What do I look for when buying a muscle car?

So I'm in the market for a muscle car right now, and so far I've only found one that I'm interested in that is in my price range: http://adcache.collectorcartraderonline.com/10/2/8/62242928.htm It's a 69 Mustang, pretty much the only body style of Mustangs that I like. I know it's a Ford, so that's my first big problem. But I need to know what else I should look for when I go to look at the car, the ad says it has no rust, so are there any other big problems with muscle cars or Mustangs in particular? I know it's going to need work either way, but I just don't want to get buried too deep in this project.

The first decision you have to make is what do you want. Are you looking for a complete restoration or a street/strip car from that era? This will determine your starting point, as an example if you are looking for a complete restoration you want everything original including matching serial numbers, these are very hard to find so the vehicle you find this on may be in fairly rough shape and will need more work. On the other hand if you just want an era muscle car then start with the best body, you can then install a newer EFI engine if you would like.

All muscle cars are easy to work on and each one has benefits and drawbacks. The 69 Stang is a great car with lots of available parts, learning about them is half the fun.

There are lots of books on every muscle car that categorizes the numbers made, options available, local clubs,

I agree. Understand what you want to do with the car (daily driver, show car, race car, etc.) and understand the amount of money that you will need to accomplish that. The biggest problem is always when you underestimate the amount of effort, time and money it will take to get the car the way you want it. Be realistic.

The biggest problem is always when you underestimate the amount of effort, time and money it will take to get the car the way you want it. Be realistic.

I agree here, to determine the cost and time double the estimated cost and time and I think you will find this to be a more realistic figure.

I'm going for a street/strip car, I'm not worried about keeping it original because it won't stay original for very long. I know all about the money and time involved. That's why I want to get this car. It's a project to kill time.

First find one with a 351C rather than 351W. You will thank yourself later. Windsor sucks, Cleveland rocks.

After you figure out what you are going to do with the car and have a plan in your head, you would of course need to go buy the car. When it comes to muscle cars, many people don't take a good enough look at the car and then run into problems later. You have to really check out the car. Check all the typical rust spots. Check the floor if you can. I know I tore the carpet up before I bought my GTO. Check the trunk and the wheelwells. Make SURE the frame is solid. Make sure it runs if they say it does, and try to test drive it if they say it runs good. Be ready if you are getting into a restoration, they are bigger than most people even imagine. Good luck.

Be ready if you are getting into a restoration, they are bigger than most people even imagine.

I learned that, twice. Once should have done it, 2nd time was just stupid. Now I am a bit wiser.
But you have to remember these cars are 30+ years old. Just about EVERYTHING is going to need to be replaced. Best thing to do is just to put it down, and restore it totally, no matter how long it takes. Driving unrestored, you will pull your hair out because you end up fixing something every time you drive it. Very frustrating. It took me two years to restore my truck, but it paid off in the end.

Thanks for all the input guys. It helped me realize I'll need a few more years until I can gather the resources to really go through with restoring a muscle car.

It is always good to realize what you are getting yourself into before you take the plunge.

If you dont like ford dont buy one. Get what you want! If you just get a car for the sake of having your just wasting your time and money.