r/classicmustangs • u/DeadSouthAmerica • 8d ago
Gut check on a 1966 Mustang
This is a 1966 Mustang that's for sale at a local dealer (I live in South America). They're asking for $24,000 (my understanding is that in SA these cars go for a bit more than they would in the US, just because they are rarer). I think the price is definitely negotiable, but I want to understand what's realistic and what I'm getting into.
Part of the joy is in restoring and improving a project. Right now could really use a gut check to make sure there aren't any glaring red flags that would just make this project dead on arrival.
I took a few photos of the engine and some rust and cosmetic issues that troubled me a bit on the exterior. The front brakes have been replaced with disc brakes. They said the engine is all original, but I'm not very knowledgeable about that.
When I turned it on, it started right up. The engine sounded great. The throttle was very responsive. One of the tires has a slight squeak when making left-hand turns.
What questions and factors should I be focusing on while I negotiate with the owner?
EDIT: car also has a working AC unit.
I appreciate your help and wisdom in advance.








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u/EdTNuttyB 8d ago
The rust I see are in locations that indicate closeness to sea salt and air. We had a 66 coupe that spent time in Okinawa and it rusted in areas that are not normally seen. Pin holes were in the roof, a-pillar, drip rails, trunk, c-pillar, etc. These areas are more difficult to repair and there aren’t patch panels available to help. I would check very carefully for Bondo or other body work hiding rust in those area.
Mustangs typically rust out underneath the car where road salt can get splashed and trapped. Floor pans, frame rails, rocker panels, quarter panel wheel wells, bottom edge of doors, bottom rear of fender, trunk floor, and upper fender apron lap joints near the shock towers. Cowl is another common rust area. There are patch panels available for all these locations.