Classic Mustang Restoration
Car Restoration

Classic Mustang Restoration

Bringing a 1967 Ford Mustang back to life, one part at a time

34559

About This Journey

I inherited my grandfather's 1967 Ford Mustang that had been sitting in a barn for over two decades. This journey documents the complete restoration process, from the initial assessment and disassembly to rebuilding the engine, restoring the body, and refinishing the interior. I'll share detailed steps of each restoration phase, challenges encountered, parts sourcing tips, and the techniques I'm learning along the way.

Journey Stats

Original Parts
62%
Hours Invested
487
Total Budget
$22,000
Major Systems
Engine rebuilt, Transmission restored, Electrical rewired
Current Phase
Body restoration
Estimated Value
$45,000 when complete

Journey Timeline

End

Body Work: Nearing Paint Prep

October 10, 2023

Deep into body restoration. Countless hours sanding, filling, and block sanding panels. Replaced rusted floor pans and trunk section. Getting close to the primer stage. This phase tests patience!

Body Work: Nearing Paint Prep
Current Phase
Body restoration
Hours Invested Phase
150+
Parts Replaced
Floor pans, Trunk drop-offs
Next Step
Primer application
D550

First Coat of Primer!

December 15, 2023

After months of meticulous bodywork, the Mustang finally received its first coat of epoxy primer! Seeing it in a uniform color, even just primer, is a huge motivational boost. Seals the metal and reveals any minor imperfections needing attention.

First Coat of Primer!
Current Phase
Paint Preparation
Material
Epoxy Primer
Next Step
High-build primer, Block sanding
Feeling
Major progress!
D450

Body Panel Alignment Challenges

August 16, 2023

Spent the last few weeks aligning the doors, fenders, and hood. Getting the panel gaps consistent on a 50+ year old car requires endless patience and shimming. Frustrating but crucial for a good final result.

Body Panel Alignment Challenges
Current Phase
Body Restoration
Challenge
Achieving consistent panel gaps
Technique
Shimming, Adjusting hinges
Hours Invested Phase
40+
D270

Transmission Rebuild & Suspension Overhaul

February 24, 2023

Completed the rebuild of the C4 automatic transmission. Simultaneously tackled the front and rear suspension - new shocks, springs, bushings, and ball joints. The chassis is starting to look like new again.

Transmission Rebuild & Suspension Overhaul
Systems Completed
Transmission, Suspension
Cost
~$1,800 (parts)
Learned
Transmission assembly, Pressing bushings
Next Step
Mount Engine/Trans
D120

Chassis Cleaning & Rust Treatment

September 28, 2022

With the body shell stripped, focused on cleaning decades of grime off the chassis and treating surface rust on the frame rails and underbody before major repairs begin. Dirty work, but essential.

Chassis Cleaning & Rust Treatment
Task
Degreasing, Wire brushing, Rust converter application
Time Spent
3 weekends
Materials
Degreaser, Rust converter, PPE
Status
Ready for rust repair sections
D30

First Big Parts Order & Tool Investment

June 29, 2022

Placed the first major parts order - sheet metal for rust repair (floor pans, quarter panels), suspension components. Also invested in a welder and plasma cutter. The budget is already taking a hit!

First Big Parts Order & Tool Investment
Parts Ordered
Sheet metal, Suspension kit
Tools Purchased
MIG welder, Plasma cutter
Cost
~$3,500
Feeling
Excited, Slightly overwhelmed
Start

Day 1: The Barn Find

May 30, 2022

Project start! Pulled my grandfather's '67 Mustang out of the barn where it sat for 20+ years. Covered in dust and rust, but mostly complete. Goal: full restoration to honor him.

Day 1: The Barn Find
Model
1967 Ford Mustang Coupe
Engine
289 V8 (non-running)
Initial Condition
Rough, Needs full restoration
Plan
Assess, Disassemble, Restore
DR

Daniel Rodriguez

128 followers

Mechanical engineer and classic car enthusiast. Honoring my grandfather's legacy by bringing his beloved Mustang back to its former glory.

Journey Progress

Completion65%

Started

May 30, 2022

Completed

May 30, 2024

Activity

M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Less
More

Active Days

0

Current Streak

0 days

Similar Journeys