72 Mustang Mach1 restoration

[ZR1cliff]

Rolled back the covers and let both cars air through. Then started fitting more parts to the mustang. Fitted some of the interior and had a tidy around. Then fitted the fuel tank and one side of the rear springs, using new spring, U bolts and hangers.



New spring fitted and looking forward to fitting the new rear brakes. Also good to see the drive I recently laid is as robust as I wanted for jacking vehicles.

[ZR1cliff]

Also have to remind myself how fortunate I am to have found such a solid car. The floor only needs new sound proofing after a hoover and coating of more protective paint.

[ZR1cliff]

Today I took the Radiator and heater matrix to be reconditioned. Also stripped the covers off the seats to make way for the new Black covers at a later date. All very time consuming, with the rear seats taking more time, removing large amounts of hog rings.

Front seats were much easier once they were taken apart and the hog rings could be located.

[eric twinge]

Looking great cliff, looking forward to seeing the final result!

[ZR1cliff]

Thanks Eric, things have slowed with the cold weather, although next step will be picking up the Rad and heater matrix and fitting them.

Another important part of a restoration is funds and I've just started selling the old original parts that were taken off the car. I'm selling old parts only when I've fitted the new parts and satisfied that they will be good replacements. Building up funds to buy more new bits. Another interesting part of a restoration.

[ZR1cliff]

Picked up the radiator and heater matrix today. The Rad as been reconditioned and the heater matrix has been flushed/cleaned through and pressure tested for leaks. The bill to have this work done was a reasonable £213. Next step is to wait for the milder weather before fitting them.

[ZR1cliff]

Put the Rad in today and mucked around with a few other things. Really good day with mildish weather and I was like a pig in the proverbial.

[C5RagTop]

Hi Cliffy. Just stumbled on this topic. You've clearly been very busy and it looks like the Mustang will be to the same high standard as your ZR1. Good luck with it.

[ZR1cliff]

Hello Richard, It does get the old grey matter going, trying to remember where all the parts go. I hear/see you've sold your vette, what's next in line?

[Matt Harper]

Doesn't the motor look tiny. What's the rationale for (what is it - a 302 Windsor?) that engine?

[ZR1cliff]

Matt Harper said:

Doesn't the motor look tiny. What's the rationale for (what is it - a 302 Windsor?) that engine?

Yes it's 302 and the smallest V8 they put into that year. !971 was the last year of the big blocks. What makes it look smaller is the huge engine bay, ideal for big transplants.

[Dr G]

...or turbos

[Matt Harper]

Is this a 'back to scratch' resto? The 302 makes total sense, if that's the case. That said, earlier comments suggest a non FoMoCo transplant in this cars future. If so, why start with a donkey-motor vs a 351 Cleveland, which would be totally appropriate for this car? Just curious, as to the thinking.

[ZR1cliff]

Matt Harper said:

Is this a 'back to scratch' resto? The 302 makes total sense, if that's the case. That said, earlier comments suggest a non FoMoCo transplant in this cars future. If so, why start with a donkey-motor vs a 351 Cleveland, which would be totally appropriate for this car? Just curious, as to the thinking.

Stage one is a 'back to scratch' resto and stage two, at a later date, will be using a spare LT5 and 6 speed that I have.

I stuck with the 302 for cost, plus I want to keep the original engine and gearbox and will crate it up to one side when I do stage two.

I want to use the LT5, not mainly for power, but more so for efficiency. When my ZR-1 was running a standard motor It would return up to 35mpg, motorway mileage. Being approx the same weight as my Mach1 - (ZR-1 loaded with electric gizmos versus Mach1 with no power everthing) I want the challenge of fitting the ZR-1 running gear with appropriate rear gears to try and achieve the same mpg I was getting from my standard ZR-1.

[Matt Harper]

Thanks for sharing the insight. Your ZR1 transplant will make this car totally unique, I'd imagine. No doubt that some Mustang purists will have apoplexy about the sacrilege you propose, but it sounds like a innovative build. 35mpg is a hell of a target for a car that must eventually tip the scale at > 4000lbs. Keep us posted.

[ZR1cliff]

You're welcome Matt. Will keep the updates coming.

[Darren156]

Brilliant thread! Keep the pictures rolling in! Love it!

[ZR1cliff]

Darren156 said:

Brilliant thread! Keep the pictures rolling in! Love it!

Will do, just need some decent weather now.

[ZR1cliff]

Although it was bloody freezing I had chance to get outside over this weekend and suss out where all the pulleys and brackets go. Not being a mechanic/fitter and only DIY, with no experience of putting a 302 back together, it was a bit time consuming. I purposely kept the old fan belts and brackets, etc unrestored so I could match up the old marks to make things easier to fit.

Not really sure where the dipstick bolts to, or even if it is the right one?



I also bought some bolts from Basil bolts on ebay, fast service, to replace all the old bolts that the engine builders used to tag things together when they rebuilt the engine

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370734243926?ssPageName=...

Edited by ZR1cliff on Sunday 3rd February 20:06

[ZR1cliff]

Recently found some old photos I took, when I bought the car 18 months ago and after it had just come out of nearly a quarter of a century of storage. Although it looks bad, it is mainly surface grime and rust.