Green horn mechanic

[Joepue91@yahoo.com]

This will be my 1st project restoration. Truth.....1st time ever really working on a car. Might as well be one of the best cars ever! My father in law has a Mach 1 in wood shed. I know! It's horrable! I want to save this beauty. I know very little about cars right now. I hope to start restoration this spring. What do I need to do new to get ready?

[Steven Harris]

Welcome Joe,

Everyone starts somewhere. Your right, a Mach 1 is a great place to start.

As to what you need to do now to get ready - wow, that is one broad question. It really depends on your aptness to mechanics, your tools or tools available to you and the condition of the Mach 1.

Share a little bit more of the story with us and some details on the car and opinions will fly.

Through it all formulate your own plan of what your desired end is and enjoy the process.

All the best.

[jrpav]

You gotta start somewhere. My first motorcycle was a 1972 Harley Sportster. I did a complete restoration including the engine, transmission and all of the paint. By the time I was done I knew a LOT about Harleys!

I went on to work at a shop that serviced custom Harleys where I eventually became the head of the "Engine Department".

It all started with: "man this thing is in rough shape, let's see if I can get it back on the road..."

Of course it didn't hurt that I had about 10 years of experience as a professional automotive technician when I bought that bike. You're not so lucky in that regard.

My advice to you is: try to find someone with experience that you can ask for help and also to check your work. Old Mustangs are very simple cars but you still need to know what you're doing. Don't try to take apart the front end until you know how to properly compress a spring and remove a ball joint. Most experienced mechanics have come across a Mustang of some kind in their careers. Try to find one to look over your shoulder as you're learning.

BTW - I still have that '72 Sportster and it still looks and runs as good as it did 20 years ago when I finished the restoration.

[ylwhrse]

Absolutely think about what direction you want to go with the build first. Put your plan down on paper then prioritize them in your preferred order and then ask someone with mechanical background or on here for that matter their opinion. I learned the hard way by diving in and learning on my own, but that can be an expensive proposition both money and time. Some things you can combine and others will have a specific order. Right here though on this forum is a wealth of knowledge and information on all aspects of work from paint and body to mechanical to interior- the whole car really. Don't be afraid to ask questions and don't shy away from diving in and getting your hands dirty. The end results are very rewarding.
YLWHRSE

[Mach1FatherFigure]

Think along the lines of:
1) ALL fluids change
2) Brake rebuild
3) Oil + filter change
4) Spin up the oil pump with a drill
5) Plugs, points and fresh fuel
6) Fire it up, tune it.
7) Register it
8) 600 miles later change the oil and filter again
9) ENJOY IT A LOT!!

[jrpav]

Think along the lines of:
1) ALL fluids change
2) Brake rebuild
3) Oil + filter change
4) Spin up the oil pump with a drill
5) Plugs, points and fresh fuel
6) Fire it up, tune it.
7) Register it
8) 600 miles later change the oil and filter again
9) ENJOY IT A LOT!!

You forgot a few things before "ENJOY IT A LOT!": Completely disassemble the car, remove all rusted metal, replace all rusted panels, prep for paint...

[Mach1FatherFigure]

Oh yeah. That bit too.