YACT, 1968 Ford Mustang

[SupaDupaCheez]

Shocks will take even a novice about an hour to replace and can cost anywhere from $8/each to about $25/each for KYB (which I recommend)

Ball joints are cheap. You could probably get all four for less than $75. Ball joints can be a real pain in the butt to replace. There are two ways you can do it:

1. Safely: You will have to remove the springs (usually NOT for a beginner to try without experianced help)

2. Living on the edge: Do it with a jack under the lower control arm, disconnect the ball joint nuts on the spindles/drums, drop the jack low enough for the spindle/drum to clear the ball joints, remove ball joints, re-install in reverse order. THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED for the lighthearted (and novices) as you can possibly KILL yourself if the coil spring pops out. Compressed spring steel is NOT your friend!!!

Power steering box/case:
Not sure how much rebuilt ones are for mustangs but for my Chevelle, it was around $200. I got mine from a parts catalog for Chevelles so I probably could have gotten a 'replacement' (IE: Generic) for less at a local shop. Not that hard to replace but will take some time and patience.

As mentioned above, you might as well change the control arm bushings (they are most likely SHOT) while everything is apart (because you will NOT want to do this again ).

IF YOU ARE BUYING A CLASSIC CAR: Please, please, please save yourself some grief and money and go out an buy/borrow/steal a chiltons/haynes manual or better yet an assembly/repair manual from the maker. These will have EXTREMELY VALUABLE information in them as well as directions on how to do just about anything you want with the car.

Check the pictures in my sig and you will probably see my assembly/repair manuals sitting around.

 

[AFSCrazy]

Nakedfrog I agree with your interpretation of great working order, as that's what I expected as well. But I'm not ready to give up on the car yet. I'm going to bring my grandfather with me to look at the car, but I will continue to look for other deals. (if anyone knows of any in the Massachusetts area, let me know!). Like I said, minor repair is okay, as that seems to be the situation with any car theat price.

 

[AmericanRebel]

Seems a decent deal to me. It looks very strait, but watch out for underbody rust, it will make suspension work a real PITA. A classic car can make a very good daily driver if your wiling to sacrifice some modern amenities(after all, it was daily driven when it was new). it is odd that he doesn't want you driving it "on road", there might be problems he's not teling you about.

 

[ValValline]

How bad do you want it?

Will it be your only transportation?

A car that old will need generally always need work unless it's a fresh resto. The one you describe definately needs work, and the problems may be a lot worse than you are being told. '60s mustangs are notorious for P/S and front suspension problems (I am currently in the middle of a complete PS resto on my dad's 65 2+2). Nothing that can't be fixed, but if there is a problem with the upper control arm mounts/bushings (common on those cars) you will spend several hundred dollars getting it sorted out if you can't do it yourself.

The bottom line is if you want the car badly, and can afford to put time and money into it, then go for it. Otherwise look for something a little more solid.

 

[thedarkwolf]

As little as ball joints cost I would worry about why he hasn't had it done. I wouldn't want to buy a car that I couldn't test drive good first that I expect to use as a daily driver atleast not for $5k. I drove a 67 galaxie for 3 years daily 60 miles day 5 days a week without any problems. There really isn't a lot to cars that old to go bad. Think I had 4 wires running to the engine.

 

[AFSCrazy]

UPDATE


Sorry to ressurect a somewhat old thread, but I'm in the Mustang buying mood again, and have found yet another 68'.

Any of you who have seen my more recent motorcycle threads are probably like, "WTF is this kid doing?". Well, my parents gave me an ultimatum, Mustang or motorcycle. Being the proud(LOL) owner of a 90' miata, I chose the Mustang. BTW, I am paying for this myself.

So here's the info on the mustang. 1968 newly rebuilt('97) mustang coupe.

Restored in 1997 289 with with large cam, 650 Holley, MSD ignition,2.5" magnaflow exhaust.c-4 trans. with shift kit. Great American muscle car.

Maybe I am blind, but I don't see a clutch pedal. Here are some pics.

Front
Back
Interior

I am going to test drive it tomorrow and the only problems stated in an email, is:

one rear leaf spring shackle is slightly bent.(Could use to be replaced)
The car has been sitting a lot and takes a little while to warm up. I would probably rebuild the carb as it has been 9 years now since new. Car says 126,000 but most everything is new in 97. Only about 12,000 miles since then.

The asking price is 9k. To me it seems reasonable, what do you guys think?

Also, I'm not much of a mechanic, but I know people who can help. Just to get a general price, what do you think these repairs may cost. And, if it runs as good as it looks, do you think it's a good deal?

Thanks a lot.

 

[PAB]

9k isn't the greatest place to be on that car, especially with the work needed to it.

If you search archives, on FS/FT I was selling a 68 GT coupe for $12.8.

I'd try to be down in the $7500 range. Look for body rot and rust in the trunkpan.

Oh, and that other one with "9999999" miles is considered Miles Exempt/True Miles Unknown.

ONE trick that some people use with an excessive mileage unit is, to TMU the car and replace the dash or digits with something 100,000+ less and declare the unit miles exempt. That way, it's known as TMU and nobody can tell how many miles are on the thing and have to make a total guess. This usually works towards the sellers advantage.

I'd never buy a TMU car fwiw.

 

[AFSCrazy]

I'll see if I can talk him down, but I'm only 16 and probably don't have the most persuasive lingual skills. I am also not a lowballer, and because I respect the amount of work put into this car, I think I could justify paying 9k for it. Like I said, I'm no expert so any input is appreciated.

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: AFSCrazy
I'll see if I can talk him down, but I'm only 16 and probably don't have the most persuasive lingual skills. I am also not a lowballer, and because I respect the amount of work put into this car, I think I could justify paying 9k for it. Like I said, I'm no expert so any input is appreciated.

Ok, then leave it to me as the expert.

$9k isn't a great place to be - as I said, with the work it needs you're going to have to haggle down to get a hot deal. Its not a GT car, it's not in perfect shape, and it's not worth $9k.

Why is it that people don't know how to negotiate? Christ. When I was your age I was scalping tickets to my high school graduation.

Tell him about all the work it needs and you're going to have to be into it at the $7500 range or you're walking.

 

[Vin0134]

There is no clutch pedal because a C4 Transmission is automatic.

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: AFSCrazy
UPDATE

Maybe I am blind, but I don't see a clutch pedal. Here are some pics.

You are blind

The T handled shifter is a dead giveaway. The C4 is an automatic tranny dude.

 

[AFSCrazy]

The T handled shifter is a dead giveaway. The C4 is an automatic tranny dude.

ROFL, that's what I thought, but my dad kept squinting at the picture saying "HMMM, it says c4 but I see no clutch."

Good thing I am bringing my grabdfather who has quite a few mechanical years under his belt.

Ok, then leave it to me as the expert.

$9k isn't a great place to be - as I said, with the work it needs you're going to have to haggle down to get a hot deal. Its not a GT car, it's not in perfect shape, and it's not worth $9k.

Why is it that people don't know how to negotiate? Christ. When I was your age I was scalping tickets to my high school graduation.

Tell him about all the work it needs and you're going to have to be into it at the $7500 range or you're walking.

Thank you for assisting me, as you can guess I don't know much about old mustangs except they look better then new ones and I want one. Do you have any idea what the cost of the repairs listed would be? Perhaps I can get that deducted from the price. I know I'm paying for the car myself and want to make it as less expensive as possible, but I don't like low balling either. Since I don't know too much about what a fair price would be, I will take your advice and see what I can get, Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[thedarkwolf]

The price seems okay but not great to me and those are simple fixes atleast if you can rebuild a carb .

 

[skyking]

That's a much better car than the first one you described. The spring shackle is cake, and a shop can do the carb for a couple hundred. :thumbsup:

 

[Antisocial Virge]

Originally posted by: PAB

Originally posted by: AFSCrazy
UPDATE

Maybe I am blind, but I don't see a clutch pedal. Here are some pics.

You are blind

The T handled shifter is a dead giveaway. The C4 is an automatic tranny dude.

Ever see a Hurst vertical gate shifter? Its a 4 speed with a T-handle

http://go.mrgasket.com/ProductDetails.a...minID=8029&selection=2&minselection=14

 

[SuperSix]

Personally - from what you've posted OP, I wouldn't recommend the car.

It's an old car that may need constant expensive upkeep, and if you don't do the work yourself - it may get very expensive.

Most of the repair expense will be labor, as most replacement mechanical parts are relatively inexpensive.

Expect to replace if they haven't been yet: Ball joints (yes, 4 (It is an A-Arm suspension, yes?)), upper and lower control are bushings, rear bushings, tie rods, center link, etc, etc..

 

[AFSCrazy]

I know what you mean about it requiring some work, but as far as I am aware the car was "fully restored" in '97 and only driven 12k miles since. I have a few friends who are mechanically intuitive, and I hear that this would be a great car to learn mechanics on. I am going to test drive it later today after work, I'll tell you guys how it goes.

 

[0]

you need another $2K Cache to pay for upkeep of that beast.

 

[Ornery]

... the car was "fully restored" in '97 and only driven 12k miles since.

I'd rather buy a "numbers-matching" machine that still needed "restored", and have it done myself. I'd also take it back to factory original specs. Buy it and put the brakes and suspension in order. When the time comes, ahve the engine and tranny rebuilt right. Later, have the body and interior done. Spread it out over time, and use it as a daily driver in the mean time.

 

[AFSCrazy]

Hey guys,

I went to test five it today, and all I have to say is :shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked:
This is the most gorgeous car I've ever seen/driven. the interior is original(I think) and fully in tact, no wear or tears. He is giving me the original front seats so that I can put them in as well. Everything is quality, and it is so loud, I cannot describe the sensation of driving it. He is also giving me a conversion kit to turn it into a 5 speed if I want to. (though I probably won't) He has done most of the work himself, and he even gave me a video to watch of the entire restoration. My grandfather who is an expert mechanic gave it two thumbs up, and said the carb does not actually need replacing. I am applying for my loan on tuesday, so wish me luck.

I know some of you said 9k was a little steep, but I am willing to pay it for such a special vehicle. Thanks a lot for the help, your input is invaluable.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: AFSCrazy
Hey guys,

I went to test five it today, and all I have to say is :shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked:
This is the most gorgeous car I've ever seen/driven. the interior is original(I think) and fully in tact, no wear or tears. He is giving me the original front seats so that I can put them in as well. Everything is quality, and it is so loud, I cannot describe the sensation of driving it. He is also giving me a conversion kit to turn it into a 5 speed if I want to. (though I probably won't) He has done most of the work himself, and he even gave me a video to watch of the entire restoration. My grandfather who is an expert mechanic gave it two thumbs up, and said the carb does not actually need replacing. I am applying for my loan on tuesday, so wish me luck.

I know some of you said 9k was a little steep, but I am willing to pay it for such a special vehicle. Thanks a lot for the help, your input is invaluable.

Congratulations and best of luck with the loan. Should be a fun car and I know you'll never forget having it.

ZV

 

[imported_LoKe]

Damn nice looking.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Wow, that's awesome, congrats

 

[CrackRabbit]

Dangit now I need to get a napkin..... Drool all over my keyboard.
Very very nice car.... congrats.

 

[PAB]

Originally posted by: AFSCrazy
Hey guys,

I went to test five it today, and all I have to say is :shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked:
This is the most gorgeous car I've ever seen/driven. the interior is original(I think) and fully in tact, no wear or tears. He is giving me the original front seats so that I can put them in as well. Everything is quality, and it is so loud, I cannot describe the sensation of driving it. He is also giving me a conversion kit to turn it into a 5 speed if I want to. (though I probably won't) He has done most of the work himself, and he even gave me a video to watch of the entire restoration. My grandfather who is an expert mechanic gave it two thumbs up, and said the carb does not actually need replacing. I am applying for my loan on tuesday, so wish me luck.

I know some of you said 9k was a little steep, but I am willing to pay it for such a special vehicle. Thanks a lot for the help, your input is invaluable.

So did you haggle any or did you already make your mind up that you were going to pay full price?