FORD MUSTANG MACH 1
1969 - 1973
BODY & CHASSIS
Mustangs rust and even recently restored cars can be concealing corrosion in hard-to-reach spots. Check the rear quarter panels for bulges, bubbling or excessive body filler, floors, firewall, doors, sills and inner mudguards. Inconsistent panel gaps signify poor accident repairs, although 'dropped’ doors are common. New hinges and pins are easy to obtain. Restoring a rusty or damaged Mach 1 isn’t difficult as almost everything is still being made and any weird, scarce little items will turn up somewhere on the worldwide web. Australia is home to various Mustang specialists who will either have or are able to acquire new body parts at sensible prices. Replacement door shells are being quoted at A$720-790 each with new grille kits available locally for $550-600.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Virtually any engine fitted to a Mustang of this age will be simple to recondition or replace. Most cars were supplied from new with Windsor or Cleveland V8s similar to those used by local XW-XY GTs and for which parts are easily found. Where modifications have been made before the car was imported there could be problems if parts used aren’t compatible with local replacements. Manual or automatic transmissions fitted to Ford performance models are reliable and last literally decades between rebuilds. Slurred upshifts or a slow response to manual downshifts indicate that reconditioning will be needed shortly. Four-speed manual transmissions can be clunky when cold but are durable.
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Mustang suspensions are ultra-conventional and simple to fix when worn. Front springs and shock absorbers on V8 cars take a pounding but can be upgraded for longer life. Groaning ball-joints are a common problem and rear leaf springs can crack. Cars converted decades ago before strict engineering certification was required need to be professionally checked as some converters used second-hand parts and suspect techniques. Any Mustang that hasn’t had its suspension refurbished for 10 years or more probably needs bushings replaced and maybe other components. Complete sets of bushings in rubber, including the transmission mount, will cost around $400 landed here.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
The basic Mustang electrical system presents no special problems but check electric windows and air-conditioning (where fitted) are working. Post-1971 V8 coupes used a printed circuit rear window defroster which is often inoperative. Ford seem to have skimped on trim quality in 1971-73 cars and a lot of these would show premature wear and sun damage. Replacements are still available but buying a car with good dash, seats and door cards will save money. Replacements for damaged instruments or switchgear can be found on the secondhand market.