Mach 1 Club

So this is my dilemma...

My car is a 72, but has a 73 front end on it. As many of you know, the 71-72 front end is completely different than the 73. The 71-72 grille is also shaped differently and cannot be affixed to a 73 front end. I'd like to fix this but am weighing my options.

My choices, as I can tell are as follows:

1. Replace the whole front end to include fenders, bumper, brackets, grille, etc. This will be expensive and I'll have to have it painted as well. However, when it is all said and done it will be year-correct.

2. Try to trim down the 71-72 bumper to fit the 73 front end and hope nobody notices.

3. Leave the 73 front end on and drive a mutt.


I'd like to hear your thoughts and opinions as to what my best choice of action would be.

Thanks guys.

Here is my two cents worth.
First off is, Does the car look good?
If it does , then does it bother you the fact that it is a mutt?

Long ago I had a 1970 Mach 1 mustang with 1969 side quarter panel scoops installed, non original but OEM shaker on it, Non original (4 speed top loader), Diamond pleated crush velvet seat center sections (Gold).
It looked like a pimp mobile, but since it was in great condition and the paint job was black I didnt care.

So call it a restomod and drive the crap out of it.
If it really bothers you then spend the money and change it out.
I feel that these cars were made to drive and enjoy.
Make us all feel young, make us feel good and give us all a sense of pride in ownership. They are no garage queens, unless you want them to be.

Who cares if its a concourse correct example. Build it for comfort and reliability and dont worry about what others think.
If you like it then thats all that matters.

My current 1970 Mach 1 car is a basterd if ever there was one.
It was an original windsor car, it didnt have A/C when I first got it(It does now), It didnt have tilt steering(it does now) it didnt have a rare map light (it deos now). I think its got aftermarket front fenders and I know its got aftermarket Taiwan rear quatter panels that really dont fit like OEM, but I could care less. My engine is now a 4V Cleveland with a stupid Edlebrock 600 cfm carb on it, the brakes are now Hydroboost Vintage Venom 4 wheel disc brakes, and the interior upholstery is the Boss deluxe style which is incorrect. But since its brand new it is ok I guess for now.

My plans are to drive the crap out of it like it was made for once I get the stupid head gaskets replaced on it.

Ask yourself if you like the differences and if you do then dont worry so much about it all.

Drive on my man.

Here is a photo of my work in progress pile.
Nothing about it is original I think.

Id say you'd have to determine what your wanting out of the car. Are you planning on making it a resto mod? If so keep it the way it is and enjoy it. Also is there anything special from the VIN that you can see that makes this car potentially more valuable than any other?

Lets be really honest here. The run of the mill 71-73 Mach 1 probably wont have any tremendous value in the long run. If a Mach 1 has been fully restored to OEM standards whats it really worth? 20k-30k? Ive seen some really nice ones for sale in the 15-20k range.

The bottom line is you need to determine what your wanting out of your car.
Seems to me making all those changes isn't cost effective. however it really isn't taking away the fun factor!

I'm on the same page as Master and Joe. What do you want to get out of your car? If it looks fine, functions and is not keeping you from earning ribbons or trophies, then I would say enjoy it. Not really any difference between that and any other modification out there.
Actually, it does become a conversation piece that can be enjoyed by others, so my vote would be to let it be (at least for awhile) and see if you (or others) enjoy. I know I have...

Almost like the Johnny Cash Cadillac song!

I would lean towards leaving it like it is unless you are trying to restore back to factory specifications. Or wait till you come accross a good parts car for cheap and use the front end off of it. But in the end do what you can afford and makes you happy with the car.

I just saw a Craigslist ad for a '71 parts car in Yakima, Wa. for $600 or offer. It would probably cost more than that to ship it anywhere, but it's an option.

Steve

(11-07-2011, 01:59 AM)dlaub1811 Wrote: [ -> ]I'd like to fix this but am weighing my options.

It appears to me that you know what you want. Options are just a matter of how soon.

I think that I would patiently find the pieces needed and once the package is complete return the car to whole year status. Enjoy the car as it is and shoot for your dream.