Where to begin on my 64 1/2?

[1964.5Stang]

Good afternoon, All.
I want to start a full restore on my 1964 1/2 Coupe. Current condition: Yellow 1964 1/2, 260 V8, 78K original miles. (purchased new by my mom is 64) It was driven hard for the first half of its life (some minor impacts). It's been garaged for past 18 yrs. Not running, but engine is not frozen. Structurally sound, some minor dents and rust.

I'm thinking of taking it down to the frame and restoring to original over the next few years. (as money permits)

What I need is advice. Where to begin? Is it worth fully restoring or should I just get it running? Good resources or books?

Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

Danno

 

[NorCal66]

First thing I'd probably do is get rid of that rust, give yourself a good foundation to start from. Make sure the frame is straight and all, maybe pound out those dents. Get it running right, then you go can go onto the visual and speed goodies

I'd get a 1966 ford shop manual, you're definately going to need it if you plan a complete restoration. I believe www.mustangsunlimited.com has them.

 

[tomcatgt]

Just my opinion---Doing a complete restoration will cost you much more than the car will be worth BUT if you are doing it for sentimental reasons ( family car , had one like it in high school, ect) and/ or you just love working on an old car then I would say go for it. If you go out and buy a new car, Mustang or whatever ,it will probably depreciate more than you will spend restoring an old one. I look at my 65 as a hobby. Look what it costs to play 18 holes of golf. I'd rather spend the money on something that I can enjoy tomorrow and the next day.

 

[1964.5Stang]

This is a 100% hobby, Family, "if I try to sell it the entire family would kill me" car.

 

[66 BLAKE 96]

If my mom was the original owner of a 64 1/5 Mustang (A V8 at that!) and it was still in the family, there is nothing I can imagine that would keep me from restoring it, or at least fixing it up enough to be able to drive it. If you want to get neck-deep in the culture of perfectly restoring the car and showing it, by all means go ground up. If you just want to be able to drive and enjoy it (which is what I'd do), then take care of the rust so that it doesn't get worse, and get it ready for the road.