
Originally Posted by
LonesomeTriZ
I just checked out cjpony
parts.com and damn that stuff is cheap. But in a good way. How can I decode the VIN to find out the real story on the car? plus, how do I find the value? I want to know if the car is worth what I will be putting into it if I get it.
CJ's is a good place not too far from me, you can become a "member" and I think every friday you save 5% on parts or something like that.
http://www.mustangdecoder.com/
Value is tough, you have to look at the options it has what engine is in it and what was supposed to be in it, 4 speed or auto, a/c etc. etc. Does it have all the correct original equipment.
You can check NADA, kbb.com, classiccarvalues.org.
It's a tough call, unless you can get it for real cheap, it's very difficult to get back out of it what you have into it.
My father has a 73 (sitting outside) that he had to have and I do love that body style, but the more sought after are the 64-70 mustangs. I have a 67 Fastback 2+2 that is next in line for a resto.
Definitely check the underside, front shock towers, look under the dash up towards the firewall/cowl area, as someone mentioned before the rear shock mounts (we looked at one that both the rear shocks punched thru the floor and the car was not badly rotted), Check the lower frame rails on the front of the car back to where the trans mount is another area for rot. Also check the VIN number and the VIN numbers on the shock towers they should match( I think they were there as well, I know they are on the 70 and down mustangs), If they don't match the car was probably hit bad before and someone replaced the shocktower, frame rail etc. Look her over with a fine tooth comb, get all the data plate info etc. you can check all that stuff online just google for it. Take pics of the interior so you can tell if the gut has been changed, the colors should match on the data plate info.
Good luck, your head will be spinning in no time.
Racerxxx
1985 Honda 125M (My first Trike--Still have it)
1986 Honda 250SX
1981 Honda 110
1982 Honda 110
1986 Yamaha YFM80 (Sons quad)
Past rides: 1983, 1984 200X, 3--1985 Kawasaki T-3
1987 CR-80, 70's vintage XR75, RM 370