I was wondering if I could get some other opinions on buying a car that I went to look at recently. It is a '66 Mustang coupe, that's automatic with a 289 engine.
I have seen the VIN, but what bothers me is that the car is missing the door tag. I have no idea what options the car should have.
Paul,
Welcome to the forum.
In order to be more specific about early (64-73) Mustangs, we need a couple of bits of info - the VIN is the first. You may put "xx" in the last two numbers of the VIN for security purposes. Missing door data tags are almost a normal feature. It may be that the door was damaged and replaced but it's not the end of the information. The VIN itself gives clues to what the tag may have said, namely a close date that the car was scheduled to be built. A close look at the firewall on the LH side of the steering column will sometimes indicate if the car was came with an automatic transmission, no clutch hole, or a manual transmission. Lifting the door sill plate may give the original color and from that, possibly the interior color options. There are three locations for the permanent stamped VIN, all on fender aprons - the visible one on the LH side, one on the LH side usually hidden by the fender just ahead of the hood hinge, and on the RH side in about the same place. All three should match with your paperwork.
There is no "easy" conclusive method of finding out options/build information for pre 67 model year.
For Mustangs and other Ford products, there is a document known as a Marti Report. It is available for 67 and newer cars.
1. Is there a body buck tag? Provide a picture and someone will interpret.
These were used mostly at Metuchen, NJ.
2. Look for the build sheet, probably the single best data source. What plant was this car assembled?
Mostly used at Metuchen, sometimes Dearborn, sometimes San Jose. If you find one, be careful, it's 50 years old.
4. Engine tag. Provide a picture and someone will interpret. If the date code is correct, that gives some credence to it being an original 289 car (and not a conversion from the six cylinder).
The tag is usually attached to the intake manifold with a 3/8 bolt. It's usually tossed by a "well intentioned restorer".
5. Should probably look for other clues to make sure that it was not a six. I've never owned a six so don't have these memorized.
Four lug wheels is the most obvious I-6 feature.
It begins with 6F07C. This translates, I believe to a 1966 Mustang, built in Dearborn, with bucket seats, at least from what I have found online.
The seat configuration is not part of the VIN but is on the door data tag.
The car has had the floors, and quarters replaced. It is currently white, with what looks to be a beige/tan interior, or at least the steering wheel is. Since everything is out, finding the build sheet will be a challenge. If I understand correctly, that's usually under the rear seat.
The floor and quarter replacement may be an indication that there was rust or accident damage. This is both good and bad, the bad is you don't know which, an accident may bend the frame rails, rust - well -.
(Hint - What the original body color and interior type/color were are an opportunity for you to select your own, and then get a replacement tag from Marti Auto. Don't tell anyone.)
Look at what current "restored" 66 Hardtops are selling for, e-bay, Craig's List, other internet listings, and subtract what you may pay for the car from the average of that group of numbers. That's your budget. You will exceed it, that's normal. Just have fun doing it.
Jim
