What to look for in a project
#1
Guys,

I'm looking at buying a semi-fixer-upper as my price ceiling at the moment is about $5k. I've been picking brains of co-workers and friends as to what to look for as the consensus seems to be that body condition is the #1 thing I should be concerned about and that working and repairing the guts is easier than body work/getting rid of rust.

I've found a 73 Mach that appears to have a completely rust-free body, decent interior, partly-disassembled engine (but has the parts in possession so would just need to be assembled), and no tranny and is asking $4000 for it.

Just wanted to get your opinions on this one way or the other if this is something I should look into or if you think it would be a waste of time/effort/$$/sanity. I've never restored a car before so I'm not entirely sure if I know what I am potentially getting myself into.

Thanks ahead of time
Reply
#2
Sounds like your on the right track; I believe the body work is the hardest and most expensive to tackle. Mechanical work is much easier to handle. It's hard to say if $4K is a good price without seeing good pictures; but if it is truely rust free may not be too bad. Make sure to check for previous body work in the rear quarter panels, floor pans, and frame rails. Fenders and doors are easier to replace or fix. Good luck!
Reply
#3
Hey thanks for the reply!

Here's a link to the car if it helps.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/2005377808.html
Reply
#4
Here's a good deal, it needs a lot of little things but it definitely looks like a great starter, especially if you plan on keeping it for awhile. My only suggestion is make sure there's a 5 in the VIN. I'm not sure any Mach 1 came with Mustang Emblems on the quarter panels. If you don't have the ability to do something on the car yourself then I would suggest finding one that is semi restored. Body is very important but engine and tranny can be even more expensive and if your doing this you DO NOT want any do overs. If you cant do the mechanical or have someone you trust 1000% be careful. I did a 1980 Trans Am and had to replace the motor 3 times and the shops I dealt with basically just bent me over, shops will not stand behind there work in Arizona. Worst shops on the planet are in Arizona. So be careful and plan what your doing and know the costs involved. Just my 2 cents worth.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/2005377808.html

   
Reply


Possibly Related Threads…
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
  66 Fairlane Project Mustangmike 595 844,155 10-18-2019, 01:33 PM
Last Post: Steven Harris
Lightbulb 1971 Mach 1 Restoration Project iglo1234 13 37,231 12-16-2017, 03:40 PM
Last Post: Steven Harris
  Father & Son Project Mustangmike 31 61,459 06-30-2017, 04:05 AM
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
  $300 1971 Mach 1 project Sandman5000 10 29,013 01-22-2015, 10:30 PM
Last Post: mrmach1
  1969 Fastback resto mod project rcamire 1 10,362 01-04-2015, 09:43 PM
Last Post: Mach1FatherFigure
  72 Mach1 Restoration Project apophis3d 8 27,516 07-21-2012, 01:44 PM
Last Post: apophis3d
  Our tarmac rally racing '73 project Peter Winn 2 11,323 02-15-2012, 08:32 PM
Last Post: Oztrailer
  Klutch Has a Project Car Klutch 34 81,327 07-26-2011, 01:48 PM
Last Post: Masterblaster7212
  My 1973 Mach 1 restoration project spacedawg 6 18,960 07-12-2011, 05:52 AM
Last Post: Steven Harris
  Buy it rolling and running or a total project? ScottCash 10 31,744 05-31-2011, 01:21 AM
Last Post: Steven Harris

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 2 Guest(s)
[-]
Latest Threads
What's One More Iron In The Fire!
Last Post: fram lee666
03-18-2024 06:21 PM
» Replies: 125
» Views: 238072
"Jacobra"
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
06-30-2023 11:13 PM
» Replies: 86
» Views: 150875
My old Queensland Ambulance
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
06-30-2023 11:08 PM
» Replies: 5
» Views: 1689
New member from San Jose, CA
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
05-09-2023 08:39 AM
» Replies: 12
» Views: 3957
Saving Seatbelts
Last Post: Jim
02-19-2023 10:23 PM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 9112
Sourcing new wheels
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
01-25-2023 02:34 PM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 2002
Shaker Air Filter
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
01-08-2023 02:24 AM
» Replies: 3
» Views: 1466
1971 Mach 1 parting out interior parts -...
Last Post: ylwhrse
12-22-2022 01:38 PM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 640
Painting
Last Post: Rare Pony
12-14-2022 06:24 PM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 1966
WELCOME ALL NEW MEMBERS INTRODUCE YOURSE...
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-31-2022 01:36 PM
» Replies: 82
» Views: 157035
1970 mach 1 matching numbers
Last Post: Kstweeter
08-31-2022 10:31 AM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 1087
Brake booster/servo hose length
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-23-2022 09:40 AM
» Replies: 7
» Views: 3000
New Member
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-20-2022 11:18 AM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 1499
smooth window operation on 70 Mach
Last Post: CUSTOMMISER
08-15-2022 12:10 PM
» Replies: 2
» Views: 1477
Blinkers on solid
Last Post: busted21
08-09-2022 03:58 AM
» Replies: 14
» Views: 8720
Blinkers on solid when lights on.
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
08-08-2022 12:06 PM
» Replies: 1
» Views: 1719
351 cj running hot
Last Post: busted21
08-08-2022 12:13 AM
» Replies: 5
» Views: 3404
Major Winter projects
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
07-09-2022 05:12 AM
» Replies: 49
» Views: 21266
Happy Fathers Day!!!
Last Post: JTS71 Mach1
06-20-2022 02:34 AM
» Replies: 0
» Views: 1685
1969 Raven Black 390 Looking For
Last Post: mason1958
06-11-2022 09:48 AM
» Replies: 10
» Views: 15083

>