[Ryan.debok]

Well, kinda.

I've been looking for a 1965 Mustang Convertible since I was ten (that was 22 years ago ). Two years ago I found one that was complete and cheap ($200) a couple years back and I started dreaming. It was rusted... badly. It needed work on every piece of sheetmetal that was on it. It was a 289-C4, but optionless. The only upgrade I did to it was put on '99 Cobra rims and tires so it would roll, and I used it as a shelf / storage cabinet in our garage. Anyway, this summer I sold it, made a few bucks, and stopped thinking about it.

BUT THEN, a couple weeks ago I did a local search and found ANOTHER 1965 Mustang Convertible that was in my home town! The owner said it needed a full restoration BUT wasn't rusty! I checked it out and found some very minor rust, but dood... he was right. The quarters & wheel wells weren't even rusted out if that tells ya anything. It was also optionless, BUT it had a 3spd transmission... at least I was a few steps ahead (and saved a little cost) in doing my T5 conversion.

I rolled it home for $2000 ($100 less than I sold my other one for) and its parked (not in the garage at the moment to boost the Wife Approval Factor) .

I'll post some pictures soon, but I already bought a $200, 233hp '76 351 Windsor Engine from a boat that I'll be dropping in (with lots of help and advice I hope). This boat engine was low hours, had good compression, and was rated in '76 at 233 hp by Mercruiser with the 2bbl rochester carb.

Pics following...

[Durr4456]

Anytime you need help, were
All right here. And congrats man. My uncle was like that. Always wanted a 69 z28 since they first came
Out. Finally got one a few years back and he's enjoyed that car so much I couldn't begin to describe it.

[Ryan.debok]

Here are a few pics of the car. Quarters aren't completely rusted out but will need trunk dropoffs, lower wheelwell patch & lower quarter patch (I've seen a kit for this repair).

The picture of the engine is my 351 Windsor (Mercruiser Boat motor). I just talked to the guys at moderndriveline.com to see what I would need to drop this engine in the car & connect it to a World Class T5 Transmission. They priced me the whole kit ($2800-3200), and then they gave me my minimum package for this engine & a t5 combo.

1) $300 - $600: I need a used t5 (and most of the used ones have been used hard).
2) $195 - aluminum bellhousing, modified by MD to accept my clutch linkage. Upgrade to cable or hydraulic clutch systems would be
3) $150 - crossmember
4) $??? - driveshaft modifications
5) $300 - headers (a must to make my engine fit & linkage work without interference.

I'm wondering though, will my 289 clutch work on this or do I need to get another one? Here's a t5 in my home town that is seriously tempting that includes the clutch & shifter.

(I'm pretty sure that the exhaust manifolds on here won't fit into the Mustang, lol).