It’ll be fun to follow along as Rutledge Wood restores a ‘67 Mustang Fastback using only parts he finds on eBay. If you’re contemplating a similar project, there are a few cautionary tips—general rules of thumb—to consider before tackling the restoration of a Mustang or other classic muscle car.
Rut also found the Mustang Fastback that he’s restoring on eBay. As of this writing, we see about a dozen fastback restoration candidates on eBay, including the one shown at the top of this post.
1967 Ford Mustang Fastback W/ Dual Exhaust Rear Body Kit
Rust Bites
Whether it’s due to salt or damp storage conditions, rust is deadly to Detroit iron. It is particularly ugly for Mustangs which utilize uni-body construction. With this style of construction, the car panels and supports serve as the rigid structure to keep the car together (instead of a frame). So when body panels rust out, there goes your support. That’s why companies offer full body kits for the 1967 Mustang Fastback .
The after-market industry offers other options to firm up a ride on a 50-year-old Mustang. A shock tower brace (also called an export brace), a Monte Carlo bar and sub-frame connectors can all add extra rigidity to the Mustang. And those old, rusted parts can be removed and replaced with factory-correct pieces.
Billet Monte Carlo bar for 1965-1970 Mustangs and 1967-1970 Cougars.
Examine Previous Workmanship
It is getting harder to find classic cars that haven’t been previously restored or modified. So a factory- correct, untouched “barn find” can be pricey. When others have worked on a car, you might not know what was done right or left entirely undone. A shiny paint job can temporarily hide bubbling rust or tons of body filler. There may be a rat’s nest of wiring under the dash. Plan to undo at least some of a previous owner’s so-called work.
It’s Not What You Thought
The previous owner may believe that he sold you a GT Mustang—and there’s every indication from the looks of things that he’s right. It still makes sense to track down the documentation. That’s when you might find that the factory build sheet, the installed parts, or the vehicle identification don’t match up with those claims. Many clones, recreations, and tributes are out there, so take the time to do your homework to discover the origins of the car.
This new front disc brake kit fits a 1967 Mustang.
Stock vs. Modifications
Are you seeking a perfect restoration for the concours so you can show off a Mustang that looks just like it rolled off the factory floor? After 50 years on the road, that might be tough—and not even the best idea. Perhaps a past owner replaced parts over the years. Even though the car will no longer be “pure,” you’ll appreciate modern automotive conveniences, like power steering. The brakes on a vintage Mustang don’t exactly stop on a dime—so adding disc brakes (a new factory option for 1967) might not be such a bad idea. Besides, a larger capacity radiator to help cool down your high-revving powerplant could be appreciated when idling in summer traffic. (Of course, a tone of new old stock (NOS) parts are available on eBay.)
1967 Ford Mustang assembly manual
Don’t Go It Alone
Part of the fun of a restoration is conducting the research. Read about your car’s make on the web. Check out owner’s manuals. If you are planning on using a shop for the heavy work, consider letting them find a donor car for you or have them check out the car that you’re considering. If you don’t have a specific shop in mind, reach out to a local car club that focuses on your specific make. One of the club’s resident experts might enjoy a short trip. Finding a community of auto enthusiasts who share your love for a specific model will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and increase your enjoyment of the restoration experience.
See Ford Mustang 1973 Fastback Cars & Trucks for sale on eBay.
