73 H Code Convertible Project

[Steve73QMach1]

I just picked up this 73 Ivy Glow Mustang convertible. It's an H code 351C-2V with an FMX transmission. It still has all of its pollution control stuff attached. Not much in the way of options except full console and tilt wheel. It's a DSO 74 (Seattle) car that was moved to New Mexico in 2002 and has been in storage there since 2010. 66,800 documented miles. I'm the third owner from what I can tell in all of the documentation provided with the car. It's a rust free car thankfully. It has a lousy repaint that was done 20 years ago and cost $800 (I have the receipt, ugh...). It needs some TLC that I will be providing over the next several years. It does run and drive right now. I'll be adding to this thread as I bring it back around. My plan is to stay nearly all original. Marti report is coming soon.

 

[PoFoMoCo]

My first 1973 Mach 1 was Ivy Glow with the same interior as your new convertible. From the pictures the car looks solid and very complete. I am looking forward to following your project as you go thru the car, definitely a great pick up. Man I love that color!!

What’s the first item on the agenda?

 

[Sheriff41]

Wow! Nice score! It's not often you see an unmolested original anymore.

 

[Spike Morelli]

Pretty nice. It looks as if you are starting out way ahead of a lot of people. That's a pleasing addition to your stable.

 

[Steve73QMach1]

My first 1973 Mach 1 was Ivy Glow with the same interior as your new convertible. From the pictures the car looks solid and very complete. I am looking forward to following your project as you go thru the car, definitely a great pick up. Man I love that color!!

What’s the first item on the agenda?

I think the first thing is to sort out some electrical issues. When I turn on the right blinker, both rear tail lights flash. None of the side marker lights work. The blower motor only works on medium speed - probably a resistor issue there. After that, I will go through all of the vacuum lines. It has all of its emission control gear still attached so there are vacuum lines everywhere. A lot of those lines are dry and cracked. Then a good cleaning. Hoping to have the Marti report on it tomorrow.

 

[droptop73]

Very nice, I look forward to watching the progress.

 

[Steve73QMach1]

I spent the afternoon today cleaning the car, re-installed the wheel lip moldings that were missing, and adding some 73 Mustang aluminum wheels that I had in storage. Now it’s on to the electrical gremlins.

 

[PoFoMoCo]

WOW-Very nice small changes, but big visual and style impacts! I’m a big fan of the aluminum slots and the chrome wheel lip moldings. I will be doing something similar to mine very soon.

 

[Steve73QMach1]

Today was steering wheel change day. For some unknown reason, the previous owner had installed a dark green steering wheel in this avocado interior car. A total mismatch. Also, the dark green wheel was mostly cracks and ready to fall apart. The horn was also inoperative. Thanks to forum member RIBS, I got a proper avocado replacement wheel that was in much better shape. It turns out that the horn didn’t work because it was disconnected under the pad. Easy enough! Here’s a before and after.:

 

[PoFoMoCo]

That’s a really nice pickup for your car.

 

[Steve73QMach1]

Even though my convertible runs ok, I could smell that pungent odor of bad gas near the carb. This car theoretically has a new gas tank and fuel pump. Despite that, I decided to open up the 2100 2V for a look-see. The fuel bowl had a layer of rust particles about 1/4” deep on the bottom. The fuel filter had nearly 100% blockage. I don’t know how this car was running. The whole carb comes off tomorrow for a deep clean. I also found misrouted vacuum lines, lines that had been plugged with bolts, and others that were split from age. Do people really think that sticking a bolt in a vacuum line provides a seal? It’s nearly the same as leaving it open to the atmosphere. Here’s a shot of the fuel bowl.

 

[Retired2014]

Sadly, I’m thinking it’s time for a new fuel tank… Been there.

 

[7173Mustang]

Nice steering wheel change. You are doing a good job on it.