Decisions, decisions. If you bought this rust-free 1966 Mustang, would you treat it to a light cosmetic restoration, or would you drive it as an original survivor? Both scenarios are realistic options because while it would look stunning with a fresh coat of paint, the car presents well enough to be used and enjoyed without spending a penny. The Mustang is located in El Dorado, Arkansas, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $8,250, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
The Tahoe Turquoise paint on the Mustang is showing its age, but it remains presentable. There is ample evidence to confirm that the vehicle has undergone a repaint at some point, but it isn’t clear when this occurred. The big news with this classic is the lack of apparent rust. The owner has inspected the Ford’s underside and reports that all of the usual troublespots appear to be sound. He says that the Mustang has been undercoated at some stage, which will have helped its cause. The panels all look clean, as do the rockers. The glass is in good condition, and I would class the chrome and trim as acceptable for a driver-quality car.
The Mustang’s interior is presentable for this age vehicle, and it has no immediate needs. There is a fresh new carpet set, but the upholstery is said to be original. The covers on the seats are faded and discolored in places, but there are no signs of any rips or splits. The story with the dash pad is not as good because it does sport a couple of sizeable cracks. This could potentially be repaired, but with replacements in the correct color available for less than $250, you’d have to wonder why you would bother. The only other variations are a wrap on the wheel and an FM Converter mounted under the dash.
Powering this classic is an A-code 289ci V8, which should be good for 225 horsepower. The Mustang is also equipped with C4 automatic transmission, power steering, and power drum brakes. A 15.8-second ¼ mile ET might not make this car the fastest on the block, but it should be very civilized. The Mustang is said to be numbers-matching. The owner believes that the engine has undergone a rebuild at some point. He also says that it starts and runs well. The transmission shifts smoothly and crisply, with the Mustang ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. The booster and master cylinder have been replaced, as have the shock, the fuel tank, and the sender unit. The only real fault that is identified is a drip coming from near the steering ram. Once again, this sounds like something that might not require immediate attention.
There is a lot of promise locked away in this 1966 Mustang, but it isn’t locked away too securely. Its needs look to be so minimal that taking it to the next level should be both cheap and easy. This brings me back to my first question. Is this a potential project car or a survivor that should be left untouched? More importantly, with the bidding so low at present, would you be tempted to try to buy it?
The paint looks dull.I wonder if it could be
buffed out.
Another nice vintage Mustang. The A-Code 289 is a plus and should be enough for today’s highway speeds. It’s looking a little tired overall so if you want to restore it to a higher level, new paint will be needed and maybe refresh the interior with new seat covers and a dash pad. Then you would want to detail under the hood to finish the car off. It looks like a great candidate for restoration, a nice clean car to bring to the next level. It will be interesting to see how high a price this little pony will bring.
Why restore it? It looks like could be a nice driver with a minimal amount of work. Restoring it will likely turn it into another garage Queen. So what if the paint is dull and the interior looks aged, it’s a chance get into a turn key classic car for not much money, relatively speaking. That highlights a problem with this site. Too many people like to complain about prices of cars and how they are for the “rich” who couldn’t possibly enjoy them on their own merit. When one finally shows up the talk turn into making it something that will ultimately make it see less time on the road and increase the cost with unnecessary upgrades that do nothing to make for a better driving experience.
Steve R
Rust free 66 Mustang?? Ha. This things rotted to the windows. Cowl, shock towers, floors, quarters, you name it. However, they are out there and this looks like a great driver. Buff paint, drive. To bring back that paint, I would use a yellow foam pad, my Rupes buffer and a polish first to rejuvenate the oils in the paint. Using aggressive compound on old, dry paint first, would further damage the surface and cause more swirls, etc. After using the polish step, get a more aggressive pad, orange, and use 3Ms Light Cut Compound or compound from Menzerna. Wax over that with Butter Wax from Chemical Guys. The paint should be beautiful, saving you thousands and the satisfaction you did it yourself. Love the color. So tired of black and red cars.
George, Some excellent info on bringing back faded paint here. Thanks.
Drive it as is. It’s in great shape and if you want to restore or restomod a Mustang, there are plenty out there. The original ones that are in this condition are more interesting than a restored one IMHO.
I think it’s awesome that it doesn’t have a black interior.
No such thing as a numbers matching 66
Unless it’s a ’66 K-Code.
I would clean it up and drive it like it is!
I would love to have it, number one. If I had it ,the plan would be only a chemical restoration, in other words, make it as nice as you can with any thing out of a container, plus rags and elbow grease. The only exception suspension up grades for driving ,stance and stopping, also a reat set of custom wheels ,that would be of the style and class of historical Mustangs. Next step drive it ,I hate to say it, like you stole it!
Would be a good daily driver/parade car during temperate months and then fix any cosmetic or mechanical defects at a reliable shop over winter. I would like it as original as possible but would replace the drum brakes. Owned a 1969 Buick with power drum brakes and they required alot of turning plus didn’t stop as smoothly as modern disc brakes. Still a beautiful design after five decades,!
Why you don’t want clearcoat on a worn out paint job – this is still presentable in public. Look at the peeling modern clearcoats in parking lots – on hondas, etc.
No time to wax those – on the phone day & night.
Could you get a factory tach in ANY ’65-6 mustang, or only on the Shelbys(top of dash)?
Odd that Ford moved the HVAC controls to the wrong(left) side of the driver only for ’67 & ’68.
Bidding is up to $11,800.
Need pictures of the undercarriage. Get rid of that tacky steering wheel cover. 124555 miles. Still a nice ’66..