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Thinking of buying a stang
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Posted by: ikickpigeons

Hello All!

I’m new to these forums and to the mustang community so obviously i have a lot of questions for you geniuses to answer. So, I’m looking to buy a mustang around the years of 1964-69. Beware that I’m not a real grease head. In fact I really don’t know much about engines compared to you guys, but I’m not a complete noob. I just love the look of mustangs and feel of older cars. (I hate new cars with a passion.) And I really want to have to privilege to own one. But I also have my worries.

1) How reliable are they? Will I be stuck for a month without a car waiting for a part? Stranded in a parking lot?

2) Will I need to be constantly maintaining it? Will the engine breakdown often. What kind of maintenance is needed for these cars?

3) What problems will I run into when buying and owning one?

3) What’s the performance like? I’m dying to know. Also how does a 6 cylinder compare to an 8?

4) I can’t find any tech specs on these old vintage cars. So where are the websites where I can find BHP, torque, engine size/displacement, and etc. If you can tell me some specs on some of those models I posted earlier, I will be very thankful.

5) I would like to have a manual trans but it seems like the market is littered with autos. I’m tight on cash and will settle for whatever i can get my hands on. Is the manual worth it? Does it really affect the fun factor?

6) Have you guys ever driven these in the snow? It snows like hell here. There is snow on the ground here 4-6 months of the year.

7) What suggestions/tips can you guys give me for looking for a car? Any model/year that I should steer away from?

I'm only 16 so my resources, funds, and knowledge are pretty low. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help guys!

Posted by: 1969Vette

im not an expert at all...

1. it wouldnt be as realiable as a newer car, its 40+ ears old. it also depends on the condition, if its mainly original parts with just replaced ones when it needed it, it probably wont be too reliable. If it has alot of new parts, or a newer engine than it still needs more attention than a new car, but should have decent reliability. Daily drivers are the most reliable cars, prolonged sitting causes alot of problems including brakes, fuel, engine, tires, etc.

2. included in 1, it will need more attention, but depends on what condition you buy it in. worse condition = higher chance it could break down.

3. problems with buying could be they commit fraud and tell you its a better model than it really is (a clone) and charge you more for less. also, check it over good, everywhere, and bring someone who not just knows cars, but knows what to look for. I didnt think my dad knew that much, but when I brought him to look at cars he pointed out tons of things I looked past and did not notice. check all gaps between doors, fenders, hood, etc. and compare to the other side.... this could indicate wether it was in an accident or not. check the treadwear, which could indicate bad alignment, which doesnt just mean you go get an alignment done. it could mean you need suspension parts, not to mention the new tires. there's alot to checking over a car, those are just a couple tips.

3b. Performance again is not like a new car, it is more rough and requires more work from you, especially if it doesnt have power steering, power brakes, etc. A v8 will give you more power, less fuel economy, more weight, better sound, a higher price tag, etc.

4. If you do find power specs, remember, for those years, it was crankshaft power... which is more than flywheel power like todays cars, and alot more than rear wheel power which is what you're actually getting. supposedly a 450HP Hemi only had alittle over 300 RWHP.

5. A manual is definately more fun, but at 16 (im only 20), you probably arent ready for a manual... others will disagree, but I see it now that I had to learn certain things and Im now a much more mature driver even though im still fairly young. An Automatic has worse fuel economy, weighs more, gives you less power to the wheels, but gives you better reaction time, especially if you drive with 2 feet (go kart style). An automatic is much safer for a new driver because if you get nervous or confussed and press the wrong pedal, you're screwed. An auto usually sells faster also, not as many people like stick, they like to just drive.

6. I really wouldnt be driving a classic muscle car in the snow. It usually isnt someones only car, its usually a 2nd or 3rd car. It's carbuerated so you'll probably have trouble starting it in cold weather. My '86 camaro with a 5.0L needed tons of starting fluid in the winter... that was my first car and I crashed it in a snow storm, thats why I dont really think this should be the car you're looking for, although its good that you're into mustangs. It will also be hard to move if there is snow on the ground since its rear wheel drive, and it will spin out/fishtail very easily in the snow. FWD and AWD are better if its that snowy where you are.

7. if you are looking for 64-69... 64s and 65s should be the cheapest, I dont know how many still exist, but they made over 1 million in those 2 years, which is a huge amount of cars in just 2 years. I actually like the look of the 1970 mustang. but 69 looks good too, a '67 shelby gt500 is sick, but you're not buying that. if you got a 67 i would put an elenor kit on it. 64s and 65s are pretty plain looking, but classy, after that its more muscle looking. a fastback will cost you more than a regular coupe.

you're insurance may be huge if you're 16, its an 8cyl, etc. unless you get hagerdy or grundy collector car insurance, you're also going to be spending alot on gas. Honestly, if I were to go back in time, I would probably start with a mid 90s v6 stang if it was my only car, that way it would still be a stang, but I would be getting good mileage, insurance wouldnt be too bad, good reliablity and modern features, and I wouldnt care about putting daily miles on it or if anything happened to it. theres also a huge aftermarket for them.

classic muscle cars are awesome and its cool you want to get one but i really dont think you should in your situation, seeing as you'll even be driving it through the snow (and SALT), I dont think it would be worth it for you and the car will probably be (cant think of the right word)... but it will be hurting, rusting, decaying, dying, etc.

Posted by: speedingpenguin

Hi! I'm 18, so it wasnt too long ago that I was in your shoes. I wanted to get a 2nd generation Camaro or Firebird and had a lot of the same questions you're asking. Basicly heres what I've got to say to you.
Older cars are easier to work on. More room, less computers, parts are easier to get at. Parts are less expensive and easier to come across. Being an old car, however, you can't really expect it to be 100% reliable. It can be, but its probably more a matter of luck. Since your 16, I'm going to assume you don't have a ton of money to spend on a Mustang. I'm not really in to the classic Mustangs, so I dont know what they're typical problems or selling prices are, but I would say for ~5,000-6,000 you could probably get a decent car that you could drive fairly often. Dont expect to go out and buy a Mach 1 for that kinda price, but a "No frills" Mustang would probably be possible.
As for the transmission...My firebird (89) was an automatic and at the time I didn't like it really. My cobra is a 5 speed, and I love driving it, but now that I drive one every day I personally wouldnt make the type of transmission a deciding factor when it comes to an old car now. Certainly if you could get a 3 speed or a 4 speed, it would be realllyy fun, but don't limit yourself because of the transmission. If you dont have much to spend, dont be too picky about that if you're unsure if you want it badly enough. Oh, and I wouldnt say driving a 5 speed is much harder than an automatic. If you find yourself hitting the wrong pedals in a panic, its probably because you've never driven a stick before, arent used to the car yet, and put yourself in a dangerous situation (No offense 69vette if you did something like that, lol). If you're not used to driving a manual transmission, take the first day or two to just stick to the back roads away from traffic and take it easy. You'll get the hang of it in no time at all. After that its something you dont even pay attention to, you just instinctivly do it.
Theres no way I'd drive a classic mustang in the snow. I feel bad enough about driving my Cobra this winter, but my situation was a little wierd (My "beater" died so I needed a car fast, and the deal on the Cobra I didnt wanna pass up on).
I say take your time looking at them, don't make your expectations too high if you dont have much money, but I would limit yourself to a car that hasnt had too much work done. Okay, so if it was repainted, no big deal. New engine or transmission, cool, but only if its the same engine it came with. I've seen first hand that people THINK they know what they're doing with engine swaps, but little stuff like wiring can make it a BITCH to deal with (...my firebird....previous owner converted it to non computer controled carb, the wiring harness was so hacked up it wasnt even funny.)
Have someone who knows cars, specificly classic stangs, go with you to look at a few before you buy one. Dont expect it to be very reliable, but dont let that discourage you. Just make sure you've got AAA :-P

Posted by: 1969Vette

"No offense 69vette if you did something like that, lol"

haha, no, I was just saying that could happen, especially at 16... but I do know about that first hand because I was upstairs in my friend's house when a toyota 4 runner smashed into the front of it. I thought it was an earthquake or the refridgerator fell through the floor or something. The driver said she accidently hit the gas instead of the brake and paniced... swirved and hit the house.

Posted by: speedingpenguin

people do that around here all the time....some lady drove into Radioshack down the street, someone else went through Friendlys...... Dont think it has much to do with the transmission, more the fact that people panic and dont know their cars really?

Posted by: ikickpigeons

Wow. Thanks guys for the replies! Well, I am pretty confident of my driving abilities. Here in the mountain states we first start driving at 14.5 years old. So I have more experience driving than your normal 16 year old. Also, Sun Valley, I would say is a very easy place to drive in. Besides the ice and snow it's pretty safe driving. No traffic, open roads, and few cars make it an easy place to drive.

I have been talking to my dad a lot lately and I have come to the conclusion that any mustang I can get my hands on is good enough for me. In other words, I now don't care if it's auto or stick. Although it would be so much fun to have a stick. The fact that I CAN get a vintage mustang is enough of a thrill for me.

Also, you guys are right about the snow. There is no way I can drive this thing in these conditions. But thats ok, I still have my old car. An '86 Range Rover. So I will be good in the winter.

My only other question is why should I not buy an old mustang? And how does the v8 compare to the straight 6?

Once again thanks for the replies.

Posted by: Aussie XAXB

Here's some views from someone that grew up on carbureted cars. I am sure I will repeat a lot of what has been said but I will also have some differing views.

1 Reliability: They can be as reliable as any other car but you don't have the money for that. You can replace everything on a Mustang with a new part since they make EVERYTHING for the classic Mustangs, but that costs money.

2. The maintenance for these cars is the same as any other car, without the computer and electronics related items. Change the oil, align the car, change the air filter, etc. etc. etc. I put an electronic ignition distributor in my wife's car (not computerized) and that is as high tech as it is. There isn't anything that I do on her car, maintenance-wise, that I don't do on our daily drivers.

3. Buying problems: Because you are 16 and your automotive knowledge is limited people selling these cars will take advantage of that. As mentioned take someone with you that knows cars well. Also since you live in a snowy region (I live in Northeast Ohio) they will cost more since the road salt and weather conditions ate the cars up in this region. The car you buy that is in good condition (not all bondo'd up) will be from the south or will have had body panels replaced. One of the biggest concerns is in the cowl area for fresh air into the cabin. The drain holes get plugged with leaves and debris and water collects there and rust them out.

3B. Performance: Go to the library and find the 1964-1971 Chilton's manual. Engine specs are in there along with performance ratings. You can learn a LOT about these cars by looking through this manual. As mentioned ratings were different then than now. Now they are measured at the tailshaft of the transmission with all accessories (air conditioning, full draw on alternator) running and is a "net" figure going to the rear axle. This drops a little more by the time it gets to the wheel. Back in the 1960's the power was measured at the flywheel and the ratings are a little higher. However it is unlikely the car you buy will have an engine built to factory specs.

4. Spec's: See the manual mentioned above. Also get a subscription to Mustang Monthly. It caters the best to the early Mustangs. You can also find books at the library on Mustangs. It is one of the most written about cars in the world. Here's a website you should have handy....

http://links.vintage-mustang.com/index.html

You can find links to all the Mustang relates sites in the world there, give or take a few.

You need to learn as much about cars, Mustangs particularly, as possible. You cannot own one of these cars if you expect to pay someone everytime your car needs something done. Even I don't have that kind of money.

5. Transmission: Auto or stick is a personal preference. You haven't driven enough to have one yet.

6. Snow: The 65-66 only weighs about 2,800 pounds and there is no weight on the rear wheels. The 60's Mustangs do not go very well in the snow. It is not a very good idea for a newer driver. With lots of experience you can drive one in the snow, but it will be a lot of work even then, especially compared to today's cars.

7. Unless you can afford to buy a finished Mustang where everything has already been done (all rusty body panels replaced, new suspension, new everything) you will have to do work on the car. I've been striving to make my wife's 66 like new and it is not cheap or easy. We got a great base car to start with. You can check it out by clicking the link in my signature. There is a lot of info and pictures on there of work I have done to the car. The list at the end of the "First Year Changes" section is extensive and you can get an idea of what it takes to have a car (nevermind the customizing aspect) as a daily driver. Her's is a toy. It was bought that way. As mentioned there is less fuel economy, less traction in winter, and a higher fear of someone crashing into it. Most of these cars are bought as toys. If you want one for a daily driver it will take money, bottom line.

Steve

Posted by: Aussie XAXB

Here's performance figures.

http://www.treasurecoastmustangs.com/performance.htm

Steve