biggie, and theres rust on the floor behind the petals, and theres a little rust on the back quarter panels.

How bad is the rust? Is it surface rust or is the metal almost eaten through (rot)?
Rust on the front floor under the pedals might be a sign of the dreaded cowl rot......DO NOT PANIC! It is easy to check for.....just pour some water (most use the garden hose) into the cowl (just in front of the windshield) then check to see if any has run out on your floors......Let us know what you find!

 

[cornholio]

Certainly a breath of fresh air. A motivated teenager opting for a classic Amercian car. Good choice, and you can ook forward to meeting a lot of good people during your journey of ownership and restoration.

As far as the car. I can't recall if you mentioned it, but are you on a timeline to get the car on the street. If not, the most important recommendation is to take your time and make the car the way you want the first time. Nothing is more frustrating than compromising for the cheaper/easier route and having to do it again the second time (i.e. paint, wheel selection, suspension, etc.).

I understand it is hard at your age, but take the time to get the resources ($$$$$$) to do what you want, that is within reason of course.

Always ask questions and look at a lot of pictures other 66's to get an idea of what you would like your car to look like. Good Luck.

 

[65stanger]

If you run into problems and need answers, there are three ways to get them in the Classics forum:
1) Oboebrian posted a "sticky" of FAQ's at the top of the Classics Talk section.
2) Do a search in the forums, just need to becareful what keywords you use.
3) Post a thread and ask......there is NO such thing as a stupid question!

I've had my '65 for over 20 years and I'm still learning about her!

 

[bajamaxx]

thank you guys for the great info. the car, ill check for the rust on the cowl when it warms up, its like 30 degress out now. im not on a time frame, but i would like to have it done some time in the next 2-5yrs, but if problems arise, that cant be helped. but for the most part im going to take my time and make it how i want it. thanks for any help i may get from you in the future.
-Joseph

 

[bajamaxx]

btw, i forgot to mention, but the rust, so far i have only found two places thats its rotted all the way throught, the rest, (smaller areas) is just the surface. butt ill let you guys know more when it warms up out side and i can get out there and takke a good look.

 

[65stanger]

Another one with no garage!
While you wait for the spring thaw, might I recommend you start getting a bunch of catalogs from various vendors, i.e.: NPD, Year One, Mustangs Unlimited, etc. And check out the various vendors on-line, here are a few links to get you started:
http://www.sacramentomustang.com/
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/
http://www.johnsmustang.com/
http://www.vamustang.com/
http://www.mustang-50.com/
http://www.themustangranch.com/index.php
Hope this helps!

 

[bajamaxx]

thanks. hey does any one know if its possible to change the 66 hardtop to make it look like a fastback?

 

[88 Fox GT]

thanks. hey does any one know if its possible to change the 66 hardtop to make it look like a fastback?

Possible? Yes, of course. But the time, money, and effort needed is not worth it. It would be easier to just buy a fastback if you really want one.