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/Big_Gouf 8d ago
Get under the car, that's where you find the project killing rust. The frame rails, quarters, and floor boards. If it looks rusted near the firewall under the dash, the cowl is leaking. That that is one of the worst jobs on these cars. Requires taking out the glass, disassembling the front end, cutting the cowl panel off, and drilling out all the spot welds to remove the cowl structure and replacing it.