My 1966 ponies

[66ponies]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the club and I'm on a mission to have my '66 'stangs restored back to their original beauty!!!!!!!

One's an "A code" convertible with a 289 V8, auto & a pony interior and the other a coupe with a 200 I6, auto & standard interior.

I've just begun the search for a reputable restoration shop in the lower NY area and so far I've had no luck. I joined this club in the hopes that anyone here has heard of or can refer me to someone or at least point me in the right direction!!!!! Any help would be great.

Here's a link to some pics I've posted of their current condition http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3330035

Thanks guys

 

[cledusdtrucker]

 

[ponyboy289]

Hello and welcome,
I'm a big fan of the early cars(65-66) myself .I've been messing around with them for many years. I have tons of free advice if you need to pick my brain on anything?That said resto shops can be very tough.I have heard and seen alot of horror stories or cars with huge dollars invested in them.It's not meant as a dig against "professional" shops but the main thing to consider is that the average body shop is primarily interested in the Insurance and fleet type work,where they get it in ,fix it, send it down the road in a two week(give or take) period. Most of them do not want to be bothered with long term rust repair projects. I try whenever possible(always) to do my own work . What are your thoughts on these two cars are you looking to build stock drivers, show cars,etc.? Have you owned them for a long time? Are you looking to do some of your own work? It's good to see another early car owner on the site.

 

[66ponies]

hey ponyboy289,

I can not begin to thank you enough for offering your time and advice!!!!!! I will definitely take you up on that because I havent a clue where to begin with these cars.

I'll PM you within the next few days to fill you in on their history and my intentions!!!!

Thanks again!

 

[dmustang]

Always best to get your hands dirty if you can! Only way to learn is by trying.
One of my customers has probably the biggest restoration shop that I have ever seen. He is pricy but his work is very good!
Here is his information.

Classic Restiration Enterprises
Melvin Benzaquen
39 Transport Lane
Pine Island, NY
(845) 258-2050

Good luck!

 

[66ponies]

dmustang,

Melvin's was the first shop I went to and although he was very knowledgeable and does great work, his appraisal was way more than what I expected.

The convertible has a lot of rust and he estimated around $60K to get it back into shape. I wouldn't be able to justify that amount even though when its done it would be in imaculate condition!!!!

Thanks for the advice though.

 

[Mike65]

Probably the best way to get started is to do as much of the work as you can yourself, that will help keep the cost down. As you can see from my pics I have a 65 Fastback & a 69 Coupe. I am doing most of the sheet metal work myself & let a body shop paint them for me, then I will do all the reassembley. Any questions, just ask.