Hello from Aurora CO 1973 Mach 1

[BushwackerBob]

I've been lurking around here for a long time so I figured I should introduce myself. I bought my Mach 1 in 2000 at an auction in Denver. Used it for a daily driver for about 5 years. I'm on my second time going through this car, The car is a Q code and the only changes I made to the engine was an Elderbrock carb, My factory Holly wouldn't rebuild again I was told. I've tried to keep the car looking as stock as I can while making it more functional. Anything I've done can be undone. Anyone here will be able to see the car is not a stock color. Originally the car was green metallic. The prior owner changed to red and black (real bad paint job). The car is now Gun Metal Gray that was used on 1984 Corvettes. I hope that doesn't upset any purest here. Other additions include changing the radio to a Ford factory AM/FM Cassette from a 1973 Ford F150 (bolts right in). I also installed roll down rear windows, added Bluetooth hands free that plays through the factory radio (iSimple Blue HF), back up camera with 2.5 inch screen above the drivers visor, electric door locks, map and courtesy lights and the instrument panel got treated to ultra brights LED. Future projects include the addition of USB charging ports inside the center council and the ram air kit.

 

[tpj71mach]

Nice car! I like the idea of adding roll down rear windows

 

[BushwackerBob]

Sometimes you can find the hardware on eBay from a 71-73 Mustang coupe, I did. I converted them last summer. I got lucky the guy I bought them from had all the hardware and didn't know much about it. Got everything but the handles for $40 and another $40 to ship. They required a lot of cleaning they had been sitting in a garage for years. Great investment.

 

[tpj71mach]

The coupe regulators and guides bolt right in to the fastback inner quarter panels or did you have to modify? Also did you use the original glass or the coupe glass?

 

[BushwackerBob]

Yes they bolt right in. I didn't get any glass, but if you did you would have to swap it., The windows are different. Also replaced the leading edge weather strip on the front of the window as well as all the all the window belt rubber. Actually it wasn't that hard to install. It took longer clean everything and get the rollers working smooth again than to install. I think there is a step by step article here on how to do it. Here's the link https://7173mustangs.com/threads/19...ck-wind-down-quarter-window-conversion.40105/

 

[tpj71mach]

Thanks for the lead on the article Mine is an empty shell right now so when I reassemble would be the time to do it and not try to redo later.

 

[Sheriff41]

Nice looking Mach and some well thought out mods!

 

[BushwackerBob]

Thank you. One of my favorites is the iSimple Blue HF. Being a 4 speed, having Bluetooth is great! The only thing that shows is the little microphone at the right hand side of the drivers side visor and a little button with a green phone that I placed where the park brake light would be to the left of the headlight switch. These are the only items that detract from the 100% original interior. The best part is I can listen to my music collection, iheart, youtube, or place and receive phone calls while banging gears. The Peak PKCORA wireless backup camera helps a lot too. I love the 71-73 Stangs, but they are blind as a bat backing up.

 

[timachone]

Welcome from Germany!

Really nice looking car and cool mods. Will do the roll down quarters too, have all hardware here. You are right, cleaning will be the most part, I think...

 

[droptop73]

Welcome from west Michigan!
Sweet Mach

 

[computercarguy]

Nice! Welcome!

 

[mjseakan]

Welcome from Central New York.
Nice ride!
Mike

 

[jpaz]

Hello and Welcome from Michigan. Great looking car. I did the roll down window conversion too. Makes the car look so much better!

 

[mrgmhale]

I've been lurking around here for a long time so I figured I should introduce myself. I bought my Mach 1 in 2000 at an auction in Denver. Used it for a daily driver for about 5 years. I'm on my second time going through this car, The car is a Q code and the only changes I made to the engine was an Elderbrock carb, My factory Holly wouldn't rebuild again I was told. I've tried to keep the car looking as stock as I can while making it more functional. Anything I've done can be undone. Anyone here will be able to see the car is not a stock color. Originally the car was green metallic. The prior owner changed to red and black (real bad paint job). The car is now Gun Metal Gray that was used on 1984 Corvettes. I hope that doesn't upset any purest here. Other additions include changing the radio to a Ford factory AM/FM Cassette from a 1973 Ford F150 (bolts right in). I also installed roll down rear windows, added Bluetooth hands free that plays through the factory radio (iSimple Blue HF), back up camera with 2.5 inch screen above the drivers visor, electric door locks, map and courtesy lights and the instrument panel got treated to ultra brights LED. Future projects include the addition of USB charging ports inside the center council and the ram air kit.

View attachment 60535View attachment 60536

that is a nice looking Mustang, even with a Corvette color. Do you have A/C yet? We got Classic Air A/C kits for our 73 Mach 1 and 73 Mustang Convertible. Many other creature comfort upgrades were sone as well, the most recent being an AOD swap in place of the original auto tranny in the Mach 1

 

[Idaho Chris]

Welcome! How about some interior and engine photos?

 

[BushwackerBob]

Idaho Chris, I'll see if I can get some interior and engine pics up this weekend. I've been a little busy this past week. I've been doing a lot of research lately and I've decided to take a crack and making the stock side mirrors electric. I just bought the switch last week on eBay. It should be here this week. It's off a 87-91 LTD Crown Victoria. It's the closest thing I could find to the chrome joystick control. I found these mirror motors for a Peugeot 307 at Walmart for $29 for a pair. The are only 1.2" thick and 3.28" around. They should arrive March 31st. After I see these items I can figure what kind of wire and connectors I need. So far Switch and mirrors have only set me back about $55. I'll photograph and document everything and put it up if it works.

​

 

[Fabrice]

Beautiful 73, why did you keep it away from our eyes for that long???
Now that you did, I'd love to see more of it!!

Welcome from the northern Netherlands

 

[BushwackerBob]

I'll try to get some more pictures up this weekend.

 

[Steve McMahan]

Great car. I think the mix of original and modern sounds right.

 

[mach71351c]

Welcome from San Diego!