Randy Shear buys a flood-damaged 2015 Mustang for $5,500, but a smoking battery and major repairs stand in his way.
When car rebuild expert Randy Shear purchased a flooded 2015 Ford Mustang Convertible at auction for $5,500, he knew he was in for a challenge. However, what he didn’t expect was the immediate danger posed by a smoking battery—a clear sign that bringing this Mustang back to life wouldn’t be as simple as he’d hoped.
The EcoBoost-powered Mustang, originally red but repainted black, had spent an unknown amount of time submerged in floodwaters. Despite this, Shear was pleasantly surprised when the car fired up and took him for a test drive. With its 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 312 horsepower and 319 lb-ft of torque, the Mustang still had some fight left in it. But once he got it home, the battery completely died—and when he attempted to revive it, the unit began sizzling and releasing acid fumes, forcing him to quickly remove it.
A Long Road to Restoration
Beyond the battery issue, the Mustang came with a long list of electrical problems. The convertible top motor was dead, requiring a $150 replacement, and the climate control system was completely non-functional, meaning no A/C, heat, or seat ventilation. In an attempt to assess the full extent of the damage, Shear began removing water-damaged components, planning to replace them piece by piece.
One major challenge was the convertible top, which only worked manually. To restore full functionality, Shear planned to install two new motors to get it working as it did when it first rolled off the assembly line. While his original intention was to give the car to his son, the mounting repair costs might push him toward flipping it for resale, as he does with many auction buys.
Is It Worth the Investment?
With $1,500 in shipping costs, Shear is already $7,000 deep into the project, with much more to spend on repairs. The 2015 Mustang EcoBoost, when fully functional, is a respectable sports car, capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 145 mph. But when a car has suffered severe flood damage, hidden electrical and mechanical issues can quickly turn a budget project into a financial nightmare.
Despite the risks, Shear remains committed to bringing the Mustang back to life. With patience, skill, and a fair bit of luck, this flood-damaged pony car may yet gallop back onto the road. Will it be a long-term keeper or another auction flip? Only time will tell.
