This car had been sitting out in someone’s back yard for around 7 years or so. Normally this wouldn't sound so bad, but the hood was up the entire time. Engine and engine compartment was really rusty. The cars original 6 cyl, 3-speed combo was changed out for a 289 HiPo and C4 setup. I don’t have that engine and trans but I will pick up a 302 and C4 for it along the way. Most of the original drum brakes where gone but that’s ok because I’m going to upgrade to 4 disk brakes. Buying this car was a real hard decision. It would have to be taken completely apart and restored. Doing this to a base model ’65 mustang is not a process that will get your investment back with this much sheet metal work being required. I wouldn’t call it an investment though; I would call it a hobby or an obsession.
So I bought this with the intention of striping everything off the car. Removing the paint, bondo and rust via a sand-blaster. Since I live next to salt water I am considering a zinc-chromate (or zinc-something) coating for the entire car after the rust has been cleaned and new metal welded on. I’m also mulling over ways to get rust inhibitor material into the rails of this car. Rails being inside the rockers and doorposts. Places that have some kind of surface rust that is not reachable by my sander.
This is my first ‘classic’ Mustang and I wanted to cut my teeth on something that wouldn’t make someone cry if I did something really really wrong to this car. Possibly the next Mustang restore will be a higher dollar car like a ’65-’66 fastback or maybe a modified Mustang. It would be very cool to do a Resto-Mod Mustang with front and rear independent suspension, automatic with an overdrive and maybe a 5.0 EFI. Really update the beastie!
Well anyways - On with the show!
Dataplate code: 65A R 26 13A 72 3 1
Body: Hardtop, Standard Interior, Bucket Seats
Color: Ivy Green (65 only)
[Interior] Trim: Black vinyl
Date: 13 of January (1st year)
DSO: San Jose
Axle: 3.20:1
Trans: 3-Speed Manual
Musatang VIN: 5R07T173721
5 = 1965
R = San Jose, CA
07 = Hardtop
T = 200-1v
173721 = Consecutive unit number #173721
Click the link for pictures of parts that
been sand blasted: Blasted Parts
I finaly striped the parts off the back end. The
passengers side quarterpanel needs work. The rear
light panel might be savable, but there is alot
of rust to deal with.
Click on a picture for a larger picture.
I got a clip from a '66 Mustang.
Check the pics out HERE
Click on a picture for a larger picture.
This is the interior of the car. I cleaned up
one front seat and left the other icky
for a before and after shot.
I will have to clean up the engine compartment
before I put in the engine.
Here are some parts for the car.
Engine + trany, hood and trunk lid.
The gas tank needs to be replaced
and there is lots of rust repair here.
