It was! I think I still paid a bit too much (my number was kinda as high as I wanted to go) but considering "rust free" cars that are somewhat original are almost impossible to find anywhere on the east coast, I still consider it a win.

One of my biggest fears is paying 25-30K for a "done" car thats either a bondo beauty or 100% aftermarket panel car. I actively searched for an OEM panel, rust free first gen mustang for almost a year. Most of the cars I looked at (and were $$$ too!) were tarted up cars with bondo or loaded with aftermarket panels. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they're available and that people are making cars live again with them, but I prefer OEM. My C10 has aftermarket doors and front clip and it's going back to OEM (already have rust free stuff purchased) the next "go round."

I used a soft magnet over almost my entire mustang and this car and found very little filler on either. On the bird the only real filler I found was the lower rear quarters which have some bubling and a few small areas where there appears to have been some minor dent damage. I didn't find anything in the doors or fenders. There was a little on the roof, so there will be some repair work necessary, but nothing like my dad's car.

I forgot to mention my dad is a fairly young guy still (55) and he wants to take his bird back and have another go at it with all the parts I got for it. 3 toys is the max my very understanding wife can tolerate. She was on board with buying this new bird because of all the time it will save, but not OK with me keeping both birds.