1965 Mercury Monterey Convertible, VIN#5Z45Y510700, 51K miles

1965 Mercury Monterey

I purchased this vehicle several years ago as a fun car for the family, clean title, NJ inspected, standard plates (I drive it most weekends). But due to personal circumstances, I do not have the time or money to keep up with it. Here is what I did since owning the vehicle: All the brakes were rebuilt with new parts, plus new front brake lines. I have new brake shoes but haven't put them on. The steering tie rod was replaced. The engine's intake manifold and heads were removed, the valve seats reground and new lifters and valves installed. The engine was pulled and de-greased. The exhaust manifolds were removed and ground flat. The exhaust system (dual pipes) were rebuilt from scratch. The carburetor is less than 1 year old as a manufacturer rebuilt. The transmission was taken to a shop and all new seals put in (automatic). The starter in brand new. The wiring harness from the voltage regulator to the alternator was rebuilt. The carpet was removed and the floor scraped. The area under the rear seat was cleaned up and repainted. The convertible top lift cylinders and hoses were replaced. I also installed rear seat belts in back and one mid seat belt up front, so you can seat 6 people with belts. New carpet/floor mats provided. The windshield is new.

This is what I did not do: The A frame mount grommets (especially) and steering grommets need to be replaced. I have new spring sets front and back and have not put them on. I also have new brake shoes and cylinders. The convertible top is shot and needs to be replaced. All the gauges work except the gas gauge (not sure why). The windshield wipers work, but the washer is not hooked up. The radio does not work but likely just needs a new tube. The clock does not work but frankly they almost never did. The body has obviously been worked on over the years. The rear quarter panels were replaced some time ago. There is rust at the bottom door edges and around the chrome at the back where the convertible top attaches. There is a minor dent in the driver rear quarter panel (from the previous owner). Most of the chrome is in good shape, but pitted as would be expected. The bumpers are in good shape, but there is a rust spot or two. The engine was degreased but not painted. There are some pinholes in the driver-side rear floor pan. The underside is rusty but overall not in bad shape....only one hole in the frame and that was fixed. The interior is in good to ok shape...seats are not torn, but some of the side panel stitching is going bad...door panel (interior) handles need work. There are cosmetic flaws all over as you'd expect for a car that sat in a barn for years (note the driver-side rear name badge is broken and is not mounted on the car...from the previous owner). I've kept it under a tarp for the three years I've had it.

The car is a blast to drive...runs like a top with a new electronic ignition...gets about 14mpg on a 2-barrel 390 cu in engine. I need to get it sold, so there's no reserve. Buyer makes all arrangements for pickup. If you want to drive it away, must come with insurance and license plates. This is a nice car to start with as a project car....but don't expect it to be clean...it isn't. Be realistic and you'll have a fun time with it. Call if you have questions, 609-356-4763.