$300 1971 Mach 1 project

[Sandman5000]

Here is my 1971 Mach 1 with a c6 and a 351c. I paid $300 in 2002 and it has been sitting since 1986 and only has 22k miles! I went through most of the mechanicals and have it running and driving. I think the days of finding cheap Detroit steel are long over!

[Mach1FatherFigure]

What a great starting point. Are front bumpers and trim easy to get?

[Mustangmike]

I am sure your car has already appreciated in value over your initial investment. And, yes, NOS Detroit sheet metal is now a commodity and trades on the same exchange as gold. It's out there but you have to pay it!

As M1FF said, the car looks like a great starting point. It was $300 well spent!

[JTS71 Mach1]

Man you stole that for 300 bucks. I gave 400 for a lot less car then yours.-------------- I'll bet you had to kiss the owner didn't yuh????? Looks like a good start, enjoy. JTS 71 Mach1

[Steven Harris]

Very good purchase!

So - what are your plans?

What was it originally purchased with?

[Sandman5000]

Well, I purcased an air gap intake headers and a 650 carb but I am a little undecided if I should rebuild the entire motor it needs a new head gasket so... I have already put in a new oil pump and timing chain set, and there was no wear on the cylindar bores from what I could tellnfrom the bottom end. One of the first things I did was install a new fuel tank and pump. Did a full brake system and new shocks. New locks every where and steering wheel. The interior is in reallyngood shape and i installed a new windshield and have a new gasket fornthe rear. I want to resolve all the mechanicals and then I am going tonstart on the body and paint, lucky enough there is virtually no rust. I just need to make a decision about the engine rebuild ornjust a head gasket head rebuild? If I rebuild.the entire engine it will be high performance and exspensive just the head gaket quite a bit cheaper and I am wondering if the intake and exhaust upgrades willnbe enough power with the stock cam. Any feedback is appreciated.

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It has a 351c 2v with a c6 and 9 inch rear end 2.75 gear

[JTS71 Mach1]

My question is why does it need a head gasket, was it overheated? did it crack a head, or have a mechanical failure? Cause they normally didn't have any trouble with head gaskets? Give us a little more to work with. JTS 71 Mach1

[Sandman5000]

I have no idea about the history after it has been sitting I will get some white smoke for a few minutes and after a while it overheats. I did install a new water pump because it was leaking and a tstat I won't know if the head is warped until I pull it.

[JTS71 Mach1]

Start the engine with the radiator cap off and be sure your full of coolant. Watch for bubbles in the radiator as your running it. Bubbles indicate combustion gases getting into the coolant passages and usually denote a cracked or warped head, or bad head gasket. Sounds like a rebuild is probably the best thought, since you were considering it in the first place. Then you will know exactly what you have. The Cleveland is tough and you may be able to just do a head job, but you sill have a 43 year old engine. Just some thoughts. JTS 71 Mach1

[Steven Harris]

I would suggest a simple head gasket fix.

It will be cheap enough to do as well as an afternoon fix. It will tell you a whole lot but in the end your car will not be down "forever".

Consider a build of the motor for another time when you can plan and save for doing it "right" (like you want to). In the meantime enjoy the ride.

Let us know how you get on and remember the 351C thermostat is 351C specific.