Buying your dream car is exciting enough without having to drive it halfway across the country. For one young Mustang enthusiast, however, getting her first classic Ford home would involve a road trip neither she nor her father would soon forget.
Gracie had always wanted a 1965 Ford Mustang, and when an opportunity arose to buy one in Wisconsin, her father decided to make it happen. There was just one complication… they live in Utah, approximately 1,600 miles away.
The Mustang was also an unfinished project, with parts still waiting to be installed and its mechanical condition largely unknown. Rather than arrange transportation, the family decided to assemble what was necessary and attempt the journey themselves.
As documented by the Fab Rats YouTube channel, Gracie traveled with her father, Paul, and their companion Merlin to collect the car. What began as an exciting purchase soon became a crash course in classic car ownership.
A Dream Mustang With Some Assembly Required
The 1965 Mustang came equipped with a 289-cubic-inch V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and a Ford nine-inch rear axle. Its previous owner had installed new floor panels, brake lines, and some suspension bushings.
Before leaving Wisconsin, the trio fitted seats, door handles, weatherstripping, and the driveshaft. They also checked the mechanical basics, got the engine running, and discovered that the carburetor needed attention.
Trouble Starts Almost Immediately
The Mustang initially seemed capable of making the journey, although it soon developed several problems. It began jumping out of third gear, lost part of its exhaust, and displayed increasingly troublesome brakes.
After running out of fuel just three miles from their overnight stop, the headlights also failed, so they improvised a temporary wiring repair before finding somewhere to sleep.
Keeping the Old Ford Moving
The following day brought on more challenges, including substantial oil leaks and overheating in the Black Hills. Paul and Merlin fashioned a coolant overflow bottle, adjusted the ignition timing, and tightened a slipping belt.
Poor wheel alignment was also wearing the front tires, while a developing tire bulge forced another roadside repair. A helpful stranger supplied a jack, allowing them to move the damaged tire to the rear rather than continue with the bulging tire on the steering axle.
Gracie Takes the Wheel
Despite the problems, Gracie also got behind the wheel to learn how to handle the Mustang’s worn four-speed manual. With her father coaching her through the clutch and gear changes, she managed to get the old Ford moving.
The family eventually reached Utah after driving through the night, having made 13 fuel stops and added roughly six quarts of oil. The Mustang still needed plenty of work, and Gracie already had plans to paint it pink, regardless of what her dad thought about that idea.
The trip meant Paul got to help his daughter get the car she’d always wanted, and Gracie now has a much better idea of what owning a 60-year-old Ford involves.