1972 Mach 1 arrives - let the games begin.

[Rare Pony]

If you don't hear from me for a while you know where I'll be

Prices on some old parts are ludicrous, I remember when eurathane bumpers were ten a penny and everyone used to throw stock engine parts away thinking there weren't worth anything.

You may just want to replace the fuel tank, that's what I did on my 73 Convert. I kept getting rust particles in the fuel filter so I went ahead and replaced it. The tanks run about $150 or less. Probable save a lot of trouble in the long run. Good luck!

[Mach1Cliff72]

Hi Rare Pony, Good advice, although the tank was solid it was rusted on the inside - not a pretty sight, so Ive ordered a new tank, sender, breather and fuel lines. While I'm at it I am going to replace the trunk floor and associated panels. They should be winging their way to me now.

Tank and sender have done thier job for 38 years, time to be retired to the scrap heap.




Some rust on panels although the chassis is in excellent order. Starting to cut out small sections and clean as I go.

[Rare Pony]

Hey, it looks like you are making progress. I replaced my fuel pump too while I was at it. I figured any rust particles may have put little holes in the fuel pump diaphragm.

I had to replace the taillight panel on my 73 Convert, but that was the only rust through I had on the whole car. The Ziebart worked it's magic on my body panels.

Keep up the good work.

Here are some before and after pic of my panel. The painter even re-created the original black out marks marks next to the taillight hole, even though they won't show once reassembled.

Original 1973 Paint, picture taken in Summer of 2008.





At my house after I did some prep work:




On the tow truck to the body shop:





Trunk lid was removed later and media blasted:

---

[Mach1Cliff72]

Thanks Rare Pony, for the inspiration through the photos. Great job!!

[Kiler Be]

Congrats on your new Mach 1.
looks to be in very good shape.
Good luck and have fun with the resto.

[Mach1Cliff72]

Thanks Kiler Be!

I've been out nearly every day working on this piece of Mach 1 history and have nearly stripped out all the rust in the rear now. I've also stripped the rear suspension and axle so i can now get down to the nitty gritty of taking the rear underneath back to bare metal ready for some anti corrosion paint to protect it for another 40 years.

Cleaning up nicely.

[Mach 1 Club]

Awesome love and dedication, keep seeing the finished product in your mind, some day you'll have a super sweet Mach 1! Im so thankful the Mach I purchased in August 09 didn't have a speck of rust.

[351mustang1972]

wee question for you guys, in the pic below :



The metal trim piece under the bumper and the urethane trim at each end, are they 1973 only pieces that match with the bumper?
It's just the spare car I got for my resto has these parts but was registered here in the UK as a 1971 but I think that was a con just to get the free road tax which is pre January 1973. Were they on the 71-72? because my 72 definately didn't have any.

Scotty

[Rare Pony]

wee question for you guys, in the pic below :



The metal trim piece under the bumper and the urethane trim at each end, are they 1973 only pieces that match with the bumper?
It's just the spare car I got for my resto has these parts but was registered here in the UK as a 1971 but I think that was a con just to get the free road tax which is pre January 1973. Were they on the 71-72? because my 72 definately didn't have any.

Scotty

I believe the "Bumper Filler" was only used on the 73's to meet the 5 mile per hour crash test imposed in the United States. It's supposed to minimize the repair bill in a minor crash.

[351mustang1972]

I did notice when I fitted the new rear panel that it came pre-drilled for that metal strip? I tried it on with the "72" bumper but it wouldn't fit as it's tighter to the panel.



Scotty