looking at classic 60's mustangs
- Thread starter TDHJSilver06
- Start date
Hi,
To be honest when looking at classic Mustangs IMO The number one thing to be concerned about is rot, whether it's present, hidden, or was improperly repaired in the past. Once I have a decent foundation,then I worry about the smaller details. The newer fuel isn't great with these older cars but it shouldn't be a deal breaker if you're looking to purchase an old car.
My findings with the newer fuel an older cars is that the fuel hose doesn't seem to last as long. However you can buy the good modern hose for $5 or less per foot and a stock 60's Mustang uses about 1 foot total .
Fuel senders and pumps seem to hold up fine.
Carb rebuilds don't seem to last as long but a stock carb can be Re-kitted every few years for less than $50, if you do it yourself. For the record on the carb stuff,I'm not 100 percent positive it's the new gas as most of the carb issues I see are on cars that sit off the road for months straight (like winter in the northest).
If you have a specific car in mind feel free to pick my brain.
To be honest when looking at classic Mustangs IMO The number one thing to be concerned about is rot, whether it's present, hidden, or was improperly repaired in the past. Once I have a decent foundation,then I worry about the smaller details. The newer fuel isn't great with these older cars but it shouldn't be a deal breaker if you're looking to purchase an old car.
My findings with the newer fuel an older cars is that the fuel hose doesn't seem to last as long. However you can buy the good modern hose for $5 or less per foot and a stock 60's Mustang uses about 1 foot total .
Fuel senders and pumps seem to hold up fine.
Carb rebuilds don't seem to last as long but a stock carb can be Re-kitted every few years for less than $50, if you do it yourself. For the record on the carb stuff,I'm not 100 percent positive it's the new gas as most of the carb issues I see are on cars that sit off the road for months straight (like winter in the northest).
If you have a specific car in mind feel free to pick my brain.
Same things PB said, I have seen some nasty things in a carb caused by the ethanol. That said I am not sure where you are but we have had two gas chains start selling ethanol free gas. I base my fuel stops on them as much as possible just for that reason.
Trust me when I say gas is the least of your worries. If you are buying a car is mostly original and not resto-modded to the 9's you are talking about 40 year old parts. Stuff fails and quits, and more than likely at the worst time. I lost headlights a month or so ago at night while doing 55! Turns out the dimmer switch on the floor was shot and heating up the circuit which trips the headlight switch. Who knew? Any way point being they are work, and not just like a newer car you jump in and run around for days and not have to worry about anything.
All that said pick a year and a motor you like and find one you wont be disappointed. I know I smile every time I turn the key and here that 351 rumble.
Trust me when I say gas is the least of your worries. If you are buying a car is mostly original and not resto-modded to the 9's you are talking about 40 year old parts. Stuff fails and quits, and more than likely at the worst time. I lost headlights a month or so ago at night while doing 55! Turns out the dimmer switch on the floor was shot and heating up the circuit which trips the headlight switch. Who knew? Any way point being they are work, and not just like a newer car you jump in and run around for days and not have to worry about anything.
All that said pick a year and a motor you like and find one you wont be disappointed. I know I smile every time I turn the key and here that 351 rumble.
I agree with what the others have said.
I'll also add:
I started putting Stabil in before every fill up. One problem with ethanol is you tend to get more water in the gas.
The other thing people tend to talk about is that gas as no lead in it and it harms things. But a standard valve job usually includes harded seats and that is all you really need to get around that concern. They do make lead additives if you are truely concerned. But being 40 years old, things are already warn enough that it doesn't really matter, or warn so much that it needs a valve job anyway.
But like ponyboy said, these are minor things. Rust is the biggest thing to worry about.
I'll also add:
I started putting Stabil in before every fill up. One problem with ethanol is you tend to get more water in the gas.
The other thing people tend to talk about is that gas as no lead in it and it harms things. But a standard valve job usually includes harded seats and that is all you really need to get around that concern. They do make lead additives if you are truely concerned. But being 40 years old, things are already warn enough that it doesn't really matter, or warn so much that it needs a valve job anyway.
But like ponyboy said, these are minor things. Rust is the biggest thing to worry about.
Thanks for the information. Was looking at a few cars locally for sale that had the "must sell before winter" listing. But now having second thoughts. Think I would rather go to Carlisle,PA for a better chance of finding what I'm looking for. Will keep your expertise in mind when I find something. Thanks,
As A bargain hunter, and long time early Mustang guy. I would advise you to not stop looking locally. If you have the free time it never hurts to look at cars.Trust me it's a free education.As you look at the same year cars you'll start to see trends( where they go bad,good options, price trends,etc.) And who knows ? You might find the too good to be true car. I looked at a 66 vert(very rusty with no disclosure) the day before yesterday and I'll be looking at another on Saturday. Just because they are local.
As A heads up all/most of the cars at Carlisle typically carry what I call a car show premium, the owner went through the hassle and expense of bringing them out there so they usually want a bit more plus they have a captive audience.People from as far away as Australia come to places like Carlisle to look at and buy cars so there is definite competition on the buy side.
BTW ,Not to pry but what are you looking for generally? Maybe myself or other people on here know of cars for sale similar to what you're looking for.
As A heads up all/most of the cars at Carlisle typically carry what I call a car show premium, the owner went through the hassle and expense of bringing them out there so they usually want a bit more plus they have a captive audience.People from as far away as Australia come to places like Carlisle to look at and buy cars so there is definite competition on the buy side.
BTW ,Not to pry but what are you looking for generally? Maybe myself or other people on here know of cars for sale similar to what you're looking for.
PB, I was thinking of 60's cars. Not too choosey because of what's out there locally. Thanks for advise on looking never hurts. You can learn a ton by seeing the same issues on different cars. Don't go looking for anything right now, thanks. Was on craigslist saw that too good a price to believe and almost went to the bank. Will hold off buying for now and possibly bring this up again in the spring.
THANKS EVERYONE!
THANKS EVERYONE!