I am just about to get started on restoring a 65 mustang, maybe a 64 1/2 with a 289 but I don't have the VIN number yet so I can't verify exactly what it does or doesn't have. I was originally thinking of going with an original restoration but now I am looking at things like suspension improvements, disk brakes (do they make that big of a difference), power boosted brakes, power steering (again is it that big of a difference) and engine mods such as high performance cams and heads. I have seen several forum members with numerous mods. The last I notices was Cranky's. What kind of money am I looking at to do something similiar on my car. I am looking to start getting a ballpark figure to quote to my wife. I would also be interested in knowing how long it took to get your cars to their present condition.
At this point I am leaning toward Restomod. I would like to drive the car and have no intentions of selling it as it has been in the family nearly 40 years. I am not to worried about the difference in value that might come from an original restore.
For my 67' Im looking at spending close to $2000-3000 to get it fixed up. New fenders, misc parts, gas tank etc. Just to get it driveable on the road. Since I need new fenders, Ill prolly have to get a paint job which can vary on price. Then after that for more modern add ons, maybe another $1000, + a new set of rims/tires.
It really depends on the condition of your car, if it needs body work, interior, paint job etc. What I did to figure this is was make a list of everything I could see, and write down prices.
Actually that was my first estimate, but I just wasn't sure how go a ball park that was.
ANd mine was just an estimate for my car. It all depends on how good your car is, how anal you wanna be, how much time you have and how much skill you have.
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1969 Mustang Grande coupe - 302, auto C4. Sold April 2007 :-(
My wife is wanting to drive the car so she is the one wanting the power steering. I had a 65 about 12-13 years ago and it did not have power steering, disc brakes or anything upgraded other than the radio. I am just a bit better off today than I was at 19.
I have most evenings free and am more than willing to get my hands dirty. I have limited experience as I was a light wheel mechanic in the Army. I can follow a manual really well, but without one would be lost.
i would go with the, "dont telll your wife how much you are really spending" approach. Power steering will be a couple thousand. I honestly think your wife should try to drive it if it is drivable. You will be suprised.
I didnt know anything and by reading and posting on the forums i know tons now.
< Message edited by tylerdru -- 3/10/2006 7:08:54 PM >
Unfortunately the car has not been driven in over 20 years so I am seriously doubting that it is driveable. I know at a minimum that all four tires are flat.
Unfortunately the car has not been driven in over 20 years so I am seriously doubting that it is driveable. I know at a minimum that all four tires are flat.
Kept inside or out?
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1969 Mustang Grande coupe - 302, auto C4. Sold April 2007 :-(
My wife's Grandfather kept it in a garage since 1974. I have not had an opportunity to open the trunk, the hood or see the underside of the car but the interior is still in great shape so heres hoping the rest is in pretty good shape. There is some rust on the fender wells but I am hoping to convince my wife's uncle to use his plasma cutter and welding equipment to fix the rust issues. He also has a paint shop in his garage, so hoping to make use of that as well.
Uncle Bob has been know as Bondo Bob as long as I have known him. He recently added a full-size hydraulic lift to his garage that can lift is Suburban to the 11' foot ceilings. He has lots of toys, unfortunately he lives over three hours from me.
I would say that you should determine the style of your car first (restomod, clone, cornercarver, strip, Concourse, etc), then work out which mods go with that style. Then, you can price the parts out.
Don't forget that everything you want to change has a side effect. Usually cash related. My 3rd member change is making me want to sand blast the underside of my car, rust coat it and chassis paint. Ditto for all of the spring, sway, caliper parts etc. AND, since the U bolts are icky looking I have to do something with that also. Speedo gear. Axle fluids. Gasket. Shipping. Mmmm. Traction mods......
I may want to re-arch the new springs for a little rise in height, before I figure out rims and tires. Oh, and while it is out, should I do brake pads or new brake fluids or........
These are the things that make the cost of each project a little unpredictable. But I digress.
It sounds as if you have a great resource to help you keep the costs down somewhat.
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Cost of Restoring your Mustang - 
Power steering will be a couple thousand. I honestly think your wife should try to drive it if it is drivable. You will be suprised. 
