Hello from North Alabama

7173Mustangs.com

Help Support 7173Mustangs.com:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

aphaynes

Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2015
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Location
AL
My Car
1973 Mach I
351W
Automatic
Hello all. I am new to not only owning a Mustang, but to owning and taking on a classic projects in general. In this case, I was after a Torino when I came across a package deal of a 1970 Torino GT AND a 1973 Mach I. It was advertised as a 73 Mustang Fastback; but after looking at it, showing some pics to a buddy who loves mustangs and has owned quite a few, and researching the VIN, it turned out to be a Mach I...BONUS! :biggrin:

I do not know all of the history. I did acquire a Marti report for kicks. It was originally Medium Copper Metallic with Ginger interior and a 351C. Now it is White with a mostly completed black interior (white stripes in the seat covers) and a 351W. So, it has been through some changes. It is not driveable right now. The previous owner is the one who had some sort of trouble with the 351C, so he took it out and put in a rebuilt 351W he acquired from a local shop.

It's current state:

Interior is about 75% complete

Wiring under the dash is a mess

When ignition is turned to Start it shorts. In the Run position, you can jump the starter solenoid to turn the engine over.

Center console gauges do not work (see wiring under dash comment...:lollerz:)

Had factory AC, but all under hood components were removed. (my wife will want that back here in the Southeast :wink: ).

Exhaust not mated to engine. Previous owner had new exhaust put in for the 351C, but after swapping the motor, the exhaust doesn't mate to the 351W yet.

I was able to crank the motor when I got it home, but found out the dipstick in it was not the right one and it turned out to have 8 qts of oil in it. Drained that, put 5 back in and noted where on the dipstick that hits.

Started messing with the distributor to verify timing...mistake...now it won't start.

Yes, I have a lot to learn and figure out.

Headers/exhaust manifold is not completely secure. Smoke was coming out of various places when it was cranked.

Not sure this motor was ever run by the previous owner, maybe it needs a break in cycle. Though, I am not sure what that entails. Not sure if the smoke is due to needing a break in cycle, having 8 qts of oil in it, or something not right in the rebuilt motor.

So all of the above, and I am sure I missed/forgot some things, was just to say I have a lot to learn about this beast and will be scouring the forum for answers and asking questions for those answers I cannot find. :thumb:

First time the engine ran...https://youtu.be/FJKWaUwuk7o

The video does not show it, but the garage was pretty smoky afterward.

Some pics

qysf2r.jpg


dAz8A39QdCCKMt-Fo8BTEWGUZxsEJojEGingyKP7egc=w1210-h681-no


dHTa2acmA-2aaGwYjY182I-S8PyMTadvmTV6oQfmaHs=w1210-h681-no


TegDvvrmlBdW1gW_2dQHZ5vOR-xW7Tmcp2yc4MgkBdI=w1210-h681-no


6szylWo-BJ3wZNBWVwtYczkMD4lKjMrs-uOnAOrANLI=w1210-h681-no


 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks! Yes, to the exhaust leaks. The manifolds are not tightened down to the engine and the exhaust pipes are not connected to the manifolds.

 
Welcome from South Alabama (Mobile). Good looking car. Post a pic of the Torino too when you get a chance. Props for posting a video in your intro thread.

Depending on how bad the wiring is, I have a full under dash harness from a 73 Mach 1 if you need it. If yours can be repaired I suggest you let Midlife work his magic and refurbish it. He is a site supporter on here.

 
Welcome from South Alabama (Mobile). Good looking car. Post a pic of the Torino too when you get a chance. Props for posting a video in your intro thread.

Depending on how bad the wiring is, I have a full under dash harness from a 73 Mach 1 if you need it. If yours can be repaired I suggest you let Midlife work his magic and refurbish it. He is a site supporter on here.
Nice on the refurb option as well as replacement options!! I must admit, I have been struggling to finish some work on the Torino before jumping back into the electrical on the Mustang.

Speaking of....here's a quick pic of the Torino.

xZc0jqIRtvmeHbrdwC4yYTphNHHzjM537OGfz1jd1TA=w1210-h681-no


Alex

Athens, AL

 
Last edited by a moderator:
aphaynes,

Welcome from the Great State of North Carolina. Looks like you have a good Mustang to start with. Lots of great members here who will help with all of your questions. By the way, I had a 1970 Torino GT with the shaker hood and top loader four speed. It was cool and fun to drive.

mustang7173 :bravo:

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi Alex, ::welcome:: from Luxembourg, Europe.

I noticed that your car seems to be missing the shock tower braces or did you remove them to work on the engine? Anyway, don't drive without them.

Now that Torino is to die for.

I'll take it off your hands so you have more room in your garage. :)

 
Hello from Mississippi. What a great deal to score a Mach 1 and a Torino GT. Back when I took a Mustang break I bought a 70 M code Torino GT. It was a fun car to drive and I vowed to never sell. Then the 72 Gran Torino Sport came out and I was hooked! You'll also find that you can discuss owning other Fords and competitive make vehicles and not be stoned. Welcome to your new Mustang home.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Welcome from South Alabama (Mobile). Good looking car. Post a pic of the Torino too when you get a chance. Props for posting a video in your intro thread.

Depending on how bad the wiring is, I have a full under dash harness from a 73 Mach 1 if you need it. If yours can be repaired I suggest you let Midlife work his magic and refurbish it. He is a site supporter on here.
Nice on the refurb option as well as replacement options!! I must admit, I have been struggling to finish some work on the Torino before jumping back into the electrical on the Mustang.

Speaking of....here's a quick pic of the Torino.

xZc0jqIRtvmeHbrdwC4yYTphNHHzjM537OGfz1jd1TA=w1210-h681-no


Alex

Athens, AL
I really like this year Torino!

 
Back
Top