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Buy It & Build It: Getting Your Dream Mustang

You've been dreaming about it, so get started
February, 2009
By Jim Smart
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Bob Gelsi of Gelsi's Mustang... 
   
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Bob Gelsi of Gelsi's Mustang World in Vineland, New Jersey, checks out apotential Mustang buy for a customer. Bobby has the expertise you needif you're shopping for a Mustang. Gelsi's Mustang World has performeddozens of concours restorations in 25 years.
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Fit and finish are two indications... 
   
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Fit and finish are two indications of a Mustang's structural integrity.Even an old beater that has never been restored will have good fit if ithasn't been wrecked or victimized by rust. Rusted-out framerails androcker panels, for example, will adversely affect fit. Accident damage,even if corrected by a body shop, sometimes leaves body panels with asloppy fit. Check door, fender, hood, and decklid gaps to see how theyall fit together.
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When we discuss "matching-number"... 
   
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When we discuss "matching-number" cars, we're talking about originality.Do the engine, transmission, and rear-axle differential casting numbersand date codes jibe with the assembly date of the vehicle? Normally,these numbers should fall 30-60 days prior to the assembly date of thevehicle. Not all classic Mustangs have the original engine, for example.Even rarer is an original transmission because so many were replacedwith new or rebuilt replacements. But it's nice to know where you standbefore a purchase--especially if the seller is claiming a"matching-number" car.
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Beginning in 1968, Ford stamped... 
   
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Beginning in 1968, Ford stamped the VIN into the engine blocks of allMustangs. Prior to 1968, only high-performance Mustang engine blockswere stamped with the VIN. This, coupled with matching casting numbersand date codes, seals the deal.

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