I need advice about restoring a 1965 A code GT coupe. The car has spent it's life in the mid-west and has suffered some serious rust damage. About 12 years ago the floors, quarter panels, trunk floor, etc. were replaced but it still needs more body work. The original engine is gone but everything else is still original and in need of restoration. I visited six restoration shops last week and got estimates for body work and a paint job. The quotes ranged from $4k-$20K. Two shops said they didn't think the car was worth salvaging. I'm not looking to build a show car but just something fun to drive on the weekends and similar to factory specs. If the car wasn't a GT I wouldn't even consider it but I'm still having my doubts wether this project is worth pursuing. Any advice from an objective third party would be greatly appreciated. Paul Houston, TX P.S.- I have a rebuilt '68 302 motor I'm thinking about dropping in until I can get a hold of a 289.
65 GT Coupe Project
Sep 17, 2003
2 Replies
Paul,
The value of the car was in the drivetrain, in the long run, your going to be better off selling what you have, and finding something already in "driver class" shape...................
Bill S.
Paul wrote:
Paul said: If the car wasn't a GT I wouldn't even consider it but I'm still having my doubts wether this project is worth pursuing. Any advice from an objective third party would be greatly appreciated.
I can get a hold of a 289.
If you're having doubts, don't pursue it. The guy who told you it wasn't worth it, was probably the only one telling the truth, since he was willing to turn away business.
If you want to just fix it up as a "restomod" and have something fun to drive, then you can probably pull it off. If you're a purist and want to move toward a complete restoration, I'm sure you can find a better candidate. Don't let the GT package sway you. A well done restoration on a standard coupe will be worth much more and cost much less than a poorly done job on a questionable GT starter. Just my 2 cents.
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