This is my first post on stangnet. As I have a '98 GT I have lurked the forums for awhile and found quite a bit of useful info to help me through some tough automotive times. Didn't figure I used Stangnet enough to actually become a member. But I made a purchase two days ago that will ensure it. So, firstly, I appreciate all of the inadvertent help you guys have given me. ( For the past few years...) Everything from rear-differential to the Mach 460 sound system. I never joined because I didn't really care if I destroyed the car or not, but you guys kept me from blowing it up.
Now, I care. I know a fair amount about cars but I'm in way over my head on this.
What I bought: 1973 Mach 1
Engine: 351C 4V
Transmission: 4-speed (Don't know what type or how to figure it out.)
Transmission, Engine and Chassis VIN match.
The receipts that came in a giant folder extended from 1978 to 2005. The guy overhauled the engine every 10 years and changed the oil every 2,500 miles regardless of wether it had been driven. As far as the mileage goes, it has 89,000 with a book that details everything he ever did to it.
QUESTION 1 Is this is what is referred to as 'documented miles'? If not, is there value in keeping this information? When I say he kept all of his receipts, there are some for touch-up paint ($0.25), and gaskets all the way up to engine mods.
The interior of the vehicle looks like 1973. One rip in a seat and slight ligtening of the carpet behind the driver's seat and that's it. All leather is supple and shining, all chrome, stitching, emblems and guages are in perfect condition. The original 8-track is still in it and works. The cigarette lighter has never been used, but works. I understand how much restoring the interior of the vehicle means, but the guy who owned it kept it in a garage and methodically cleaned and polished everything. Floorpan's are solid and I don't know if I should lift the carpeting to check for rust.
QUESTION 2 Is there a repository of information or photos that I could compare this Stang to to make sure it's up to snuff?
I gather that the engine has been modified by reading receipts. Everything from a Lunati Cam, Holley 4bbl double-pump carb (I understand this is a carburator and it's function but I'm not sure what the terminology means...), Rhoads Lifters (Stickers for all of these things on the back windows... as well as Summitt Performance Parts...?). He has a detailed list of everything purchased for the overhauls he performed in 1978, and 1987.
QUESTION 3 Modded like this, is the engine still considered original? From the looks of it the only thing that shipped from the factory that's still in the engine compartment is the block.
QUESTION 4 There is no AC unit installed, but I can see the boltholes where it belongs. Is it possible to get an AC unit that would match the original, and should I bother?
The body has seen a bit of damage. Hood will have to be replaced as something caused it to crease in the front. I was told that he 'blew' the hood, meaning it flew off during vehicle operation. When reinstalled, retaining pins were also installed...) There is rust around the rear fender wells. Betweent the rear of the fender well and bumper, the underneath is rusted away almost completely.
QUESTION 5 I was told not to Bond-O (Yeah, I'm from the trailer park, where mechanics need only Bond-O and electrical tape...), but to basically cut the rear quarterpanels off and weld on new ones. Is that the case?
Lastly, I'm not sure what purpose the car will serve. Would it be capable of being a show car? An original? What kind of stuff do I need to be paying attention to? As this is a used 'Stang what do I need to be looking out for in general?
I appreciate any help you could give,
Arrow
-=EDIT=-
Heya guys, was told pretty much point-blank that asking questions like above made me look like an idiot and that was why I've gotten no responses. Fair enough, lol! I'm going to start restoring this car and utilizing whatever information I can find. My area of expertise is in keeping modern cars running and I know nothing about the specs and details of restored cars. So I've just jumped off into it. I intend to learn as much as I can about the '73 Q code and hopefully, but the time I come to a problem I can't figure out I won't come off as such a noob. I appreciate the fact that you guys didn't flame me right off for this post. Look forward to earning your respect in the future.
Cheers!
Arrow
Now, I care. I know a fair amount about cars but I'm in way over my head on this.
What I bought: 1973 Mach 1
Engine: 351C 4V
Transmission: 4-speed (Don't know what type or how to figure it out.)
Transmission, Engine and Chassis VIN match.
The receipts that came in a giant folder extended from 1978 to 2005. The guy overhauled the engine every 10 years and changed the oil every 2,500 miles regardless of wether it had been driven. As far as the mileage goes, it has 89,000 with a book that details everything he ever did to it.
QUESTION 1 Is this is what is referred to as 'documented miles'? If not, is there value in keeping this information? When I say he kept all of his receipts, there are some for touch-up paint ($0.25), and gaskets all the way up to engine mods.
The interior of the vehicle looks like 1973. One rip in a seat and slight ligtening of the carpet behind the driver's seat and that's it. All leather is supple and shining, all chrome, stitching, emblems and guages are in perfect condition. The original 8-track is still in it and works. The cigarette lighter has never been used, but works. I understand how much restoring the interior of the vehicle means, but the guy who owned it kept it in a garage and methodically cleaned and polished everything. Floorpan's are solid and I don't know if I should lift the carpeting to check for rust.
QUESTION 2 Is there a repository of information or photos that I could compare this Stang to to make sure it's up to snuff?
I gather that the engine has been modified by reading receipts. Everything from a Lunati Cam, Holley 4bbl double-pump carb (I understand this is a carburator and it's function but I'm not sure what the terminology means...), Rhoads Lifters (Stickers for all of these things on the back windows... as well as Summitt Performance Parts...?). He has a detailed list of everything purchased for the overhauls he performed in 1978, and 1987.
QUESTION 3 Modded like this, is the engine still considered original? From the looks of it the only thing that shipped from the factory that's still in the engine compartment is the block.
QUESTION 4 There is no AC unit installed, but I can see the boltholes where it belongs. Is it possible to get an AC unit that would match the original, and should I bother?
The body has seen a bit of damage. Hood will have to be replaced as something caused it to crease in the front. I was told that he 'blew' the hood, meaning it flew off during vehicle operation. When reinstalled, retaining pins were also installed...) There is rust around the rear fender wells. Betweent the rear of the fender well and bumper, the underneath is rusted away almost completely.
QUESTION 5 I was told not to Bond-O (Yeah, I'm from the trailer park, where mechanics need only Bond-O and electrical tape...), but to basically cut the rear quarterpanels off and weld on new ones. Is that the case?
Lastly, I'm not sure what purpose the car will serve. Would it be capable of being a show car? An original? What kind of stuff do I need to be paying attention to? As this is a used 'Stang what do I need to be looking out for in general?
I appreciate any help you could give,
Arrow
-=EDIT=-
Heya guys, was told pretty much point-blank that asking questions like above made me look like an idiot and that was why I've gotten no responses. Fair enough, lol! I'm going to start restoring this car and utilizing whatever information I can find. My area of expertise is in keeping modern cars running and I know nothing about the specs and details of restored cars. So I've just jumped off into it. I intend to learn as much as I can about the '73 Q code and hopefully, but the time I come to a problem I can't figure out I won't come off as such a noob. I appreciate the fact that you guys didn't flame me right off for this post. Look forward to earning your respect in the future.
Cheers!
Arrow
