Hi from Germany
#1
Hi,

my Name is Kevin and I live in Germany. I do not own a Mach 1 yet, but I am planning on buying one.

I have rebuilt a view 60s and 70s Opel Diplomat, which come with GM engines.
Last year I braught a 1985 F150 from the States to Germany.

Back in the 80´s my Dad had a brown 1972 Mach 1. Since then I felt in love with this car and I always wanted one. My Dad past away one year ago and now I feel it is really time to get one.
Of course because it is one awesome piece of automobile history and in honor of my Dad.

Anyway, I am looking for one to rebuild, so it shall not be a showcar, but it also shall not be dead.

It seems like I found a good basis for such project. This is where I would need some help. Since I am a beginner with this model.

What are the specific spots I have to look at to see if it is a car worth rebuilding?
For example, are there any specific week points at the frame I have to check? What about the engine and trani? I am looking at an 351 Cleveland with automatic Transmission.

So any advice or help will be appriciated.

Once I have got it I will of course update with Pictures of my rebuild.


Thanks a lot!!!

Kevin


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#2
SSig_welcome4 Kevin good choice on the 72 Mach1. These cars had several areas to look at for rust issues. 1. The upper cowl area at the rear edge of the hood along the bottom of the windshield. They have recently started making replacement panels for this area. 2. Shock towers this is a major strength area, and should be solid. 3. The front frame rails and cross member under the core support, as this locates the radius rods. 4. Lower firewall especially under the heater system. 5. Rear torque boxes, where the leaf springs attach at the front of the springs, another major strength area. 6. The rear frame rails especially toward the rear where the rear shackle attaches. 7. last but not least the floors, These are the most common, and several are structural areas. Remember these cars are unibody so every piece is a part of the structure and adds strength to the car. Good Luck ask us anything we'll be glad to help. JTS 71 Mach1
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#3
Welcome Kevin.

JTS71 has given you great advice on specific trouble areas for the year.

Are you looking at cars in Germany or are you looking to import one? If you are going to import one I would suggest you purchase one from the southwest where you can still buy rust free examples. The cost savings in work and having body panels shipped to Germany would quickly pay off. It would even pay for a trip to the U.S. to pick one out.

All the best in your search, keep us posted.
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#4
Thank you so much for your feedback.

I am looking here in Germany. There is one here that sounds good and I will have a look at it this comming weekend.

But if it turns out to be scrap I will be looking to the US.

Thanks again.

Kevin
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#5
No doubt but that any wetter climate car will have some issues.

The most troublesome and hidden is the cowl. Most other areas can be seen from either the top or the bottom, from outside or inside.
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#6
Welcome to site! If you have any reservations regarding whether or not the car is worth restoring or whether or not the price is a fair price just upload some pictures of the car. Be sure to include the body, engine compartment, inside trunk, underneath the car, and the interior. Although pictures may not tell the whole story they can help other members assess the value of the car and how much potential work would be involved in restoring it.




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#7
Welcome! As an ex-England resident I think your biggest problem will be salt used in the winter on the roads. You could find HUGE rust problems even in a car that looks quite good. Look very carefully in all the places that are known rust areas.
It could be a southern states import could be a better buy. OK, you will have sun damage BUT minimal rust. Just my $0.02 worth.
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#8
Thanks a Lot for all the good advice.

Well normal rust is Not too Bad for me since I can weld. It is just important for me to know the typical areas to Check and to avoid to Buy something with bad awakening. (Which always can Happen). Just like hidden totally rotten Frame areas or something....

What I know so far the Car came from NY. I will Look at it on Sunday...
Here is a link with the add and pictures

http://kleinanzeigen.ebay.de/anzeigen/s-...136?ref=wl

I will make more once I was there.

Thanks again
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#9
From the pictures it looks like an unmolested example which will make it much easier to see problem areas.

All the best.
Reply
#10
I agree with Steve, the car looks unmolested from the pictures which is a plus and it appears to be complete which is another plus. It is definitely a project car and you will need to look closely how much metal work it will need (cowl, frame rails, floor pans, etc.) It appears the seller is asking just under $7,000 USD is that correct?
Reply


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