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Well, it looks like a diamond in the rough for sure! Even if the guy gave you the car for free its going to test your resolve and determination to finish it. This post has got me to thinking about how far one goes to "restore" a project car...for me, that means bare shell, sandblast it, cut out all the rust, all new or rebuilt everything, but that is not what every other person may want to do, soooo, you and your dad know what it takes and what level of ocd issues you have that will guide YOUR restoration project....and not every one wants to convert it to a V8 canyon carver type rig. I think you have expressed yourself well enough to know that you and dad would be able to tackle this project and have some fun while doing it, with out breaking the bank, even if you loose some money on what you spend vs what it would sell for. I would have a serious conversation with the owner about the condition and cost to get the car looking and working the way you want ...offer him 250, explaining you have had a chance to look into parts and labor, he will say no, then walk away and give him a few days to think it over, recontact him and see if hes willing to accept it, he may counter at 500 or more but I would not go over 500 though,as pointed out previously, the initial purchase price is not the main consideration, its understanding what amount of money and time is going to be needed in getting it to the level you want it to be. Best of luck!
 
Discussion starter · #22 ·
Well, it looks like a diamond in the rough for sure! Even if the guy gave you the car for free its going to test your resolve and determination to finish it. This post has got me to thinking about how far one goes to "restore" a project car...for me, that means bare shell, sandblast it, cut out all the rust, all new or rebuilt everything, but that is not what every other person may want to do, soooo, you and your dad know what it takes and what level of ocd issues you have that will guide YOUR restoration project....and not every one wants to convert it to a V8 canyon carver type rig. I think you have expressed yourself well enough to know that you and dad would be able to tackle this project and have some fun while doing it, with out breaking the bank, even if you loose some money on what you spend vs what it would sell for. I would have a serious conversation with the owner about the condition and cost to get the car looking and working the way you want ...offer him 250, explaining you have had a chance to look into parts and labor, he will say no, then walk away and give him a few days to think it over, recontact him and see if hes willing to accept it, he may counter at 500 or more but I would not go over 500 though,as pointed out previously, the initial purchase price is not the main consideration, its understanding what amount of money and time is going to be needed in getting it to the level you want it to be. Best of luck!
No your right I think I’m gonna talk to him and offer him 500 cause it does need a lot and the way I wanna start is by getting it running making sure the motor is good and from there I’ll tackle the body and interior and paint last I’ll be sure to post progress and ask questions. Along the way I appreciate the advise
 
Use your best judgement. Check it out real good and make your decision. I'm sure there is plenty of rust and many many things to replace and new sheetmetal needed. Alot of work to be done, alot of time and lots of money. With it being a 6 cylinder some will say it's not worth it. They're not as desireable etc. I have a 6. It could have been an 8. I don't care about the size of the motor. I just like the looks of a classic Mustang.

And it depends on how you look at your money. Buying a nicer one up front will save you some work, frustration etc but it will also cost you more up front. And when it gets finished you will have more in it than what it's worth they say. Very true mostly. I look at it as if I put money into it little by little as I can afford it over a period of time then I don't miss that money so down the road when it's done and I have a beautiful car in front of me I don't care that I'm upside down in it. Mine was in pretty good shape fortunately but even if it wasn't, I didn't buy mine as an investment, I bought mine as a cool fun project to work on and the pride I'll get when it gets all done. No matter what me or anyone else on here says, you'll make up your own mind one way or the other. Lots to think about.
 
No your right I think I’m gonna talk to him and offer him 500 cause it does need a lot and the way I wanna start is by getting it running making sure the motor is good and from there I’ll tackle the body and interior and paint last I’ll be sure to post progress and ask questions. Along the way I appreciate the advise
With due respect, 300 bucks isn't gonna make or break that restoration. But if it makes you feel better about the project then go for it. It kinda seems like your talking yourself into it though.
 
I doubt the seller will take less than $800. Even $800 taking into account the condition it is in is a lot less than most complete cars sell for(at least around here). THe window glass alone is worth $350 or so if its in good condition. TO be clear....this is a car that most would buy as a parts car, not a project car. OP can offer less but I am going to bet he doesn't get a bite if he does.
 
It might be a good starter car.

Find out what works, what does not work, costs of parts, etc.

Buy it, drive it, fix it, sell it and buy a better project down the road.

My first Mustang was a 1965, 6 cyl 3 speed, for free, wrecked door, fender, did not run.

Fixed it, drove it, and through several other upgrades, now I have the 1968 GT500
 
This thread is from April. Hopefully the OP made a decision by now lol.
Seems like he did, fortunately. His most recent post was choosing a carburetor for his inline 6 which i assume is the one from this thread.
 
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