Those wanting to get started in the vintage Ford hobby face a differentmarket than we did ten years ago. It's getting more and more difficultto find first generation V-8 Mustangs that are good entry-level cars.The supply of unrestored convertibles and fastbacks is growing eversmaller, especially for those equipped with the desirable V-8 engine.Enthusiasts who own many of these Mustangs are interested in working onand making the most of their car, and they're not interested in selling.More and more it seems as if the $7,500 '65 fastback with a few roughedges for sale in the want ads of the local newspaper has become a$20,000 beauty listed in Hemmings Motor News.
Even the far more numeroushardtop models have gotten more expensive as the popularity of allvintage Mustangs just keeps going up and up. many folks are finding theonly way to get into the game is to try and find a six-cylinder versionin good shape. Very often this is the only affordable option for thoselooking for a convertible or fastback, with the value of the hardtopsfollowing closely behind. The good news is there are still many gooddeals out there on the small-engine version of the Mustang, and if thesix doesn't float your boat then installing a V-8 is very doable. Muchof what you'll need is available new. Other parts such as axleassemblies and front spindles aren't available new, but can be found ata reasonable price if you shop around. Let's look at the steps we tookgetting this '65 Mustang convertible ready for a 289.
Here's the underhood situation on our '65 Mustang project. We pickedthis up for a song compared to what a V-8 car would have cost us. Theoriginal 170-cube inline six-cylinder engine and C4 automatictransmission still reside there. The car was wired for several differentaftermarket add-ons, such as cruise control and air adjustable rearsuspension. these were removed straight away. |
A V-8 conversion starts at the suspension. These V-8-type spindlesshould be installed as a first step on any V-8 conversion. Don't try andget away with using the smaller six-cylinder spindles with the V-8engine. It's not worth the risk. |