Paint and Body Engine Bay Cracks

74stang2togo said:

This is a car that has likely been in a hard front-end collision. It'd be a good parts car, but not a good restoration candidate unless there is something that makes it a rare car or you have deep pockets.

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Davedacarpainter said:

Definite solid punch to the front with a half assed repair. It seems to look great on the front because, at least the bumper has been replaced. The front end has been painted. The holes on the fenders were the bolts mount it to the car have been "adjusted" at best. I have another name for what's been done to the front end, but you being a young fella, I don't want to shock you with my blatant body shop coarseness.

Unless it's being given to you by a loved relative and you have fond memories of riding in that car to the drag races with them, let it go.
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Great parts car.

Truthfully, it wouldn't be tremendously difficult to repair if you work in a body shop. You will need a frame machine and all of the other bigger tools to make it safe. Plus there would be all that new inner structure you would have to buy.

I think it's best it doesn't run.

Keep looking though brother, be patient, you'll find a decent starting point fox if you just look for it.

Now though, let's say you already bought the car......If you have, let us know. We'll help you make it safe and run really nice. If you did, pictures, pictures, pictures. There will be specific things to do right off if you have bought the car. Check the title to see if it's a rebuilder first.

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Davedacarpainter said:

It really depends on the damage you would find.

The front end needs to be torn down to see the inner structure damage. The radiator support looks like it was wracked down a bit.

Cost? Depends how much work you could do yourself and really seeing what needs to be fixed under that bumper and fenders.

Notice how the radiator support isn't flush with the inner fenders. The right fender has a crack in the jamb. Look at the upper bumper brackets and how much adjustment they have had done to them.

It's kind of hard to be really detailed without seeing more of it.

Be a little cautious of the rest of the car. There is a strut tower brace in the engine bay. That means someone wanted to be able to push it a little more than what factory would support. It doesn't mean necessarily that it has been hammered on the track, but it's a sign to say, "let me look at those torque boxes". The torque box is just where the rear control arms connect to the body. Lay down on the ground and take a serious look at them. See if you see cracks in the lower box area, or welds that have torn out.

While you're laying there on the ground, look toward the front and see if you see any serious rust in the floor pans.

Rust isn't a deal breaker, but it does require work. You'll have to decide if it's worth it to you. At your age, fixing all of these things may seem worth it, the experience you'll get from doing it and all is really invaluable. Me, at 53, I might say screw it, I've done this crap enough....

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