‘73 convertible “Q” lost in Florida flood

Scubaman · Oct 26, 2024

Sad to report that my ‘73 convertible was flooded (up to door handles) during recent hurricane. Restored her 20 years ago. I may be looking for another one. So if anyone has one to sell feel free to contact me. Looking for
1973 convertible
Q code 351 Cleveland 4 barrel
Restored. Not looking for a project

Thanks.
Stsn Watson

Cleveland Crush · Oct 26, 2024

Sorry you lost your nice Mustang Stan. Good luck on your search for a replacement.

giantpune · Oct 26, 2024

Is insurance letting you keep the car, or are you buying it back? I know I checked the box on my Hagerty insurance where if its totaled, I get the money and to keep the car without having to buy it back.

There's probably a lot of parts on the totaled one that would make a lot of people around here happy.

will e · Oct 26, 2024

Oh that sucks. I am sorry for the ignorant question but how did that total it? Obviously it would need a lot of work but is it 'unsalvageable'?

Sheriff41 · Oct 26, 2024

Sorry to hear about your Mustang. I'll let you know if I see any nice ones come up for sale.

Idaho Chris · Oct 26, 2024

Flooded with salt water or fresh water?

giantpune · Oct 26, 2024

will e said:
Oh that sucks. I am sorry for the ignorant question but how did that total it? Obviously it would need a lot of work but is it 'unsalvageable'?

Flood damage is an instant "total it" to the insurance guys. I had a couple trucks get whacked in the hurricane. When I called up to make a claim, the very first question is "was there a flood". If you say yes, they end the questionnaire and hop right to the "its totaled" workflow.

There are so many claims, they are not even bothering to send adjusters out. 99.99% of them are handled on the phone and by emailing them pictures.

There are a ton of cars getting marked as totaled that are salvageable. Lots of deals are about to be had by people buying them up from the insurance companies. OP's was up to the door handles, so it was proper flooded. Probably all of the soft goods are trash, and a bunch of the electrical. Tons of other ones out there sat in water 8" deep and got sold to the insurance company for beacoup dollars.

Robertclyons · Oct 27, 2024

I lost a 68 GT 350 in Hurricane Ian. With advice from several people I took the settlement from insurance company. The enormity and cost from a flood restoration can be overwhelming, especially if salt water. If you haven’t already dismantled the car and started the anti corrosion process many of the parts can’t be saved. The flood probably floated the oil out of the engine. Get your offer for the car being totaled. With my agreed upon value policy, I received a very fair settlement.

Scubaman · Oct 27, 2024

Thanks for the replies. Insurance is offering a fair settlement. The salt water was 30 inches, so above console inside car. Restoration is out of question. A few salvageable parts (delux rear bumper, 3 spoke rim blow steering wheel, gas cap, but that’s about all. A beautiful “Q” car, had her a long time. Looking for a similar car, convertible & “Q”. Not many made (390) or so, but I do see them from time to time. Any info is appreciated. Thanks Stan

73 Mach 1 4 me · Oct 27, 2024

Scubaman said:
Sad to report that my ‘73 convertible was flooded (up to door handles) during recent hurricane. Restored her 20 years ago. I may be looking for another one. So if anyone has one to sell feel free to contact me. Looking for
1973 convertible
Q code 351 Cleveland 4 barrel
Restored. Not looking for a project

Thanks.
Stsn Watson View attachment 94641

Sorry you lost a beautiful car. Good luck replacing it.

Scubaman · Oct 27, 2024

I have found this car as a possible replacement. It is an H code not a Q but some nice features. What is the difference in performance and rarity between W & H. Also does anyone know this car? It apparently is from Kentucky or Tennessee. Here is the Vin 3F03H215717. Any opinions as to value of this H car?

Scubaman · Oct 27, 2024

Sorry between my Q and this H.

Sheriff41 · Oct 27, 2024

Depending on your driving style, the difference may not be noticeable at all. If you exercised the performance of your Q-code, then you will probably notice a slight difference. The Q-code would have had the competition suspension with the staggered shocks and rear sway bar. The sway bar can be added and the staggered shocks aren't necessary, IMO. Other differences may be rear axle gear ratio, traction-loc or not, C6 in the Q-code versus FMX in the H-code, single vs dual exhaust, and accessories (tach/gauges, AC, power windows, etc.).

Since you owned your 73 for so long, I would recommend you check out any potential replacement in person. You'll immediately notice any differences in performance and quality based on the "muscle memory" you have developed with the 73.

Sheriff41 · Oct 27, 2024

If you're open to considering a '73 Mach 1, @rhigg1959 has a beauty for sale in Kentucky. https://7173mustangs.com/threads/73-in-kentucky.45722/

rhigg1959 · Oct 27, 2024

Sheriff41 said:
If you're open to considering a '73 Mach 1, @rhigg1959 has a beauty for sale in Kentucky. https://7173mustangs.com/threads/73-in-kentucky.45722/

Thanks Sheriff41 for the mention

cv_72mustang · Oct 27, 2024

Along with your car your home must have been flooded also?

Bill Perkins · Oct 27, 2024

So very sorry to learn of your loss of your beautiful car.

Robertclyons · Oct 28, 2024

Scubaman said:
Thanks for the replies. Insurance is offering a fair settlement. The salt water was 30 inches, so above console inside car. Restoration is out of question. A few salvageable parts (delux rear bumper, 3 spoke rim blow steering wheel, gas cap, but that’s about all. A beautiful “Q” car, had her a long time. Looking for a similar car, convertible & “Q”. Not many made (390) or so, but I do see them from time to time. Any info is appreciated. Thanks Stan

Stan

I have a 73 Q code, 4SP, AC, Restored car. I’ve owned the car for 25 years. I just don’t use it. Dry nice car, not numbers matching, however was built as a Boss 351. Runs GREAT.

Rob

MOTORCITYBADBOY · Oct 29, 2024

Wow Scubaman, Glad you survived..
So sorry to hear about the convertible! Argh! I hope you had it insured for stated value with a company like Hagerty...

I believe the car is restore-able though.. Heck, cars that are nothing but empty rusted shells are getting restored every day.. Everything that comes off would need to, then start with having the unibody dipped while you're stripping the seats, rebuilding the dash, and the motor/trans are getting done at the shop. Then start rebuilding. If I didn't already have 8 Mustangs I would adopt the car...

The Heff · Oct 29, 2024

so sorry to read about the loss of your pride and joy. You must be well gutted. Hope you get a fair price from the Insurance company and good luck with your search for another Mustang

‘73 convertible “Q” lost in Florida flood

Help Support 7173Mustangs.com:

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Member

Attachments

Active member

Well-known member

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!