Just bought a '68 Mustang 289 2v coupe, what should I do first?

bunskippy · 06-27-2004, 09:49 PM

I'm new to muscle cars, but always loved these and a deal came along that was too good to pass up. Now I have this car and am wondering what to do first mechanically. It seems to run ok (low idle speed, I think -- it sometimes stalls out if I don't let it run for a while after startup). I'll do some interior work on it, but am wondering if I should take it to a Mustang mechanic shop somewhere -- but if so, what should I ask them to look at? I'm mostly interested in engine, tranny, etc. But i don't want to pay $400 for labor for someone to tell me "everything's ok" and leave it at that...
any advice or easy first project to tackle would be welcome. Also, anything to listen for or test to see how the car is responding would be great. Thanks for your advice!

induction · 06-28-2004, 09:26 AM

Thats a really tough question to answer. I think first of all if everything seems to be sound and in good nick just drive your new friend and enjoy it. Then start with the little things she needs to keep her on the road and running smooth, perhaps a carb rebuild , change ALL the fluids( including the rear end fluids)check for things like tatty wireing and electrical problems. At that point you should have gained a bit of knolage about your new best friend and hopefully you will be able to start doing some of the bigger jobs yourself insted of letting someone else have all the fun.
Decide where you want to go with the car like a full restore or resto-mod, or just a weekend racer. You have plenty of time so don't rush into something you wont be happy with later.

JMO
Have fun with your new classic

bmxmon · 06-28-2004, 04:58 PM

You should slap a new exhaust on it, unless your going to keep it stock. Then just go cruising!!

Fat0eknee · 06-28-2004, 07:10 PM

blower.
no ..well if you want to
hit the cap and rotor change plugs and plug wires

06-27-2004, 09:49 PM	#1
bunskippy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 5	Just bought a '68 Mustang 289 2v coupe, what should I do first? I'm new to muscle cars, but always loved these and a deal came along that was too good to pass up. Now I have this car and am wondering what to do first mechanically. It seems to run ok (low idle speed, I think -- it sometimes stalls out if I don't let it run for a while after startup). I'll do some interior work on it, but am wondering if I should take it to a Mustang mechanic shop somewhere -- but if so, what should I ask them to look at? I'm mostly interested in engine, tranny, etc. But i don't want to pay $400 for labor for someone to tell me "everything's ok" and leave it at that... any advice or easy first project to tackle would be welcome. Also, anything to listen for or test to see how the car is responding would be great. Thanks for your advice!

06-28-2004, 09:26 AM	#2
induction The Brit! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Across the Pond! Posts: 694	Thats a really tough question to answer. I think first of all if everything seems to be sound and in good nick just drive your new friend and enjoy it. Then start with the little things she needs to keep her on the road and running smooth, perhaps a carb rebuild , change ALL the fluids( including the rear end fluids)check for things like tatty wireing and electrical problems. At that point you should have gained a bit of knolage about your new best friend and hopefully you will be able to start doing some of the bigger jobs yourself insted of letting someone else have all the fun. Decide where you want to go with the car like a full restore or resto-mod, or just a weekend racer. You have plenty of time so don't rush into something you wont be happy with later. JMO Have fun with your new classic __________________ *Restored 1965 Coupe* *April Mare of the Month* RiceHatersClub Member #27

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06-28-2004, 04:58 PM	#3
bmxmon Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 950	You should slap a new exhaust on it, unless your going to keep it stock. Then just go cruising!!

06-28-2004, 07:10 PM	#4
Fat0eknee I'm slow ...I know. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston Posts: 518	blower. no ..well if you want to hit the cap and rotor change plugs and plug wires