71 Mach 1, tell me what to do.

[zaxwax]

There is a lot of good advice showing up on this thread, but it's super helpful to us new guys if you +1 or agree with the advice, which will help separate the good advice from the bad. The wisdom of the tribe...

thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.

You have some great recommendations so I will just say welcome from Arkansas

 

[Jeff73Mach1]

Don't get in a hurry to buy anything. I would love to show you what I've done, what I'm doing and what it all feels like-it should help you to get where you want.

 

[zaxwax]

Don't get in a hurry to buy anything. I would love to show you what I've done, what I'm doing and what it all feels like-it should help you to get where you want.

That's like gold right there. I will def take you up on that.

 

[Boss1Ray]

You have some great recommendations so I will just say welcome from Arkansas

+1 but from Oklahoma!

Ray

 

[mweeps]

Welcome from West Virginia!

 

[Mustang Dynasty]

Hey guys, I just stumbled into a lovely 71 mustang mach 1. It's got the 351 2v with the FMX transmission. The body is already mostly restored.

There's a lot of information on this board, but after a few days of digging, I'm overwhelmed with information.

I mostly use the car for just cruising around town, but I would love to know, what you guys consider essential upgrades? I don't need to race, but I would like to improve the drivability and safety of it. (less like a parade float)

Essentially, if you could complete this sentence:

If I was starting my build all over again, I would do these things first......

The car came with a sony stereo and polk speakers in new locations, so it's pretty much not going to be concours, so I'm just going for a fun car to drive around town. I have AC from classic air on the way and I've already mounted 3 point seat belts. I've ordered LEDs and a new headlight switch to hopefully fix the incredibly dim dash lights and I'm considering LEDs all around for turn signals and brake lights. What next?

Also if anyone knows a good shop that's used to working on classics in the nashville/franklin area I'd appreciate the recommendation.

Thanks!

welcome PA. i went 'all the way' w/upgrades. Though, I wished it was in better shape from the start ie, would have had professional help from the start-would saved up to $100,000 and knocked off 8 years of time wasted, still nothing w/cars come easy for me but here it is between the COTM for March and 30+ pics on my photo album. Can not say I did not have fun w/it and a lot of the upgrades you wrote about, too. Mustang Dynasty/Mikke

 

[will e]

Welcome from Phoenix.

"If I was starting my build all over again, I would do these things first......" I would not assume that a 'race' part is the 'best' part.

Specific to the suspension. Keep in mind that parts are available from original to setting it up for road race course. A setup that would be great on a road race course may not give you what you want driving around town. Assuming you don't do a radical change to the front suspension I would recommend you replace the front strut rods with something that includes a heim joint instead of the rubber bushing. I would also opt for spring perches that have roller bearings in them. These are both expensive compared to an 'OEM' replacement but well worth the extra money.

Don's is a great supplier. Figure out what you want and then call the number instead of doing it on their web page. They will discuss the order with you and make sure it is all good for what you want.

 

[zaxwax]

Welcome from Phoenix.

"If I was starting my build all over again, I would do these things first......" I would not assume that a 'race' part is the 'best' part.

Specific to the suspension. Keep in mind that parts are available from original to setting it up for road race course. A setup that would be great on a road race course may not give you what you want driving around town. Assuming you don't do a radical change to the front suspension I would recommend you replace the front strut rods with something that includes a heim joint instead of the rubber bushing. I would also opt for spring perches that have roller bearings in them. These are both expensive compared to an 'OEM' replacement but well worth the extra money.

Don's is a great supplier. Figure out what you want and then call the number instead of doing it on their web page. They will discuss the order with you and make sure it is all good for what you want.

Good stuff guys. Much appreciated. Keep em coming. The experience you've gained from years of blood, sweat and money will help those that follow down your path.

 

[72MustangSprint]

Cant believe NOBODY here has asked for pics, so we can see what your starting with. Its kinda of a thing here.. we love pics of 71-73 stangs

 

[zaxwax]

Cant believe NOBODY here has asked for pics, so we can see what your starting with. Its kinda of a thing here.. we love pics of 71-73 stangs

I feel like I lucked into a great car, seller was a stand up guy. here's some pics.

 

[Mister 4x4]

Yup - nice car, indeed! ::thumb::

Welcome from West Texas... glad you're finding everything to your liking. This is a good bunch of guys and a wealth of information - I don't think you'll find a better Mustang site out there - especially one that speaks to our year models specifically.

My car was a total mess, so I don't have any specifics on how to upgrade "on-the-fly," since you're obviously able to drive yours. But, mine is an H-code with the same drive train configuration from the factory. Since it was a seized-up rusty mess anyway, I went a little crazy with my 351C-2V - and I'm so far pleased with the results (haven't actually driven the car yet, but it's definitely going to be a monster).

Stick around, keep us posted, and have fun. Like I said, best Mustang site around!

 

[73MustangCoupe]

Welcome from western Tennessee! ::welcome::

 

[luxstang]

::welcome:: from Luxembourg, Europe.

 

[mach71351c]

::welcome:: From San Diego.