If you are a regular reader of our magazine (thanks if you are!) you might remember our editorial about building a father/son project. I have the opportunity, through a friend with a restoration shop, to purchase either a '68 coupe or '67 fastback from one of his customers (same customer, same price). The coupe has all the metal reapir work done, has a 9-inch under it, and someone already converted to factory discs in front. The fastback is a VERY rough drag car missing all of the front sheetmetal including core support and inner fenders forward of the shock towers, the tail light panel, rear trunk support, both valances, and even the steel dash has been cut out of the car. But it is a fastback!  

Being they are the same price, and thinking we want to make this a "budget" build, what would you go for? The coupe sounds like an easier build, but the fastback is certainly cooler looking (remember, he'll be driving this to high school) and will be worth more down the road (maybe college investment money).

So, since we can't do web polls right now post your answers here and help us decide...

Thanks!
Mark  

I am curious how this turns out. It is a tough call. Lots more work on the fastback but so cool to look at. The coupe would do better with a smaller budget. You could put more into performance and safety and still have more for rims, tires, and acessories.
The fastback sound like a lot more work and more money. With any young person(i.e.teenager;D )I would imagine its hard to keep him or her interested during the slower parts of the build. I think I would go with the fastback anyway it would be a great learning expience for all involved.  

Hi Mark. Go for the coupe. less build time, more drive time. enjoy the bond on something simple. then later, a project more involved like a fastback. you may get a even better stang down the line?
V.H.Y. bowing deep  

Is this a trick question?  A decent coupe with a good start and nice metal against a hacked up drag car?  Either the coupe is going cheap or that drag car is WAY over priced.  You're $2000~4000 ahead on the coupe, based on the limited description.

I would look at the fast back only if I wanted a drag car.  And then I would do a complete inventory of the car - cage and certification level, name brand suspension parts, type and situation of the rear end, axles, tubs, frame, etc.  And I'd look REALLY HARD at the quality of the work.  

If you wanted to run the coupe later, say in the brackets, you'd still be many bucks ahead to just put a roll bar in the car.

Used or partial built drag cars do not and should not bring any kind of premium price unless there are well done chassis modifications and a bucket full of associated parts that you'd be buying anyway.  They are abused by nature and that should be taken into account.  Besides, buying someone's hack job just encourages them.  

IMHO, it's more professional to integrate the existing items on the car with the race upgrades.  My Falcon runs 11's and it has a full dash, door panels, windows that work and even the glove box.  When I put in the roll bar setup, I did extra work to allow for the back seat to go back in for static displays.  

Fastbacks are the best in looks no doubt about it. I prefer a coupe for daily driving. You can hide things in the trunk, they are safer in a rear end collision because of the seat panel and if a neat clean build is done it should increase in value. Did I mention you can hide things in the trunk?  

Thanks for the feedback guys...

We're leaning towards the coupe too. Save some of the budget for audio, creature comforts and safety items...

BTW, the long block is assembled now. I'll try to post some pics of it later this week. Maybe even create a "blog"...

Mark  

Hey guys, just wanted to fire off an update...

We picked up the '68 coupe last weekend. It's in the driveway as we speak and my son is stoked!

The car came with a bunch of new and used (and NOS, though non Mustang) parts and we spent last night inventorying everything.

The floors are solid (with a few patches), and the front frame rails look good, though the shock towers have been partially patched. The worst is the right rear where it came off a tow dolly and hit the tow vehicle, crushing the taillight panel and NEW quarter skin that was installed. It's fixable though, for sure.

Check out our Blog section to read about our weekend trip and to see the photos...

Stay tuned for an intro story in an upcoming issue too.

Mark  

For all the hoopla over fastbacks and convertibles, I've always liked hardtops (coupes) the best. The humble coupe is what people fell in love with Ford introduced the Mustang on April 17, 1964.  Those Mona Lisa ads weren't convertbles - they were COUPES.  The coupe is the most distinctive Mustang body.  Mark - wishing you all the best on your project with your son.  You'll never regret the time you spend together.

Jim Smart
Senior Editor  

Hey - good news!  Sounds like a great project.  

Glad to hear you decided on the Coupe!  I have a 69 and if i was to get another Stang it would be the Coupe all the way. I think they are the best looking!!!  Enjoy your project and good luck.  

One thing that I don't think anyone has commented on yet Is that I personally believe the coupe is safer for a new driver.  The fastback has more of a blind spot.  for a daily driver cool factor aside I definitely would buy a coupe for my son.  and that is before you even begin to factor in cost etc.  sounds like a fun project.  I am starting on a 67 coupe with my son this summer too.  I bet you finish yours well before I do.  ha ha.