'71 M-Code Mach 1 Restoration

[mrmach1]

I seen worse. In New England the salt they put on the roads eats our cars in just a few years. One piece floors would be preferred but two piece works too. Take your time and you can make them good or even better then new.

[jrpav]

Just a quick update: I didn't spend a lot of time on the car this Summer so there's not much to show. I was really busy building some storage sheds on my property so that I can move some things out of the garage to make more room for me to work on the car. I have an "oversized" 2-car garage but I have a lot of equipment in it (including a 9" lathe and Bridgeport milling machine) so space is at a premium. Next Summer I should be able to start posting some pictures of my restoration. Stay tuned...

[Steven Harris]

Thanks for checking in.

Having workspace always makes the work more enjoyable.

[jrpav]

Still gathering parts for the car. I just got a complete original nose for a really good price off eBay so that takes care of all the crash-damaged sheet metal. It looks like Dynacorn finally makes a 1-piece floor so that will be the first new piece of metal that I weld in. I'm actually glad that I waited to get started on this project because there are lots more parts available now.

[Mustangmike]

Welcome back JRPAV. I am glad to hear you located some original parts for your car. There is no better fitment than OEM. I am also happy to hear you are going with a one-piece floor. You will be happy with your decision in the end. If your toe boards are rusted and need replacement you may have to weld those in first if my memory serves me correctly.

[jrpav]

Welcome back JRPAV. I am glad to hear you located some original parts for your car. There is no better fitment than OEM. I am also happy to hear you are going with a one-piece floor. You will be happy with your decision in the end. If your toe boards are rusted and need replacement you may have to weld those in first if my memory serves me correctly.

Yes of course the toe boards are rusted. It's a Mustang! LOL I think I can just section those because it's only a small part on each one that needs to be replaced. My plan is to get the center section of the car nice and solid and then work on the ends. I have a set of centerline gauges and a tram bar. I'll just keep taking measurements as I go to make sure things are not shifting in a bad way. I'm going to make some kind of jig/fixture to hold things in place while I weld them. This car would be considered to be "not worth the effort" by most people but it's what I have and I enjoy a good challenge so on it goes. My busy work schedule is my main obstacle now.

[Mustangmike]

This car would be considered to be "not worth the effort" by most people but it's what I have and I enjoy a good challenge so on it goes. My busy work schedule is my main obstacle now.

I would not worry too much about what "most people" think. I like the 71 Mach 1 and if it were in my backyard I would take on that challenge. Too me it all about the journey not the destination. I bet I will be selling my car within a year.

[Mister 4x4]

Hey J - I just got back to this thread, and the pics you've shared take me back to the early days of my project. At least there are a lot more repop sheet metal pieces to choose from these days.

You got this, Man! Can't wait to see the progress!

[jrpav]

Jeez it's been awhile but I'm finally almost ready to get to work on this. While waiting to get started I painted the garage and I'm getting ready to put up a bunch of new cabinets. When it warms up here in CT I can get going on that and my garage will finally be organized. When the car comes apart I should be able to store the parts until re-assembly. That could be a few years away (I have a day job).

Does anyone have any experience with the dual-electrode spot welders? I'm considering something like the Lenco L-4000. It would be nice to make actual spot welds instead of plug welds with my Mig. Any thoughts?