Greetings from the Dark Side

[joflaig]

Hi all.

I'm currently running a '69 Charger R/T 440. I've mostly been into Mopars and
am just starting to get into Mustangs.

I'm looking to buy a '71-'73 Mach 1 (351 4 barrel). I think this era was really unique in Mustang history (I know not everyone shares that opinion). And for me few muscle cars of the time personify '70s styling quite the same way.

Anyway, my budget is 20k-30k. I'm not looking for a project. I want to use it as a daily driver in the summer. Based on what I've seen so long as you steer clear of the #s matching Boss and Cobra Jets this seems very doable. A 4-Speed would be a plus.

What are some of the things about '71 - '73 Mustangs I should be careful about
when shopping for one?

Does my goal of having a really nicely done car from that era mesh what I'm willing to spend?

Would you say parts are cheaper and easy to find, especially compared to Mopars?

And lastly, I'm used to a 440. This would pretty much blow away a 351, I think (though the Charger weighs almost 2 tons). How does the 4 barrel 351 perform in this car?

Thanks!

 

[Benoit23]

71-73 are my favorites

Your story sounds very similar to mine. I’ve always been a BIG Chevy guy & just recently crossed over to Mustangs. I had my mind set on 71-73 Mustangs for the very same reason. I just bought my 73 Mustang Fastback in August 2007 so I’m still learning.

Let me tell you one thing, there’s a lot of haters out there that will try & talk you into buying the more popular years 67-70 Mustangs but, stick to your guns & get what you want (a 71-73 Mustang). Don’t be no sheep & go with the heard, be different!

I know they had rear quarter rotting problems around the rear finders & around the Moon roof a.k.a. rear window also had some leaking problems. Other than that I’m still learning myself.

Good Luck on your hunt & Welcome to Stangnet

 

[351carlo]

Well it's good to see that you've found the light!

You're certainly going to be able to find a car that matches your criteria. A budget of 20-30k can find a quite nice driver.

As far as parts availability, they're not nearly as easy as 67-70 or 65-66, but they're more than likely easier than Mopar.

Regarding power, I've got a pump gas, 351 4 barrel. Alright, it's a 357 now, but I'd gladly show your 440 some tail lights. It wouldn't even be close

The 351 Cleveland motor is a VERY Capable platform. That being said, it's not just a turnkey quick car. A well thought out motor is necessary.

For information, 351cleveland.net is a great resource.

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

I'll give you my 2 cents.

You'll find your best performance and suspension with a 1971 M code mustang. The M signifies a 351C 4v with closed chamber heads. The M codes also came with the competion suspension which include staggered rear shocks ( a real plus with a high hp car) and a rear sway bar. You can easily add a rear sway bar but to add the staggered rear shocks is a completely different story and not easy to and the parts to convert are almost impossible to find.
The CJ 351's IMO aren't really that special as they have the open chameber heads and are more prone to knocking. Also, on a 351C 4 bolt mains are a non issue. The 2 bolt mains blocks are just as strong as the 4 bolt mains, in fact there is no difference.
As for repro parts they are becoming more plentiful by the day, unless you're buying a basket case I wouldn't let that worry you.
I've always loved the body shape and style of the '71-'72 Mustangs ( I don't really care for the '73 front end). IMO Ford went out of the muscle car era with a bang with these cars in terms of styling.

 

[Benoit23]

I've always loved the body shape and style of the '71-'72 Mustangs ( I don't really care for the '73 front end). IMO Ford went out of the muscle car era with a bang with these cars in terms of styling.

I agree the 71-72 front bumper & grill looks better & weighs less than the 73 front end. I was lucky because the guy that owned mine before me swapped the stock 73 front end for the lighter & more attractive 71-72 front. With that being said I don't think that should be a deal killer if you found a nice 73 because it seems to be a straight forward simple swap.

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

This isn't my auction but this appears to be a fair deal.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford...001QQitemZ110180994225QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[joflaig]

Thanks guys, this is all very helpful.

Couple questions, I notice sometimes the front bumper is chromed and sometimes painted. Were both options?

Also, the stripes and lettering -- were they factory paint or decals?

And lastly, louvers on the rear "moon roof" look really great to me, but don't seem common. Are they factory correct or an add on?

 

[Gud T.B. Blown]

On Mach 1's the urethane bumper was standard but a lot of people, myself included, switch over to the chrome bumper. The side stripes and lettering are factory stripes. The rockers and hood are painted. The louvers were never a factory option but a popular aftermarket addition.

 

[Benoit23]

I’m not a huge fan of the rear window louvers but, from what I understand they helped to keep the interior cool. That huge “Sun roof” rear window can get the interior pretty hot, I plan on keeping mine cool by putting a couple of layers of Limo Tint on the rear Window.

FYI here are a couple of link you can check out to learn a little about the BIG Mustangs
http://bradbarnett.net/mustangs/timeline/71-73/index.htm
http://ethiopie.50megs.com/MACH_ONES.html
http://links.vintage-mustang.com/

 

[joflaig]

thanks!

Something else about the '71-'73s that strikes me is that I think it really mucks things up when you deviate from the stock wheel/tire combo. I've seen pics where people have straightened it out with taller tires on the back, but you just lose that cool low slung, set back look. It kind of takes a way from the long nose.

Am I off here?

As for getting dumped on for owning '71-'73s, I guess you can always crap on the Mustang II people.