Which to restore first, a 1966 Fastback or a 1967 Convertible?

[ZFORCE]

Recently, somebody asked me about how my Mustang project was going.  Well, I'm still working on my pool project, which is almost done, then I get to reward myself by starting a Mustang project!  So some background info for the poll.  First, I will be doing ALL of the work myself.  I've done everything and anything you can think of on cars, upholstery to paint.  I put myself through college working as a mechanic and buying and selling cars.  Not to brag, but part of the equation, skills I have, so cost for both is going to be about the same.

This is my 1966 Mustang, Code Max (I name all my projects!), that started out as a 6 cylinder automatic.  It was in several accidents in the late 70's.  That was when a street rodder friend of mine picked it up for $200.00.  He told me that back when he bought it, this was one step from the grave and restoration was out of the question, he bought it for parts.  Fast forward to 2007...junkyard, NO WAY, this is an awesome start for a Mustang project!  He kept it in his back yard resisting the temptation to sell it until 2007.  He needed some tile work done, some welding, and some other stuff, and that is where I came in!  We worked out a value of $2000.00 for the trade and I worked it off!  Totally rust free, needs front frame rails and aprons!  About the same amount of work as the 67 convertible.


OK, here is my 1967 Convertible, Dirty Harry.  The name came from this long story on the VMF, since most of us came from there, I hope you don't mind the link.  If I've overstepped, the "slug" this link from my poll!

http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/vintage-mustang-forum/555640-barn-find-without-barn-long-story-re-dirty-harry.html




Dirty Harry is not nearly in as poor condition as the 66 FB, but it has been in several front end accidents.  The 1960's brakes left a lot to be desired!!!  A PO somewhere down the line patched the aprons.  They had bondo all over them, and that was under the hood by the hinges!  The hinges are hanging on to good memories of what used to be fender aprons.  the bondo just wasn't made to be structural, despite the brain child of the PO!  She sat in the AZ weather outdoors for 12 years before I found her on craigslist.  Her floor pans are rusted through, so they need to be replaced too.  I like things done right, so I'm planning on doing the same frame rail and apron replacement as Code Max.

You can see more pics in my albums.

[daveSanborn]

I may be somewhat partial, but I voted for the 2+2.

A couple of reasons.....

Parts prices are usually much cheaper for first gen cars.  Get the cheaper one out of the way first!

Getting the rust-free one out of the way and driveable will keep you motivated when it comes to dealing with the rust on the '67.

Either way, both are great project cars.

Since you're in the southwest, I'll turn you on to another '67-68 vert that can be picked up for I believe under a grand located down in Yuma.  It's a C code rolling 'vert shell that as I remember only needed a floor pan patch.  It was offered to me a few years ago for $5-600 but I was up to my eyeballs with Mustangs... I had 3 undergoing rebuild at once... so I passed.  All of the 'vert specific hardware was still on the car last I saw it (approx. 2 years ago).

PM me if you're interested and I'll round up the owners # and address.  He owns a few Mustangs, including a 95% finished '69 big block Jade GT 'vert vin #000008 that is highly optioned.  He tried selling me the car 10 years ago for $20k, but since finding out it originally belonged to some Hollywood big-wig (Jay Leno's attorney?) he's aparently re-valued the car into the low 6 figures.  He'll be long gone before he ever sells the car at that price.

[Fast68back]

Since you're in the southwest, I'll turn you on to another '67-68 vert that can be picked up for I believe under a grand located down in Yuma.  It's a C code rolling 'vert shell that as I remember only needed a floor pan patch.  It was offered to me a few years ago for $5-600 but I was up to my eyeballs with Mustangs... I had 3 undergoing rebuild at once... so I passed.  All of the 'vert specific hardware was still on the car last I saw it (approx. 2 years ago).

PM me if you're interested and I'll round up the owners # and address.    

ummm.... Helllllllooooo, I'm standing right here...... Come to find out Dave has been to Dallas and OKC a few times, and does he look a brotha up.....Apparently NOT....

[guruatbol]

Hello, I visit my old home 1 hour from Yuma frequently.  I could use a vert to add to my FB and coupe.

I would have to talk SWMBO into it though.

I voted for the FB.  I am kinda partial to them and like Dave said get the cheaper build done first and stay motivated.

Mel

[Sluggo]

I voted for the vert. I think I should probably come get that junky "parts car" out of your hair.

[B67FSTB]

The one that is close to drivebility i would work on to get it on the road.The worst one i would start the restoration.So you can take a drive ( or spin) whenever you can't see the end of that other restoration.
To give you a boost when things are down.

[ZFORCE]

Thanks!  Fix the one that is closest to drivable, and restore the other...Now that is an excellent idea!  I never thought of that...hmmm..................

[gotstang]

Thanks!  Fix the one that is closest to drivable, and restore the other...Now that is an excellent idea!  I never thought of that...hmmm..................

Here's my +1 to the idea. I wish I had one to tool around in, from my little experience driving "fun cars", it never fails to inspire me to work on mine.

[GT350]

I would say fastback

[Tony R]

I said the vert.  But I agree with doing the one that is closest to being done first.