New member with question about 71 mustang

[trotterracer1]

Hi, I'm Thomas and located in washington, pa. I just bought a 71 Mach 1 in need of major restoration that I will do. My question is wether this car is rare enough to be worth an origional resto. It is all origional and never been taken apart. It is a 71 Mach 1, 2 owner, 67k miles, Tilt Steering, 351, auto, air, ram air intake, interior is like new, sport option, deluxe option, trap door behind rear seat, light pewter color (silver) with black stripes and black interior. I've been told that the factory tilt steering is rare and the car is worth doing a correct resto. Is this true? Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Thomas

[Mach 1 Club]

to the club! Its the wrong way to look at things. I suggest you make it what you want it to be for your enjoyment. Yes there are a few 71-73 Mustangs that have value, but really in my opinion 15-18k is top of the mountain unless its a cobra jet, or Boss.

I love the color combo. Make it beautiful and enjoy the crap out of it, if your looking at it only as a retirement windfall Id rethink that one! Also tilt isn't that rare and surely wont bring that much to the value.

Don't be shy and remember

[ohiomustang]

Some major factors are is it an M , H or Q code and is it a numbers matching drive train

If it is an M code - they hold better value than 2 barrel cars
A Q code is rarer but probably not more valuable
It sounds like it has some good options

You say major resto - is it rotted - can you do the work yourself - you can get upside down pretty quick

2642 fastbacks had tilt in 71 - it is a rare option but like Joe said not a lot of value there

Spend the 45.00 - get a Marti report
Don

[Steven Harris]

Welcome Thomas,

I can't really add to what has all ready been said, I can only add my support.

As Joe has said if the car is to be purely investment you'll probably not see a return for a "quick" turnover. Give it a couple of years and maybe but that is speculation.

As Don has said a lot depends on it's factory letters and numbers. I have tilt steering on my basic "H" code and a used column can be purchased for about $400.00 and often a lot less.

Don's advice on a Marti report is good money.

Anyway, now that you own the car don't be a stranger. We would love to hear more about it and about your final plans.

[Movin@mach1]

Hi Thomas and Welcome to the world of MACH1 and restoration. I have a 71 MACH 1 with the H code 351 2v auto FMX. It's a one owner that was driven off the show room floor by my baby sister at age 16. The way you describe the vehicle and its options, sounds like something that would be fun to restore. I would also like to say that the 71-72-and 73's are getting really popular because they were the last of the Muscle cars bac when the government put restrictions on vehicles etc.. I will suggest that you take plenty of time doing research over the net. Look at Mustang Monthly magazine articles. They can be found when looking for different areas of interest, such as the steering wheel or perhaps tranny, or suspension. I am taking the advise of a Hot rod and restoration business owner. She (yes I said she) suggested making sure the suspension is the best place to start, by making sure it is in good operating condition. I was advised to take the car to a front end allignment shop. They told me what I needed to know on what I will need to buy, and install myself. I am following this advise. I will return for the allignment later after the parts are changed out. Next will be the rear suspension. Remember these 71's are 42 years old and could be needing some new parts. You may want to include your steering in with the front suspension as you start on that area. Provided you find the car worthy of a restoration. I don't plan on a Concourse restoration due to the cost. I will be doing a modest rebuild type restoration and paint job, also due to the cost. I have planned to do most of the work myself so I can get the satisfaction of what I have accomplished. This car will be going back to the road as a daily driver, eventually. Have a great time if you decide to carry through with your plans. Doing a restoration is your choice and how much you want to do is also your choice. Good Luck with the research, there is a lot of good information out there. Pricing parts as well as How To articles. Be sure to do a log on what you find and where found. This is the last of my suggestions. As you do any work, be sure to keep a record of the parts, nuts and bolts and put in ziplock bags with labels. Tape the bags to large parts such as interior, sheet metal or engine compartment etc.. Hope I have helped in some way. Perhaps I will see a Beautifully restored MACH 1 some day that You did.
Movin@mach1