Classic/Antique Car Repair/196? Ford Mustang

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Expert: - 4/11/2009


Question

The car
Hi I have an old ford mustang with an inline six in it. The woman I bought it from told me that is was completely original with nothing done to it. It has 90,000 miles on it and the vin number is 5F07T756918 I know that certain things can be known about it, just by looking at the vin. How do I know if it is original? And does this car have any worth to it if it isn't completely original? Would it benefit me to put in an aftermarket small block 289 in it? I am also trying to figuer out exactly what year it is. I thank you for your response in this matter.

Answer
Try the following web sites:
http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/mustang_vin.htm
http://www.musclecardrive.com/vin-decoders/ford-mustang-vin-decoder.php
As for replacing the engine, my experience has been that old stock with numbers marching what is under the hood is the most valuable.
Brad
Nice looking car.

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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