William Justice
Member
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2024
- Messages
- 12
- Reaction score
- 17
Hello All,
About 2 weeks ago I purchased a little bit of a rust bucket 72 Mach 1 that I have begun working on. I'm not sure if I'd consider it a resto-mod or what but just planning on doing what I want for my ideal Mustang first and foremost. I've always wanted to have a late 60's - early 70's muscle car and a great opportunity to purchase this 72 came along and I couldn't pass it up. I was never in love with the 71-73 Mustang but it is growing on me every day. My father had a 71 Mach 1 and I'd be fibbing if I said that didn't sway me to making the purchase. But overall, this site has been an invaluable resource already.
Here is a picture of his Mach 1 (with his ex), or is it a picture of his ex (with his Mach1)?
. I'm leaning towards the latter! And before you ask, his father owned a body shop and they got it as a salvage and repainted the whole thing which is why the paint does not look original. Looks to be missing the rear spoiler too. I'll have to ask him more about that.
Anyways, here is mine. It came without the original engine. The guy I purchased it from only bought it to take out the engine. That is actually fine because I have plans of putting in a coyote anyways. I already have the engine bay fully gutted and have the shock tower notch kit and coyote engine mount kit from Gateway Classic Mustangs ordered. The only substantial rust found in the engine bay was to the battery apron, radiator support (where it met the battery apron), and the passenger side shock tower. All have been replaced with the exception of the shock tower which is on the way. I knew there was some floor pan rust issues but upon further inspection, it was far worse than what I had imagined. But that's okay, I'll be replacing the entire floor pan now for piece of mind. The trunk area is a total nightmare or rust. Also, okay because I have a replacement already. Luckily, or not so luckily, the rear end panels are rusted out so getting in the trunk pan should be easier than dismantling the rear end to get it in. It will be a slow going project as I am still learning everyday....and obviously the cost. But I will be sure to keep this updated and lean on you all as a great vat of knowledge! Feel free to hit me with any questions, ideas, or valuable info.
As for the major updates, I am working the car front to back but focusing on creating a solid structure as the primary first steps. Please note, below steps are just a semi-structured plan and nothing is set in stone and likely to change as I'm going.
1. Making a solid base to handle a higher HP coyote swap.
1a. Coyote engine mounts
1b. Making room for a coyote with the shock tower notch kit.
2. Painting the engine bay. - Likely rattle can but doing it methodically to get rid of any existing rust and have it hold up for years. It won't be a show car but still want it to look good.
3. Gutting interior. (Done).
4. Complete floor pan replacement.
4a. Once floor pans are out, sandblasting frame.
5. Painting/ Under coating frame.
6. Adding sub frame connector kit with removable x-brace.
7. Rear end suspension replacement - haven't decided on anything specific yet but likely everything brand new.
8. Both rear quarters have rust and I already have half quarters but I don't entirely trust myself to complete that body work...I at least want the outside to look professionally done lol.
9. Updated wiring
10. Exterior paint - I have a 2010 Honda Fury with a Matte Bullet paint that I absolutely love the look of, so I am pretty set on a color scheme.
11. Engine - More to follow on this but it will be a built/sleeved/boosted coyote.
About 2 weeks ago I purchased a little bit of a rust bucket 72 Mach 1 that I have begun working on. I'm not sure if I'd consider it a resto-mod or what but just planning on doing what I want for my ideal Mustang first and foremost. I've always wanted to have a late 60's - early 70's muscle car and a great opportunity to purchase this 72 came along and I couldn't pass it up. I was never in love with the 71-73 Mustang but it is growing on me every day. My father had a 71 Mach 1 and I'd be fibbing if I said that didn't sway me to making the purchase. But overall, this site has been an invaluable resource already.
Here is a picture of his Mach 1 (with his ex), or is it a picture of his ex (with his Mach1)?
. I'm leaning towards the latter! And before you ask, his father owned a body shop and they got it as a salvage and repainted the whole thing which is why the paint does not look original. Looks to be missing the rear spoiler too. I'll have to ask him more about that.Anyways, here is mine. It came without the original engine. The guy I purchased it from only bought it to take out the engine. That is actually fine because I have plans of putting in a coyote anyways. I already have the engine bay fully gutted and have the shock tower notch kit and coyote engine mount kit from Gateway Classic Mustangs ordered. The only substantial rust found in the engine bay was to the battery apron, radiator support (where it met the battery apron), and the passenger side shock tower. All have been replaced with the exception of the shock tower which is on the way. I knew there was some floor pan rust issues but upon further inspection, it was far worse than what I had imagined. But that's okay, I'll be replacing the entire floor pan now for piece of mind. The trunk area is a total nightmare or rust. Also, okay because I have a replacement already. Luckily, or not so luckily, the rear end panels are rusted out so getting in the trunk pan should be easier than dismantling the rear end to get it in. It will be a slow going project as I am still learning everyday....and obviously the cost. But I will be sure to keep this updated and lean on you all as a great vat of knowledge! Feel free to hit me with any questions, ideas, or valuable info.
As for the major updates, I am working the car front to back but focusing on creating a solid structure as the primary first steps. Please note, below steps are just a semi-structured plan and nothing is set in stone and likely to change as I'm going.
1. Making a solid base to handle a higher HP coyote swap.
1a. Coyote engine mounts
1b. Making room for a coyote with the shock tower notch kit.
2. Painting the engine bay. - Likely rattle can but doing it methodically to get rid of any existing rust and have it hold up for years. It won't be a show car but still want it to look good.
3. Gutting interior. (Done).
4. Complete floor pan replacement.
4a. Once floor pans are out, sandblasting frame.
5. Painting/ Under coating frame.
6. Adding sub frame connector kit with removable x-brace.
7. Rear end suspension replacement - haven't decided on anything specific yet but likely everything brand new.
8. Both rear quarters have rust and I already have half quarters but I don't entirely trust myself to complete that body work...I at least want the outside to look professionally done lol.
9. Updated wiring
10. Exterior paint - I have a 2010 Honda Fury with a Matte Bullet paint that I absolutely love the look of, so I am pretty set on a color scheme.
11. Engine - More to follow on this but it will be a built/sleeved/boosted coyote.
