Greetings to all from West Michigan!

[Rudy's 65]

Greetings!

As you can see, I am new to your forum, but not to Mustangs.
It has taken me a while to find you, but I'm glad I did. Its nice to know
there will be folks like yourself that can help answer my questions.

I will have a lot of them. I am a purist at heart, but realistically,
cannot afford a true, original Shelby. Right off, I want those of you to know
that I respect the owners of their "original" car and hope you can accept those
of us who want to emulate your cars with our "clones".

My 1965 Mustang Fastback is in its early stages. An older face-lift car,
in need of restoration. The interior is gutted. I'm an "interiors" guy, not a body man or mechanic. I'll leave that up to the experienced professional in their field of expertise. Hopefully this summer, will begin replacing the rotted metal. Eventually, preping for the drivrtrain and suspension to support a 289 V8.

Thanks in advance for your support.

Rudy

[Engineer]

Rudy, Welcome! (from the other side of Michigan) Glad you found this site .... Regarding your project, I am of the opinion that "clones" and replicas have contributed to the sustained interest and enthusiasm for Shelby's vehicles. As a matter of opinion, if you are going to do something significantly beyond stock, a clone is probably the better platform that "beyond stock" expression. A suggestion, consider joining the Detroit Chapter of SAAC (aka: SAAC Motor City Region or SAAC MCR.) Really a great group of enthusiasts for Shelbys and Performance Fords. Rick

[rshelby]

Welcome Rudy. Glad you found us. Be sure to share some photos as the work progresses on your car.
Randall

[Rudy's 65]

Hello,

Here are a few exterior pics of my slow filly.
Some day, when I can afford it, she can play and mingle with your Shelby's.

Regards,

Rudy

[jdamach1]

Rudy, great looking '65 FB. Good luck and keep us posted with your progress of the clone build.
Danny

[daltondavid]

Great car to start with! we enjoy enthusiastic members!! encourage your Buddies to come on board.

[SFM6S2015]

Welcome, we seem to have the same taste in hub caps for our 65s

[Rudy's 65]

Wow!
Not one - but two Fastbacks! Nice.
It seems everyone I have spoken with feels I should keep the car in its
original condition. That is to say, not to clone it. I'm going back and forth
with this decision. My biggest concern regarding the investment is that its a
"T" code car. I have to decide if its really worth putting the time and
investment into it. I just rec'd the best price yet on having the metal work
done. Here's the quote, $4300.00 which includes parts and labor.
Please give me you input.

Replace Front crossmember
Repair underside of radiator support.
Replace right front frame extension.
Replace front and rear floors, from just below the firewall back.
Replace front panel - behind rear seats, ahead of trunk floor.
Replace both left and right trunk floors.
Replace rear crossmember.
Replace right rear frame extension.
Replace gas tank.

The work would be performed by a local body man who has 30 years of experience in restoring vintage mustangs and is a Mustang parts supplier.

Rudy

[67st102]

Hi Rudy

Greetings from West Michigan. Just a suggestion....... send me a PM on who the quote was from. Just because somebody does body work and has worked on Mustangs for thirty years does NOT mean they do good work. I am thinking of one business in particular and wouldn't want you to end up minus $4300 and have a messed up car at the end of the day.