Classic/Antique Car Repair: 1967 mustang, side beam, tank lines

Question
Hy. I am 15 years old and am really in to old muscle cars and am thinking of
buying a 1967 mustang coup from a friend (for $900.00!!!!!) I have a few
questions about it. I know that my friend is being totally honest, so i know
that the information that I have is correct to his knowledge.
1. The biggest problem about this car is the front end. I'm not sure what it's
called, but the bar (on the frame) that is in the front of the car bellow the
radiator and the battery rusted out. The person who owned the car before my
friend re-welded it, but did not do a very good job and made it crooked. Can
I just re-weld this myself (but do it straight), or do I have to take the car to a
body straightener? how much would that cost?
2. As far as I know, the engine is fine, but it has not ran for bout 15 years.
Also, the alternator is gone, and the radiator is taken out, but I have it and
can reinstall it. After I get those things delt with, do you think the engine will
start right up after sitting for 15 years, or will it need some serious work?
3. I dont think that this is a problem, but we looked up the vin numbers, and
the car originally had a straight 6, and it now has a v8. dose this mean
anything? were the transmissions for the 6 and v8 the same?
also, are there any other things that I should look at before buying it?
thank-you for your time
-Devon

Answer
1 The front cross member is not "critical" if there is not damage to the side beam, and it is just rust. Sometimes rust is caused by a wreck. Just re-weld correctly.


2 For any engine that has set up, this is a good procedure to follow:

Remove all old gas from tank, lines, and carb

Remove the spark plugs and put transmission in park or neutral

Spray a light oil (WD -40 or Marvel Mystery oil ) into each cylinder where the plugs were removed.

Let stand over night if you have queston about it being seized.

Then with either the starter or a socket on the harmonic balancer bolt, turn the engine over until it spins freely


3 motor conversions were common and is not real relavent unless you are a "most be all original freak" which I am not.