Mach 1 Club

Finally after 22 years,since 13, i got my mach 1 to restore. Had many chances to get one but being 20,at the time, and a single father of a 7 month old daughter and being one since 3 years ago when i married to my wonderfull wife and a career change that finally made my whole life of sacrifices feel all worth it i bought a 71 Mach 1, 351cleveland.

In doing some research after i bought it, seems maybe i paid to much but didn't really matter to me. It was in the same state and was delivered for free by previous owner. Engine is sound. There is gonna be some body work that i see now but might get a few surprises once i strip it down.

It was delivered yesterday night and spent much of the day today starting to take things apart. I was aware that the floor pans were rusted and had to be replaced. I took the passenger seat out and passenger carpet to see damage. Not really anything that surprised me.
Driver quarter panel is rusted thru at the crease above tire and there was some bondo work on the bottom of the quarters that will have to be addressed.
Doors might be a surprise once i get it stripped down. The paint was cracking where the hinges are right next to the fender so i just had to see. I took a razor knife and cut a little square out. There was about a 1/16th or less of bondo with some rust behind it.
Looked up behing the glove box and the bottom of the cowl is rusted thru.
I leave for work tomorrow for 2 weeks. So when i get back i want to take the fenders and doors off and anything else i can before i go back to work. Before i go back the next time i am going to drop off the car with my mechanic to go over the engine and pull it out so i can maybe start with the engine compartmant while finishing the other tear down.
Sorry for being long winded but i am like a little kid at christmas. I don't wanna go back to work.

Congrats and welcome to the site!

Hopefully we will watch you go thru the process of the resto!

Hey at least yours is complete and runs! Unless you gave a ton for it what does it matter? If it's what you want more power to ya! Have fun and build yourself a great car! JTS 71 Mach1

Thanks guys.

I have been scouring the web the last few days. The wife can't stop laughing at me at my childish behavior.
I don't think i did to bad. I paid $5500 for it. The engine purrs like a kitten but seems sluggish starting in first gear. It is a 3 speed on the floor. Previous owner said he had a top end done on it. Not sure what that means but he is going to send me all paperwork that he had done on it.
So far from what i can see the frame is in good shape. I was really looking for two main things when i was looking to buy. Engine in good shape and the frame in good shape. Everything else will be fun.
I only drove it into the garage and that is all i plan to drive it till i get it done.
I plan to take alot of pics and share,even if nobody cares.
One of the better forums i have come across. Down time at work will be spent scouring the forum and getting pointers.

We'll definetly help all we can. Mach 1's are a way of life! By the way having the top end done should mean he had a valve job/head work and or head gaskets done. But nowadays Who knows what the hell it means! Um i couldn't tell from the pics if it had new head gaskets or not, doesn't look like it. If it does that would be a good indication of what has been done.JTS 71 Mach1

Congratulations! The wait is worth it - that is what your feeling! Now just wait till you have it rebuilt and take it out on good days to enjoy with your family! Please do share as many pictures as you can. I for one will appreciate them and all the work you put into the car.

Thanks Steve. I plan on taking lots of pics along the way.One just to have and 2, to help show how it all goes back together.

Jts- I am at work now and won't be back home for a couple weeks and will look then.

Man i hope the 2 weeks goes fast. I didn't want to leave.

Welcome to the Club from Virginia. Keep those pictures coming as you make progress and feel free to ask questions. I hope the flames are going away!

Yes the flames will be gone!

Cool and welcome love the pics keep them coming.