Project Thread: '71 Conv-Blue/White [351C-4V-4BBL]

[THODGES89]

Ok, ok, I'll cut this down.

My stallion has recently been signed over to me by the family and I'm bringing it back to life as a daily driver for a while. It's a...

1971 Mustang Convertible, Metallic Blue, White Mach I trim, White leather interior w/teak wood trim, 351C-4V-4BBL w/ Ram-Air, auto trans, A/C, power steering, electric top, aaaand luggage rack (how much of this is stock?)

Want to keep it classic, but usable.
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I tried to overhaul the carb a few weeks ago but that cheap soft metal they cast it out of was stripped in so many places that I had a hard time keeping it from leaking. I just threw on an Edelbrock 1406 electric choke, with the stupid Ford linkage conversion and throttle mount adapter plate. I figured some new tuning technology from a reputable company with no cost to the whole "stock thing" (since its only four nuts) was a good bet...and it was. Definitely woke up that beast under the hood.

I'll work on the little things for now-got some cheapish ACC carpet to put in temporarily (until after the complete rebuild is done, then I'll get the plush stuff), don't think the a/c is fully functional, heater is average, gotta check all the hoses and brakes, and the stupid a/c/heater fan squeals like a pig. That car did great on a 45 min freeway speed trip from OC to LA last night though...still throws you back in your seat if you punch it at 80.

I hope to keep you entertained with my maintenance and restoration feats in the coming days. I feel like it's finally my turn to give back to the 'automotive forum world' in general, as I have harvested so much from you all through high school and college.

Gentlemen...START YOUR ENGINES!

[mjb1032]

Really nice car T,
Welcome to VMF, this sight rocks.
It's nice to see pics in your maiden thread...
That carb looks too clean for that engine compartment!

[THODGES89]

Alright a hit! Thanks mjb. I think the length of my inaugural post scared the other 58 people away quite disheartening. I love the contrast of that carb on there. I had the engine bay and undercarriage steam cleaned the other day so the contrast isn't as stark. Hope to post new wheel pics tomorrow!

[THODGES89]

Ok guys, clearly my first post was too long so I cut it down. Maybe some more pictures will tickle your fancy.

The other day I got new wheels and tires on. Ended up with 15x7's in the front and 15x8's in the rear. Forgot the tire size again but I'll add it. No rubbing so far. No fender roll. I'm really happy with the 'conservative stagger' look. I feel like the leaf springs are sagging a bit but I know these cars sat low back there from the get go. I'd like to bump it up maybe an inch or so. Just to get level. I like the price and sound of the 'heavy duty' springs from cal-mustang. I often carry tools and people in the back. Would this extra 'capacity' they speak of actually give me a rise though? Any other suggestions?
HD Leaf Springs

I'm also looking for a stereo with aux input if anyone has a favorite?
Stereo Idea

Before:
IMG_3919.jpg

After:
IMG_3929.jpg

[THODGES89]

Actually need help now. This car has been loved and used for many years and I'm still in the process of the first deep cleaning. I'm working on the trunk today and need to touch up a few spots. Thinking about picking up some carpet to just cut and lay down myself. How religious should I be about repainting all this? I'm not much of a fan of the 'splatter paint' to begin with and kind of want to chip it off and spray blue or flat black.

Thanks!

[slim]

Can't get over/past your comment on cheap metal the carb is made from. IMO you could tour the world checking out cars of all makes (also throw in motorcycles) from about 1915 to 1985 (last of the carbs) also check out Holley, Edelbrock etc. That crummy metal is standard practice for medium stress die cast metal parts...that includes carbs!

That said love the blue with white interior. I have a medium blue metallic 70 Torino GT vert with the high back MachI type seats, wide ovals with the same trim rings. Your Stang is almost as long as my Torino!


Have fun and enjoy,
Slim

[THODGES89]

Thanks slim. I suppose I did jump the gun a bit on singling out Ford. Thinking back to every carb I've worked on in the past on engines of all types, that metal does seem pretty standard. I was probably also bitter at the time from my difficulties. I appreciate you keeping me honest. Learn somethin new every day!

-Tucker

[slim]

Originally Posted by THODGES89

Thanks slim. I suppose I did jump the gun a bit on singling out Ford. Thinking back to every carb I've worked on in the past on engines of all types, that metal does seem pretty standard. I was probably also bitter at the time from my difficulties. I appreciate you keeping me honest. Learn somethin new every day!

-Tucker

Many parts are die cast because of a combination of dimensional tolerance, strength (medium at a minimum) and appearance. The material that meets these parameters is some zinc alloy or aluminum alloy. Neither in general has the strength of steel. Zinc is generally better than most aluminum alloys but very costly.

If Henry wasn't so cheap (JK) he would have specified titanium for most parts! This would be awkward besides expensive since most titanium comes from Russia!


Slim

[DrStang]

Nice car! Love the car and the colour scheme. Good luck with the build.