mezell29
Active member
Hi Everyone!
New to the forum but an old school car guy. I was an aircraft mechanic in the military and have worked in car restoration and auto parts over the last 40 years. I started driving in 81 and had lots of really cool muscle over the years. Now I work in technology and have hobbies in programming, 3d Printing, electronics and lighting among others. The last are relevant as I am manufacturing parts that cant be purchased for these cars, are ridiculously expensive or just improve my overall experience.
This is my third 71-73 - A red 73 Convertible. Shes a 351 Cleveland 2v with a FMX and factory air conditioning built in Dearborn in March of 73.
Quick history on my car. This was nearly a barn find. The guy I bought it from purchased it in 2007 in California and had it shipped to Florida ( I got both the last Cali tags with the car). The car was 100% rust free and unmolested. The interior is in GREAT condition and original. Even all the factory air was intact (but non-working). He spent a bunch of $$ on the car. I found a receipt where they went through the engine in 2007 for nearly $2500, plus they did suspension, shocks, tires, mufflers, etc. He also bought an Edelbrock RPM AirGap intake, MSD 8350 Ready to Run Dizzy and a Barry Grant Demon Carb of unspecified size. All the old original parts were in the trunk in perfect condition He said it never ran right and stopped registering it in 2012. The car sat since 2012 in his garage and when he went to retire he decided to sell and I bought it right. Towed it home and got to work.
First I drained the tank. While draining the fuel found it full of rust, so I replaced everything. Tank, lines, carb, fuel pump. I upgraded to a Holley 670cfm Street Avenger. I had to solve the notorious vapor lock problem, but all better now. I also replaced the radiator, did a tune up, changed the oil and got her up and running.
He put the tires on in '07 and it sat in the same place for almost 10 years. When I drove it - Whump, whump, whump so on went new tires on the 15" Magnum 500 rims.
I also replaced all the factory AC so she runs smooth, no leaks from the top even in a downpour and is cool inside. My AC control was broken but I manufactured parts to fix it and all is good now. Spent last weekend r&ring the quarter-glass so everything seals well now.
Among all the little stuff, I still need to replace the top, perhaps do exhaust and get paint!
New to the forum but an old school car guy. I was an aircraft mechanic in the military and have worked in car restoration and auto parts over the last 40 years. I started driving in 81 and had lots of really cool muscle over the years. Now I work in technology and have hobbies in programming, 3d Printing, electronics and lighting among others. The last are relevant as I am manufacturing parts that cant be purchased for these cars, are ridiculously expensive or just improve my overall experience.
This is my third 71-73 - A red 73 Convertible. Shes a 351 Cleveland 2v with a FMX and factory air conditioning built in Dearborn in March of 73.
Quick history on my car. This was nearly a barn find. The guy I bought it from purchased it in 2007 in California and had it shipped to Florida ( I got both the last Cali tags with the car). The car was 100% rust free and unmolested. The interior is in GREAT condition and original. Even all the factory air was intact (but non-working). He spent a bunch of $$ on the car. I found a receipt where they went through the engine in 2007 for nearly $2500, plus they did suspension, shocks, tires, mufflers, etc. He also bought an Edelbrock RPM AirGap intake, MSD 8350 Ready to Run Dizzy and a Barry Grant Demon Carb of unspecified size. All the old original parts were in the trunk in perfect condition He said it never ran right and stopped registering it in 2012. The car sat since 2012 in his garage and when he went to retire he decided to sell and I bought it right. Towed it home and got to work.
First I drained the tank. While draining the fuel found it full of rust, so I replaced everything. Tank, lines, carb, fuel pump. I upgraded to a Holley 670cfm Street Avenger. I had to solve the notorious vapor lock problem, but all better now. I also replaced the radiator, did a tune up, changed the oil and got her up and running.
He put the tires on in '07 and it sat in the same place for almost 10 years. When I drove it - Whump, whump, whump so on went new tires on the 15" Magnum 500 rims.
I also replaced all the factory AC so she runs smooth, no leaks from the top even in a downpour and is cool inside. My AC control was broken but I manufactured parts to fix it and all is good now. Spent last weekend r&ring the quarter-glass so everything seals well now.
Among all the little stuff, I still need to replace the top, perhaps do exhaust and get paint!
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