When you’ve got rust on the tops of your fenders, you know you’re in a bit of trouble. But that hasn’t deterred six people from putting in a bid on this 1969 Mustang Fastback, available here on ebay and currently run up to an $8200 bid. It’s resting in Florida, should you be inclined to estimate how much it would cost for you to get it transported to your place. But before you punch that bid button, think this through.
How brave are you? Let’s cut the chatter and try you on this claim: “While this surely is a project it was all but abandoned and somewhat parted in a field for 20+ years and we felt it deserved another run at life so we added a few pieces to get it back on its feet.” What pieces? And what’s the intention when the following comes into play: “A real fastback with a clear Florida title, it’s sure to be a solution for a low-budget project hunter or someone looking for a donor car to upgrade their Dynacorn platform.” (Some edits done, please note.) The ad further says that the engine and transmission are in need of work, and that the interior needs replacement. So this is a starting point, though what’s legal in your state (rebodying) will determine your level of interest/comfort, assuming you don’t want to be fitted for handcuffs anytime soon.
If you were willing to try restoring what Ford originally produced, you’re going to be starting with a crunchy, rusty body that is rotten from fender to floor. The frame rails, integral in the unibody, are shot. The floor is done for. Both front and rear fenders have actual holes courtesy of the tin worm. In short, the Dynacorn body idea looks better and better, for those for whom this option is legit. And while you’re at it, why replace the 351-cid engine with one similar? Go for the muscle, perhaps even a modern alternative.
If you’re still in the game, here’s a clincher: “We are offering this car for the customer who wants to start cheap and save dollars.” That’s just not something that comports with restoration reality, where the advice is always to assume that your restoration estimate is under by half and your timeline is short by half. So to sum up, should this be restorable (doubtful) or legal to rebody where you live, you’re getting a gem in the making. The 1969 is recognizable, among other things, by that single cove inlet in the rear body area. So much cooler than the 1970. But that’s a long way down a dark road, unless you’re made of money. But wait–if that were the case, you’d likely start with something way better than this hulk.
Neigh sez the Horse to the Pony.
Florida hey? Perhaps the seller has some land they may include. Bring hip waders. Like the car, you’ll be underwater in no time. I don’t mean to rip on the great folks of Florida, they sure take a pasting with weather. I just can’t imagine a car like this worth what they want, or that 6 people are nuts enough to participate in this foolishness. I realize I’m out of the loop, but I never thought this far out. Something fishy here,$10gs at auction buys a nice ’69 non CJ Mustang,,people can’t be that stupid,,,or are they?
I agree six people are nuts. I have been seeing a lot of cars mostly mustangs for a lot of money with a lot of rust. My dogs even say that this car is Ruff
8200? Or $82.00?
It is not good advice to start with the cheapest(?) car you can find and build it back. That’s a formula for disaster The sound advise is to always start with the best, most complete car you can find and go from there. This is, at best, a donor car, and I doubt it’s a Florida native.
I’m impressed by the sellers optimism. Maybe he should have boasted about this Mach 1 having a substantial weight reduction than a normal ’69, too?
Just nope.
If it was a genuine Mach 1 (we see some features that may indicate otherwise) We’d get a Dynacorn body for a VIN swap, and anything else that was salvageable. Then we’d sell the bare shell to one of those fastback “conversion” specialists. Voila! Now you’d have two fake cars, replacing a real one.
The person has about 50 vehicles like this. Just do a google aerial or street view of 282 Mill Creek Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211. The location is about 11 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Myself, I see only value if he has a clean title to use on a Dynacorn body.
Selling hurricane storm surge drowned cars? From which years flood? How much is scrap steel these days?
I’ve found that a good indicator of the degree of chassis rot present in an early Mustang is the condition of the overlap between the inner fenders and the shock towers. If you look closely, you can see rust peeking out from under the fenders on either side of the shock towers. In addition to floors, this Mustang probably needs torque boxes, trunk panels, and front and rear frame rails.
You are right, that’s the first and easiest place to look. I’m not sure why so many potential buyers haven’t figured it out. Lots of sellers crop their pictures to leave that area out if their engine compartment photos, that omission should raise a red flag for anyone paying attention.
Nobody bothered to read the ad. The seller doesn’t say it’s a Mach 1, that’s from the author of the feature on this site. It’s also an auction, without reserve, bidders are the ones determining the price. It’s rough, I’d never consider it, but what do the previous posters on this thread think you’d have to pay mostly complete 69 Fastback Mustang in better condition?
I’ve had this seller saved for years, they always have really good, hard to find parts listed on their eBay store and great feedback.
Steve R
The seller does state it is a Mach but the car says different. Any fool who would pay the current price deserves the heartache that will go with the work and finances needed.
No he doesn’t. The only mention of Mach 1 in his ad is when he says “I have 5 other 69 Fastbacks/Mach 1’s a 428 CJ a 390 S code…” and later on he says “coming soon” will be a 428 CJ Ram Air Mach 1. This car is never referred to anything other than a Fastback.
Steve R
Actually, I believe “Mach 1” was added to the title in editorial. Small point, I know.
I junked a ’57 Porsche Speedster in the ’80s that made this car look brand new. Got some flak for that but there was not a single panel on that car that was usable for anything and not enough parts available to weld up another body. Didn’t know the history of the car but it had to be submerged in something during it’s lifetime. Even with a restored Speedster hitting 2 million at auctions today I wouldn’t have done that one. Don’t think I’d do this Mustang either. I have saved a lot of cars over the years but sometimes there those that just can’t be put back together.
Another rusted out hunk of junk.