My first Mustang 73.

AndyMan_Tx · Jul 23, 2024

Lots of grinding.. having a good bit of fun

AndyMan_Tx · Aug 10, 2024

The welding is much much better today. I will be getting the passenger pan finalized and the seat platform prepped to put in later in the week. Truth is the darn heat is kicking my butt. I had to mow the yard before the HOA goes full Karen on me .. that used up a lot of the cooler hrs.. (excuses.... )

Paul Schmidt · Aug 10, 2024

AndyMan_Tx said:
I got this 73 Grande about 10 days ago. The last time it was on the road was in 2022. The engine is a 351 Cleveland. The floorpans are rotten and I am going to replace them.

This first year will be about structure and safety. No real hot rod stuff at first.

I have been a BMW guy most of my life, bit this thing really caught my eye.

I live outside Dallas TX.

Hope Yall are having fun.

Andy

View attachment 89009

Great looking ride, an ditto on the block ingenuity. Good luck with the build, I just started a restore on a '72.

AndyMan_Tx · Aug 31, 2024

It is STILL evil hot in Texas.. but I think I have gotten more of the knack for this welding down

detritusmaximus · Aug 31, 2024

AndyMan_Tx said:
Both sides have som Swiss Cheese to them. You can see from the rear of the torque boxes back. Sorry if the description isn't that good..

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I thought I had replied again. There are big holes in this car, so those parts are shot.

AndyMan_Tx · Aug 31, 2024

detritusmaximus said:
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I thought I had replied again. There are big holes in this car, so those parts are shot.

Yup, I patched the ones I have in.

AndyMan_Tx · Aug 31, 2024

Seat platform is in, just a bit more to stitch in

AndyMan_Tx · Sep 15, 2024

Stitching in Drivers side pan. The heat has finally backed off a bit.

Cleveland Crush · Sep 15, 2024

AndyMan_Tx said:
Stitching in Drivers side pan. The heat has finally backed off a bit.
View attachment 93042

Your welding is getting better all the time.

AndyMan_Tx · Sep 21, 2024

Cleveland Crush said:
Your welding is getting better all the time.

Thanks for the encouragement. I ran outta shielding gas last weekend. I am all set for today's work (mo gas). I am enjoying this more...

AndyMan_Tx · Sep 21, 2024

It was a good morning's work

AndyMan_Tx · Sep 29, 2024

Since it is almost October
. The temps are lower here. I put the car on some skates and moved it about for the next stage... plus made room in the garage..

AndyMan_Tx · Oct 14, 2024

The welding is done, now doing the seams and some filler to smooth things out.

Bill Perkins · Oct 15, 2024

Great Work, looking so good

AndyMan_Tx · Oct 27, 2024

I have seam sealed primed the topside of the floorpans and am seam sealing and bodyfilling the small gaps where the floorpans and the original metal meet. I ran outta steam and have more sanding and then priming to do, but wanted to dry fit one of my subframe connectors..

AndyMan_Tx · Nov 12, 2024

Topside of the pans are done. Subframe connectors are roughed in. Welded up front frame and rear frame with torque box. I also put in a couple of small (4 in) bits of "c channel" between the top of the connectors tied to the floorpans (directly beneath the rear of the seat platforms). Welds need grinding and then the whole thing needs priming and painting.

Afterwards I will start removal of the rear axel. This will allow me two places to work, the rear section, cleaning out, sealing painting. Plus actually get to start more of a mechanical process.. rear axel seals, cleaning, diff (locking) and fixing the
brakes.

tpj71mach · Nov 12, 2024

Like brand new, only stronger, haha.
I thought about adding frame connectors when I was doing my car, but ended up not installing them. I regret not installing them for the handling aspect, I was trying to keep it original looking, so I took the trade off.
Yours look great on your car, nice job!

BUCKWHEAT · Nov 14, 2024

c9zx said:
Welcome from Oklahoma. Toy will find the people here very helpful. BMW to Ford Mustang is quite a change. Good luck with the build. Chuck

Welcome from St Louis. I have a '73 mustang and an X351. (Hint: it's a jaguar)

AndyMan_Tx · Nov 16, 2024

Sold my BMW R1150R.. (boxer bike) and now I have some money for parts I am planning on buying. Looking to do a 5spd conversion (just enough$$). I am also am going to remove the rear axel and start the refurbish on it. (Here's where I may step in it..) Ques. Is a total control 4link rear end sooo much better than keeping a leaf spring setup that it's worth doing 4 link?.

I plan on the car being for fun and roadway.. not a track car.. at this point.

AndyMan_Tx · Nov 16, 2024

tpj71mach said:
Like brand new, only stronger, haha.
I thought about adding frame connectors when I was doing my car, but ended up not installing them. I regret not installing them for the handling aspect, I was trying to keep it original looking, so I took the trade off.
Yours look great on your car, nice job!

Thanks for the encouraging words. I am in no rush and trying to remember that fun is what I am going for as I go forward.

My first Mustang 73.

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