What would you guys do?

[Randy'65]

I have a '65 coupe that I drove in college that's been sitting in my garage undriven for 16 years. I was at Myrtle Beach weekend before last for the first part of Mustang Week, now I really have the bug to do something. My biggest issue is not having time to work on it (for example, it's taken me two years to do the shelby drop and put in 600 # springs) and a second set of hands to help with things on my '65 at this point. I really don't like to do things until I can do them right, how I want to. I could probably patch things together and get my car back on the road for under $1K, but i really want to be able to do things like upgrade to 4 wheel disc brakes, rework wiring and upgrade instrument panel, swap in a 302 or stroker with a 5 speed, etc. If you were in that position, would you go ahead and spend money on parts and work on it as you had time? Or would you buy a late model Mustang GT to satisfy the bug? I really like the '05 to '09's (not so much the '10's)

 

[zookeeper]

Sounds like you need to go with the new Mustang. As we all know, restoring old Mustangs takes an incredible commitment of both time and money, and then you wind up with an old car. Unless you're coupe is your dream car, I'd say spend your money on a down payment for the new one and be happy from day one. If you're already sqeezed for time you just won't have the drive to finish the coupe.

 

[latamud]

I like to drive them while I fix them. A lot of mods like disc brakes, or 5 speed swap can be weekend projects. Save up during the week, gather parts while you drive. When you have everything gathered for a project plan that weekend out for a project mod. You'll get to feel the fruits of your efforts, 1 step at a time.

 

[tx65coupe]

My vote goes for work on it as you have time and if it takes a while then it takes a while. The feeling after its done is awesome. Besides a late model car even if it is a Mustang is just another car. The classic Mustang is an icon. Thats my thoughts.

It was my first car. I got it when I was 15 and we partially restored it and it was my daily driver in high school. It sat for about 10 years and for the last 2 years my Dad and I worked on it when time allowed us to, and a few months ago it left the garage and pulled out of the driveway for the first time in 10 years. So, mine was in a similar situation like yours is.

I set my car up basically like you want to do yours. I love it and would not have done it any differently.

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/members/tx65coupe/albums/v8-conversion-completed/

 

[D.Hearne]

Get the newer GT and work on the 65 as you have time. The Newer GT's do everything better.

 

[2+2GT]

I have a '65 coupe that I drove in college that's been sitting in my garage undriven for 16 years. I was at Myrtle Beach weekend before last for the first part of Mustang Week, now I really have the bug to do something. My biggest issue is not having time to work on it (for example, it's taken me two years to do the shelby drop and put in 600 # springs) and a second set of hands to help with things on my '65 at this point. I really don't like to do things until I can do them right, how I want to. I could probably patch things together and get my car back on the road for under $1K, but i really want to be able to do things like upgrade to 4 wheel disc brakes, rework wiring and upgrade instrument panel, swap in a 302 or stroker with a 5 speed, etc. If you were in that position, would you go ahead and spend money on parts and work on it as you had time? Or would you buy a late model Mustang GT to satisfy the bug? I really like the '05 to '09's (not so much the '10's)

Spend the grand, get the car on the road. Later, if you want to do the other stuff. they can be individual projects.

People will admire your interest and ability if they see you in a hot-looking 65.

If you are driving an 05-09, all they will admire is your ability to make the monthly payments.

 

[Randy'65]

The other factor that I didn't mention is that I have two young daughters, age 4 and 6. I couldn't drive anywhere with them (which is most of my driving) due to lack of seat belts in the back. My 'Stang didn't even come with lap belts in the back, let alone that I would need to fab in shoulder harnesses, and i don't remember seeing any aftermarket kits for the rear.

It's kind of now or never (at least not for several years) on a newer Mustang, as my kids are big enough to not need the big bulky car seats and help getting buckled, they are big enough to do it themselves, yet they aren't too big to fit in the back seat.

 

[jcode68]

You can have both. In this economy, I'll bet you can find a really good deal on an 05-09 Mustang if you look for private sale (dealers need to make a profit, private sellers need cash to get out of th evehicle). Buy a nice newer Stang and keep your 65 to work on it as budget and time allows. This will also provide a nice heirloom to pass down to the girls someday.

 

[ETEL64]

Oh how I recall being where you are. Hotrodding was my life, then the wife kids and house came along and the hotrod had to be garaged. I held onto it for 25 years. As life goes, the wife has skipped(along with the boat) and the house but I still held onto my ride. I have since relocated and brought the car on a trailer 1800miles. My kids are now grown and I a now having soemone do the work for me. I found it much easier to be just the banker instead of the banker,mechanic,bodyman, painter etc.

Keep the dream alive and stay connected. I loved the reply "People will admire your interest and ability if they see you in a hot-looking 65. If you are driving an 05-09, all they will admire is your ability to make the monthly payments."

So true

 

[bikefreak600]

You can have both. In this economy, I'll bet you can find a really good deal on an 05-09 Mustang if you look for private sale (dealers need to make a profit, private sellers need cash to get out of th evehicle). Buy a nice newer Stang and keep your 65 to work on it as budget and time allows. This will also provide a nice heirloom to pass down to the girls someday.

+1

 

[tx65coupe]

Get the newer GT and work on the 65 as you have time. The Newer GT's do everything better.

This maybe true, but they don't look better. LOL...

 

[tx65coupe]

The other factor that I didn't mention is that I have two young daughters, age 4 and 6. I couldn't drive anywhere with them (which is most of my driving) due to lack of seat belts in the back. My 'Stang didn't even come with lap belts in the back, let alone that I would need to fab in shoulder harnesses, and i don't remember seeing any aftermarket kits for the rear.

It's kind of now or never (at least not for several years) on a newer Mustang, as my kids are big enough to not need the big bulky car seats and help getting buckled, they are big enough to do it themselves, yet they aren't too big to fit in the back seat.

You can add rear seat belts.

 

[candphall]

I have a 69 fast back that was my dads. I am in the process of getting it back on the road. Prior to the work beginning I was in the same predicament. I decided to do what was necessary to get it on the road,and do that right. I want to have a safe reliable driver. The cosmetics can wait. I also think that you will find that mist genuine Mustang lovers are supportive of others work reardless the end result. so do what you can do and enjoy

 

[Platonic Solid]

The fact that you're asking this question from a community of classic Mustang enthusiasts is a pretty strong indication where your heart lies. If you're looking to justify keeping, enjoying and restoring your classic, you've come to the right place.

I wonder what the response would be from the 05-09 forum?

 

[Nemesis67]

OK, I know I'm going to get beat up on this one... Get the new GT... "Cash for clunkers"
Lighten up, it was a joke!
How about finding a newer salvage GT for cheap and swap the new parts into your classic as you drive it. What you don't use you can sell on Craigslist or Ebay and take the rest to the salvage yard to recoup some of your money.
That's what I want to do.

 

[D.Hearne]

This maybe true, but they don't look better. LOL...

That's YOUR opinion. The only reason I bought my 06 was it's styling that connected it back to the 67 Fastback I had twenty years ago. The only thing styling wise Ford blew it on was the engine. Damned thing looks like a Powerstroke diesel. But it's completely stock and runs the 1/4 in the low 13's (with the A/C on)
And yet still can manage 27.5 mpg on the highway.

 

[57fairlane]

my vote is a newer gt . . . and put some cams in it if you want the gurgle

I just put in a set of FRPP "hot rod" cams in an 08 bullitt, took me about 3 hours and $24 for the bolts.

YouTube - 0708091739 00

very bolt-in and sound great (except for my camera phone)

 

[rbohm]

get yourself a late model mustang for a daily driver, and upgrade your classic when you can. start by just getting it running again, and put disc brakes on the front, and add seat belts. that way you can drive the car once in a while to enjoy it, and still have something more comfortable to drive daily. as for which mustang to get, i say get an 05 or later V6 stang. yes i know it only has 200hp, but it is still a mustang, and they can be had fairly cheaply, giving you more money to out into your classic stang.

 

[D.Hearne]

my vote is a newer gt . . . and put some cams in it if you want the gurgle

I just put in a set of FRPP "hot rod" cams in an 08 bullitt, took me about 3 hours and $24 for the bolts.

YouTube - 0708091739 00

very bolt-in and sound great (except for my camera phone)

I noticed you left off the price of the cams

 

[66sprint6]

That's YOUR opinion. The only reason I bought my 06 was it's styling that connected it back to the 67 Fastback I had twenty years ago. The only thing styling wise Ford blew it on was the engine. Damned thing looks like a Powerstroke diesel. But it's completely stock and runs the 1/4 in the low 13's (with the A/C on)
And yet still can manage 27.5 mpg on the highway.

AND it was Fords oppinion as well, seeing that the newer cars were modeled after...the older one And the A/C clutch disengages at full throttle so the only thing you did by runnin it down the track like that is piss everyone else off by drippin water down the track. As for the 27.5mpg, i wont say your not gettin it, but its a stretch and I commend you for it!

With all that said...i love em all lol. I love my 66, my 90, roomies 67 and 98 and would love to have an 05-09, hell even a 2010 in my driveway to keep em all company I dont have any bias towards any of the year, and would take one of each, even the Mustang IIs if offered, but in this case, I would stick with what you have, what you've already grown attached to and has more value to you personally. You can get it runnin and reliable for cheap and with less money than you would put into the new car you could have one HELL of a resto-mod!!! Then again, either way you cant lose.

Matt