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Where to start??

J

JCH67

New Member
Hey everyone, I just got my first mustang and it's rough, I've never completely restored a car before but I have to start somewhere haha. I was just interesting in hearing opinions on what i should start with on the project, the car is almost completely stripped down at this point, fixing the rust seems like the common sense place to start but which sheet metal first? door skins? floor pans? I'm sure there is rust hiding in this thing i haven't even found yet

Thanks,
John
 
Typically, you should start with the structural stuff: frame rails, aprons, shock towers, etc. Sometimes, though, the rot is so bad that there's not anything good to attach these structural elements to. If that's the case, start where the metal is good, and work towards replacing those elements so that when you do install the structural stuff, it'll be solid. I'd keep the doors and export brace installed to help keep things in alignment. DO NOT remove everything all at once...do one piece at a time so you can maintain your alignment. You'll only have one easy shot at this...
 
"Midlife" said:
Typically, you should start with the structural stuff: frame rails, aprons, shock towers, etc. Sometimes, though, the rot is so bad that there's not anything good to attach these structural elements to. If that's the case, start where the metal is good, and work towards replacing those elements so that when you do install the structural stuff, it'll be solid. I'd keep the doors and export brace installed to help keep things in alignment. DO NOT remove everything all at once...do one piece at a time so you can maintain your alignment. You'll only have one easy shot at this...
Click to expand...

+1
 
Any pictures John? How are your welding skills?

What you're embarking upon has been done by several of us here and we can certainly help. Don't be hesitant to ask questions and welcome aboard!
 
Thanks for the replies, I have a feeling I might be in a slightly difficult spot, what effect exactly would a door being off have? and the radiator support was cut out at some point, there are some pictures on my profile, they are of how i bought the car, there might be no easy shot at this one, but hey I have plenty of time, because I'm a freshman in college and I'll only have funds to buy a few parts at time depending on the cost.

I don't have much welding experience(compared with most of you guys anyway I'm sure haha), but I do have some and I do have a welder

Thanks!
John
 
Well, she's definitely a project car. The good news is that from the pictures she doesn't look TOO bad. A LOT of people here have started with much worse.

I'd get the rest of the car stripped..... every nut/bolt/washer/wire removed and take a good look up under the dash at the lower cowl panel. The lower cowl panel typically leaks and is one of the more labor intensive repairs.

Where are you located?
 
John,
Welcome to StangFix. Yes your rig looks like it qualifies as a project which most of us have experienced. As you have guessed, you need to rip into that pup as previously suggested to see what hidden treasures you have. Looks like the battery apron was replaced already? Many reasons why the radiator support was removed. A good supplier for sheet metal is Dynacorn who many Mustang part houses sell.

I replaced my radiator support, front cross member and battery apron on my 68. It was actually pretty fun to do. Just take your time. We can provide engine compartment dimensions so you can ensure its all nice a square before you weld in your new pieces.
 
"cmayna" said:
John,
Welcome to StangFix. We can provide engine compartment dimensions so you can ensure its all nice a square before you weld in your new pieces.
Click to expand...

Support the front of the car under the front torq boxes and in the rear under the frame rails nearby the front bolt of the leafsprings .
Be sure that your car is level because i notice that your car doesn't sit on a concrete floor.
 
Ask twice , do it once.
Be sure to get all the info before welding anything.
Thats all about it in this forum.We are here to help you !
And if you are a good boy , there is a chance that some member stops by and gives you a hand in this project.
Who knows !!
 
There's no doubt I'll be asking a ton of questions, I'll continue to strip down the car till it's completely bare for now, it' close. I hadn't even though about the dirt floor making anything difficult (other than the dirt everywhere) cold weather and wind make working out there a blast haha. I will be able to actually work on the car on weekends when I go home from school.

Oh and Dave, to answer your question I'm located in Bedford, VA.

Thanks,
John
 
tag everything when you dissamble.Use some small plastic bags and a marker to tag the nuts and bolts when dissambling.!And take pics .
 
Hi John,
Glad to see you found the website. I guess I am the blame on this one. Atleast the price was right ! Heck, atleast you got to pick one from the corral... anyways, You can always drive one of mine until you get this one running.. and you have parts bin just 2 doors down the road from ya, come see me, Chris
 
As long as is a 67 mustang.I am in love with that year ! Don' t ask me why , its just a feeling.
 
Thanks guys, I'll be busy this weekend going back to school but next weekend when I come back I'll get right on it.

John
 
I know I said I would "get right on it" haha we have had tons of snow here and I've been waiting for a day where it wasn't below freezing, took some pictures and started a build thread, I'll post all my questions there from now on if that's cool with everyone

Thanks,
John
 
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