Going to look at an 87 Vert Stang, advice...?

Ok, here's the short and skinny:

1987 Mustang Convertible LX 2.3L, Automatic, clean title, 103,xxx or 203,xxx miles (Carfax doesn't have mileage upon transfers as it wasn't registered in GA but this was 10 years ago), engine and trans still running/working well, couple of rust spots but nothing 'through', needs battery (as in the owner removed it), missing hood latch (will have to tie it down for the drive), convertible top motor is missing, window regulators sticking (PW/PL/PS).

I have an XR4Ti so I'm familiar with the engine mechanicals and what all to test/look out for.

I need some help on the C4 though, where is the fluid filler? where is the dipstick for it?

Also, can the electric convertible top be put down manually? If not can it be rigged to do so?

I'm not expecting the moon on this car, the lady only wants $600 for it, but I'm going to talk her down because I want this car for BABE and GRM Challenge

Not a C4, its an A4LD which is Fordtonese for "Transmission made of paper mache'"

$600 is very high for that car. There's a 5.0 GT with mods for sale here (87-93 'Vert, forget the exact year but they're all the same) for $1500 that needs nothing. Really nice 2.3 ones go for $700. I couldn't fathom paying 5 or 6 for a trashed one. It's a $200 car, tops.

You're looking at a 7.5" open rear with 3.08's most likely, an A4LD (dipstick is on the passenger side by the firewall IIRC), and the all-iron 2.3 NA (no EDIS or dual-plug ) plus the 10" front discs, 8" rear drums, and the chassis rigidity of a wet noodle.

I'd try to find at least a 5-speed one (cause I'm assuming you're turbo swapping) with a good top. From what I recall the tops cannot be manually put down/up.

Good luck!

P71 is obviously correct about the wet-noodle aspects of the chassis, but as somebody once pointed out in a Mustang magazine, at least you can be confident that a 2.3L car never warped it through massive power delivery.

P71 wrote: $600 is very high for that car. There's a 5.0 GT with mods for sale here (87-93 'Vert, forget the exact year but they're all the same) for $1500 that needs nothing. Really nice 2.3 ones go for $700. I couldn't fathom paying 5 or 6 for a trashed one. It's a $200 car, tops. You're looking at a 7.5" open rear with 3.08's most likely, an A4LD (dipstick is on the passenger side by the firewall IIRC), and the all-iron 2.3 NA (no EDIS or dual-plug ) plus the 10" front discs, 8" rear drums, and the chassis rigidity of a wet noodle. I'd try to find at least a 5-speed one (cause I'm assuming you're turbo swapping) with a good top. From what I recall the tops cannot be manually put down/up. Good luck!

That's what I thought, but alas, here in the South, they tend to have a 'redneck' tax added on. Unfortunatley I doubt she's going to really come down on price given what her husband traded for it, I figured it couldn't be worth more than a few hundred but dang, and I meant to type A4, was thinking about another older stang sorry bout that..

I'm still interested in the car because of one detail I left out: the car has 5 spoke rims that say 'weld' on them, and they're 4 lug, I'm trying to get pictures to confirm I just

and realistically I just want a cheap convertible that runs, don't really care what it is, if anyone's got a runner for $500 or less I'm all ears and wallet!

Yessir, that era Mustang vert is very flexy. The instruments will go double when you go over railroad tracks. I have seen two that were hit from behind at fairly low speeds (like 30 MPH) and both of them bent straight up at the end of the door opening.

It most likely has the overdrive A4LD, but if it has a 3 speed automatic it's probably a C3, which has ~no~ aftermarket.

'87 is for certain the A4LD. Stock gearing is 2.73, I don't even think they had the 3.08 option that the 5.0s did (and I KNOW they didn't have the 3.27 option that the 5.0 automatics did).

You could make the top manual, but you'll need a second person to help you put it up. Between the weight and the lack of leverage, the 10 lbs of hydraulic pump, lines, and rams is worth it.

Honestly, I wouldn't waste your time or money. I've got one of these sitting at my parent's house that's an aborted 5.0/5-speed swap.

If you're willing to look at convertibles, you can find 5.0 cars for CHEAP. Just be prepared to brace the holy crap out of the chassis when you find one.

thanks guys, i'm passing :)