So I was driving home from school yesterday and I saw this lovely ...thing.

Immediately I recognized it as a 69 or 70 mustang, and thought it weird that I should see one RIGHT outside my neighborhood the same day I started looking at 69s on TMS instead of 67s.

Well, I grabbed my digital camera and went back the same day, and the owner was out messing with it. I was very polite and asked him if I could take pictures of it and what year/model it was.

Turns out its a 1969 mach 1, but there is no engine in it, and I doubt there is a transmission.

And both front wheels are missing too, along with some fenders... well you can see from the pictures.

So I ask the guy if he is willing to sell it. Turns out he wasnt too interested, being as another guy wanted to buy it off him earlier. However, the owner told me that 700 is what it will take to get it.

So you guys think its worth it? I do realize its a ton of work, but I'm not exactly sure *how* much, and even then, I dont know what the final cost is going to end up being.

However, I take consolation in the fact that if all goes wrong, I can make that 700 back (and maybe more) on ebay, like this guy did: http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIt...sspagename=WDVW

I think this would be a great project for my dad and I (I being 17) to begin this summer. He rebuilt the motor of his 67 hardtop (390 gt) and had a 1972 dodge challenger back in 1974 (he got the mustang in 76 from his father in law). He knows enough about engines and cars to be a good guide to getting this project done, but he is no body shop expert .

Anyways, Let me know what you guys think, because I highly value your opinions.

Here she is...

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?ac...&cmd=si&img=660

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?ac...&cmd=si&img=659

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?ac...&cmd=si&img=658

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?ac...&cmd=si&img=657

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?ac...&cmd=si&img=656

http://forums.bradbarnett.net/index.php?ac...&cmd=si&img=655

Think its rebuildable?

 

Sure it is if you're willing to put the time/money into it. Is there front suspension to go on it or is it missing completely? Engine/trans? I think $700 is pretty fair as it looks to be mostly solid. It will be a lot of work though.

 

Although it's a fastback, it looks to me like it is most likely not a Mach 1. Two things lead me to believe this 1) the ash tray on the bottom of the dash is for non-console equipped cars. All the Mach 1s came with consoles in '69. 2) In one of the pics it appears that there are holes for fender script (not found on Mach 1s), but not for the rocker panel trim that the Mach 1s had. The only way to tell for sure though on a 30 something year old Mustang is to look at the data plate on the door. The body style has to be 63C.

This car is going to take a whole lot of work as it has significant rust damage. Good quarter panels are not available. Unless it had some rare and special engine option like a 428 CJ drag pack, I would pass on it. If you think there are $700 worth of parts you can use, then go ahead. The louvers on the inside are aftermarket, not original and have no real value other than what the owner thinks about them.

My advice would be to spend a little more and get a better car to start with.

Best of luck!

 

Well heck, you blew me completely out of the water. I guess I should stick to 65/66s.

 

Get your shovel out ...I see a money pit

 

Alexander, sent you a pm

 

Wow. I would like to see someone bring that back to life, but someone needs to have a fat wallet and/or a serious love for the car. You'd never be able to get out of it what you'd have to put into it.

That looks to be a parts car. . . .Sad to say.

 

not worth time and money

 

The great thing about being 17 is all the time you have on your hands when you are out of school. This project will require serious time and money, but if you have the desire and the funds, it can be done.

You will most likely need a mentor (did you mention your Dad?) to help guide you through the restoration process. Don't be afraid to tackle what seem like big projects yourself. Like bodywork. Most of the bodywork process is sanding and more sanding. This is just time that you pay for at a body shop. Look at it this way, if a bodyshop minimum wage worker can do it, so can you! Approach all of the restoration task like this and don't be afraid to fail and try again.

I have restored several cars in my life and I learned something from each one.

My advice would be to go back to this guy and offer him money with cash in hand. If he won't negotiate, walk away an keep looking. There are plenty of cars out there waiting to be restored. You just gotta look. Don't get emotionaly involved in one car while you are buying. Wait until you chose "the car" and feel free to fall in love with it. This is what keeps you going when you want to quit the project and sell off the mess. You will want to quit, believe me, but don't. The end result is worth every hour and every dime.

Keep us posted on your decision on this car or whatever you buy.

Good luck and welcome to the car hobby. WARNING____THERE IS NO CURE ONCE YOU ARE INFECTED WITH THE CAR BUG!!!

 

Is it possible to restore it and make it good again? Yes, of course it is, most restorations are. But is it worth it? My opinion, no. Think of the costs; yea, you buy it cheaply for only $700, but then you pay thousands upon thousands to fix it. That type of project would take way too long, and way too much money. The return would not equal the investment. It's just not worth it, unless your just that in love with 1969 Mustangs.

 

i think this project will be more bonding with your dad then anything there is no doubt in my mind you will not finish it over the summer no many how many hours you work but if it is just to do something with your dad go at it full swing

 

I love you guys. I really do.

So I decided to walk. I'm not that in love with the 69 fastbacks, and if i was, Id much rather have at LEAST a rolling chassis to work on.

My dad also said that he'd rather have a car that we can RE-build, instead of something that isnt even a... 'car'.

I guess I need to scrounge up some more cash and get a running musclecar (could be anything... but i LOVE mustangs).

Thank you ALL for your opinions, I really do value them.

alex.