New to the board, 1990 questions

[PE1990]

Hi, all.

I am new to the board, and also to Mustangs.
Are presently just about to finish a two year resto on my 68 Buick Riviera.

Anyway, I am looking at a 1990 Mustang convert with a 5.0 ltr for my wife.
It for sure need a paint job, a new clutch and a serious tune-up, but what else should I look out for?
Any particulare places where they rust? Problems with the suspension?
The top does not work too good. Is it hydraulically operated?

Any advice or hints are most appresiated.

Per

 

[k12]

I'd check the torque boxes, exhaust system, tranny especially etc. The top systems are expensive to fix, or so I've heard. Also the converts weigh a bit more and the unibody flexes more, so if performance is your (or your wife's) goal, think about that.

From the sounds of it, I'd keep looking. Should be able to find a pretty decent stang in that year for 2-3 grand. But takes some looking and patience.

Good luck

K

 

[ImportEater98]

Make sure the rear quarters are solid and/or never been bondo'd. I bought my coupe and it had some crappy rear quarter work once done, and i have to cut out the whole quarter and weld in a patch panel. Lots of work! Also get under it and make sure the floor pans, strut tower, front frame rails are all solid. As mentioned before, check the torque boxes. Convertible top pistons are big bucks to fix so consider that when bargaining on the price. Oh, also look at the inside of the trunk lid behind the lock mechanism...that seems to be a popular place for rot. Good luck!

 

[NosPony]

The only problem area i have found is where the inner finder splash guard comes do and touches the floor pans. Every stang i have bought has been rusted there. If its not too bad its fixable and easy to fix.