[ZachHodgins]

1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1, (not just a 1973 fastback Mustang). 351 Cleveland Four Barrel engine. Has been bored out 30 over. New stage 1 cam and lifters. Motor is apart, needs to be overhauled. Has been hot tanked. Was and still is a project car, needs to be completed. Originally had 4-speed setup. At one point and time, someone switched it to auto, but still have the clutch pedal and parts.

The guy selling it is asking $4250. I don't want to low ball the guy and piss him off, so what should i offer for the car?

Thank you for any assistance,
Zach

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[Derfdog15]

id go with about 3.5-4k if you want it. and make sure you can handle all the nickle and dime expenses of the rebuild.

 

[ZachHodgins]

thank you, that sounds like what i was thinking of offering. How do i tell whether or not it is a Mach 1 or just a regular fastback

 

[andrewmp6]

If the car is rust free and not in a million pieces your both about where i am at on it.The 71-73 cars are the redheaded step child of early mustangs and the 73 is the worse over the big front bumper on it.

 

[72 fastback]

thank you, that sounds like what i was thinking of offering. How do i tell whether or not it is a Mach 1 or just a regular fastback

You can tell but the vin number. Post it and we can help you.

 

[andrewmp6]

first number should be a 3 next is a letter that is the plant it was made it in the next is should be 05 if its a real mach1 if its 02 its just a fastback.

 

[ZachHodgins]

yes it is the red headed step child, but we all can't go out there and afford Eleanor.

 

[andrewmp6]

My dad had a 71 fastback when i was a kid is why i like them.I later learned to drive it in the back window in them was useless to see out of.

 

[rpmcarter]

Ha Andrew.... that back window is not only hard to see out of...trying getting inside and "cleaning" it. Anyway my 71 is an eye catcher... and since I'm not willing to pay dumb money for a 69 or 70.... its the best I can get.

Now back to the answer...I would try to stick with the 3-3500 price range but I'm assuming this is a decent car being sought. Watch out for "all the parts" are there if the seller disassembled anything. Finding parts for these cars is really difficult and if it has premium interior package be careful of Power Windows. prices for parts range from 250 for a small control box to 3000.00!!!! NOT FUN! If it has a fold down seat ...you can get the parts but pricy. IF it has the rear trap door.... be sure ALL of it is there. if not I'd be in the 2000 range.

 

[ZachHodgins]

Thank you! This all really helps a lot. I was searching on craigslist again and saw a guy selling two 351c's.


Here's the add "2 complete 1971 351 cleveland 2V engines with 4 barrel itake manifolds one with 80,000 miles 1 rebuilt but been stetting a long time i also have extra high preformance parts like cam headers dual point. For sale for $350.00 OBO"

I'm not looking to restore this mustang with all parts w/ matching VINs. Of course i would keep the original motor just in case i come into some money. I'm a student really just looking for a cool car to drive.

Is it worth the money to rebuild the engine? Or should i put one of these engines in it? If so, which one?

Thanks,
Zach

 

[rpmcarter]

okay if you havent bought it yet, I'd say ask more questions. "rebuilt" for example by who and may I see the receipts. I've never met anyone that just rebuilt a motor and "lost the receipts". But I've met a lot of people that claim they rebuilt a motor and lost the receipts. I've walked on every one of those deals. If you dont get receipts....may not be rebuilt. be cautious of "I was told" deals too
if you have the original save it and build it after you get the car on the road, being a student it may be awhile before you rebuild it. Best of both worlds. Enjoy the car with the one that has 80k. Sounds like the best bet. If they throw in some trinkets to go in it, have a shop check them out first.... you may want to start the motor out of the car first....just to ensure you have a good one.

 

[mbc71fastback]

I dont view my 71 fastback as a red headed step child I think of her as unique and different. I never have been a cookie cutter kind of guy. After all before I got ole smokey I had mopars.