Close



Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1

    Default Think I can find restoration help?? '79 5.0 Wheaton, IL

    I bought a 79 Tangerine 5.0 a few months ago and have been contemplating what to do with it. After going over it, I feel it's too much of a project for me. I don''t know how to deal with all of the rust I've found. It's not too rusty but certainly a fair amount of hours needed to clean it up properly. I've listed it for sale, and have an offer from someone who wants to part it out, but I am wondering if anyone thinks I could find someone to help me restore the body. I am not going to drop it at some body shop and pay 100 hours to get it done. Would anyone, perhaps from this community, take some time with me and show me how and work with me to do it? I could pay them for their time and it would save me if it was arranged that I could do a fair amount of the work when shown jow. Hey it would be saving a decent 79! Appreciate any thoughts or ideas even if not down this line.


    The car is listed for sale on here and is under the research section asking what was reasonable to sell it for.

    Thanks

    Shawn

    Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

  2. #2
    FEP Power Member Broncojunkie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Barboursville, WV
    Posts
    1,773

    Default

    Is it all just surface rust/scale that needs cleaned up or are we talking welding in New metal? Just glancing at the pics, it doesn't look too bad. I live in West Virginia. I've seen 5-yr-old cars that were in worse shape.

  3. #3
    FEP Senior Member FuturaGuy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Windsor, CT
    Posts
    835

    Default

    That car is in beautiful condition. Don't let ANYBODY part it out - that would be a crime! If the only thing wrong is surface rust, it will be easy to repair. All you'll need is time, paint, and patience.

  4. #4
    FEP Power Member dagenham's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Duncannon PA
    Posts
    1,047

    Default

    I would consider it a felony to part that car out. The worst rust I see is the tiny spot on the drivers side wheel opening. Are the floors and frame rails good?
    I see it has been painted once already so the biggest question is whats under the current paint job?
    That is surface rust underneath. A weekend with a couple good wire brushes and some paint would have things looking great underneath.

  5. #5
    FEP Super Member webestang's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    St. Louis, MO.
    Posts
    5,208

    Default

    That would be a great car to restore. If I had the space I would love to own it.

    I learned how to do body work using books and a few online video's and practiced on a few extra body parts. I've repaired/repainted 3 cars now and saved a butt load of cash.

    Scotty
    1985 Fox Notch 4-banger Ranger tube header Eastwood Royal Blue
    1988 Fox LX 5.0 AOD Vert BBK 170mph speedo Candy Apple Red
    1999 Mustang Coupe V6 Auto Chrome Yellow -Daily Driver.
    Past Pony's.....
    68 Coupe Inline-6 3-Speed-Man. Primer
    78 II Hatch 302 3-Speed-Auto Sunroof Black
    81 4-Eye Coupe 4-Banger 4-Speed-Man. White

  6. #6
    FEP Power Member dagenham's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Location
    Duncannon PA
    Posts
    1,047

    Default

    Paint and body work require as much patience as it does skill. Read a few books and watch some videos. A welder, grinder, and some basic hand tools will get you started good. Even if you do some of the work and pay a shop to spray the paint it could save you a load of money.

  7. #7
    FEP Supporter
    82GTforME's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    4,855

    Default

    Shawn,

    For the Tangerine car I ended up restoring, there was lot of work done by me. I agree with the others with the fact the car doesn't look bad from a rust perspective in the pictures as I noted in your other thread.

    Our car only had 55,000 km on it but was quite "rusty" as well including underneath, especially the parts where the undercoating didn't protect it. To date I have redone the easily viewable portions (the top ). The underside from the firewall back has not been touched yet.

    Eventually, I will spend the time to clean off undercoating and remove the rust. This will be a time consuming, tedious task. I may look at other options also. There are mobile blasting companies that will use non-toxic/clean products like walnut shell or even dry ice to blast the underside. I may strip what I can and then go that route

    This is an example of the underside right now. I will be replacing the axle with a Traction Lock eventually. This car is still fully functional and enjoyable in this condition.

    Nothing saying you cannot enjoy it as is. Do what you can, when you can. Forewarning: projects can get out of hand quick, so look before you leap. I really hope this car does not get sold and parted out. Good luck!

    Name:  IMG_4586.jpg
Views: 78
Size:  114.4 KBName:  IMG_4589.jpg
Views: 79
Size:  112.5 KB

  8. #8
    Moderator wraithracing's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Grand Junction, CO/RR TX
    Posts
    14,205

    Default

    As most above have stated, the car doesn't look BAD at all IMHO. There appears to be some rust on the quarter panel wheel lip and that could be a decent sized repair. Most of the underside looks like surface rust or basic rust that can be cleaned, neutralized, and then sealed without issues. I would bet there are some rust holes in a few ares, but from what I can see none of them look like the require major work or panel replacement.

    All of what I can see so far is repairable and can be done by the DIY'er in their garage if so inclined. As stated above there are plenty of books, videos, internet, You Tube, etc. that can help guide you and show you how to do the work to save $$. The best advice I can give you if you choose to move forward with repairs rather than selling is to start small. Do some basic clean, repair, repaint on the underside/suspension that can be done in a weekend or over a week of nights. Don't jump off the deep end and strip the car apart for a full ground up restoration. If you haven't done that type of work before you have no idea what a monumental task that is and how over whelming that can become even for the most die hard and seasoned Fox Enthusiast.

    The best option when possible is to keep the car driveable and streetable, make the repairs slowly and methodically while not tearing the car down for more than a week or so at a time. This helps to keep you interested, motivated, and working on the car. Otherwise it will just sit and ultimately you will grow tired and irritated with it, then ultimately sell it. Besides if you keep the car as a working/driving/restoration if for any reason you decide you want to sell the Mustang it will be worth more $$ to potential buyers as a running/driving car then an abandoned restoration or parts car. Best of Luck and feel free to PM me directly if you have any questions.
    ​Trey

    "I Don't build it hoping for your approval! I built it because it meets mine!"

    "I've spent most of my money on Mustangs, racing, and women... the rest I just wasted."

    Mustangs Past: Too many to remember!
    Current Mustangs:
    1969 Mach 1
    1979 Pace Car now 5.0/5 speed
    1982 GT Stalled RestoModification
    1984 SVO Still Waiting Restoration
    1986 GT Under going Wide Body Conversion Currently

    Current Capris:
    1981 Capri Roller
    1981 Capri Black Magic Roller Basket Case
    1982 Capri RS 5.0/4spd T-top Full Restoration Stalled in TX
    1984 Capri RS T-top Roller
    1983-84 Gloy Racing Trans Am/IMSA Body Parts

  9. #9
    FEP Senior Member BMW Rider's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    949

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wraithracing View Post
    Don't jump off the deep end and strip the car apart for a full ground up restoration. If you haven't done that type of work before you have no idea what a monumental task that is and how over whelming that can become even for the most die hard and seasoned Fox Enthusiast.
    It only takes 28 years and a lot of money from my experience. Not really monumental at all considering some of the great works of mankind required centuries to complete. But yah, you need a serious dose of stubborn and dedication to do a full rebuild. I concur with the rest of the advice posted, the car is not so bad and you could probably just work it over a bit at a time and enjoy the car as you do. Pick the most critical stuff early like suspension, steering and brakes to be sure the care is fit to drive, then work over the rest of the mechanicals and body, cleaning and detailing as you go.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •