Opinions on '72 6 cyl vert

[MooseStang]

I'm considering buying, would like to know the lowdown on parts compatibility and other things I may not be thinking about.
Anyone here have one?

 

[Hemikiller]

Convertibles have heavier gauge seat pans, unique inner rocker rails, and a unique floor brace setup.
Trunk lid and qtr endcaps are same as coupe
Interior behind the doors is unique to the convertible, doors forward is mostly the same.
Door glass, same as coupe, qtr glass is convertible specific.

 

[MooseStang]

Ok, thanks. I'm mostly interested in suspension and drivetrain differences of the 6 cyl, options for engine upgrades, and possible auto trans swap.

 

[Hemikiller]

Ah, okay.

Suspension is all the same, other than front springs.

You'll need to swap the frame stands to V8 parts - preferably the 71-72 coupe/sportsroof parts. Throttle cable is much longer than a V8, you'd need to swap that out. 250-6 and 302-2V standard cooling radiators are the same. 3 speed, 4 speed and C-4 can use the same trans crossmember. Other than that, it's all the same.

 

[MooseStang]

I was actually thinking of keeping the six, up hopping it up a bit.
Yeah, I know, I'm a bit weird.

 

[71ProjectJunk]

For performance parts for a 6 cylinder engine the only one I can think of is Clifford Performance:
https://cliffordperformance.net/

 

[Hemikiller]

There's a forum for Ford 6 cylinder performance - https://www.fordsix.com/

 

[Greg]

Glad you want to keep the six. V8 cars are easy to find if wanted and intact sixes are rare now and so much easier to work on. Probably many compatible parts from other Ford's and Mercury's

 

[MooseStang]

Are the production numbers for 1972 L codes listed anywhere?

 

[1973grandeklar]

This is a comment about convertibles in general:
The classic convertible in the muscle car is highly desirable and always command premium pricing (even for the rusted out shell). I have owned a couple (neither one a Mustang, but 1970 and 1971 Lemans) and to this day kick myself for getting rid of them. One I got good money for, but the 1971 was a rusted shell that really was scary to drive. I sold it to a junkyard for $50 back in 2004. I should of kept it!
If you can get a decent priced convertible, jump on it and fix it like you want and enjoy. Tons of parts for these. The market is always good for the convertibles, even 6 cylinders!

 

[c9zx]

The Marti book shows 565. Chuck

 

[MooseStang]

I found this a little while ago...

For the 1972 models, Ford built 6,401 convertibles.
Of those, 565 convertibles were built with the "L" code 250-1V I-6.
Of those, 356 had the "W" code C4 transmissions.
All other 209 of them had the "1" code 3 speed manual.

I'm looking at a stick and it supposedly has factory AC.

 

[machattack]

Did not know there was a Marti book? Sorry to get off topic :-( but how do you get one of those?
Also ran into Spike today, checked out his mach 1.......looks awesome!
Back to topic........sorry.

 

[timachone]

I found this a little while ago...

For the 1972 models, Ford built 6,401 convertibles.
Of those, 565 convertibles were built with the "L" code 250-1V I-6.
Of those, 356 had the "W" code C4 transmissions.
All other 209 of them had the "1" code 3 speed manual.

I'm looking at a stick and it supposedly has factory AC.

So it is supposedly a rare car. Since convertibles aren't mostly meant to be violently driven and more a sunshine cruiser why not an old inline six? If the overall condition is good go for it. They seem to be very reliable. But you already have a convertible. What's your motivation? Collecting? One for you and one for the missus? Bored of all done projects on your other car?

Tim

 

[MooseStang]

Ha, I think I probably have the "Lay's Potato chip syndrome". I want to have a backup stang, something that I can not feel bad about changing something that is already in nice condition. I've already got the Q code 4sp close to being "done". This 6-er would be different, hopefully doesn't have too much rust and rot.

 

[giantpune]

My opinions on an inline 6, that has to really be a labor of love. In the late 90s in high school and college and the time between, my car was a 72 comet with the inline 6 250cid boat anchor. It had the 4 wheel drum brakes to stop all that power.

I don't believe there's a car on the road that comet could have beat in a race. Old ladies with walkers gave it a run for its money.
There is knowledge out there and forums of people dedicated to trying to make these engines not suck. And yes, it absolutely can be done, usually with boost from some power adder. For the amount of dollars and effort required, you can do a V8 swap and make more power with less.

The only reason in the world I would ever get an old ford with an inline 6 and keep it that way is when my kid turns 16 and needs something painfully slow to drive.

 

[Hemikiller]

Having owned two '73 Mustang 250-6 3 speed convertibles, they really are not "fun" to drive, especially when you come out of a V8 car with ample HP. My first 73 I transplanted a bone stock 70-something 302-2V w/C4 and it was a great sunny day cruiser. Used a 2" manifold back dual exhaust kit from MU and Super Turbos for just a quiet little bit of V8 noise. With the factory 3.00 rear gears it rolled down the highway nice as could be.

 

[MooseStang]

Right, I'm wanting a more "cruise-worthy" setup. Maybe not run as hot as the "Q" (Texas summer heat), more bullet proof engine maintenance. I'll do what I can with the 250, and maybe look at a 300 swap later.

 

[nailpounder]

Right, I'm wanting a more "cruise-worthy" setup. Maybe not run as hot as the "Q" (Texas summer heat), more bullet proof engine maintenance. I'll do what I can with the 250, and maybe look at a 300 swap later.

i have a 6 cylinder it is grate around the town but very lacking on the freeway and steep hills i have a friend that installed a 300 truck motor in his 71 and loves it

 

[71ProjectJunk]

Nowadays I think there would be a cool factor to an inline 6 convertible. At a car show it will probably be the only one there and should attract quite a bit of attention. Those 6 cylinders are painfully slow, but they are really smooth running engines in stock configuration, plus they get decent gas mileage. For a pure cruiser, I guess it would be more than adequate.