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The Restore plan
This was the first time I had purchased a vehicle over the internet. I looked at hundreds of overpriced convertibles, (that I would have to go through end to end anyway), so why not get one that needs a full restore.
I saw this car and compared it to others for over two months, looking nightly at all of the 65-66 Mustang convertibles available. With over 100 pictures and video on this vehicle and the serial numbers matched, I decided to get it, knowing that rust will be a problem.
When the covertible was delivered, I anticipated the worst. It did start up, but battery was weak, the tires were losing air and needed to be replaced to roll around. When I drove it from the delivery truck, the steering would barely turn.
My goal was to get the car running enough to bring it to a DMV so I can transfer the ownership and get put a pair of 1966 license plates on the vehicle. Then the major restore to occur.
Right at the beginning I recognized:
1. Battery was dead - replace
2. Battery tray and holder rusted out - replace
3. Gas tank Leaks - replace
4. Steering rods all rusted out - replace
5. Driver window would not roll up - replace actuator
6. Floors all rusted out - replace a bit later 7. Apolstery shot - replace
8. Wanted GT dual exhaust - at some point
... then start the restore .
Right at the beginning I recognized:
1. Battery was dead - replace
2. Battery tray and holder rusted out - replace
3. Gas tank Leaks - replace
4. Steering rods all rusted out - replace
5. Driver window would not roll up - replace actuator
6. Floors all rusted out - replace a bit later 7. Apolstery shot - replace
8. Wanted GT dual exhaust - at some point
... then start the restore .
From my first 66 Mustang coupe with a v8 289 as a teenager, I know the drum brakes are not great for as fast as this vehicle can move, so I will probably put in front disc brakes.
The steering on the vehicle received was very difficult to turn. I ordered new steering rods to at least be able to turn the vehicle around the shop. I will investigate the power steering addition or the electric steering they have available now.
Almost all of the suspension will need to be replaced as much of it was original and rusted from the Indiana winter streets.
The Drive Line will need to be evaluated. There is quite a bit of pitting from rust so this may need replacing. For sure the bearings.
The clutch only works at the very end of letting it out, so most likely this clutch needs to be replaced. Fortunately, I did this is my high school autoshop class as an 18 year old kid.
TBD
TBD.
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When purchased the engine had a lifter knocking sound. So at the point of the start of complete restoration the engine will be removed and gone through completely since the engine has about 111k miles. |
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Passenger side. When I went to replace the battery I noticed that the battery holder was all rusted out. So that needs to be replaced |
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When purchased, the air filter was missing. I looked to ebay and facebook marketplace to find an orginal that was correct for California. I purchased the wingnut from CJ Pony parts. |
TBD
fuel TBD
cooling TBD
exhaust TBD
charging system TBD
Lighting system TBD
Ventilation heating TBD
body doors and windows TBD
seats TBD
maintenance TBD