QuestionI have read alot about rust can you advise me were i should be looking and what should i look for if panels have been replaced.
As i'm a first time buyer and i'm only just in a position to buy one. they are asking $40,000 NZ dollars which is about $23,000 US
Would you expect a good clean car
Cheers
Neil
AnswerHello Neil,
I work for an antique car dealer here in Georgia and will try to answer your questions from the perspective of what we look for on Mustangs in the States:
Rule #1: Never buy a car sight unseen. If you can't view it yourself, contact your local Mustang Club and ask them to refer you to a licensed appraiser knowledgeable in Mustangs. Demand a background of his experience but generally, the clubs are generally very helpful, especially to a person new to the hobby. In the US, a complete appraisal will include a detailed examination of your proposed car as well as price comparisons to vehicles in similar condition and the overall market. This evaluation costs between $100-250 US and is worth every nickel. I would also review the results with the club for their recommendations.
Rule #2: Don't buy a rusty car!! Body work is by far the most expensive of any restoration work. You may be tempted to be liberal on this because of the excellent availability of replacement Mustang sheetmetal but don't be fooled--the labor adds up fast. So, the fact that a panel has been replaced is not necessarily bad as long as it was replaced correctly. Here in US, we buy replacement bolt-on parts from Cal and AZ scrapyards as they have rust-free original (see next point) and only go aftermarket for things welded like the rear quarters and floors.
Rule #3: Original is always better. Especially for sheet metal, replacement panels may come from Taiwan and are not the same gauge as original and may not fit as well either.
Rule #4: You didn't specify if you're looking at a Notchback, Fastback or Convert. but the sheet metal issues are more complex with the fancier bodies:
--They all rust at the bottom of the front fender behind the front wheel Called the "dogleg" area for obvious reasons.
--The "A" pillar (The first roof support which the windshield mounts into) can have internal rust
--The area on the firewall beneath the grill where the windshield wipers mount get rusted out because drain holes get plugged with debris
--Bottoms of the rear fenders
--Very important for convertibles--chassis side rails and harmonic boxes are common rust points as are rear floors rotting from roof leaks.
Based upon US pricing, it appears that NZ pricing may be a bit higher than here. If the difference is substantial, consider importing a US car from California or a similar dry Western US State. They will be rust-free and the export from the US is routine.
I've given you a "top of the waves" method to assess these cars. I do hope you follow my recommendations, especially #1, so you have a successful buying experience of this iconic Car.
Good luck,
Bob
