Unrestored Boss 351

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Air wasn't an option, and usually dealer installed air had the evaporator and controls under the dash as a separate unit. Way to much work to put everything in the dash like factory. Also, wrong gas cap and no rev limiter. I'd want to verify the VIN on this one.
 
Air wasn't an option, and usually dealer installed air had the evaporator and controls under the dash as a separate unit. Way to much work to put everything in the dash like factory. Also, wrong gas cap and no rev limiter. I'd want to verify the VIN on this one.
That was going to be my question. I am a newby to the 71-73 Mustang world but I didn't think you could get a Boss with A/C
 
After scouring those pics for about 20 minutes, I'd have to say that I also have a few questions. If the VIN is true, then it might just be worth every penny. Otherwise, that's a lot of coin for a car in such an 'iffy' state - regardless of pedigree. I'm thinking it's going to need a bit of new sheet metal (and rust abatement), which demands a complete teardown, and your bank account goes down from there. The mis-matched decals, stripes, and rocker treatment are a little sketch as well: black Boss 351 stickers (missing from the trunk lid, and too close to the rockers), hockey stripes look almost new, and argent rockers & taillight panel (not done correctly for stripes) - not a look that inspires confidence. Isn't the spoiler supposed to be painted argent as well? Those seats with the rest of the Deluxe Interior package?

Could be all of those things have been replaced (improperly). It'll be interesting to learn more about this car.
 
I began looking at pic on line to know what was wrong about it and I see them both ways. What’s right? Before I put mine on!

The thickest part of any airfoil always faces forward.



That car has been for sale on and off on FB for about the last year. I don't know if this is the same seller, or it was bought and now being resold. The previous listing had a lot more information and a video of the car running. Guess it's too hard to post more than fifteen words for a $45k car.

The after-the-fact AC installation seems legit, as you can see the original heater core holes in the firewall are plugged. Front seats look to have Cougar backs on the Mustang bottoms, as that horizontal vinyl divider shouldn't be there. Maybe the Cougar was used as a donor for the AC components.

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Where are the shock tower braces? With the added HP of a Boss, I'm pretty sure braces would be part of the package.
I think either the guy selling the car was dooped into thinking he actually has a B351, or he's trying to doop someone else.
I suppose though, it is possible it really is a Boss and the motor has been changed and/or AC added to the car. Only the true numbers will tell the tale and I'd want to see all of them along with panel date codes, motor date codes etc. etc.!
EDIT: And the list goes on...............
 
Question for the experts. Does the A/C body looks like aluminum? Weren't they iron from the factory and then aftermarket came with aluminum? I can be completely wrong.
York compressors, as fitted by Ford were aluminium bodied. Tecumseh compressors, usually found on trucks and earthmoving equipment had cast iron bodies.
 
I seem to recall in one of the earlier fleebay ads the seller claimed the car was originally sold in Hawai'i and the dealer installed the AC system. I also recall the ad had the VIN and it was an R-code. The car would be an expensive restoration.
 
It is all comes down to the documentation but something about that car is fishy. It will cost a fortune to make it right especially at today's prices.

Ron
 
York compressors, as fitted by Ford were aluminium bodied. Tecumseh compressors, usually found on trucks and earthmoving equipment had cast iron bodies.
I remember reading at NPD that the Aluminum saved 10 pounds over the iron one. That's why I believed they were iron originally, but I don't have any other source.

From NPD site:
COMPRESSOR ASSY, York Aluminum, Tube O-ring style, new, Saves 10 pounds over York cast iron
https://www.npdlink.com/product/com...ms=york&top_parent=200001&year=1971&year=1971
 
Ford has been using the York and Tecumseh compressors since the late 50s. All the Ford hang-on/dealer installed, and most of the production installed compressors are York. The cast iron Tecumseh was used mainly in the medium/heavy duty truck, industrial, and some F150-550 applications. Some Tecumseh compressors are found occasionally in various Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury car lines.
I come from an all-Ford family, and over the years, we’ve had many with integral (Factory) AC. In ‘74, my Dad bought a new LTD Brougham with a 400 engine, and it was equipped with a cast iron Tecumseh compressor. Of all the AC-equipped vehicles anyone in the family owned, that was the only one with a Tecumseh compressor.
I believe it was more of a “Bean Counter” issue at the time since they cost a little more than the York units. But now, with mileage and weight savings a modern-day “Issue,” any weight savings with the York compressor would sure help.

Regarding the Boss, the saying “If it could only talk” fits, but you may not want to hear what it has to say. As Hemikiller posted, the plugs at the heater-only hose inlet verify that it was a non-AC car when it left the factory. At 50+ years later, finding one of these that has been driven like they were intended is not so much of a problem as the missing or incorrect items. Unique items such as the rev limiter missing make you wonder if the correct speedometer cable and speed reducer/adapter are still there. All are very hard to find and expensive if you do locate them. A complete VIN verification at all locations, including engine and transmission, would be warranted considering the purchase price plus the bank account draining cost of a full restoration.
Caveat Emptor...Buyer Beware certainly fits here!
 
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