We did it again ... this time it's a 1968 Ford Mustang coupe

[Cees Klumper]

Since my wife and I moved from our boat in Marina del Rey into a proper home (proper = with a 3 car garage) my son and I have been thinking about a project to do together, and today we pulled the trigger on a 1968 Ford Mustang coupe that had popped up on San Diego Craiglist. This is the best picture of the car from the add; all other pictures are of the many, many boxes of parts, many new, that the seller had accumulated over the years he had the project. It's mostly complete, with a (1986) 302 V8, a C4 automatic transmission (we will be converting to a 5 speed manual), disc brake conversion parts already present, and many other new parts. Still a good amount of welding needed: new floors, chassis reinforcement plates, miscellaneous and tons of work to get it to completion, including full repaint. So just what we are into. My son is stoked and I look forward to transferring what skills I accumulated with my Lancia/VW/Spitfire/Alfa Romeo projects so far. Will update this thread when we have picked up the car, in two weeks' time, on a trailer.

[mdsalemi]

Having lived in the land of Mustang for over 30 years, where simply walking around the block in my neighborhood would reveal a first generation Mustang in many of the garages (some functional, some basket cases, and others projects) you may be pleasantly surprised after cutting your teeth in CA on some obscure makes and models with European pedigree. While there's no "Ford Classic Center" (and they cannot even keep current product's parts in stock, so not sure you'd want one!) there is an unbelievably robust 3rd party market for parts and services for these cars. You will not likely have any issues finding anything. Indeed, even the prices may thrill you!

For example, you can purchase an entire Fastback body--the entire thing, ALL the sheet metal--for just $17,500 in nearby Camarillo from Dynacon. There are a number of other suppliers of officially licensed body shells as well. Unlike those ersatz Gullwings, these won't land you or the seller in jail or bankruptcy!

There's also plenty of "go fast" firms making whatever you need to make your new car go faster or handle better or both.

Enjoy the ride with your son!

[ja17]

Looks like a family project Cees!

[rwmastel]

Is your son still enjoying his Porsche?

[Bonnyboy]

Getting Ford parts for me was like going back a generation.  You really have to do your research to make sure you order what you need and not replacing what was there.  Get the catalogues from the suppliers to see what they offer before you start.   And check prices - many times they don't make sense.  I have bought items from CJ Pony for less than the manufacturer offered them and then other time the other way was true.  There is lots of competition and so much more volume than our Pagodas so generally I find the prices quite reasonable.     

And make sure you know the shipping policy - if they short an order you may want to ask that the order not be automatically replenished otherwise you get hit with shipping again which can kill the savings. 

Good luck.

[Cees Klumper]

Thank you Gentlemen!
@Michael   We are toying with the idea of converting to fastback (complete set of panels around $6K) but will likely keep original. From my '73 Earl Camino, and '90 Bronco I learned prices for most parts are really reasonable, for example a set of new aluminum heads for the V6 complete with valves installed was only $525 delivered. Quality can be a bit of an issue though.
@Rodd  Yes the Porsche still going strong, it's his daily driver and has been really reliable since he bought it about a year ago.
To be continued!

[Pinder]

fast back would be nice. they look great. maybe think about that. watch the bullet movie car chase then decide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no7XR7s8Z7o
 

[JamesL]

I always preferred the notchback in the earlier versions.

[waltklatt]

Wow, Cees, that's a great car for a father and son project.
Be mindful of the famed cowl panel rust.
Had a friends 1966 convertible that I replaced the cowl pan on.
Now have a new toy car to play with.  Given to me for free by my boss.
1969 280SE
Working at a hot rod and classic car shop here.
Later,
Walter

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks Walter! Great to hear from you, good luck on your new project.
New to Mustangs of this era, I will research the cowl panel issue.
Picking up the car next Saturday, will post updates here from time to time.
Meanwhile a photo of the Lancia and Porsche, at our new home.

[waltklatt]

Thanks Cees.
Great view from your place!
Bet you have some great long winding roads.
Many good parts for mustangs is CJPony parts.
Can get a Marti report for your car to find out the specs and options.
Best of luck and keep posting the updates.
Best,
Walter

[rwmastel]

Given to me for free by my boss. 1969 280SE

Great to hear from you, Walter!  What are your plans for the w108?  Refurbishment and use as-is?  Another diesel conversion?  Something suitable for the hot rod shop?

[waltklatt]

Hi R,
Hmm, no conversion being done to this one. 
Will fix it as I go.
Keeping this one as a classic my wife and I can enjoy.
The diesel pagoda is still under covers, while assembling the 6 in line gas motors (have a 250SE and 280SE motors) and one manual 4 speed tranny.
Will be put up for sale in the near future.
Thanks for asking.
Well Cees, just had a 1965 mustang convertible with a Paxton supercharger roll in for a complete stereo and speaker upgrade with an electric aerial.  Am almost done with it.
If there are pictures you want of the car (for your help with yours), ask me now.  Will be back to the owner next week.
Later,
Walter
2006 Honda Element
2003 Volkswagen Beetle TDI
1969 280SE
1967 220SL

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks for the offer Walter. We're picking up the car today, it's in boxes and bits and it will be a while before we'll know what we have and may need. Best of luck with the 280SE!