Frankenstein Mach 1 in Vegas

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Joined
Oct 29, 2024
Messages
24
Reaction score
16
Location
Las Vegas, NV
My Car
White 1971 Mach 1
Finally got this new to me Mach 1 running well enough to drive around the block so I figured its time to start a build thread!

You can view my intro post here: https://7173mustangs.com/threads/new-member-just-purchased-71-mach-1.45749/

And the issues I have been having with the engine so far here: https://7173mustangs.com/threads/351c-where-to-start.45750/

Here are the cliff notes: I purchased this 71 M code (originally a 4 speed) not really knowing what I was getting myself into. P/O claimed it was running and driving and just needed a new carb. Turns out that wasn't quite true. It has a 74 351C CJ and auto transmission out of probably a Gran Torino. The wiring is a mess. Everything I look at appears to be half assed or jerry rigged. It's also a salvage vehicle that wasn't 100% fixed correctly. The body looks good enough from far but up close you can see the issues. I suspect the frame to be bent and time will tell how big of an issue this is going to be. The big selling point on this car for me was the price but also there is essentially no rust to speak of.

The current goal is to get it running, driving, and legally registered to be driven on the road.

Long term goal would be to figure out if this thing is worth sinking some coin into and making a fun streetable build, making mild but respectable power and converting back to a manual transmission. This thing isn't ever going to win any awards but it will sure look good a 40 MPH. More to come soon but its my day off so need to go turn some wrenches!
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It looks like a great project, 25 feet away. I’ve got a rust free car also; well, mostly rust free. Making the car perfect is usually not a reasonable goal. A fun, drivable, but with some get up and go isn’t a goal too far, if you’re not trying to put it back to showroom condition, in my opinion. Good luck.
 
It does look nice in the picture. I like your goal of getting it street able and registered and then being able to drive and enjoy it. After that you can evaluate where you would like to take it from there. My car came from Vegas, BTW I am a big fan of the color combo, haha.
 
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