Posts: 59
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2014
Yes - it is in very nice shape for such and old car. The previous owner had it for the last 10 years and took very good care of it. I'm glad to be it's next caregiver! I'm going to enjoy driving it around, reliving a lot of memories from my youth.
We already took it to the local car show on Tuesday nights. There was another fellow there with a '72 (I think) that had a 351 in it. I think it was the high output 351 that's a real barn burner on the strip. Very nice car he had and it was painted just like yours Steven!
Been driving mine around locally. Took it to the auto parts store to get the correct sized steering pump belt. Took the kids for some rides... They love riding in the '63 ragtop Beetle and the Mach 1... but sadly gotta make room for the Mach 1 so the Beetle is going to be put up for sale. Oh well - it was fun for a while but onto greener pastures !
Posts: 2,305
Threads: 44
Joined: May 2012
Glad to hear everyone is enjoying the new car especially you!! But sorry to hear the beetle must go...I have owned 2 VW Jetta's in the last 26 years and I still drive one every day. I must say they are the most dependable car I have ever owned and it doesn't owe me penny!!
Posts: 5,003
Threads: 2,097
Joined: Aug 2009
Congrats on the purchase!!
Posts: 3
Threads: 1
Joined: Sep 2014
Beautiful Mach. Congrats!
Posts: 59
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2014
Installed smaller diameter steering wheel as I'm pretty tall and my leg was getting wedged in between the steering wheel and the door panel...kinda hurt too. I know it looks kinda small & slightly goofy but had to do it. Grant steering wheel and adapter kit from Summit. Works great now! Lots more room and fun to drive now.
Also painted the tail light bezels today. They used to be all black.
Before:
After:
Posts: 4,181
Threads: 46
Joined: Jan 2011
All part of personalizing a car which is trial and error at times and pure success on others.
Making it more enjoyable to drive is always worthwhile.
Posts: 2,305
Threads: 44
Joined: May 2012
I like the steering wheel and the touch up on the rear bezels. Out of curiosity, would a tilt away steering column provide the leg room you need? Definitely a super clean car!
Posts: 59
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2014
Oh yeah! Tilt steering would be beneficial. I heard those are rarer options on '70 Mach 1's. The thought had crossed my mind but it was easier to change out the steering wheel rather than swap steering columns.
Posts: 59
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2014
Installed a Monte Carlo bar today.
Posts: 2,305
Threads: 44
Joined: May 2012
Agree...a smaller wheel is an easy fix and easy to find. The tilt columns are out there but the factory ones are more scarce. The way I look at it, is when you are NOT looking for something it generally pops up BUT when you ARE looking for something it is no where to be found (Murphy's Law).
The Monte Carlo bar looks great! I believe but may be wrong but read somewhere the Monte Carlo bar actually derived from a brace the Ford Falcons used at the Monte Carlo Rally I believe in 1963 to triangulate their engine compartments to prevent shock tower flexing during the races. Then Carroll Shelby used a similar design on the Shelby's naming it the Monte Carlo Bar in tradition of the races in Monte Carlo. Fun trivia!