69 Mach 1 project

[david c.]

Somehow it found its way to me. Not that I was looking for it. But there it is. A 69 Mach 1 (351-4V auto). I bought it from the family that bought it new - no kidding. Always a California car - built in San Jose then lived its whole live in East San Diego County where it's quite dry usually. So this car is solid and straight. It had been sitting more or less unused for a couple decades or so in a locked garage. But it didn't take a whole lot to get it running - and running good! But the suspension is tired and it needs paint and interior work and this and that.... But it sure is fun to look at. Even to a lifelong Porsche guy I have to say I like the look of this particular year Mustang.

I think it's headed towards a full suspension refresh probably with some modern bits to stiffen it up and lower it just a bit then some 16 inch period-looking wheels with modern rubber to make it enjoyable to drive. A mild resto-mod as they say.

Who else among the Porsche brethren here has had a 69 Mustang or close? Any Mach 1 or Boss 302 guys here?

Dave

[masraum]

Wow, very nice. '69 is also one of my favorite years. Congrats.

[A930Rocket]

Thirty years ago, I bought a 69 fastback from the original owner for $500. Had a 351W 2v.

It was in great shape but tired. I painted it, redid the interior and rebuilt the engine. Sold it for $5500.

Should have kept it and done a resto mod on it.

[gsxrken]

Nice find!
I've had this Mach 1 for 29 years (holy crow) now. Over the years it's lived different lives but it's presently a 500+HP pro-touring HPDE setup that will outlap my 930. It turns more heads too, but I grab the 930 keys 8 out of 10 times it seems. Just more civilized...

[Heel n Toe]

I know it feels good to finally have her in the driveway. Lots of fun times ahead, hopefully.

I have never seen one with a vinyl top... that has to be a dealer-installed option. That would have to go if it were mine... it makes no sense whatsoever on a fastback.

If you're going to lower it a bit and change the wheels, the Mustangs of that era look really good on Minilites for obvious reasons.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

I have never seen one with a vinyl top... that has to be a dealer-installed option. That would have to go if it were mine... [/img]

Agreed, that needs to eliminated with extreme prejudice.

Nice get.

[Jim Bremner]

I know a little.

[tabs]

Vinyl top not original.

I have 69 MACH 1. R code 428SCJ. Triple black special order. Black plate car. Now has 4 wheel discs, and Global West competition suspension. Has had ground up mechanical resto. 428 has been blue printef wirh oversized valves, roller rockers 60 hours of polish and port heads, hooker headers with 3 inch pipes. I even had the power steering box Blue printed. Has Shelby gauge package. One nasty 428

[afterburn 549]

Congrats ! Nice prize.
The 69 is my favourite year . The 4 headlights do it for me.
1970 had enough subtle changes to take it off my desirable list .
Common problems -
Ford comes with a worn out timing chain of that vintage . (plastic coated cam gear )
Other then that you will sort it out .

[billybek]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Congrats ! Nice prize.
The 69 is my favourite year . The 4 headlights do it for me.

+1!
My cousin had a 70 Mach 1 with a modified 351 (I think Cleveland?) automatic that was insanely fast to me. He let me drive it when I had my learners licence at 14 years old and it was a bit of a crazy ride.... I think my cousin may have been insane at that time!

The 69 body seems smaller than the 70 in appearance even though it probably isn't. Love Jim's 67 too!

[Bill Verburg]

I had a '70 Mach 1. basically a good car except for the brakes which were awful.

[fastfredracing]

Awesome Dave!

[BeyGon]

Those are great looking cars and you know you can get every part you could want for it.

[Ronbo]

Back in 1975 I bought a low mileage '69 Boss 302 for $1500. I kept it until about 1989 and sold it for $10k and thought I made a killing. It was a great car and I have a lot of fond memories of it.

[pavulon]

Pics! Video!

Originally Posted by tabs

Vinyl top not original.

I have 69 MACH 1. R code 428SCJ. Triple black special order. Black plate car. Now has 4 wheel discs, and Global West competition suspension. Has had ground up mechanical resto. 428 has been blue printef wirh oversized valves, roller rockers 60 hours of polish and port heads, hooker headers with 3 inch pipes. I even had the power steering box Blue printed. Has Shelby gauge package. One nasty 428

[VincentVega]

Love it

As a kid I walked past one everyday going to the bus stop. I never saw it move and it was rusting to pieces, wish I could find one now.

[NY65912]

My friends. Recently completed restoration real R code.

[david c.]

Ok boys - time for a quick update. The thing runs GREAT. Can't believe it, but it's true. It sat for YEARS but the damned thing just started right up and runs great. It apparently had a lot of work done to it before it was parked and other than suspension and aesthetics, it doesn't need much. I think a 5 speed conversion is in the works though. But that's after a full suspension re-do.

Tabs - do you mind posting a pic or two of your car? It sounds awesome. Also, how do you like the Global West bits? I've been looking at their program and like it. I think that's the direction I'm headed. The car needs tightened up and lowered!

New wheels and tires in this photo.......

[masraum]

Very nice. So jealous!

[pavulon]

Before jumping in bed with GW for suspension, you'd do well to consider https://streetortrack.com/ as well as https://www.mikemaierinc.com/ . Both of these guys have great reputations as stand-up enthusiasts. Mike Maier is especially well known to be a good guy but Shaun is also on his game and makes some terrific stuff!!