My goal with my II restoration was to have "a new 1978 Mustang". To that end I replaced or rebuilt everything. The car is now solid as a rock, it does not squeek, rattle or do any old car stuff! In keeping with my original dream, I can jump in and drive it anywhere with 100% confidence. The only problem I have had was the float stuck on the new Edelbrock carb and I didn't have a freakin' torx scew driver in my in-car tool kit to take the lid off! (I have 2 in there now for good measure!) I think a II if properly maintained can be a very reliable car. The II's simple design aids in it's reliability. If you put a modern fuel injected engine and overdrive transmission in it you could have a rock solid daily driver. What stops me from doing that the what if factor!
What if:
-A rock goes through the windsheild?
-somebody runs into it?
-(in my case old school 302) starter, alternator, flexplate, wear out?
Now you can find a windsheild (I got a N.O.S Ford windshield that took the glass place 2 months to source). Mustang II body panals can be found, a good restoration shop can fix a classic. You can have the alternator, starter rebuilt or special order new ones.
My Mazda 323:
-If some one hits it, body panels are common in wrecking yards and I would not be all that up-set. Uh-oh better get Macco! (who cares as long as it is safe and all one color right?)
-The windshield is in stock at and glass shop.
-Most common wear items are in stock or overnight away at any auto parts store.
-Can leave it in the mall parking lot overnight if need be with no fear while the Mustang is safe at home locked and alarmed in the garage!
When it comes right down to it, I guess if you have the money you could drive a II everyday without fear! For me I could not afford to fix the II to my standards at a moments notice. Geez it took me 4 years to pay for the paint job............