Frankenstein Mach 1 in Vegas

[351mach1]

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!

 

[Sheriff41]

Well, at least it's photogenic!

 

[Steve McMahan]

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.

 

[tpj71mach]

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.

 

[James Bond]

The car 'looks' good and you should have fun getting it back into shape!

 

[351mach1]

While I am struggling a bit to get the ignition and dash wiring sorted, I did score a T5 transmission on craigslist for $500. I believe it came out of an 80 something mustang. Guess I'll be swapping it back to manual! Any recommendations, tips, advice for a complete auto to T5 conversion kits?

After some Googling: "The 99-2004 Mustang V6 T5 (tag 1352-260) is identical to a 94/95 5.0 GT T5 except the tail housing and main shaft are made for the electronic speedometer sending unit. Gears 1-5 and input shaft match the 94/95 GT. This T5 has the 0.68 fifth gear that has been the GT standard throughout the years. The crossmember goes a little further back on this tail housing than the previous years of T5s if you keep this housing. I understand that this electronic Speedometer sending unit works fine with the Autometer speedometers."

1352-253

Ford 1994-95 Mustang 5.0 V8 WC

Y

3.15

3.35

1.99

1.33

1.00

0.68

 

[mach71351c]

Welcome from San Diego. Looks like a good project Congrats.

 

[351mach1]

As part of the safety inspection to get the title changed from salvage to rebuilt I have to make sure all the basic safety equipment works. Since I am waiting for more parts for the timing chain replacement to arrive, I decided to knock out the horn, turn signal, and windshield wiper issues. Thank you if someone on this forum sold me the blue steering wheel pad or turn signal assembly from Ebay. It was just what I needed to get the horn and turn signals working but also its way nicer than what was on there. As for the wiper motor, I bought a rebuilt one and cut the old connector off, spliced in the new one and bolted it back up. At first it didn't want to work but after fiddling with it, figured out that it just had a poor ground. I have now completed everything to pass the safety inspection! Unfortunately I began tearing into the front of the motor and the car doesn't currently run. I will replace the timing chain, fine tune the motor, and reinstall the dash which also means rebuilding the instrument cluster. The only other obvious thing I see is a leaking transmission and it doesn't have a kick down rod. I am hoping to be legal and driving down the road by the end of the month!

 

[351mach1]

Just following up the last post with some pictures. Also got the new timing chain on. Awaiting a new timing cover and radiator hoses to complete that job. Will be very excited to fire her back up with the new timing chain!

I received the new circuit board for the instrument cluster and threw it in with new bulbs. I got one light to work so that's a start. I think my cluster plug was repinned and is incorrect for this cluster. That's for another day.

Along with yesterdays update, I installed a new battery tray and hold down as well as the NPD repro ram air hood springs. I no longer need the hood stick! I do think I tweaked my back getting those springs in though gah!

 

[tpj71mach]

The progress just keeps coming, nice work! It will be up and functional in no time. The best part is you won't have to put it up for the winter in Vegas, so you will be able to enjoy it.