• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

What to look for in 66 vert project?

  • Thread starter Thread starter palerider94
  • Start date Start date Mar 25, 2010
P

palerider94

Member
Feb 21, 2006
573
1
19
Mar 25, 2010
#1
  • Mar 25, 2010
  • #1
Have had a couple mustangs now and know where to look for some of the common troublespots (cowl, frame rails, etc). Actually replaced a cowl and floors in one of my cars. Have not had any expereince with convertibles. In speaking to owner on the phone he mention cowl and pans where rusted as well as needing rockers. But frame rails were solid and that he has done a lot of work already - some mechanical and some body (blasted engine bay, replaced tail light section, trunk drop offs). Top is suppose to good and it runs. Finishing my Boss Tribute and my daughter likes 65/66. Might make a good college graduation gift. She starts this year - so I got a while. I can get the car pretty cheap wants $2k.


I've heard you have to look out for sagging and other trouble spots on convertibles. Would appreciate some advice on what to look for. I'll take my camera and post some pics.

thanks
 

noroof66

New Member
Feb 5, 2010
10
0
0
Mar 28, 2010
#2
  • Mar 28, 2010
  • #2
Looks like you covered it. I know rear pans and trunk could be more susceptible to rust if top is leaking.
 
D

dmoody

Founding Member
Nov 4, 2002
789
0
17
Winston-Salem, NC
Mar 29, 2010
#3
  • Mar 29, 2010
  • #3
I've been working on a 68 convertible the past 2-3 years. The biggest problem I've found is the rain gutter rusts out and water pours off the top into the trunk and quarter panel areas. I've had to replace the floor panels, inner rockers, outer wheelwells, quarter panels and the trunk floor. The inner rockers are really difficult to replace. They have as many welds as the cowl only in a much harder place to access in my opinion. You can see pictures of the work my father and I have done here:

David and Alisa's Photos : 68 Convertible

david
 

70vert

New Member
Dec 31, 2004
722
0
0
Bay Area, CA
Mar 29, 2010
#4
  • Mar 29, 2010
  • #4
Cowl rust and rocker rust = $$

I think you just mentioned the two most expensive areas in a convertible project or Mustang project in general. Rocker panel work is expensive - if it's outer rocker panels, it's even worse. Try to find a better candidate if you can . . .
 

65Rob

Member
Nov 29, 1999
276
6
19
Victoria, BC, Canada
Mar 29, 2010
#5
  • Mar 29, 2010
  • #5
I have a 65 vert, you have to look pretty much everywhere for rust. I've replaced almost everything on it, if the inner rockers are toast and have been for a while the top of your door will start to overlap the quarter. Torque boxes should be checked, wheel houses, floors. You really need it on a lift to get a good sense of what all is going on with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Progress Thread mkk50's Progress Thread
  • mkk50
  • Aug 4, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
19
Views
757
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Sep 22, 2025
Noobz347
S
what would you do? sell the project and buy completed or finish project?
  • STANG32
  • Feb 8, 2025
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
Replies
4
Views
607
1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk- Feb 16, 2025
rusty428cj
Which one of these 3 intakes make the most sense for my 331 combo
  • from6to8
  • Jul 25, 2024
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
7
Views
2K
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech Jul 26, 2024
AeroCoupe
87 LX 'Vert
  • fun331
  • Jun 15, 2023
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
27
Views
4K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 30, 2024
Mustang5L5
R
1965 mustang body work, Complete Floor Pan Assembly install questions
  • runawayabc123
  • Jun 1, 2022
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Replies
12
Views
7K
Classic Mustang Specific Tech Sep 14, 2025
GOvert
G
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?