Questions on a 65...

[COramprat]

I have the oppurtunity to get a 65 (not sure right now if it is a fastback or hardtop) for 4 grand and am wondering what I should be looking for as I inspect the car. My wife's uncle is selling it and i haven't seen or talked to him about it yet. The only thing I know is it has a 289 and is an auto. What should I look for as far as far as the body panels and such. Anything about the engine I should know? I don't even now how many miles it has but from she told me it is in good shape. Just needs paint as it is original. I guess I should wait until I have more info but I'm kind of excited about it and I guess I'm hoping for a little insight.

 

[Ozsum2]

RUST! Ask you uncle in law questions. Family shouldn't screw family so hopefully you will get some straight answers.

 

[COramprat]

RUST! Ask you uncle in law questions. Family shouldn't screw family so hopefully you will get some straight answers.

I really don't think he would jack me around. At least I hope not...cause I know where he lives.

Rust is the FIRST thing I thought of. I'm going to call him this weekend and ask some questions. It was kind of out of the blue because he has been thinking about selling it and one of his sister's mentioned I had a Mustang so he called to see if we wanted it.

 

[COramprat]

Any other hints?

 

[TheWolf]

cowl vent rust is a major problem for most early mustangs if not already fixed. I'm guessing it hasnt been fixed since its origional paint. Look out for it. There aren't any specific motor issues to look for that I know of.

 

[crushnut]

Take a magnet, flashlight and small mirror with you when you got look at it. Floor pans, wheel wells, frame rails, radiator support & under battery, trunk, cowl, and bottom of the doors are areas you should look for rust. Obviously there could be other areas, these are just the ones that popped into my head. Take a look at it and let us know what you find.

Good Luck

 

[crushnut]

There aren't any specific motor issues to look for that I know of.

Does the engine even run? try turning it over by hand or key. Check the oil for the dreaded "milkshake", anitfreeze in the oil. There are other things you could check out, but none as important as the previous two.

 

[COramprat]

Does the engine even run? try turning it over by hand or key. Check the oil for the dreaded "milkshake", anitfreeze in the oil. There are other things you could check out, but none as important as the previous two.

The car runs well...as far as I've been told. I still haven't heard from him yet. I called last weekend but he was out. So aside from the few engine issues I guess rust would be my biggest concern.

 

[Ozsum2]

The car runs well...as far as I've been told. I still haven't heard from him yet. I called last weekend but he was out. So aside from the few engine issues I guess rust would be my biggest concern.

Yes, rust is the most costly of repairs, and it will have rust. They all do. It just depends on the state of disrepair it is in.

 

[rebel65]

my stang doesn't have rust..it was born and raised in california..i'm not saying that that one will be rust free, but not ALL have rust..

uhm..i'de check out things like the steering, suspention, just to see what things you might have to spend money on later if you do buy the car, when i got my 65 i had to replace the suspension right away. other than that, test drive it.

 

[Ozsum2]

my stang doesn't have rust..it was born and raised in california..i'm not saying that that one will be rust free, but not ALL have rust..

uhm..i'de check out things like the steering, suspention, just to see what things you might have to spend money on later if you do buy the car, when i got my 65 i had to replace the suspension right away. other than that, test drive it.

I bet I could find rust on your car. You may not want to admit it. Things rust in the desert, just more slowly.

 

[rebel65]

if you say so lol, my car has been garage kept for 37 years. actually you're right..i found some rust on my coat hanger .

 

[Ozsum2]

if you say so lol, my car has been garage kept for 37 years. actually you're right..i found some rust on my coat hanger .

I do. These cars were ment to only last 7-8 years, and the inner cowl areas among others were bare metal, or overspray at best.